Back in favour: Victoria dominates most-viewed list as buyers seek out bargains

There was a time when the most-viewed homes on realestate.com.au read like a highlight reel of dazzling showstoppers. Lately, humble homes and genuine bargains are muscling into the top 20. This month's most-viewed properties was an eclectic mix of mid-century gems, acreage escapes, historic homes and affordable family buys, alongside the odd architectural showpiece. It hints at a less aspirational market mood — national home prices fell 0.2% in August, a fifth straight monthly decline, according to the latest realestate.com.au Home Price Index. Victoria dominated the list with ten properties, trailed by Queensland (six), South Australia (three) and New South Wales (one). Nine were in Melbourne, which beats almost every capital on affordability bar Hobart and Darwin. Top 20 most-viewed homes in August: Here are some of the most interesting homes that caught our eye this month. Melbourne mid-century spectacle This flat-roofed four-bedroom stunner at 2 Rosslyn Street, Hawthorn East topped the most-viewed list — and broke records for its agent, drawing 343 groups through the door. "We've never had anything like this before," said Sam Christensen at A-Z Real Estate Agency. "There's not really any other mid-century homes sold in Hawthorn East at that price point, and people have an affinity with those 1960s architect-designed homes." 2 Rosslyn Street, Hawthorn East was the most-viewed property on realestate.com.au in August. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold Designed by Sol Sapir — best known for his apartment work through the 60s to 90s — this 1963 gem was one of his earliest projects, built for his own family. The family who bought it from Sapir in 1977 — for just $79,000 — ended up staying until now, raising three children there. The home remains close to original, save for redone floors and an extra bedroom and living area added in the 80s. The mid-century home had hundreds of people attend its open homes and sold for $300,000 over reserve. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold Buyers lapped up the period details, Mr Christensen says — bare brick walls, timber panelling, concrete features, exposed beams, high ceilings, skylit bathrooms and glass doors opening onto private courtyards and gardens. "It's just cool; it's got that Hollywood sort of vibe to it," he said. Both bathrooms feature skylights and floor-to-ceiling tiling. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold It sold at auction for $2.2m, $300,000 over reserve. Queensland acreage opportunity Around 30km southeast of Brisbane, this 9.81-acre estate was the second most-clicked property, and a real-life magnet for horse lovers and multigenerational families craving space to spread out. 173-187 Carbrook Road, Cornubia packs in three separate residences alongside full horse facilities — stables, paddocks and feed sheds — plus extensive storage facilities. The property's 8-10 paddocks - each with feed sheds - generate a lucrative income stream. Picture: realestate.com.au The six-bedroom main house is a resort in itself, with multiple living zones, bars and a home cinema, all spilling out to a gazebo, poolside pavilion, firepit, tennis court and sweeping lawns. There's also a games room, a second four-bedroom home ideal as a rental, and a granny flat that doubles as a home office. Agent Steve Goodson of Ray White Bulimba says the dwellings open up options for a home-based business, rental income or holiday letting. Take a tour through the property: While the price guide is undisclosed, more than 100 enquiries have come in over three weeks, with the strongest interest coming from retired parents and their adult children. "They're thinking, 'we can sell our two houses and move into this one'," he said. "It's the space, and the fact that multiple generations can live together without living on top of each other." Historic Adelaide Hill cottage A home on eight acres doesn't come up often in the Adelaide Hills — and Nara Cottage in Stirling offers history and character to boot. The stone and brick cottage at 1 Nara Road, Stirling dates back to 1880 and has been held by the same owners for 36 years. The stone and brick cottage is one of Stirling's oldest homes, dating to c.1880. Picture: realestate.com.au Sympathetically extended in 1992, it offers four bedrooms, a grand family room with tall windows and working fireplace, a timber country kitchen, a master suite with bay window, and bathrooms with clawfoot baths — and all the high ceilings, decorative arches, ornate fireplaces, turned timber balustrades and stained glass you could wish for. Beyond the outside entertaining area is a dam, lily pond, grass arena, horse-ready paddocks and gardens, plus a powered shed and plenty of storage. The four-bedroom property was extended in 1992. Picture: realestate.com.au Agent Harry Shorland at Harcourts Adelaide Hills Stirling/Mt Barker says interest for the cottage, listed for $2.2m, has poured in from both local families and interstate buyers. "People have really seen the value in this space and location — and they love that it's a character home," he said. "I've had buyers fly down from Cairns and Sydney." Breathtaking Brisbane penthouse For downsizers, few addresses feel as swanky as this one — a penthouse in Admiralty Towers, which is among Brisbane's most prestigious riverside complexes. The views alone do the selling: Glasshouse Mountains, Moreton Bay, Brisbane City and River — with three bridges in the frame. The sprawling penthouse occupies the northeastern half of level 36 in Admiralty Towers II. Picture: realestate.com.au The building is around 30 years old, but the apartment itself is freshly renovated and comes fully furnished, with the price guide undisclosed. 193/501 Queen Street, Brisbane City spans expansive living and dining zones, and features timber floors and cabinetry, a showcase wine display, a white granite kitchen, an ensuite master with dressing room and private balcony, plus a wraparound balcony with covered lounge and dining areas. At 355sqm, it's the size penthouses used to come. The building's residents also score an indoor rooftop pool, spa, sauna, gym and entertaining areas. The property has views of the Glasshouse Mountains, Moreton Bay, city & river. Picture: realestate.com.au Agent Brett Greensill of McGrath New Farm says more than 50 buyers have come through, translating into multiple offers. "It's a spectacular view, and facing northeast, it's a front-row seat for [annual Brisbane fireworks event] Riverfire," he said "People also love the proximity to restaurants and the lifestyle precincts on the doorstep."