Latest news with #TomButters

News.com.au
04-08-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Manifold Heights: Builders fight for home where the top end is $3m
Two builders went toe to toe for an original house in a street where the most expensive properties sell for more than $3m. The resolve between the bidders knocked out any other potential competition for the three-bedroom character home, and added $45,000 above price expectations for the property at 3 Purrumbete Ave, Manifold Heights. Buxton Newtown agent Tom Butters had listed the property with price guidance of $799,000 to $875,000. Six-car basement garage wows at luxury Newtown home The property offers a big opportunity to add value, considered the most expensive homes to sell in Purrumbete Ave have been for more than $3m, including a five-bedroom house that sold in May. But a project is likely to achieve a potential $2m-plus value, given the land size. 'The big ones are on circa-1000sq m, this one was on 688sq m.' Mr Butters said. 'The home was a bit compromised in that it needed a bit of work. We were very, very happy with that (result).' Mr Butters said two bidders had put their hands up at Saturday's auction. 'It was pretty ferocious back and forth,' he said. 'It was a slow start at $750,000 and then progressed pretty quickly. 'Both were builders who could see past the work that needed to be done and wanted to make the most of the position.' Manifold Heights' $1.175m median house price is Geelong's most expensive, according to PropTrack data, with the inner west location and spacious blocks attractive to professionals and families keen on the nearby schools. 'For a lot of the market, something in Manifold Heights is more appealing to families than Newtown,' Mr Butters said. 'It's had huge growth and huge interest. We had over 100 people through the campaign. 'There may have been one or two other (potential) bidders who didn't get a chance to put their hand up because it went pretty quickly.' A circa-$2m sale in nearby Narmbool St reported last week was the latest in a string of top sales as the renovated and extended five-bedroom house sold to a family. The residence, designed by DBL and built by Archibald Builders with substantial involvement from the vendors, covers a significant portion of the 697sq m block.

News.com.au
23-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Landmark Newtown eatery site to test buyers' taste for property
The home of a Newtown hospitality institution has hit the market in a sale that will to test the strength of the suburb's dominant shopping strip to draw big money. The freehold title to Winters Cafe has been listed for sale as the owners look to cash in on the equity underpinning the prominent two-storey building at 330 Pakington St. Buxton Newtown agent Tom Butters has scheduled the 222sq m property for auction on August 13, quoting $2.6m to $2.8m price expectations, plus GST. The owners of Winters Cafe hold a long-term lease at the address, expiring in January 2027, with two further five-year options. The business is not part of the sale. Mr Butters said the property offers a chance for new owners to secure a 'set and forget' investment, leveraging the $83,000 annual rent, plus GST and outgoings from the net commercial lease. The two-storey building is a mainstay of the shopping strip, set among other cafes, restaurants, boutique retailers and health services. The location offers continuous foot traffic, high visibility, and unmatched commercial appeal, he said. The property offers 294sq m of floorspace, including an upper level with a private bar and a balcony. There is lane access for deliveries. Mr Butters said the shopping strip has been undergoing generational change, with some of the little village stores making way for bigger names. 'But those cafes will remain,' he said. 'They're great buildings and especially Winters has a pretty loyal following of people who love the cafe.' Mr Butters expects a local buyer will acquire the property. 'I'd probably see it as a local buyer who understands the importance of Pakington St and the price that's on offer there,' he said. 'You only have to walk up and down there on the weekend to get the feel for it. 'I think there's enough people out there who will, especially in Geelong, see the value in good commercial real estate. 'Especially in this river end village. It's a rare holding and something to hold on to for the future.' The property last sold for $1.26m in 2015, Cotality records show. It comes to market as the Burnett family is selling the freehold interest in Newtown's St Lords Hotel on West Fyans St, which is being offered with a long-term lease in place that spans up to 70 years, once options are included. The expressions of interest campaign is due to close for the pub at 5-9 West Fyans St, and a car park opposite, and could fetch around $15m. And Hamilton Group paid more than $32m for a landmark Pakington St woollen mill site with plans to reshape the vision for the precinct. The most recent major transactions on the Pakington St, Newtown shopping strip have seen sales between $2.3m up to $3.5m in 2024 and 2023. A Geelong investor landed a dual tenanted property at 317 Pakington St for $2.295m last December, reflecting a 3.6 per cent yield.

News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Family ends two-year search with $3m-plus Newtown home
Newtown has a new clubhouse leader for the most expensive home to sell in 2025 with a striking five-bedroom architectural residence on a substantial landholding. Tremayne, at 15 Layton Crescent, Newtown, was secured in a $3m-plus deal by a Geelong family that's spent two years in the market searching for the right property. Buxton, Newtown agent Tom Butters said it's a special home that was built in the 1970s. 'It is the biggest sale in Newtown for the year so far,' Mr Butters said. The local family had been searching for the right home for a couple of years, he said. 'They wanted that land factor,' Mr Butters said. 'They'll probably put their own spin on the house. 'But it's a pretty special house on 1300sq m in Layton Crescent, which is arguably one of the best streets in Newtown.' The property was listed last November with $3.2m to $3.5m hopes after a previous listing in 2023 at a higher price unable to find a buyer. The classic architecture has created big spaces tied together with a raked, timber-lined ceiling. Floor to ceiling windows and doors draw in plenty of natural light to the split-level home with plenty of architectural cues, such as 3.65m ceilings, and angled windows allowing the main raked ceiling to run continuously through the main portion of the house; a mezzanine level above a study, laundry, bathroom and sauna, and an open deck that overlooks the rear courtyard and onto the big backyard pool. 'It's amazing. The 1970s build features a big open space with timber ceilings,' Mr Butters said. 'The architecture is beautiful, really special, all open and full of light.' While new hydronic heating and ducted heating and cooling add to a long list of amenities in the home, it's the main elements such as hardwood timber cabinets, a redesigned outdoor area featuring and open timber pergola and the expansive open-plan living, dining and kitchen area that connected to the landscaped garden that catches the eye. Gardens dominate the property, which is walking distance to The Geelong College Middle School, and also close to St Josephs College, Sacred Heart College and The Geelong College's senior school. The sale has beaten the previous highest price for a custom five-bedroom residence from renowned Geelong builder Bruce Warren. The Nantes St residence sold for just shy of $2.93m in March. PropTrack data shows Newtown's median house price is $1.17m.

Associated Press
20-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Newly Appointed Advisory Board with Top Industry Leaders to Propel Growth of the Canadian Lighting Market
Canada Light Expo 2025: New Advisory Board & Expanded Exhibits to Elevate Canada's Lighting Industry, Focusing on Innovation, Sustainability & Market Growth ONTARIO, NOT APPLICABLE, CANADA, February 20, 2025 / / -- Canada Light Expo, the only trade exhibition for the lighting industry in Canada, is set to return to the International Centre in Toronto, Canada, from 12-13 November 2025. Following the success of its inaugural edition, this year's expo will highlight leading manufacturers in the architectural and specification market with a special focus highlighting Canadian-based companies and Canadian manufacturers. The event is strategically designed for industry leaders to showcase their advanced lighting technologies to an influential audience of architects, designers, key stakeholders, and decision-makers. This focus on Canadian companies bolsters Canada's standing in the global lighting market while supporting the growth of its lighting culture. Shaping the Future with Industry Experts as Advisory Board The event will be guided by a newly established Advisory Board, which brings together a panel of industry experts who are committed to setting strategic objectives to drive growth, innovation, and market expansion. With their progressive direction, the event will drive significant value for every attendee and exhibitor. Featuring a distinguished panel of industry leaders, the Advisory Board includes top professionals, including Shirley Coyle from CREE Lighting, Deborah Gottesman of Gottesman Associates, Dan Hadash from lightSPACE, Carl Huestis of Axis Lighting, Michael Jennison from Omnilumen Technical Products, Martha MacEachen of Dubo Électrique, Eric Teacher from STL Lighting Group, Dayna Bradley of Bradley Consulting, Paul Boken from Sourcery, Alana Punit of Salex, Dawn Brown from OALD, Tom Butters from The Lighting Agora, and Cindy Foster Warthen, Director of Event Strategy at Canada Light Expo. Their guidance will help steer the event towards new growth, fostering innovation and enhancing industry partnerships. In alignment with the Advisory Board's vision, Canada Light Expo 2025 will also spotlight high-end architectural lighting solutions that cater to the growing demand for energy efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge design. This approach ensures that Canada-based companies stay at the forefront of the ever-changing architectural lighting industry. Elevating Industry Engagement with Expanded Exhibits and Programs The exhibition will bring together top-tier manufacturers and industry leaders, providing a dynamic platform for innovation. It will feature an expanded exhibitor base and a comprehensive program that includes well-curated educational sessions, keynote discussions, and interactive forums curated by Tom Butters, Lighting Agora, tackling key industry challenges and emerging trends. Through collaboration with industry associations and agency representatives, the expo will showcase leading lighting brands, driving market progress and shaping the future of lighting technology. 'Canada Light Expo is back with a vision to set new industry standards. With the support of our Advisory Board, we are shaping this edition to be more insightful, engaging, and aligned with the industry's needs. This edition is a commitment to building a platform where professionals can connect, exchange ideas, and explore the latest lighting innovations. 'Brands of Canada' is at the core of this transformation, and we are excited to showcase the strength of Canadian companies and manufacturers globally, 'Gaurav Juneja, Director of MEX International, shared. Industry Leaders and Event Strategy Drive Canada Light Expo 2025 Building on the success of its debut edition, Canada Light Expo 2025 is set to grow exponentially with the right brands being showcased. 'We are working to encourage greater participation from key industry associations, media partners, Canadian sales agencies and manufacturer representatives, and the design community. Similar to how successful regional and national shows are often driven by agency support, our goal is to have key agencies involved and create dedicated sections on the show floor,' said Cindy Foster Warthen, Director of Event Strategy at Canada Light Expo.' Meanwhile, Himani Gulati, Director of MEX, stated, 'This year's exhibition is more than just a showcase—it's a powerful statement of our dedication to elevating the brand's footprint globally. This edition of Canada Light Expo is a leading stage for innovation, collaboration, and industry leadership, reinforcing Canada's growing influence in the lighting sector'. We aim to showcase the best of what Canada has to offer in addition to world-class global exhibits. Unlock Opportunities at Canada Light Expo 2025 Canada Light Expo has become a cornerstone event for the lighting industry. Last year, exhibitors and visitors witnessed substantial business growth, secured valuable partnerships, and gained crucial industry insights. The overwhelming response from industry leaders has set the stage for an even bigger and more influential 2025 edition, packed with unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and business expansion. Be part of this transformative event and position yourself at the forefront of Canada's thriving lighting industry. About the Organizer MEX International Inc., the Canadian subsidiary of MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. possesses over four decades in the advertising industry. With 27 years in publishing and 21 years in exhibitions, MEX has organized 100+ market-leading trade exhibitions across Asia, including India, Dubai, Singapore, and Thailand. The company is a prominent player in the advertising industry, publishing reputable magazines and advertising trade directories. MEX International Inc. leverages this rich experience to bring successful exhibitions to the Canadian market. X LinkedIn Instagram Legal Disclaimer: