From luxury apartments with ocean views to budget food stalls, a 19th century church and a quirky substation, some truly imaginative offerings are attracting visitors to realestate.com.au this summer.
The most popular listings on realestate.com.au in January were a heady mix of largely unaffordable mansions, surprising bargains and vintage homes full of quirk and charm.
The top 20 covered the geographic spectrum. Seven of these were in Adelaide – where relentless buyer demand is still not being met by supply – while four were in NSW, four in WA, three in Queensland and two in Victoria. Houses in the Northern Territory and Tasmania did not make the cut.
And apartments took three of the top spots, reflecting our continued need for affordability.
Take a look at some of the fun homes Australians are setting on fire this summer.
$40 million twin homes in Byron Bay
It’s not every day that two luxury entertainers with multi-levels, rooftop infinity pools and ocean views appear on the market side by side. That might be why this amazing duplex in Byron Bay was the most viewed property in January.
Agent Will Phillips of Sotherby’s Byron Bay said the offering at 11 Brownell Drive, Byron Bay allows you to keep one and rent or sell the other (STCA) – or throw them into one mega-mansion.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 450"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With a glimpse of the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Image: realestate.com.au
He said these brand new beauties, designed by architect Shaun Lockyer and on sale for $40 million, attracted buyers with nothing to do.
“Many of the properties here require several years of work, consultation with the municipality and builders. This is completely finished and ready to use, which is increasingly difficult to find.”
Star quality Adelaide retreat
Celebrity cachet always helps to impress, which could explain why retired Port Adelaide star Travis Boak’s lavish five-bedroom home at 1 Fairfield Avenue, Somerton Park, was the second most viewed property.
The Somerton Park home was the second most viewed in the country in January. Image: realestate.com.au/sold
In an elite, beachside Adelaide pocket, this bespoke stunner wows with a grand entrance hall, high decorative ceilings, three enormous living areas – including a home cinema – plus a swimming pool and lush gardens, all on one level.
The seller was retired Port Adelaide star Travis Bo. Image: realestate.com.au/sold
Agent Rod Smitheram of Ray White Glenelg said the house caused a stir – not just among AFL fans – before selling for $4.5 million.
“On our opening weekend alone we had 168 groups. The fact that it was owned by a high-profile footballer really helped the campaign.”
Budget-friendly townhouse in Adelaide
Do you think a renovated three-level house in leafy central Adelaide for around $1 million is a myth? Maybe not.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse at 19 Rosemont Street, Norwood, features rustic charm, rear lane access, on-site parking for three cars, solar power and an EV charger.
The three-bedroom mansion sold for $1.285 million, well above the original guide price of $900,000. Image: realestate.com.au/sold
Inside, there are textured walls and beamed ceilings, with two living areas opening onto a covered patio and landscaped gardens.
“It was so well received,” says agent Ellie Swan of OC Real Estate Adelaide. “We had more than 20 registrations at the auction and the car sold for $1.285 million, significantly more than the original guide price of $900,000.”
Rural NSW resort with sports facilities
Few children would be disappointed if their parents took over this 23.7-hectare Tweed Shire estate at 64 Cabbage Gum Road, Cudgera Creek, with a professional skate park, basketball/tennis court, large swimming pool and spa for eight – plus a studio with a gym, kitchenette and bathroom, ideal as a teenage retreat.
A home for outdoor enthusiasts, the 23.7-acre property features a professional skate park, a combination basketball and tennis court, plus a pool and spa. Image: realestate.com.au
The spacious three-bedroom property, for sale for $4 million, enjoys a rainforest setting and views over horse paddocks and a spring-fed dam to the hinterland and ocean.
Agent Jamie Wilmen of Raine & Horne Pottsville Beach/Cabarita Beach said he has sold the property four times, with each owner making new improvements.
It was one of the most viewed properties in Australia in January. Image: realestate.com.au
‘This is far from your everyday property. We’ve had inquiries from across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, plus local interest from people moving from the beach to the bush.”
Stone church conversion in the Adelaide Hills
Who can resist swooning over this enchanting 1870s stone Methodist church in the Adelaide Hills? Since the last service at 5 Cook Street in 1956, Kanmantoo has had only one owner, who used the church as a weekend retreat.
The former church was sold for more than $600,000. Image: realestate.com.au/sold
It’s a beautiful canvas, with high ceilings and curved stained glass windows inspiring the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, which is overlooked by a mezzanine master.
Agent Ruth Ferguson of Adelaide Hills Real Estate Mount Barker said while the house needs work, first homeowners and BnB dreamers fought hard for it and exceeded the price guide of $540,000 to $590,000. The church was sold for more than $600,000.
It has had only one owner since it was last serviced in 1956. Photo: realestate.com.au/sold
“It’s a beautiful character building. There were a lot of people who were quite enthusiastic about the design process, renewing the inside and cutting back the gardens to bring it back to life.”
Former substation in Sydney’s east
A former electricity substation may not be everyone’s idea of a dream home, but this striking industrial gem at 15S Higgs Street in Coogee attracted 600 inquiries.
The substation offers a rare entry price in the beachside district of Coogee, but the buyer will have to roll up their sleeves. Image: realestate.com.au
In response, agent Sam Thomlinson at Colliers Sydney South has increased the guide price from $800,000 to $1.25 million plus GST.
With its solid brick walls, double doors and high ceilings, he said the 51 square meter building could be converted into a chic one-bedroom apartment or studio, pending heritage guidelines.
The original price of $800,000 has been increased to $1.25 million following strong interest prior to the auction. Image: realestate.com.au
“People really connect with the nostalgia of this place, and many love its beauty and character,” he said. “We’ve seen savvy developers and first-home buyers, as well as older buyers looking to take on a project.”
#Substations #skate #parks #buyers #seek #unique #imaginative #homes #realestate.com.au