Noosa Heads
Sunshine Beach
22 Arakoon Crescent
Auction
As holiday season comes into view, this beachfront home will do nicely. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the sand, an hour or so surfing, followed by breakfast on the deck with a hard-to-beat view of the ocean out to Lions Head. On 608 square metres, there are four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a garage. A separate, self-contained area means it's perfect for extended families, or you could rent it out. The property goes under the hammer on   December 13 through Milan Markanovic of Tom Offermann Real Estate. Crazy Queensland laws threaten fines to agents who give price guides on auction properties, though there have been sales of between $5 million and $7.5 million in the street. 
Sydney
Galston
38A Prosslands Road
$5 million+
The quality of the build is attracting upgraders from the Hills area of Sydney to this luxurious estate on two hectares. The work of the acclaimed architect and builder John Van Berkel, the six-bedroom, six-bathroom home with "his and hers" double lock-up garages is set far back from the quiet country road behind electric gates. The manicured gardens were created by Rolling Stone Landscapes. There's a custom-built home theatre, tropical pool and cabana and even a climate-controlled indoor rainforest. Ray White Dural agent Sandy Ward says there have been some exceptional sales in the top-end of the local market recently.
Perth
Attadale
1B Page Street
$5.95 million +
Tough times in the Perth prestige market at the moment mean there are some good opportunities for buyers. This home by the well-regarded builder Signature Custom Homes is a stand-out in terms of quality, having won numerous design awards. It faces north and has panoramic river views across the Swan River towards the city. There are four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a four-car garage. You can even catch spectacular river views from the heated pool and spa. Banovich Hilman agent Renee Banovich has the listing.
Canberra
Deakin
88 Dominion Circuit
$2,990,000
Not far from the Lodge or the city, this five-bedroom, four-bathroom home and double garage on 1911 square metres is attracting interest from politicians, doctors and people from the land looking to move into Canberra. The house is huge and the interiors have been recently renovated. Canberra's summers are hot and winters cold, so the home gets top marks for its ducted gas heating and ducted cooling. One of the highlights for me is the new saltwater, heated swimming pool and cabana. "It's a really great space for families," says Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Leanne Palmer.