Despite the relentless flow of interest rate rises from the RBA, nationwide property prices are starting to rise and expected to increase by about 2% by the end of the year and 10% through 2024/25, moving into the next phase of the cycle. Low stock is playing a role in stopping further downward pressure and, following the post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, the importance of place and community means that homes in great locations or neighbourhoods are more sought-after than ever. Significantly, the impact of rising costs and labour shortages in the building industry mean that renovated homes offer more value than before as construction costs have surged by over 25% meaning that you wouldn’t be able to achieve the finished product at today’s prices.

Families looking to move would be wise to get ahead of the pack, and any price rises, and we have a great choice across the board from dream homes to family friendly cottages. One of Bronte’s finest, 37 Gardyne Street, Bronte holds a dress-circle position overlooking Bronte Beach with northerly views that sweep over the surf club and ocean on a rare dual access block with triple parking. Alexander Phillips says, “The views are breathtaking, the interiors sublime and the location one of Sydney’s very best. With a buyer’s guide of $12.5m, this is no ordinary beach house but a forever home designed by Smyth & Smyth with interiors by Jillian Dinkel that have seen the property feature extensively in design journals.”

Just around the corner from Queens Park, Daniel Cachia’s listing at 5 Park Avenue, Randwick is a beautifully renovated Federation semi set amid gorgeous gardens designed by Barbara Landsberg. Freestanding to the north with a 6.6m fronted, the two-bedroom home features a choice of living areas and new designer kitchen and bathroom and comes with a buyer’s guide of $2.4m.

Offering the best of urban living and lifestyle appeal, the freestanding Californian bungalow at 141 Ebley Street, Bondi Junction is set on a wide cul-de-sac just 400m to Westfield with easy access to the beach and Centennial Park with great schools all around. The renovated four-bedroom home comes with a guide of $2.75m and is scheduled for auction next week, Saturday 24th June.

Tristan Oddi’s listing at 27 The Serpentine, Kensington holds the best position in the acclaimed Raleigh Park Estate fronting manicured parkland. Perfect for the active family, the freestanding three-storey home is crowned with a unique turret retreat and features stylishly renovated interiors and access to superb resort-style facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and even an on-site childcare centre.

This week the sales team secured 7 sales with an average price of $3.5m and listed 11 new properties.