‘Comparing a Bentley to a Hyundai’: why bold architectural homes sell

Demand for out-of-the-box houses is rising, but an ‘antiquated system of valuing houses’ is doing a disservice to high-end homes and discouraging bold designs.

The new build at 8 Milne St, Clayfield is one of just 2 homes designed by the award-winning architecture team behind the Calile Hotel. Picture: Supplied

Architecturally designed luxury homes in Brisbane are in hot demand, but the lack of boldly designed properties on the market is helping to underpin prices.

“I have this argument with valuers on a weekly basis,” Place New Farm agent Heath Williams says.

The interior designer turned prestige selling agent has carved a niche selling architecturally designed homes in the River City, which has proven to be one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities of the decade.

“Valuers list the comparables: bed, baths, car and land size,” Williams explained.

“That’s like saying a Hyundai Excel sells at the same price as a Bentley Continental! Why can we value cars independently based on craftsmanship, materiality, pedigree, history, and then that we still have this antiquated system of valuing houses.”

Heath Williams of Place Estate Agents.

Architects can account for elements that can be easily missed by home designers, creating bespoke solutions for clients to match their life, preferences and unique characteristics of the block’s placement.

Brisbane architect Michael Hogg, co-founder of Hogg & Lamb, says the job is about bringing all the elements of a great home seamlessly together.

“Project homes are usually a rectangle placed in the middle of a rectangular block of land,” Hogg says.

“Architect designed houses do a lot better and spend more time working out how to connect the indoors and the outdoors in a seamless way. Particularly in Queensland, Brisbane and northern NSW, where we are doing our work, the climate is such that you want to spend a lot of time outside.

“We also build houses that are going to work for you in the long-term, and then that has a whole lot of value for families.”

The Shaun Lockyer renovated home at Teneriffe. Picture: Supplied

It was originally designed in the 1970s by modernist architect Rodney Chambers. Picture: Supplied

Demand for such well-designed homes is there. Williams says he often has up to two dozen buyers at any one time, waiting for the perfect property to come onto the market.

Although on the supply side that rarely happens, the buyers are willing to pay top dollar when sellers do come to the table. Last November, one of just two residential properties designed by Richards and Spence architects was snapped up for $4.1m after a short campaign.

The Clayfield home – by the team best known for Brisbane’s award-winning Calile Hotel – is centred on a courtyard and uses the firm’s signature stone and masonry style to create the perfect balance of indoor and outdoor living.

Just two homes have been designed by the award-winning architecture team behind the Calile Hotel. Picture: Supplied

The new build at 8 Milne St, Clayfield is one of them. Picture: Supplied

A 1970s home designed by modernist architect Rodney Chambers and sympathetically updated in recent years by Shaun Lockyer at Teneriffe recently sold for $5.35m.

The hilltop home is recognisable for its use of concrete and blockwork, with extensive lush and soft landscaping by Steven Clegg Design.

Williams says these two recent sales highlight the premiums people will pay.

“I will see buyers follow me all around the city to view architectural homes,” he says. “People seek me out, tell me what they’re looking for, and wait until I list the right one. It’s what I do; it’s my niche.”

Ranley Grove House at Paddington, designed by Paul Owens, and James Russell’s Farrell St house at Ashgrove, each won awards upon their completions in 2016.

They are both currently on the market with Williams, who is accepting top offers on both until June 4. No price guides are available in-line with Queensland laws.

Hogg says the interest in architect-designed homes is a testament to his work and that of his peers.

“Most of the time, we don’t do things that real estate agents sell,” he says. “Our most successful projects, the owners never sell because they love living there.”