An elevated three-bedroom Figtree home, set in a corner position opposite Roy Johanson Park and playing fields, will go to auction this week.

The property at 2 Langson Avenue (pictured above), set on a 639-square-metre block, has been stylishly updated and offers fresh interiors, private outdoor areas and an outlook over neighbouring parklands.

Listed with Darren Kay and Simon Micallef, of Belle Property Wollongong, the home will go to auction on Thursday, June 26 at 6pm.

Mr Kay said the character residence was an ideal prospect for buyers seeking a parkside property that was convenient to Figtree's amenities.

The interiors feature a sleek, contemporary gas kitchen that overlooks the rear yard, plus a renovated bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiles.

There are polished floors throughout the light-filled living and dining areas. There are three bedrooms, including two with built-in wardrobes and an extra toilet in the laundry.

Other features include airconditioning, solar panels, a lock-up garage, underhouse storage space and additional driveway parking.

It is open for inspection on Saturday from 11.15am to midday.

Sold before auction

A five-bedroom architect-designed home at 11 Drualla Road, Jamberoo (pictured above) has sold for $1.55 million.

The single-level contemporary rural residence, set on an acre of grounds, sold before it went to auction. It had a price guide of more than $1.35 million.

It was sold by Jordan Andonovski and Marnie Beauchamp, of McGrath Real Estate.

The home has a unique layout with north aspect indoor-outdoor living areas. The living-dining space has high ceilings and valley views, and an entertaining deck overlooking a swimming pool. There is a poolside cabana with kitchenette.

Other features include a gourmet kitchen with large pantry, island bench and gas cooktop; king-sized bedrooms, a stylish full-size bathroom, and the master bedroom has an en-suite plus a sunlit deck.

Luxury off the plan

An architecturally designed three-bedroom townhouse at Balgownie is selling off the plan through MMJ Wollongong Real Estate.

Listed with David Geary, the townhouse at 2/33 Kembla Street (artist's impression pictured above) has open-plan living and dining areas, spacious double garage, private balconies and superior finishings throughout. It is in a small complex of only two and is on the market for $589,900.

Mr Geary said the kitchen was fully customised with 40-millimetre stone benches and stylish polyurethane and laminex features.

Located close to the Balgownie shopping village, the townhouse also has an entertaining area with privacy and lots of natural sunlight.

Pressure eases

The pressures of purchasing a new home will be eased, with changes to the First Home Owners Grant, according to NSW Treasurer Andrew Constance.

He said changes announced in the 2014-15 NSW Budget would see the threshold for the $15,000 grant boosted to $750,000 - an increase of $100,000.

The change means entry-level buyers can spend up to $750,000 on a new property.

"This will make the dream for young families of owning their own home that bit easier," Mr Constance said.

"We are getting on with the job of freeing up land supply while ensuring the financial support is in place for young families entering the market."

13 sold on first day

The first release of contemporary Alfresco Collection homes at Shell Cove was a hit with buyers, with all 13 properties selling on the release day.

Ideally located in a prime spot within Shell Cove, The Alfresco Collection offers a selection of functional, contemporary and architecturally designed coastal homes.

Australand NSW residential division general manager Nigel Edgar said the sellout was evidence of the strengthening demand for Shell Cove properties.

"Buyers of all ages recognised the unique opportunity to enjoy a brand new home within the Alfresco Collection, including first home buyers, families, upsizers and downsizers."

• A five-bedroom Albion Park house for $500,000 through Ray White Albion Park

• A two-bedroom Wollongong apartment for auction through Belle Property

• A four-bedroom Figtree house for $499,000-plus through Brailey First National

• A three-bedroom Albion Park house for $409,000 through First National Coastside

• A three-bedroom Wollongong townhouse for $639,000 through MMJ