SLS prize home: 2074 Ambiance on Burleigh. 2 The esplande, Burleigh Heads QLD

http://www.surflottery.com.au/default.asp?contentID=322

2074 Ambiance on Burleigh. 2 The esplande, Burleigh Heads QLD

features:

• 2 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
• The apartment interior has been professionally designed and outfitted to the value of $65,000
• An ideal location, just meters to Burleigh Beach and James Street Village
• A large North East facing balcony boasts uninterrupted Burleigh Beach views
• Ocean views can also be enjoyed from both bedrooms and the main living and dining areas

• The modern kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, reconstituted stone bench tops and a marble splashback
• The media room; a separate living space or a guest room
• Ducted zone air conditioning throughout and the convenience of two basement car parks
• Exclusive recreational facilities include: cantilevered 25 metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, rejuvenating spa, sauna and steam room
• The Pacific Motorway is only a 10 minute drive away

 What I love
- The lifestyle. It's literally a five minute walk from the beach and shops.
- Practically shaped open plan living
- Large tubs in the kitchen
- ocean views from the bedrooms
- full length mirror sliding doors for the wardrobe

What I don't love
- ongoing body corporate fees
- holiday letting apartments so not condusive to owner occupier
- mixed reviews on tripadvisor

This will be a comfortable little apartment in a popular holiday spot on the Gold Coast. It's sized for elderly adults, small families or young couples. Not really capturing my imagination though.

http://www.ambienceburleighbeach.com.au/

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Million dollar ++ Gold Coast properties 27 Feb 2014

A flood of million dollar + properties on the market this week. And it doesn't seem fair to compare a property worth 1 million to a property worth 3 or 4 times that amount. So here is my million dollar ++ properties this week.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sovereign+islands-116181867

11 The Sovereign Mile Sovereign Islands

$2,950,000 . 5 bedroom 5 bathrooms. This is a classic mansion inside and out with all your standard inclusions. Not for messy little fingers, but will definitely suit those with a more refined taste.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sovereign+islands-116188347

24 King James Court Sovereign Islands Qld 4216

$4,250,000. 4 bedrooms. The thing with this property is, you need to step back and think. Is this actually a home? Feels like a luxury resort, and it doesn't really feel like a space where I could grow up with my children or grow old in. It's a show home, for those with extra bucks. Look at this, I have this, look at that, yes, I've got that. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sovereign+islands-116196587

Sovereign Islands Qld 4216

$5,500,000. 5 bedrooms 5 bathrooms. Finally a house that has enough bathrooms! A very interesting design with the indoor pool being framed by the rest of the house. there is also a full sized tennis court and huge bedrooms. 

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Million dollar Gold Coast properties 27 Feb 2014

Too many to go through in the $1-$2 million dollar price range. I'll just list a few of my top picks.


http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-116196867

6 Rio Vista Boulevard Broadbeach Waters

This presents as a really practical home in a really central location. Needs a few cosmetic upgrades to feel like a million dollar 3 bedroom home. Fix up the kitchen, a new paint job, and you can easily make a quick profit.  And at this price, it's also a nice owner occupier option for those downsizing. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-116195107

144 Rio Vista Boulevard Broadbeach Waters Qld 4218

 Quite a nice choice in terms of property asking price, location and practical living areas. A great outdoor entertaining area, well presented. I'm not a big fan of the kitchen to be honest- the shiny surface is a bit of a turn off, but it's large and spacious. And the 5kw solar system will sure save you in powerbills. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tallebudgera+valley-116238955

 11 Camphorlaurel Court Tallebudgera Valley Qld 4228

This next one won't have wide ranging appeal, but for musos, this is the way to go. A 5 bedroom house, plus a recording studio/separate home, and artist accommodation. I hope whoever buys this place will enjoy the facilities and not waste the fitout! Unfortunately, I've seen some fantastic properties like this converted into more functional spaces...

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-helensvale-116213503

4 Ferrymans Court Helensvale

I quite like this property.  3 bedrooms are downstairs- this means that even if you get old (or have elderly parents), this will be quite practical. Waterfront, private cinema, 3 kitchen areas. What's not to love? Rooms are a little on the small side, but there are so many shared living areas, this shouldn't be an issue. 

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Million dollar flops 27 Feb 2014

A little let down with what you can find with a million dollar prize tag? Me too.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mermaid+waters-116204615

 

Not a fan of the way this driveway presents for a million dollar home. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hope+island-116189615

1504 Rosebank Way Hope Island Qld 4212

Nothing particularly wrong with this property... but for a million dollar property, they could have used some styling. Some furniture, any furniture.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-qld-broadbeach-116212647

36 First Avenue Broadbeach Qld 4218

Rightly marketed as a property need of redevelopment. I can imagine no one would want to live in a property like this, when they are paying $1 million, and having people deface your property with graffiti. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sanctuary+cove-116207067

7016 Riverview Crescent Sanctuary Cove

Every other picture presented in this ad makes it a stunning home to live in. However, this particular picture make me do a double take. Is that a giant wheely bin parked out the front? No, just the golf buggy, I hope.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-biggera+waters-116205779

456 Marine Parade Biggera Waters

 Another redevelopment opportunity. Everything in this ad screams, I need to be knocked down. But a few minor touches would have made the property more appealing to the eyes. Remove the dated chairs, remove the couch, and remove the curtains. But this is a bit of a bargain with nine rooms that you can rent out now for $2 million, until you get your plans sorted out for redevelopment. So at the very least, make the pictures look like you can rent it out. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-surfers+paradise-116224859

35 Mawarra Street Surfers Paradise

  Yet another redevelopment opportunity. Wow. This is disappointing. So many worn out buildings waiting to be knocked over and given a new lease in life.

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Gold Coast Cheap as Chips- 27 Feb 2014

The criteria we are using here:
- Must be inhabitable by anyone (excludes retirement only, student only accomodation, holiday let only, investment only)
- Must have a bedroom (excludes studios), minimum 50m2
- Under A$200,000
- Not under contract

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-broadbeach-116147683

202 'Travel Inn' 40 Surf Parade Broadbeach

  $199,000. 1 bed, 1 bath. A great location. And tastefully renovated inside. This would be a great owner occupier or rental property. the decor in the pictures makes it sleek, and can almost be a new york city pad. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-southport-116074559

312/132 Marine Parade Southport Qld 4215

   $199,000. 1 bed, 1 bath. A decent sized unit. Unfortunately, the quality of the other units in this complex will impact the resale value of this property. It's really mainly for holiday letting. And a bit far away from the action for you not to drive. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-clear+island+waters-116194647

11 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters

 $185,000. 1 bed, 1 bath. You could probably get away with paying a little less than the list price here, given the price of other properties in the estate. A great little location, with heaps of perks (which also suggests high costs to upkeep). But at a lower price, this would be an absolute steal. 

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RSL ART UNION: 1/100 Hedges Avenue Mermaid Beach Qld 4218

http://www.rslartunion.com.au/Draw313

1/100 Hedges Avenue Mermaid Beach Qld 4218

 Features listed on the website:

• A 3 bedroom plus study, light filled home
• Enjoy breathtaking views when you host family and friends on your rooftop entertaining area with BBQ
• Steps to the beach from your 'Millionaire's Row' home on Hedges Avenue
• Wake up to the sound of waves in your master bedroom with en suite and walk-in robe
• Multiple living areas give you and your family options for relaxing
• Annual rental income of $85,800 or peak holiday rental of $5,000 a week
• Includes $138,262 in furniture and electrical appliances

This property was bought for $1.4 million 2 years ago.

WHAT I LOVE
- great access to the beach
- high quality appliances
- there is a private lift for disabled access (not sure how this will cost to maintain and run)
- great view

WHAT I DON'T LOVE
- the property is over 4 levels with the kitchen on the third level.
- a bit compact for a million dollar home
- won't appreciate much, as predicted from past history.

As an investment property, it has some potential. Because you can claim the high cost of maintanence on tax. Maybe if you can get some rezoning, this would make the perfect high class B&B or spa/retreat in an exclusive hood.

Entries close in 3 days. Tickets start at $5.

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Million dollar flops 20 Feb 2014

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bundall-116182291

I'm not sure if it was the lighting or the colour of the class, but the smudged brown look on the wall inside the show is a turn off for me. One of the rooms, because of the photo angle appears to be no larger than a shoebox.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-ashmore-116180731

The whole concept of showing a bed in this room kind of reminds me of 2 broke girls, where one of them is forced to install a bed in the lounge room. I'm not quite sure that was the way to go for a million dollar home.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-helensvale-116180491
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-helensvale-116179571

I've included these two simply because it's different agents selling the same house. How you frame photos makes a difference!

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mermaid+beach-116170867

The decor and fussy picture really annoys me. It's a million dollar home. I would remove all the odds and ends before taking photos. This would be the top flop of the week for me. If I zoomed in enough, I might be able to see confidential information on the desk. Who on earth wants to see rubbish in a real estate ad?

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sovereign+islands-116177863

Why are there no internal pictures? I'm not going all the way out there to find that it's a hole inside. Do they even have permission to sell? Or is an exwife trying to sell without the ex husband's permission. Just joking.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-parkwood-116168559

Odd pictures of road? And tonnes of random pictures. Why would you take a picture of a million dollar property wire fence? And I suspect that the internal photos were taken on a camera phone, they are so blurry it makes me wonder whether it's me or my glasses.

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Million dollar Gold Coast properties 20 Feb 2014

A tonne of million dollar properties listed this week. Shows that sellers are thinking the market is good for them to let go of their properties. 

Pick of the week

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-paradise+waters-116185023

25 Buccaneer Court Paradise Waters Qld 4217

$3,600,000. 6 bed, 6 bath, 3 car. I'm loving this location. And the design of the house is breathtaking. Floor to ceiling windows- think floor to ceiling windows over 2 levels! Ultimate luxury complete with own large pontoon, plunge pool with jet spa x 2!, low maintenance garden. It's designed for older families in mind, I don't think young kids would do well with these walls and that stunning kitchen.

 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-burleigh+heads-116185295

4/186-192 The Esplanade Burleigh Heads

$1,190,000. 3 bed, 2 bath 2 car. I'm loving the ocean views from different areas of the house as well as 2 separate wardrobe spaces in the main bedroom. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sanctuary+cove-116184035

4702 The Parkway Sanctuary Cove

$1,250,000. 4 bed, 5 bath, 2 car. The kitchen is a huge selling point for this property. This place even has a private wine cellar! I quite like the fact that this property is slightly secluded and has a lot more than you initially think.

(All pictures taken from websites listed)

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Gold Coast Cheap as Chips- 20 Feb 2014

Bargain basement properties on the Gold Coast have been drying up

The criteria we are using here:
- Must be inhabitable by anyone (excludes retirement only, student only accomodation, holiday let only, investment only)
- Must have a bedroom (excludes studios), minimum 50m2
- Under A$200,000
- Not under contract

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-chevron+island-116138739

40 Burra Street Chevron Island Qld 4217

  $175,000. 1 bed, 1 bath. A great size for this price. 58 m2. and from the pictures, it seems like it's a full sized bathroom, which is again surprising for this price. I would be checking on the sinking fund, and how much body corp is before inspection. Rents for about $280.

 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-southport-116137639

6/14 SPENDELOVE AVENUE Southport

   $189,000. 1 bed, 1 bath. This would be a highly speculative buy. Not sure what will happen when they demolish the old hospital. But other housing around this neck of the wood rings the sound of housing commission. Well I guess this place is secure. Currently rents out for $250. You could probably negotiate a lower price on this sale too.

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Gold Coast Cheap as Chips- 15 Feb 2014

Bargain basement properties on the Gold Coast have been drying up

The criteria we are using here:
- Must be inhabitable by anyone (excludes retirement only, student only accomodation, holiday let only, investment only)
- Must have a bedroom (excludes studios), minimum 50m2
- Under A$200,000
- Not under contract

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-broadbeach-116094075

 508/40 Surf Parade Broadbeach

 $168,000. 1 bedroom, 1 bath. It's got a compact bedroom, but perfect for one. It's an older building, so be vary of sinking fund. 

But there is potential there, especially if you compare it to the renovated version. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-surfers+paradise-116046463

5 Watson Esplanade Surfers Paradise Qld 4217

$178,000. 1 bed/ 1 bath. I would be buying this hoping for a buy out in the not too distant future. It's a great location, and would really work better as bigger block of units. 

 

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Million dollar Gold Coast properties 15 Feb 2014

I've been too busy to visit properties lately, trying to finish my PhD, get my business up on track and do a tonne of volunteer work.

More million dollar mansions listed this week.

This is my pick of the week. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hope+island-116119035

 $2488000. 4 bed/ 3 bath/ 2 car.

3184 Riverleigh Drive Hope Island Qld 4212

 This is what a mansion is supposed to look like! Complete with a lovely little garden at the back. A bit out of the way if you still work though. I'm not sure about the bright green in the kitchen though, I love it- but my favourite colour is green. Once you have a look at the wardrobe, you will be in love, I promise.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mount+nathan-116136607

$2,100,000. 5 bed/5 bath.

277 Clagiraba Road Mount Nathan Qld 4211

This place is decked out with all the things you would expect in a Millionnaire's home. I love the theatre and the idea of a huge kitchen pantry. The property's main downfall is it's location- perfect for a retiree, but if you had to commute to work everyday, that would be a pain.  

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-ashmore-116087951

 $1490,000. 5 bed/ 4 bath.

41 Reed Street Ashmore

A really practical property in a central Gold Coast location.

 http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-116092587

 

$1099000. 4 bed/ 2 bath/ 2 car. 

 4 Alaska Avenue Broadbeach Waters Qld 4218

It's a really chic house in a great location. But my main problem with this property is that there is only 2 bathrooms. If I lived in a million dollar mansion, I wouldn't want to share a bathroom!

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mermaid+waters-116097387

$1050,000. 5 bed/ 3 bath/ 2 car

 5 Plumosa Court Mermaid Waters Qld 4218

Well priced, well presented home perfect for those who love to entertain. But because I know it's been renovated, I'll be checking all the building plans, and getting a proper inspector in to check strucutral integrity. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-paradise+point-116107195

$2695000. 5 Bed/ 5 bath/ 4 car. 

26 Brittanic Crescent Paradise Point Qld 4216

Agents did a really great job of showing off this property's assets. This would be a lovely property for those with teenage kids or with aged parents. 

(All pictures taken from websites listed)

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Million dollar flops 15 Feb 2014

And here are some properties that I believe are underselling themselves.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sanctuary+cove-116097247

 This property located in sanctuary cove could really use some designer furniture to make it pop up in the ads. The pictures are framed ill, making the rooms seem cramped, and the lack of symmetry will turn off potential buyers. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sanctuary+cove-111225619

 Why is this photo slanted? And why is there a ute in the picture of this million dollar property? It's a bit of a confused image the agent is trying to sell.

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-116136415

A really well located property, with a downstairs bedroom, that will suit those with aged parents. But then you flick through the rest of the pictures and you find some really aged and cheap furniture. This is a juxapose with the luxury of the property's design. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sovereign+islands-116133879

Every other aspect of this property looks attractive. Except for a bathroom, that was dimly lit, and doesn't seem clean enough for a million dollar price tag. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-helensvale-116124179

This property looks lovely, like it jumps out of a magazine or display home. But that's the problem. All the images from this ad screams out photoshop. But don't get me wrong, it's a great property for the price and inclusions. Just bare in mind that helensvale can get a little hot. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-palm+beach-116130551

This is the room you would get if you bought a million dollar mansion but drew the short end of the straw. What? There is a stepped up door to your room, when you walk in carrying things, don't trip! And is there a rock wall next to your window? Way to block out all those water views. 

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bonogin-116110035

A huge and lovely property. But the wall colours here in the his/her home gym are questionnable. 

But you know what? Million dollar flops sometimes make really good buys for bargain hunters. Because they turn off buyers with a few easily modifyable things... you know what I mean!

(All pictures taken from websites listed)

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Gold Coast Cheap as Chips- Jan 2014

After reviewing a bunch of newly listed million dollar mansion on the Gold Coast. It's worthwhile having a look at the other end of the spectrum. Not so much bargain buys, but extremely cheap face value buys.

The criteria we are using here:
- Must be inhabitable by anyone (excludes retirement only, student only accomodation, holiday let only, investment only)
- Must have a bedroom (excludes studios), minimum 50m2
- Under A$200,000
- Not under contract

Mermaid Beach property. $164,950

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-mermaid+beach-115457583
Small but functional space. Great entry level property to live in or invest. Spacious for one, but a bit cramped for 2. I suspect Body corp for this place to be high. Also check the sinking fund, and upcoming planned repairs.

29 Leonard Avenue 'Poinciana Lodge' Surfers Paradise Qld 4217. Asking $128,000 each

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-surfers+paradise-115780619
This one is worth a look. If you have the budget to buy them all, you are looking at great redevelopment potential!

12/143 Frank Street Labrador Qld 4215. Asking Offers over $160,000

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-labrador-115763895
 Spacious split level unit. Too bad there is not a proper bedroom in this one. I don't like the idea of cooking smoke to come through to the sleeping area. Location is great for those who like a morning walk by the beach.

27/7-15 Monte Carlo Avenue Surfers Paradise Qld 4217. Asking $189,000

 http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-surfers+paradise-115600627
No work required for this one. Nearly all done. Well set up for a small unit, excellent use of space.

3/5 PROUD STREET Labrador. Asking $159,000

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-labrador-114222447
 An oldie but a goodie. Low body corp, spacious for a 1 bedder, good location.

12/4 Adori Street Chevron Island Qld 4217. asking $170,000

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-chevron+island-112651379

Good location. spacious 1 bedroom unit with balcony. built in wardrobes. liveable for a couple. 

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