Benn Dorrington

Home buyers chasing a house and backyard can still find a bargain in nearly 200 suburbs around Australia, however you may have to look outside the capital cities to secure a cheaper place to live.

A townhouse auction in Melbourne's leafy southeast gained $95,000 over its reserve price after revealing its reserve early to buyers, ahead of new laws taking effect within days in Victoria.

Household energy scores are gaining traction in Australia, helping home buyers understand how much properties cost to run and revealing how much sellers have invested in efficiency upgrades.

Real estate group Jellis Craig has donated $25,000 to A Home For All Foundation to help people experiencing homelessness due to domestic and family violence across Australia.

Australia's biggest real estate group Ray White has set its sights on raising $50,000 this year to give to charities helping people experiencing homelessness due to domestic and family violence.

A Melbourne house with a garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Scott Wynd has hit the market, with its owners claiming the grounds alone would cost $1 million to replace.

Nearly two thirds of home sellers who went to auction in Melbourne last week sold their properties despite being forced to reveal their reserve prices early.

Home sellers in New South Wales will have to share a sale price or price guide when advertising their properties from as early as mid-November in a bid to stamp out underquoting.

Homeowners wanting to upsize to a bigger home in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have the most favourable conditions in years, experts say, despite cooling property conditions around the country.

Industry experts are divided about new laws making home sellers in NSW display an asking price or price guide that could start within weeks.