From luxury pads with ocean views to budget stunners, a 19th century church and a quirky substation, some truly imaginative listings are drawing visitors to realestate.com.au this summer.
The most popular listings on realestate.com.au in January were an intoxicating blend of widely-unaffordable mansions, surprising bargains and vintage homes packed with quirk and charm.
The top 20 spanned the geographical spectrum. Seven were in Adelaide — where incessant buyer demand remains unmet by supply — while there were four in NSW, four in WA, three in Queensland and two in Victoria. Homes in the Northern Territory and Tasmania didn't make the cut.
And apartments snagged three of the top spots, reflecting our ongoing need for affordability.
Take a peek at some of the fun homes firing up Australians this summer.
$40m twin homes in Byron Bay
It's not everyday that two luxury, multi-level entertainers with rooftop infinity pools and ocean views hit the market side by side, which was perhaps why this crazy Byron Bay duplex was the most-viewed property in January.
Both home is spread over four levels and connected by an internal lift. Picture: realestate.com.au
Agent Will Phillips at 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 smash them into one mega-mansion.
Featuring glimpses of Cape Byron Lighthouse. Picture: realestate.com.au
He said these brand new beauties, designed by architect Shaun Lockyer and listed for $40m, were attracting buyers wanting nothing to do.
"A lot of the properties here require multiple years of work, council dealings and builders. This is fully done and ready to go, which is increasingly hard to find."
Star-quality Adelaide sanctuary
Celebrity cachet always helps to make a splash, which may explain why retiring Port Adelaide star Travis Boak's opulent five-bedroom home at 1 Fairfield Avenue, Somerton Park was the second most-viewed property.
The Somerton Park home was the second most-viewed home in the country in January. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
In an elite, beachside Adelaide pocket, this custom stunner wows with a grand entry hall, soaring decorative ceilings, three massive living zones — including a home theatre — plus a pool and lush gardens, all on one level.
The seller was retired Port Adelaide star Travis Boak. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Agent Rod Smitheram at Ray White Glenelg said the house created plenty of fanfare — not just among AFL fans — before selling for $4.5m.
"We had 168 groups alone in our opening weekend … the fact it was owned by a high-profile footballer really helped the campaign."
Budget-friendly Adelaide townhouse
Think a tri-level renovated 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 boasts rustic charm along with rear lane access, off-street parking for three cars, solar power and an EV charger.
The three-bedroom townhouse sold for $1.285m, well above the original $900,000 guide price. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Inside there are textured walls and timber beamed ceilings, with two living zones flowing to a covered patio and established gardens.
"It was so well received," said agent Ellie Swan at OC Real Estate Adelaide. "We had more than 20 registrations at auction and it sold for $1.285m, significantly more than the original $900,000 guide price."
Rural NSW resort with sporting facilities
Few kids would be disappointed if their parents nabbed this 23.7-acre Tweed Shire estate at 64 Cabbage Gum Road, Cudgera Creek, which packs a professional skate park, basketball/tennis court, large pool and eight-person spa — plus a studio with a gym, kitchenette and bathroom ideal as a teen retreat.
A home for those who love the outdoors, the 23.7-acre features a professional skate park, combined basketball and tennis court plus pool and spa. Picture: realestate.com.au
The spacious three-bedroom property, listed for $4m, enjoys rainforest surrounds and views down over horse paddocks and a spring-fed dam to the hinterland and ocean.
Agent Jamie Wilmen at Raine & Horne Pottsville Beach/Cabarita Beach said he's sold the place four times, with each owner making new improvements.
It was one of the most viewed properties in Australia in January. Picture: realestate.com.au
"This is far from your everyday property. We've had inquiries from all over Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria plus local interest from people transitioning from the beach to the bush."
Stone church conversion in the Adelaide Hills
Who could resist swooning over this enchanting c1870 stone Methodist church in the Adelaide Hills? Since housing its final service in 1956, 5 Cook Street, Kanmantoo has only ever had one owner, who's used the church as a weekend retreat.
The former church sold for over $600,000. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
It's a stunning canvas, with soaring ceilings and arched stained glass windows inspiring the open-plan living, dining room and kitchen, which is overlooked by a mezzanine master.
Agent Ruth Ferguson at Adelaide Hills Real Estate Mount Barker said while the home needs work, first home owners and BnB dreamers battled fiercely for it, blowing past the $540,000 to $590,000 price guide. The church sold for over $600,000.
It's had just one owner since housing its final service in 1956. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
"It's a beautiful character building. There were a lot of people pretty excited about the design process, revamping the inside and trimming 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 racked up 600 inquiries.
The substation offers a rare entry-level price point in the beachside suburb of Coogee, but the buyer will need to roll up their sleeves. Picture: realestate.com.au
In response, agent Sam Thomlinson at Colliers Sydney South has bumped up the guide price from $800,000 to $1.25m plus GST.
With its solid brick walls, double doors and high ceilings, he said the 51sqm facility could be converted into a chic one-bedroom apartment or studio — pending heritage guidelines.
The original $800K price guide has been increased to $1.25m following strong interest ahead of its auction. Picture: realestate.com.au
"People have really connected with the nostalgia of this place, with many loving its beauty and character," he said. "We've seen savvy developers and first home buyers as well as older buyers wanting to take on a project."
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