Simon Cohen’s guide to buying prestige Sydney real estate
The Luxe Listings star on the best way to manage a prestige real estate portfolio in uncertain times
3 min
Since bursting onto our screens with Amazon Prime’s Luxe Listings Sydney, prestige buyer’s agent Simon Cohen has become a household name. The co-founder of agents Cohen Handler and brand ambassador for H&R Block has been selling some of Sydney’s priciest properties for more than a decade now and is now considered the highest grossing real estate agent in the country.
He spoke to Kanebridge News about the challenges and triumphs of working in the Sydney market.
What in your view is the best real estate market to invest in right now?
Without question, Sydney. It’s the market that increases the most and has the least drop when things go bad.
What is the best way to manage a luxury property portfolio in a market where both prices and interest rates are increasing?
Don’t freak out! Always know that if you’re in the right city, the right suburb and in a blue-chip location, that your property and investment will always be safe. Stay strong, stay believing in your asset and ride the wave.
How realistic is Luxe listings? What has surprised you about working on the show?
It’s certainly a reality TV show, so it’s very realistic. All the deals and properties are real. What surprised me the most, is how much love and enjoyment people and viewers have got out of it from all around the world.
Where does an agent with your reputation and experience choose to live?
I currently live in Elizabeth Bay and I’m currently building one suburb away, in Potts Point.
What services can a buyer’s agent provide?
Sourcing every property that exists out in the marketplace, doing the due diligence and valuations and being able to help negotiate the lowest price possible for the purchaser.
What’s your advice for people looking to make their first investment in the residential property market?
“First time property investment can be complex and overwhelming, so seeking advice from experts. (Look for) a team that can provide the guidance and work with you every step of the way to advise on what tax deductions to consider (i.e. stamp duty, capital gains, and land tax) when considering your first investment property. Don’t get emotional. Buy where (you are) going to have the best capital growth and the greatest yield. Look for properties in the best blue-chip locations as you can afford and as close to major cities as you can afford, because they are always the ones that are going to have the best return.
How can a buyer’s agent assist overseas buyers interested in the Australian market?
A buyer’s agent is especially useful for overseas buyers because we’re giving them the in-depth understanding of what’s happening in the marketplace in which they are looking to buy in. We’re able to give them access to off-market properties and also point out things that they’re not able to see such as the warts, the problems the things that the shiny, beautiful photos might not show. Investing in an overseas property can be a lucrative opportunity for many buyers, but it can also come with its own set of challenges and complexities, especially when it comes to navigating the tax implications of such a purchase. This is where partnering with a H&R Block tax experts can be extremely valuable.”
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Mirvac’s 45-level Trielle has topped out at Yarra’s Edge, pairing riverfront apartments with wellness facilities, private dining and resident services.
3 min
Mirvac has topped out Trielle at Melbourne’s Yarra’s Edge, with more than 70 per cent of the riverfront development sold and approximately 80 per cent of purchasers intending to make their apartment a home.
The figures, released on September 22, point to an owner-occupier audience for one of the precinct’s final residential towers. Mirvac began developing Yarra’s Edge in 2003, and its latest addition occupies one of the remaining absolute riverfront sites.
Mirvac CEO of Development Stuart Penklis said existing residents were among those moving up within the neighbourhood.
“Many purchasers already have a connection to Yarra’s Edge,” Mr Penklis said, describing buyers whose changing needs were encouraging an upgrade within the precinct.
“As one of the final residential towers within Yarra’s Edge, Trielle represents the culmination of more than two decades of creating one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after waterfront communities,” Penklis said.
“Positioned on the Collins Street axis with absolute river frontage, Trielle offers residents a rare opportunity to enjoy sweeping views across the Yarra River, Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, while remaining seamlessly connected to the CBD. With Trielle now more than 70 per cent sold, we’re continuing to see strong demand from buyers seeking quality homes in established locations.”
The developer also flagged a penthouse and sub-penthouse collection with larger layouts, premium finishes and broad outlooks. The planned wellness centrepiece, The Oasis, encompasses a 900-square-metre elevated urban rainforest.
Mirvac General Manager Residential Development Victoria Elysa Anderson said Trielle had resonated strongly with buyers seeking a rare lifestyle offering in Melbourne.
“Opportunities to secure a new luxury residence on a riverfront site of this calibre are incredibly rare, particularly within a community like Yarra’s Edge,” Anderson said.
“What makes Trielle unique is the combination of exceptional views, world-class residential facilities and the lifestyle that already exists around it. Residents are buying into a mature waterfront community with parks, promenades, dining, wellness and strong community connections already in place.”
The 45-level tower brings a substantial new presence to that waterfront. Its residential offering spans one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with Signature, Prestige and Sub-Penthouse collections accommodating different household sizes. The north-facing position connects the apartments visually to the river and city beyond.
Seven storeys above the promenade, the planned Oasis combines planting and a running stream with a Scandinavian-inspired wellness club developed with spa specialist Naomi Gregory. Facilities include a 25-metre lap pool, hot magnesium pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, a gym, yoga and Pilates room, and treatment spaces.
The amenity extends beyond exercise. Residents will have access to The Biblioteca library and workspaces, ground-floor work pods, and The Salone piano lounge. A private Chef’s Table dining room offers a setting for larger gatherings, while a cinema, games room and sports lounge broaden the entertaining options. Concierge services and a dog-wash area support everyday routines.
Trielle comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences. Reflecting strong demand from owner occupiers, approximately 80 per cent of purchasers to date intend to live in their homes, highlighting the project’s appeal to those seeking a long-term waterfront lifestyle.
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