New Zealanders bought and sold more than $50 billion worth of real estate in the last 12 months, with a waterfront house with its own helipad taking the title of year's biggest property sale.
However, the $27.5 million shelled out for 15 Cremorne Street, in Auckland’s Herne Bay, pales in comparison to the eye-watering sums achieved at the top end of Australia's property market.
Australia recorded its first-ever A$100 million sale, with the Sydney home of the late Lady (Mary) Fairfax beating the previous record held by the house next door, which sold for A$71 million in 2017.
READ MORE: They paid how much? This year's most expensive NZ houses
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But while there were strong results for blue-chip properties in Sydney this year, sales in Victoria and Queensland also made the list.
Here’s a roundup of some of the Australia’s biggest sales this year — and some of the most luxurious and sought-after dwellings money can buy across the ditch.
Fairwater, Point Piper, NSW: A$100 million
When Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes snapped up Lady Mary Fairfax’s Point Piper mansion, Fairwater, in September for a cool $100 million, he smashed records for Australia’s most expensive home.
The sale eclipsed the previous record which was held by the next-door Elaine mansion after it was bought for $71 million by none other than fellow Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar and wife Kim Jackson last year.
Fairwater boasts 1.121ha of harbourfront land, making it the largest private holding on the harbour — and 4100sq m larger than Elaine.
The property, which stretches from New South Head Road to Seven Shillings Beach, boasts another two houses and a swimming pool.
Built in pale yellow brick with a slate roof and Tudor-style gables, it is described in heritage records as “medieval and Queen Anne inspired”.
Rona, Bellevue Hill, NSW: A$58 million
The historic Bellevue Hill property, owned by property tycoon Terry Agnew, reportedly sold for $58 million in October to Jacqui and Richard Scheinberg, who have made their fortune through cattle and property investment.
The eight bedroom, six bathroom estate is believed to have broken price records for a non-waterfront property.
Built in 1883, the Victorian rustic gothic mansion was originally owned by industrialist Edward Knox and designed by architect Gustavus Morell.
It sits on a sprawling 5700sq m site.
Stonington Mansion, Malvern, VIC: A$52.5 million
When Melbourne’s Stonington Mansion sold in February for $52.5 million, it became Victoria’s most expensive home — a huge jump from the previous $40 million title held by 18 St Georges Rd, Toorak, which sold last year.
The heritage-listed mansion, which was the former Australian Government House, was originally built in 1890 for John Wagner, a partner in Cobb and Co coaches.
The property, which once hosted high-society guests including Dame Nellie Melba, King George VI and the Queen Mother, was reportedly sold to a Chinese buyer.
84 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, NSW: A$30.5 million
According to comparison site Mozo.com.au, the six bedroom, six bathroom home at 84 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill fetched a staggering $30.5 million via a private treaty in September.
REA records reveal it was previously sold in 2010 for $23 million.
21-23 Webb Road, Sunshine Beach, QLD: A$18 million
The Noosa property, which boasts a four-car garage, tennis court and cabana, domestic and commercial kitchens, wine storage, separate self-contained guesthouse, surveillance, terraces and gardens, broke records when it became the first million-dollar Sunshine Coast property.
It sold for A$18 million in March after originally being listed with a A$22 million price tag.
