Dream location
A precinct connected to nature and the city
DA Approved South Jerrabomberra Town Centre
Discover a vibrant community designed with your convenience and lifestyle in mind. The upcoming South Jerrabomberra Town Centre is planned as the vibrant heart of your community, bringing together shopping, dining, leisure, and essential services in one convenient location.
Planned Amenities Include:
•Retail and Grocery Options – Everyday essentials and specialty shopping made easy.
•Cafés and Dining Experiences – A range of dining and social spaces to enjoy with family and friends.
•Health and Wellness Facilities – Focusing on your family's wellbeing.
•Convenient Personal Services – Designed to enhance your daily life.
The South Jerrabomberra Town Centre is set to become the vibrant heart of your community—a destination precinct offering convenience, leisure, and connectivity right at your doorstep. Choose to live in South Jerrabomberra and enjoy all the exceptional amenities designed to enhance your everyday lifestyle.
FLOURISH MOMENTS FROM THE CITY
Note from the editor
The topic of housing affordability is never far from people’s lips and the upcoming election has only sharpened political focus on the issue. Our Insights story (p10) underscores why housing measures are crucial in helping more Australians attain the security of home ownership: Adelaide broke the $1 million median house price barrier and Sydney is tipped to imminently crack $1.7 million. Closer to home, Canberra was only one of two capital cities to experience a dip in house values, but even so, buying property would still feel unattainable to many. Could the tiny house movement make a difference? Our Design story (p14) makes a solid case for re-imagining the Great Australian Dream.
Welcome to 2/47 MacLeay Street in Turner – a masterpiece in Canberra’s Inner North.
The new four-bedroom townhouse sports a breathtaking architectural design by Turco and Associates that is ready to be lived in and loved. On entry, you’re greeted by a kitchen that’s every chef’s dream, with detailed timber finishes, integrated appliances and a walk-in pantry.
You’re immediately struck by the spaciousness of the open-plan living and dining area that steps onto a northfacing al fresco space with a pergola.
The ground floor also includes a bedroom and bathroom, making it an ideal option for family or guests.
On the upper floor, you’ll find three more generous bedrooms – the main with its own en suite – and an additional living area.
If you work from home, there is a built-in study nook for convenience. Its situation on a generous block close to cafes, parks and the city centre ensures this home perfectly blends tranquillity and urban convenience.
Danielle Meddemmen
Editor Laura Valic
laura.valic@domain.com.au
Group picture editor Kylie Thomson
Senior designer Colleen Chin Quan
Graphic designer Emma Drake
Head of print & B2B content Sarah Millar
Group content director Mark Roppolo
Acting chief marketing officer
Heather McGovern
Interim chief executive officer Greg Ellis
Sales leader Nick Tinling
General manager Kaaren Lewis
Marketing manager Bree Baguley
*Canberra’s #1 Property magazine
Source: based on Roy Morgan Readership of Real Estate newspaper inserted magazines. 12 months to June 2024 (All ppl 14+) Scan the code to see the listing
Laura Valic
WHAT TO SEE THIS WEEKEND
Words by Danielle Meddemmen
Milton 52 Croobyar Road
$1.75 million-$1.85 million
4 3
Private sale
Agent: Raine and Horne Mollymook/ Milton, Ben Pryde 0410 324 209
With its white picket fence and weatherboard exterior, this home oozes country cottage style. Architectdesigned, it blends soaring ceilings, luxe interiors and cosy touches such as a slow-combustion fireplace and French doors. With a detached guest studio, dreamy entertainer’s deck, and a fire pit for starry nights, this home, only moments from the beach, offers an enviable lifestyle you’ll never want to give up.
Griffith 28 Jansz Crescent
$2.395 million 4 1 1 EER 0
Private sale
Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413
Here’s a rare opportunity to snare a stunning property in a highly soughtafter suburb. Set on a tree-lined street, the mid-century home is filled with character, including a feature brick fireplace and timber-lined ceilings. The layout is spacious with multiple living areas, while a rear deck overlooks the expansive backyard and gardens. The 1105-square-metre block embraced by parkland offers boundless potential and unbeatable location perks.
Throsby
56 Mulgara Loop
$1.599 million+
5 3 2 EER 6
Private sale
Agent: Confidence Real Estate, Alvin Nappilly 0426 146 118 Luxury, location and lifestyle collide in this stunning Throsby home. Overlooking parklands, the masterfully designed home features high-end finishes, from stone benchtops to premium tiles, lighting and appliances. With multiple living areas, an al fresco dining space, an upstairs balcony, and landscaped gardens, there are numerous places for enjoying the home year-round.
19/61 McNamara Street
$730,000+
Private sale
Agent: Independent Property Group South, Jonathan Charles 0413 909 158
Tucked away in leafy Pearce, this renovated Willemsen-designed gem brings style and space together in all the right ways. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms and the signature Willemsen loft, this townhouse is far from typical. Soaring ceilings, a sleek kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows dial up the charm, while veggie gardens, nature trails and Woden’s conveniences are just around the corner.
Words by Elly Johnston
Delivering a village lifestyle to the city
Play a round of golf, take the dog for a stroll, then duck into the sports bar for a beverage: when it comes to lifestyle, Lyneham’s newest mixed-use precinct will offer it all.
Add to that the development’s proximity to the city, and Newlyne is sure to have Canberrans excited.
The location will be on what is currently the Yowani Golf Course off the Northbourne corridor.
It will eventually host about 1200 dwellings, including apartments and townhouses, plus a hotel and retirement living offerings.
TP Dynamics is behind the bold vision and delivery of the landmark precinct – a huge undertaking of homes and urban spaces, but one that is destined
to offer premium housing and a flexible, connected lifestyle in the inner north.
Residents and visitors alike will enjoy numerous benefits, including a central park area, green spaces, views of the golf course and more.
TP Dynamics project manager Kenneth Kong says Newlyne has been designed to feel like a village within the city.
“It’s a place where quality architecture meets landscaped open space, where people can enjoy the benefits of modern apartment living without giving up that sense of connection to nature or community,” he says.
“What sets it apart is the scale and variety across the precinct. There will be about 15 buildings once it is fully delivered.”
At a glance
NEWLYNE
Northbourne Avenue, Lyneham
Moire residences: One, two, three and four-bedroom apartments
Mason: 10 townhouses between 250 and 300 square metres
Mattone: One, two, three and four-bedroom apartments
Developer: TP Dynamics
Sales: TP Dynamics, Kenneth Kong 0411 586 906
Newlyne Experience Centre: 455 Northbourne Avenue, Lyneham
Feature we love: The considerations made to create a landmark precinct to be enjoyed by all.
From the developer: “It’s not just about buildings; it’s about lifestyle. You’ll find places to enjoy your surroundings, no matter which part of the precinct you’re in.”
Newlyne sits just four kilometres from the CBD,” Kong says.
“The light rail is right at its doorstep. It’s easy to jump on and be in the city or Gungahlin in a matter of minutes.”
Newlyne will be delivered in three stages over about 8 to 10 years, with the first homes estimated to be completed by late 2027.
The first stage will include a group of apartments called Moire, and the precinct’s retirement living offering, known as Sense of Yowani.
“Moire will deliver a collection of contemporary apartments that sit right at the southern gateway of the precinct, closest to the city,” Kong says.
“The design prioritises natural light, efficient layouts and thoughtful detailing, offering a strong mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes.
“Moire sets the benchmark for what is to come at Newlyne, creating a sense of place from day one.”
An additional 10 exclusive townhouses – Mason – will offer unimpeded golfcourse views and will also be constructed as part of the first stage.
The defining feature of all the apartments and townhouses within Newlyne will be their sophisticated features and larger-than-average sizes; new residents won’t have to downsize or make sacrifices to take advantage of the unbeatable location.
Newlyne has also been designed to follow the contours of the land.
“You’d be hard pressed to find a community better located.” Kenneth Kong
Kong says that the precinct’s design promotes an active lifestyle, reflecting the athletics facilities in the area, such as the Canberra Tennis Centre, the Netball ACT club, the National Hockey Centre and many other ovals and sporting grounds.
“The layout encourages people to walk or cycle through tree-lined streets and landscaped paths,” he says.
“It’s not just about buildings; it’s about lifestyle. You’ll find places to sit, dwell, and enjoy your surroundings, no matter which part of the precinct you’re in.” That ease of movement will extend beyond Newlyne’s borders.
The precinct is directly connected to active travel routes through Lyneham and Dickson, and is surrounded by public transport options.
It’s a short trip to Braddon or Civic, so residents can take advantage of Canberra’s nightlife and restaurants, or simply enjoy a change of scenery.
“You’d be hard pressed to find a community better located in Canberra.
Townhouses will edge Sullivans Creek, while the apartments will climb gently to a maximum height of six storeys along Northbourne.
This considered density allows for a range of living options while maintaining a community feel.
The team at TP Dynamics have also carefully considered the precinct’s design to ensure that each stage of construction is delivered in its entirety.
“From [the outset] we are planning for a lively ground-level experience, with commercial spaces focused on retail, health and everyday services,” Kong says.
“The idea is to create a precinct that makes daily life easier. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee or picking up groceries, you’ll be able to do it without getting in the car.”
Behind the scenes, Newlyne is also being delivered with high-quality services. There will be high-speed fibre internet across every home, along with energy-efficient embedded networks and smart infrastructure that helps reduce the carbon footprint over time.
TP Dynamics is targeting a five-star Green Star Community accreditation. The Yowani Golf Course redevelopment, which is already underway, is another aspect that will enrich the amenities that will be enjoyed in the area.
Kong says this will be more than just a place for golfers, and that’s a big part of what makes the location unique.
“The new clubhouse will include a restaurant, sports bar and pro shop, and will be a great spot for locals to relax and socialise,” he says.
“It is less than 500 metres from the heart of Newlyne and will offer another reason for residents to get outdoors and enjoy what the area has to offer.”
Newlyne sounds like a dream: an inner-city location with green spaces and lovely views, promising a vibrant and connected lifestyle – and soon enough, it’ll be open for all to enjoy.
This feature is part of an Allhomes Deluxe package.
Design vision: The development will blend quality architecture with the landscape.
Words by Lisa Marie Corso
National house prices on the rise
First-home buyers’ hopes have been dashed yet again, as Adelaide joins the $1 million club and Sydney – labelled the “untouchable” capital city – edges closer to a median of $1.7 million.
Adelaide’s median house price has soared past $1 million for the first time, Sydney is tipped to break $1.7 million within weeks, and Melbourne is now in recovery, new data reveals, dashing first-home buyer hopes of Australian house price falls in 2025. Set against the backdrop of a federal election in which housing affordability has become a key battleground for each political party, the latest Domain House Price Report lays bare the state of the market, showing slower markets do not always equal more affordable markets. Five capital cities now have a median house price of $1 million or more: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
However, Sydney is in a league of its own. Only months ago, prices were falling, but they have bounced back, and the median house price is now on the verge of passing $1.7 million. Just $8000 is all that stands between Sydney and a record high.
However, the gap between the two cities is huge; the $642,664 difference is enough to buy a unit in Melbourne, where the median price is $550,022.
Monumental milestone
House price parity between Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide was recorded for the first time.
Of the four capitals – all of which recorded a median house price above $1 million – the difference between the highest (Canberra) and lowest (Adelaide) was just under $50,000.
Adelaide joining the million-dollar club for the first time is a monumental milestone, but also creates a greater hurdle for first-home buyers, says Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell.
“It is such a line in the sand in terms of a change in the landscape for Adelaide’s housing market,” she says.
“That is life-changing for those who have owned property during that period
Beyond affordability, Adelaide’s housing market was also supercharged by other factors, including the pandemic, a low cash rate, and a boost in remote working, which influenced buyer demand, she adds.
“In Adelaide, out of all of the markets over the past five years, the FOMO has been wild … it’s been a really strong fear of missing out,” Powell says.
More recently, the interplay between “for rent” and “for sale” has also contributed to the $1 million median.
“Adelaide has consistently had the tightest capital city rental market in Australia,” Powell says.
“It still has a very low vacancy rate at 0.4 per cent, so it has that flow-on effect because what people want to do is really try to get out of that rental market and own their own home quicker, particularly when prices are running away.”
Adelaide’s record-breaking median house price is somewhat easier to digest
“In Adelaide, out of all of the markets over the past five years, the FOMO has been wild.” Dr Nicola Powell
Only Perth, Hobart and Darwin remain under $1 million, although Perth is on track to join the $1 million club by the end of 2025.
Brisbane house prices fell for the first time in years, but only by $3300. The city’s unit market continues to break records, gaining nearly $92,000 in the past 12 months alone.
Canberra in decline
Adelaide is Australia’s silent achiever of the Australian property market, with the data revealing that its median house price has grown by a whopping 84 per cent over five years.
The South Australian capital’s median house price soared from $543,145 to $1,000,202 – a gain of $457,057.
Canberra’s market declined again as it struggles to lock in any sustained recovery, yet its median house price remains second only to Sydney’s.
of time, and I think it’s disheartening for those who are yet to enter the housing market in Adelaide.”
To better understand Adelaide tipping into the $1 million territory, Powell reflects on the city’s property patterns over a five-year period, in which the median house price has almost doubled.
Five years ago, Adelaide’s median house price of $543,145 was less than half of Sydney’s $1.161 million median. Adelaide’s median was also comparatively more affordable than both Melbourne’s ($910,658) and Canberra’s ($779,437).
“When you rewind to five years ago, that value for money was attractive,” Powell says.
“Adelaide was deemed to be much more affordable [compared to Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra], which initially was probably a spark in terms of its value and what you could get there.”
when compared to Sydney’s $1,691,731. Recording two consecutive quarters of growth, the NSW capital’s house prices appear to be picking up speed.
“Sydney has almost become the untouchable capital city,” Powell says.
“It has really broken away in terms of its price point compared to the other cities.
“I think many Australians would just shudder at the fact Sydney has an almost $1.7 million median.” Sydney’s median house price was $1.161 million five years ago, according to Domain data.
“This is now morphing the conversation to, ‘When will the house price in Sydney break that $2 million mark?’ because it continues to rise,” Powell adds.
While Sydney’s price growth momentum can fluctuate due to stretched affordability, Powell says buyer inquiry is 10 per cent higher than this time last year.
Sydney’s soaring prices are most likely due to the city being constrained in a geographical sense.
“That in itself adds such a premium to the land,” Powell says.
“It’s landlocked in terms of its ocean on one side [plus the] Blue Mountains and national parks, which contains its ability to sprawl, whereas Melbourne can just continue to sprawl.”
Over the March quarter, Melbourne yielded a 0.3 per cent gain ($3417) to its $1,035,887 median house price.
Five years ago, Melbourne’s median house price was the runner-up to Sydney’s. At the time, the gap between Melbourne house prices and Canberra in third spot was about $130,000. Today’s data tells a different story. Melbourne falls behind Canberra and is now the third-most-expensive capital city in Australia, according to Domain.
“What we’ve got now is a Melbourne housing market that is undervalued,” Powell says.
However, this “undervalued perception” will work in Melbourne’s favour in the long run.
“That perception of undervalued nature drives this perception that you’re going to get a bit of a bargain, and that value for money that is built up over time will activate buyers,” Powell says.
She adds that Melbourne house prices are also susceptible to rate cuts, and the market is likely to overperform with more rate cuts on the horizon.
“Melbourne eventually will overperform,” Powell says. “I don’t think it’s going to be this year, but it might be once we start to see more rate cuts coming through.”
The median house price in Melbourne ($1.035 million) is almost on par with Canberra ($1.049 million), Brisbane ($1.022 million) and Adelaide ($1 million). The biggest margin between all four capital cities is just under $50,000.
Nationally, Darwin recorded the highest quarterly change with a 2.4 per cent increase in its median house price of $659,172. The lowest fall across the capital cities was in Canberra, with a 1.3 per cent dip of $13,519.
Adelaide: In just five years, the median house price has soared from $543,145 to $1,000,202.
Capital city median house prices
Capital city median unit prices
Canberra: It slipped to $1,049,067, yet its median house price remains second only to Sydney’s.
Source: Domain House Price
Sydney: With a median of $1,691,731, experts say the city is on track to crack the $2 million barrier.
We’re partnering with Carlotta, Raku and The Boat House to give away 3x $500 restaurant vouchers in a delicious giveaway.
Words by Jil Hogan
Space is the ultimate luxury in the Inner North, and there’s no shortage of it at 27 Hackett Gardens in Turner.
Designed by Adam Hobill and positioned on an 884-square-metre block on one of Turner’s most coveted streets, this home delivers on every front. It includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, basement parking for eight cars, a solar-heated pool, a gym space, and even a hidden attic retreat.
The north-facing living spaces are drenched in sunlight, and adding to the
warmth are timber floors and custom joinery throughout.
The chef’s kitchen comes with marble benchtops, a suite of integrated appliances (including a Sub-Zero fridge and freezer), and a dreamy butler’s pantry with a Zip tap and endless storage.
Then there’s the formal lounge and dining area with a gas fireplace, a separate living/library space, and a generous family room that flows out to the covered al fresco area. Out there you’ll find heating, a ceiling fan, a
“This luxurious Adam Hobill-designed home is perfect for modern living and entertaining, set in one of the Inner North’s best streets, opposite parkland and moments from schools, ANU and CSIRO.” built-in barbecue and a drinks fridge, alongside the solar-heated pool.
The main-bedroom suite is its own sanctuary, with a hidden walk-in wardrobe, luxurious en suite and direct access to the outdoor area.
Upstairs, the attic retreat – with its own bathroom – is perfect for teenagers or guests seeking privacy.
Then there’s the basement garage. Big enough for eight cars, with space for a gym, workshop and wall storage, it’s a dream come true for car enthusiasts or anyone craving serious storage.
Looking for inner-city living with a heavy dose of greenery? Turner delivers with leafy streets and sprawling parklands on the city fringe. Plus, the buzzing Braddon precinct is just across the road.
Christine Bassingthwaighte Blackshaw Manuka
Words by Karen Hardy
Freedom: Adapt Homes’ four house designs range from the $119,000, 20-square-metre, one-bedroom models to the $179,000 40-square-metre two-bedders.
The world of the not-so-tiny home
Navy veteran Geoff McGinley has created small homes on wheels that are easier to live in than conventional “tiny” models.
The Great Australian Dream has always revolved around the idea of owning your own home on the proverbial quarter-acre block in a nice neighbourhood.
But for many Australians, the dream is being reimagined.
The country is in the midst of a housing crisis, as property prices soar faster than household incomes. This
has forced many to rethink how we view home ownership.
Geoff McGinley, founder of Adapt Homes, a Canberra-based company that produces mobile modular homes, says we’re “living in a different time”.
“A lot of people are challenging the status quo and reworking the idea of what a house is and what they want from it,” McGinley says.
After a 30-year career in the Navy, McGinley was embarking on a new way of life when he looked into the tinyhouse movement.
“I didn’t want to be tied down by home ownership, a mortgage, that kind of thing,” he says.
“I wanted the freedom of a house that allowed me to live the life I was choosing to live, the way I wanted to live, even where I wanted to live.”
McGinley says he tried living in a conventional tiny home but soon realised “they are tiny”, he says, laughing. “I do love how, in a welldesigned one, every corner is utilised, but I wanted something different.” So, he started thinking bigger and in 2023 built a home for himself – a “notso-tiny home on wheels”, as he prefers to think of them.
Now, McGinley believes they could be one solution for the new version of the home ownership dream.
Adapt Homes has four designs, ranging from the 20-square-metre, onebedroom Elsey to the 40-square-metre, two-bedroom Murray.
Prices start from $119,000 “drive away”, McGinley says. The 40-squaremetre options are $179,000. All models are built to the National Construction Code, with 2.4-metre-high ceilings, a seven-star energy efficiency rating and bushfire protections.
The homes sit on a commercial truck trailer so they can be delivered and moved about. They can also be placed on permanent foundations.
Despite their smaller stature compared to an average home, there has been no scrimping on inclusions.
The floor plans offer open-plan living areas with floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows and well-appointed kitchens with underbench ovens, dishwashers and induction cooktops. The bathrooms are tiled, with flushing or compost toilets and integrated laundries.
Left and below: The designs can be customised to suit a variety of residential or office needs.
“When I was building mine I was thinking about what I wanted [and] I still wanted to be comfortable,” McGinley says.
“I knew I wanted big sliding windows and doors that opened right up and brought the outside in. I wanted what I could get in an apartment in the city but be able to be out in the bush somewhere – or be anywhere, really.”
Construction of the mobile homes is in collaboration with Expandable Container Homes, a NSW company
“I wanted what I could get in an apartment in the city but be able to be out in the bush somewhere.” Geoff McGinley
that specialises in modular homes, but McGinley and his team are more than willing to customise a design.
“We have people who are keen to turn them into a home office; it takes the idea of remote work to a new level,” he says.
“Other customers have used them for recording studios or to provide options for intergenerational living.”
McGinley also sees them as a solution for the generations of Australians who are being locked out of the traditional housing market.
“After building my own place and the joy that it brought me, it’s my passion now,” he says. “I want to keep improving the designs and continue to find ways to get these homes to more and more people who need them.
“I want to make home ownership affordable for people but at the same time get people thinking about the kind of life they could be living if they just rethink it a little bit.”
You can visit the Adapt Homes showroom at 7/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick, Monday to Friday by appointment.
Words by Tara Wesson
If a house is built in a factory, is it still a home? At the end of January, the Commonwealth Bank announced plans to draw up a standard home loan contract for prefabricated homes in partnership with the peak industry body prefabAUS.
This marked a first for Australian home loans, as it was an area banks had steered clear of in the past.
What
is a prefab home?
A prefabricated home, also known as a 3D or modular home, is built in a factory, rather than on the site.
New and innovative construction technologies are used in a production-like setting to create part or all of a building.
“Many people would have lived in, or studied in, old transportable buildings or classrooms back in the day, but [recent] advancements … are really challenging what these homes would have looked like in the past,” says Simon Croft, chief executive of industry and policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Croft says the industry is seeing increased uptake, especially for elements like wall, floor, truss and roof systems, as well as staircases and other components that complement traditional methods.
“If we start to take more buildings into factories, we open up the capacity of these manufacturers,” says prefabAUS founding director, Damien Crough. “We’re still using carpenters and electricians and plumbers, where they’re just doing it in a really productive environment.
“It’s all sequenced, it’s all planned, it’s all very, very productive. Whereas, when you’re on-site, you’re in a completely different environment.”
Home loans now available
The industry’s recent growth has historically been limited, Crough says, because up until now, standard loan contracts have only reflected homes built on-site.
“The bank has security over the asset, being the land,” he says. “The builder’s adding value to land – [the lender] can see the value being added, and therefore having to pay progress claims to the builder to add value to the land. That’s the standard form of construction.
“Now we’re talking about potentially building up to 80 per cent of that in a factory. So the bank, in the past, has said, ‘Well, it’s in a factory. It’s not on the site. You know, that’s risky.’ ” Croft adds that the HIA has had a transportable homes contract for many years, in place of a standard contract endorsed by major banks.
Robust design: The Agricultural Lakehouse by Arkular in Merricks.
Factory-fresh residences
The popularity of prefabricated homes has led a major lender to broaden its home loan offering.
“The government, in conjunction with the banks, finance sector and industry, is looking at a fit-for-purpose scheme to help provide greater uptake and streamlining of approvals,” says Croft, who hopes this will lead more Australians to consider prefab housing.
Improving housing supply
Domain chief of research and economics
Nicola Powell says prefab home loans could help Australia meet its target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029.
“We need to really think a little bit more creatively on how we’re actually going to bring affordable supply,” Powell says. “It’s about scale. It’s about speed. How can we build and bring supply to the market in a timely manner? That’s where prefab really comes into its own.”
Powell mentions a recent report by the federal Productivity Commission, which showed that labour productivity in the conventional construction industry had fallen by 25 per cent since the 2001-02 financial year.
The report cited slow approvals as one factor leading to blown-out construction times. This, combined with a range of other factors, like material cost increases and wild weather, can result in conventional homes taking multiple years to build.
On the other hand, prefabricated methods, where workflows are efficient and materials are bought in bulk, can come together in weeks or months.
The industry has seen growth, and the Victorian government recently announced $50 million in funding to support the opening of the Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.
This TAFE facility will equip individuals with relevant skills to meet the expected increase in demand for innovative construction.
Prefab home loan tips
Croft says doing your research is key. Depending on where you’re looking to build, there could be different rules. For example, if you’re in a fire-prone area.
“You still need to get your relevant permits and approvals in place, as if you are doing a traditional build,” he says.
Crough says the prefabAUS website is a great place to start, as it has a directory of member manufacturers around Australia that form a mature supply chain.
He says CBA’s development of a standard loan contract will help give confidence and security to purchasers as well as lenders.
“I think there is some potential stigma or negative perceptions of prefab from many, many years ago, and I think that’s valid,” Crough says, adding that more education is needed. “There’s not enough knowledge of what our industry is and what it looks like.”
FLEETWOODAUSTRALIA
Efficient: Prefabricated homes take less time to build without sacrificing quality.
INTERIORS
Words by Elizabeth Clarke • Photos by Lisa Cohen
Ranch-style hacienda vibes
Its interior-designer owner has transformed this Victorian, Mornington Peninsula farmhouse into a whimsical yet practical home.
At the end of a magical driveway lined with pear trees and a lush paddock lies Tuerong Farmhouse, the bucolic bolthole and horse farm of Melbourne interior designer Samantha Eisen.
Hovering above the coastline in Tuerong on the Mornington Peninsula, the Tuscan-style home, built in the early 2000s, immediately captured Eisen’s attention for its potential.
“Architecturally, I could see it becoming a more ranch-style hacienda – an architectural style I had always admired,” she says.
Most of the construction, completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, took just over a year – a quick turnaround for a renovation of this scale. The designer’s brief to herself was to create a home for entertaining and relaxing that reflected a warm yet decorative ambience.
Rectilinear and symmetrical, the house embodied European farmhouse features and charm. While happy
with its structure and layout, Eisen gave its aspect, interior finishes and decorations a complete refresh.
She opened up the foyer and added a large arched window that captures views of the dam at the rear. This creates a sense of anticipation that unfolds as you move through the house.
The renovated rustic-style kitchen is cosy yet beautifully equipped for entertaining. A breakfast nook with a striped upholstered banquette and a view of the stables provides a charming spot for dining en famille.
The entrance, stairs and living areas were also modified, and vast arched windows and doors were added to the living space, drawing in views and northern light.
The travertine floors were preserved, as were the front and rear facades.
Eisen’s vision was shaped by childhood memories of time spent at her grandparents’ cottage on the peninsula.
and texture. Curved forms manifest in stairwells and openings, and botanical wallpapers compete with striped upholstery. Graphic tiles surprise at every turn while colour-drenched walls imbue drama and romance.
“We found the right balance between decoration and modernity, and I love that the decorative aspects don’t get in the way of clean, functional and liveable spaces,” Eisen says.
The palette echoes the landscape, including eucalyptus trees and the ocean, alongside some surprising additions.
A natural stone fireplace and reclaimed French beams uncovered in a wrecker’s yard bring warmth and whimsy to the main living space. Graphic inlays in the kitchen and foyer complement the travertine floors while providing an exquisite layer of detail.
Polished plaster and textured rendered walls serve as a patinated backdrop for Eisen’s beguiling blend of colour, print
“We had at least 10 boards of blues and greens that we painted up and took through every room to decide which ones were reacting well to the differing light,” Eisen recalls. “We also developed a unique ox-blood colour for the cinema room. There were many attempts with Porter’s Paints to get it right, and achieving it was a real milestone!”
The property embraces bushland, paddocks, a dam and a formal garden, seen from multiple vantage points inside and out.
The luxurious wellness pavilion with a sauna and steam room combines rustic and elegant design elements, such as a marble ruffled sink found on Etsy.
A pergola and outdoor dining area, barbecue, cabana, swimming pool and cedar spa in its own landscaped nook provide relaxation and entertainment.
The inspired combination of picturesque surroundings, welcoming interior spaces and stunning design details creates a true sense of magic.
“There are so many expressive, playful and whimsical ideas in every space, but not at the expense of those important clean lines and having a modern and functional home,” she says.
“That’s what makes this house very special – it’s about a feeling.”
Rustic retreat: The kitchen includes a breakfast nook.
A bit of drama: A unique ox-blood paint colour was created for the cinema room.
STYLE
Words by Elizabeth Clarke
While universally adored for its perceived fail-proof ability to brighten and enlarge spaces, white often lacks the depth and personality a room craves.
“White is rarely right,” says designer Kate Challis. “Despite what people think, that ‘it will go with everything’, it can look bland and functional.
“For white to work, you must be skilled at layering its tones and textures, and very few people do it well.”
Designer Alessandra Smith agrees and says that, luckily, our confidence in using colour is improving.
“The early 2000s saw the rise of the coloured feature wall, and this trend evolved into more audacious experimentation, immersing entire rooms in vibrant tones,” she says. “Selecting a non-white hue requires thoughtful consideration of the room’s function and the feeling you aim to create.”
We spoke to design experts about the colours they love that aren’t white, why they work, and how they can transform a space from blah to brilliant.
Go for gold
When choosing colours for a space, Smith considers its existing elements to craft a cohesive, harmonious environment –an approach she applied in a home in Elwood, Melbourne.
Inspired by its art deco period details and contemporary extension, Smith infused a fresh, modern spirit by applying a rich, golden hue to connect the eras.
“With limited natural light, the room felt uninviting, so we leaned into its darkness to create a warm, moody space with a golden hue that enhances a sense of comfort,” she says.
For those hesitant to dive into colour, Smith suggests experimenting with a smaller space. “Try a bedroom where deep, soothing hues transform it into a serene retreat, which is more conducive to relaxation than stark white,” she says.
“This approach allows you to gradually discover colour’s transformative power, enriching your home one room at a time.”
From
Bold blue
For a Brighton home, Challis drew inspiration for her blue walls from handpainted Chinese wallpaper panels.
“The cavernous room … felt like an airport hanger, so we wanted to create atmosphere, sophistication, and uplighting,” she says.
Racy red
White is a go-to for bathrooms, yet Cushla McFadden from Tom Mark Henry Studio wonders why.
“It sometimes lacks … depth or character,” she says. “Natural daylight can make white appear blue or grey, while artificial lighting can cause it to look yellowish. You have more control over this with a specific wall colour.” Case in point: a Bronte Beach house steam room where “something different and energising” was needed. “We chose an interesting rosa marble and paired it with rich burgundy tiles,” McFadden says. “The white ceilings provide negative space for the room to breathe.”
Classic khaki
Designer Shona McElroy from SMAC Studio says white can leave small spaces feeling cold and uninspired.
“There’s not much space for visual interest, and coloured paint is one of the best and cheapest ways to add personality, particularly in rooms that lack natural light,” she says.
For a chic home office, McElroy chose a shade of khaki green for its walls.
blah to brilliant – how to ditch white
Yes, white can go with anything, but it can also look bland and functional. We ask the experts for their tips to colour our worlds.
“The room is filled with light, and the deeply saturated colour absorbs the glare while keeping the space bright. At night, it feels cosy and intimate.”
Challis seeks colour inspiration everywhere – from art and fashion to nature and florals.
“I restrict the palette and saturate the room, then throw in something contrasting; otherwise, it can look like an early learning centre,” she says.
“We wanted to [show] khaki can act as a great base neutral,” she says. “The light fittings, floor, timber furnishings and crisp white door act as layering pieces; khaki is such a great background to make other materials and colours speak without feeling overwhelming.”
Be prepared for colours to date over time. “People choose ‘classic’ and ‘timeless’, justifying they will have it ‘forever’, but even the notion of what classic is changes,” Challis says. “Colour is just a coat of paint and can be changed if you get sick of it, so get over ‘timeless’ and just do what makes you happy.”
Above: Kate Challis says the blue makes this lounge room feel intimate at night.
Above right: Tom Mark Henry designer Cushla McFadden avoids all white in bathrooms.
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COAST & COUNTRY
Words by Danielle Meddemmen
Sunshine Bay
23 Burrawang Crescent
$2.75 million 5 3 2
Private sale
Agent: Belle Property Batemans Bay, Sarah Ralston 0404 051 341
Perched on a clifftop with ocean views, this beautiful two-storey home has it all. The upstairs open-plan living area connects to a sunroom featuring walls of glass to capture the outlook. Downstairs includes several rooms plus a combined kitchenette-bathroom for hosting guests. The rear deck is the spot for enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Braidwood
9679 Nerriga Road
$799,000-$850,000
Private sale
Agent: Shoemark Real Estate Braidwood, Denver Shoemark 0408 762 517
Escape to 40 hectares of pure potential on Nerriga Road – your private slice of paradise. With a cosy one-bedroom, one-bathroom demountable home, a mix of open paddocks and native bushland, this property is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an investment Airbnb or a spacious property for building your dream home.
Charming Country Retreat with Tennis Court, Pond & Studio
3 Middletons Lane, Murrumbateman, NSW
• Positioned next to Murrumbateman Winery in the Cool Climate Wine Region & only 37* minutes to Canberra
• Peaceful ambiance is a haven for creativity or unwinding + plenty of room for kids & paddocks for some stock
• Large home w/ warm light-filled interiors & multiple outdoor entertaining areas + separate studio w/ amenities
• Cottage-style gardens w/ extensive vegetable beds & orchard, dam with jetty, fishpond & tennis court
• After years of enjoying this picturesque lifestyle, owners are relocating to Adelaide to be closer to grandkids
Words by Ray Sparvell
A ‘once in a generation’ opportunity
Think about Fyshwick and thoughts often turn to the streets that run off Newcastle Street, home to many commercial and retail businesses.
There’s “another” Fyshwick, however, the part that butts up to Kingston. It’s here that a massive landholding, forming part of the East Lake precinct, now comes to the market.
Frank Giorgi of Ray White Commercial calls 19 Mildura Street a “once in a generation” development and investment opportunity; one that will appeal to deep-pocket developers, investors and land bankers.
The property is more than 30,000 square metres, with tenanted buildings that cover nearly 6500 square metres.
“This is a prime opportunity to get a foothold on a significant landholding in one of Canberra’s most central and established commercial precincts,” Giorgi says.
While the potential of the landholding is considered by a new owner, the waiting period will be softened by a net income of more than $1.1 million a year, plus GST, from three existing tenants, including Jim Murphy’s Market Cellars and Wine Storage.
Giorgi says the property is currently underutilised in terms of its landholding, but its location puts it within the scope of the ACT government’s East Lake Place Plan. “That’s a tempting prospect for potential buyers with the plan’s focus on future urban renewal,” he says.
Fyshwick
19 Mildura Street
$25 million+
Agent: Ray White Commercial, Frank Giorgi 0403 839 822
+ 120 dedicated car spaces for guests
+ Spacious 4,302 sqm* building area
+ 4-star rating with generous amenities
+ Positioned to benefit from ACT events & snow season traffic
+ Adjacent to the upcoming $16.2M Canberra Arena (construction starting this year)
+ Strong demand from school groups, weddings & conferences
+ Powered by a 30kW solar energy system, reducing costs and enhancing sustainability
+
+ Adjacent to the upcoming $16.2M Canberra Arena (construction starting this year) + Strong demand from school groups, weddings & conferences
This brand new development will include 7 units in total comprising ground and mezzanine accommodation. Each unit will have internal amenities, dedicated vehicle roller door and pedestrian access, plus allocated car parking. Completion is scheduled for 2026.
