When Sarah and her family decided to invest in Melbou​rne property, OSK Pr​operty’s <a>Melb​ourne Square</a> stood out almost immediately.

Based overseas, Sarah was looking for a long-term foothold in the city while also supporting her child studying in Melbourne.

“After looking at rental costs versus buying, it became clear that purchasing was a smarter financial decision,” Sarah says. “We also saw strong investment potential in the <a href="/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> area.”

Sarah explored a number of new projects before ultimately choosing <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank-vic-3006">Melbourne Square</a>. From the first viewing to making the decision, the process took just three days.

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“The location, the wide views, and the resident facilities really set it apart,” she says.

“The outdoor pools on Level 8 are a highlight, and the sky pool and spa on Level 54 are incredible,” Sarah notes. “As a pianist, I also really appreciate the grand piano in the music room - it’s quite unique.”

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“There’s a lot of variety [in the amenity], and everything feels thoughtfully designed. We’ve been able to host friends in the private dining rooms and enjoy movie nights - it really feels like an extension of our home.”

Residents have access to private dining rooms, a lounge, a cinema, a sun terrace, a music room, ga ym and yoga studio, gardens, a golf simulator, and more.&nbsp;

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Day-to-day convenience was also important.

“Having a full-line Woolworths right downstairs is a huge benefit, and the Pacific Asian grocery store makes picking up snacks and ingredients easy,” Sarah says.

A double-storey Woolworths, a Pacific Asian grocery, and an on-site childcare centre further enhance daily convenience, supporting Melbourne Square’s position as a self-contained vertical community.

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While the amenity and doorstep were the key drivers in the purchase, the Southbank location sealed the deal.

“We liked that it feels more spacious and quiet compared to the city centre, yet still offers great public transport links,” she says.

Located at 93–119 Kavanagh Street, Melbourne Square has reshaped Southbank with one of its largest mixed-use precincts. Designed by <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> and developed by <a href="/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>, the project delivers extensive resident amenities across 14,000 sqm of landscaped public park and green spaces.

A limited collection of completed apartments remains, ready for immediate move-in.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=2929]

While the amenity and doorstep were the key drivers in the purchase, the Southbank location sealed the deal

Joel Robinson

Overseas buyer shares why she chose Melbourne Square in Southbank: Urban Buyer Q&A

Young first home buyer Elycia didn’t expect to become a property investor when she purchased an off the plan townhouse at Development Victoria’s <a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020">LUMA</a> masterplanned community in <a href="/developments/sunshine-north-vic-3020">Sunshine North</a> several years ago.

“I’d been saving for a while, and it felt like a good time to get into the market,” Elycia said of her purchase.

When she visited the display suite, she could immediately see herself living there, thanks to the variety of thoughtfully designed floorplans.

“I fell in love with how the floorplans were laid out — especially how the living room was positioned quietly away from the kitchen and dining area,” she said.

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Having watched her parents build a home from scratch, Elycia was grateful for a simpler path.

“I wanted something with as few choices as possible. Just pick a colour scheme and go,” she said. “You didn’t have to pick bricks, carpet, or underlay — it was all done.”

She selected the light colour scheme and opted for a few upgrades like a premium benchtop, but kept most fixtures standard.

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While COVID lockdowns delayed the delivery of her three-bedroom home near Sunshine Station, Elycia, a teacher, said <a href="/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a> was transparent throughout the process.

The fact that Development Victoria is operated by the Victorian Government was a big reason I felt confident buying from them,” she said, adding that she was pleased with their clear communication around the delays, which were widely felt across the building industry.

“It felt slow at times, but once I could physically see the building taking shape, it all started to feel real.”

Importantly, the original purchase price remained unchanged — something Elycia appreciated.

“There weren’t any extra costs passed on to us. I’d paid my deposit, and the balance stayed the same," she said.

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Elycia had planned to move in and transfer schools once the build was complete in 2025. But life — and opportunity — had other ideas.

“On settlement, I stayed in the home for one night just to take it all in — to feel a sense of accomplishment for doing this by myself,” she said. “It’s now for someone else to enjoy.”

Development Victoria is currently delivering Stage Two of the LUMA masterplan, located between Ginifer and Albion train stations.

The townhouses vary in configuration and design, ranging from one to four bedrooms, and are designed to be all-electric, featuring solar PV, double glazing, and a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating.

A new public park and future links to the broader Sunshine Precinct — set to become a major employment and infrastructure hub — positions LUMA residents to take full advantage of being in a long-term growth corridor with increasing appeal for a wide range of buyers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27783]

First home buyer turned investor: How young teacher Elycia bought her home at LUMA in Sunshine North

Searching for your first home can often be a lengthy process — but not for Melburnian James Rothwell, who wasn’t even actively looking when he stumbled across the sales office for <a href="/new-townhouses/olio-officer-corner-of-bridge-road-and-coxon-street-officer-vic-3809">Olio Officer</a>, a new masterplanned community by <a href="/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a> in Melbourne’s South East Growth Corridor.

“There wasn’t really much of a thought process,” James recalled. “I just happened to walk past the display office on my way home from work one day.”

He said he wasn’t armed with a checklist or detailed questions — his curiosity was simply piqued by the location, close to where he grew up.

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“I wasn’t going in with a checklist. It wasn’t even a fact-finding mission. I was probably one of the least likely people to walk in and end up buying. But once I learned more about Olio, it all just started to make sense.”

James ended up purchasing a three-bedroom home early in the first stage of the development, well before construction was complete.

“I’ve always preferred new builds over older homes,” he said, adding that the financial structure of buying off the plan suited his situation and steady income.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=84641 project_image_fid=161916]

Once he decided he wanted to buy near his family home, James broadened his search and visited other masterplanned communities in the area.

However, it was the credibility of the Development Victoria brand that ultimately won him over.

“Knowing that Development Victoria was behind the project gave me a lot of confidence. It’s not just a one-off developer — they stand behind what they build and can’t disappear if something goes wrong.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=84641 project_image_fid=211732]

The location was another key factor. James works in Mulgrave, and the connectivity of <a href="/developments/officer-vic-3809">Officer</a> made the commute easy.

“It’s a straight drive down the Monash, or I can jump on a train at Officer Station — which is right across the road — and be in the city.”

James bought in 2021, when interest rates were at historic lows. While rates have since increased, he said buying off the plan gave him time to save during the construction period, making the transition manageable when it came time to settle.

“It was a chance encounter, but I’m glad I walked into the sales office that day. The home works perfectly for my lifestyle,” he said.

Development Victoria is currently delivering Stage Two of Olio. Over 90 homes were completed in Stage One, which also includes a central neighbourhood park. Homes in Stage Two are now selling, with prices starting from under $500,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=84641]

From passing curiosity to first home buyer: James' journey to Olio Officer

For years, Michelle and Wade had cruised the Broadwater, often docking at the Main Beach Yacht Club and dreaming of a life closer to what they call their second home.

What started as a holiday habit quickly turned into something more permanent when they discovered <a href="/developers/drew-group">Drew Group</a>’s dual-tower apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/lagoon-main-beach-11-23-cronin-avenue-main-beach">Lagoon</a>, in <a href="/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a>.

For Michelle and Wade, long-time Broadbeach locals and passionate boating enthusiasts, the decision to downsize wasn’t made overnight. But when the opportunity arose to call Lagoon home, it felt like everything fell perfectly into place.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=221592]

The couple recently secured a three-bedroom plus multipurpose room residence in the Sunrise Tower of Lagoon,&nbsp;with panoramic views and an enviable connection to the Broadwater lifestyle they adore.

“We live on our boat just as much as we live at home,” Michelle said.

“We were spending holidays at the yacht club just around the corner. It was during one of those stays we first came across Lagoon—started looking at the floorplans and just thought, ‘We can really do this.’”

`The couple live in a five-bedroom, two-level home in Broadbeach Waters, but Michelle was ready for a change. She couldn’t convince Wade when they first looked at Lagoon, but they came back a year later when the project began rising from the ground and they could see extensive progress in construction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=204524]

“Once we saw it in real life, it all just clicked”, Michelle recalled.

For the couple, Main Beach and Lagoon offers everything they need.

“We feel like we’re not losing anything by downsizing, in both the space offered at Lagoon as well as the facilities like a lagoon style swimming pool and a top-tier gym.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=221590]

Their new home at Lagoon offers a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle that supports both relaxation and activity. “When we’re home, I want to be on the boat, and not mowing lawns,” Wade said. “Lagoon gives us that freedom.”

They liked the peace and quiet of Main Beach compared to neighbouring suburbs, but also loved the fact it still has significant waterside amenities on The Spit and an increasingly thriving hospitality and retail precinct on Tedder Avenue and at Marina Mirage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

One of the main drivers in purchasing off the plan was what friends and locals said about those behind the project.

“Everyone knows Hutchies as a builder,” Michelle said. “Drew Group was a new name to us, but everyone we’ve spoken to in the local community has nothing but praise for Jon Drew. Friends who know people in the industry spoke very highly of him and we value their opinion.”

Hutchinson Builders is approaching topping out of the two towers. Drew Group expects Lagoon residents to move in over the summer.

Michelle and Wade took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind buying off the plan property in Australia

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108747]

From Broadbeach to Main Beach: Why local downsizers are making the move to Drew Group’s Lagoon Main Beach

Ron Jackson has called Mosman Park home for the last 25 years, so when the rare opportunity arose to downsize into a brand new apartment on the boundary of Mosman Park in North Fremantle, he jumped at the chance.

He has lived just 500 metres from <a href="/new-apartments/serai-north-fremantle-21-mccabe-street-north-fremantle">Serai</a>, the new apartment development by <a href="/developments/perth-wa">Perth</a> developer <a href="/developers/megara">Megara</a>, since the late 1990s.

"I've walked past the site, and the industrial buildings that previously occupied it, hundreds of times over the last two decades," Ron says.

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Ron and his wife saw an ad in the local paper, so when the project was launched, they attended the opening day reveal.

"We were certainly among the early buyers in the development," Ron recalls, adding that they were impressed with everything Megara had put together.

“The architecture and proposed fit-out looked fantastic, even on paper,” Ron said.

"The area boasts beautiful river walks, world-class beaches on its doorstep, and views of the harbour where cruise ships dock."&nbsp;

The apartments facing south offer panoramic views of the river, with the apartments facing north enjoying views of the magnificent northern beach coastline to Cottesloe.&nbsp;

Ron and his wife secured a three-bedroom apartment on one of the higher levels of the eight-level structure.

"We'll be in a position where our balcony wraps around so we have views directly over the Swan River, Port Beach and Fremantle Harbour. The chances are, given the rarity of new apartments in <a href="/developments/north-fremantle-wa-6159">North Fremantle</a> and being located high on a hill, the views will likely never be built out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186196]

Serai has been a hit with locals given North Fremantle hasn't seen a new development for several years, and nothing of this quality.

The two architecturally-striking towers, currently under construction and slated for completion in Q1 2026, will comprise 86 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and 11 luxury townhouses at the rear of the development. Serai also incorporates a host of impressive facilities which Ron says ticked all of the boxes.

“You name it, Serai has it,” Ron says of the development that will boast a heated swimming pool which will offer the most impressive views over the Swan, a gym with a yoga room and sauna, a fire-pit lounge, outdoor barbeque area, an outdoor cinema, a makers room, a whisky room and EV charging stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186200]

The couple has a miniature schnauzer, so while a dog wash facility may seem minor compared to larger amenities like a pool or gym, it’s actually an important feature for some prospective buyers.

“It’s important to us that the building is pet-friendly, and the integrated dog wash facility tells us pets are welcomed in the building, and we likely won’t be the only ones with a dog.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186201]

The latest technology within the building was another tick, offering Ron and his wife an added layer of security. Easy access to Fremantle and Perth via two train stations and the availability of a number of private schools in the area is also another big draw card for prospective buyers.

“Everything is top of the range with CCTV and number plate recognition when parking. We are going to feel very secure in the building.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=186207]

One of the most important parts of buying off the plan is to do full due diligence on the developer and its track record. Ron went to visit a building Megara completed a few years ago in Ardross.

"I actually lurked outside the building for an hour or so and caught a few residents coming and going from their apartment, so I got the chance to speak to them about their experience buying with Megara, but more importantly the quality of the building.&nbsp;

"Of the three or four owners I spoke to, everyone spoke highly of the apartment they bought, the quality of the construction, and the craftmanship of the interiors."

Ron believes the future resale value of the project should be solid because of the location, quality of the design, and the uniqueness of the project, a sentiment echoed by Megara Director Jamie Clarke.

"When completed, there will be almost nothing comparable to Serai, or anything under construction or even in planning currently. There won't be a lot of new stock that is competing within the immediate vicinity, and that's not lost on our buyers who know this is a rare opportunity," Jamie says.

Ron and his wife are one of many downsizers who are fuelling a large majority of the off the plan apartment market. Perth was the strongest capital city housing market in 2024, with house values increasing nearly 19 per cent.

Ron&nbsp;took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind buying off the plan property in Australia.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110291]

Ron believes the future resale value of the project should be solid because of the location, quality of the design, and the uniqueness of the project, a sentiment echoed by Megara Director Jamie Clarke.

Why Serai apartments in North Fremantle have resonated with the local market: Urban Buyer Q&A

Splitting time between <a href="/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> and the <a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a> has never been so popular.

While a long-favoured destination for Sydney families seeking a summer getaway, the Gold Coast is growing in popularity among retirees who are making it their second home, and sometimes, their primary residence.

Of course there are also who already have the beachside lifestyle in Sydney, but are looking for something else.

That was the case for David and Antoniette Richards, who have been Mosman locals for several decades. They recently secured a <a href="/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">villa in Capri</a>, the gated community currently being delivered by <a href="/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> on the <a href="/developments/isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Isle of Capri</a>, across a bridge from <a href="/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> and all of the connectivity that comes with it.

&nbsp;

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The couple had been exploring their options and how they want to downsize. Looking at the local Mosman market, and the $5 million-plus prices that were being commanded for two and three-bedroom apartments, they decided to look north.

“We’ve been holidaying on the Gold Coast for the last four decades, and as we approach retirement, we wanted to spend more time here,” says David, a former journalist and media executive. “The decision to move north was an easy one. The question for us was where.”

For David and Antoniette, it wasn’t necessarily to make a sea change.

“Initially, we looked at places like <a href="/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> and <a href="/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a>, but we didn’t feel the need to be right on the beach,” says David, whose home overlooks Balmoral Beach in Mosman. “What really appealed to us was the size of the properties and the type of community we could become part of.”

When they discovered the <a href="/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">Capri</a> development, everything clicked. “When we saw what Monaco Property Group was offering, we knew it was the right fit for us,” David recalls.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=324095]

The Richards secured a three-level, four-bedroom townhouse in the villa community of 48 residences, paying a fraction of what they would have paid for something similar in Sydney. “It’s incredible value for money,” David says. “You couldn’t get anything like this in a desirable Sydney suburb.”

Beyond the financial benefits, the location of <a href="/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">Capri</a> was a major draw. The development is nestled near golf clubs, cafes like Via Roma, and is far enough from the Gold Coast’s major tourist zones to offer a more tranquil lifestyle. “It’s the best of both worlds,” David adds. “We’re close to everything, but not caught up in the noise.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=324091]

Antoinette, a seasoned interior designer, was particularly excited about the possibilities the new space presented. The couple has built and designed several homes together in Sydney, and Antoinette knew exactly what to look for when it came to both the layout and finishes of their new home.&nbsp;

“NPA Projects took us through the specifications, and Plus Architecture and BDA designed a floorplan that suited our needs perfectly,” David says. “The multi-generational layouts, private lift, and high-end appliances really sold us on the place.”

The central amenities at <a href="/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">Capri</a> were also key to their decision.&nbsp;

“The smaller downsizer buildings in Sydney didn’t offer the level of amenities we wanted. We wanted a real sense of community, where we could interact with neighbours and see familiar faces at the pool, rather than constantly encountering short-term renters and holidaymakers.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=324094]

While the housing type, design, specifications, location and price boxes were all ticked, a purchase wouldn’t have happened without confidence in the team delivering <a href="/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">Capri</a>.

“I was impressed with the developer and his passion for the project,” David said.

“We were told he was a local <a href="/developments/isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Isle of Capri</a> resident, and that helped in our understanding of what the project meant to him.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=298831]

David said nowadays, you really have to do your research.&nbsp;

“Buildings from the 70s through to the 2000s were built to last, and there wasn’t much to worry about when it came to researching the developers behind them. But now, buyers have to be more diligent. You really need to understand who is behind a project before committing,” he says.

Adding to the confidence of the developer was the build partner, Greyburn, who has delivered a string of projects up and down the Gold Coast for over 20 years.

Greyburn is a solid builder in South East Queensland, and it’s easy to see they deliver what they promise. We feel confident in their ability to complete the project to the highest standard.”

Construction of <a href="/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">Capri</a> is set to complete in mid-2025. A handful of villas remain for sale.

David and Antoniette took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="https://expert-insights/buying/the-top-eight-considerations-when-buying-off-the-plan" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139511]

Construction of the villa development, Capri, is set to complete in mid-2025

From Mosman to Isle of Capri: Why Sydney buyers are heading to the Gold Coast

Recent Gold Coast downsizers Kim and Adam Crawford didn't just settle for one apartment in Nera, one of the new apartment developments on <a href="/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>.

The Gold Coast locals first bought a three-bedroom apartment in the Parneno Street building, which will be their new home. Impressed with the value on offer, they also secured a two-bedroom apartment.

“My husband and I were nervous about moving from our larger home to a sky home, fearing that we might feel rather claustrophobic," Kim, who hails from Wimbledon in England, says.

"However, Nera’s wow factor pleasantly surprised us, and we don’t feel that this change is like downsizing at all."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108640 project_image_fid=259355]

As an entrepreneur running her own beauty business from home, Kim was delighted Nera offered the prospect of still being fully equipped to operate her business and continue doing what she loves.

“We were in total awe of the stunning scenery that surrounds us, with a little bit of everything from the hinterland, river to the ocean, it’s truly breathtaking.”

While some living space is sacrificed, residents benefit from significant amenity, which was a big attraction to Kim.

“I cannot speak more highly of the rooftop amenities, the pool that overlooks Surfers, a yoga platform, and plunge pools are a few indulgences that I love about Nera.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108640 project_image_fid=253873]

The resident’s roof deck has 360-degree views along with amenities including an infinity rooftop pool, wellness spas, a fitness centre, residents’ private dining, sky lounges with fire pits, and a yoga platform.

<a href="/new-apartments/nera-residences-chevron-island-8-10-parneno-street-chevron-island">Nera</a>, developed by <a href="/developers/bastion">Bastion Property Group</a>, comprises 81 apartments, six sky homes, and a full-floor penthouse.

Construction has commenced. Nera is expected to be completed in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108640]

Nera, developed by Bastion Property Group, comprises 81 apartments, six sky homes, and a full-floor penthouse

From Wimbledon to Chevron Island: Urban Buyer Q&A

Since the plans were established in 2014 to create the new Maroochydore CBD—transforming the former Horton Park Golf Course into a thriving greenfield city—both local and interstate investors have been drawn to the growing centre of the Sunshine Coast.

While holidaymakers argue Noosa is the heart of the Sunshine Coast, those seeking a city with strong employment opportunities and thriving sectors in education and healthcare are increasingly flocking to <a href="/developments/maroochydore-qld-4558">Maroochydore</a>.

The multi-billion dollar investment is turning what was once a retirement town into a thriving city with a self-sustaining economy.

Local property investor Andrew&nbsp;knew what the infrastructure pipeline for Maroochydore would do to the property market. Over the years he's secured four apartments with builder developer <a href="/developers/habitat-development-group">Habitat Development Group</a>, one of the biggest apartment developments on the Sunshine Coast for the last two decades.

First he bought two apartments in a previous development by Habitat. Now he has just settled on two more apartments in the newly completed <a href="/buildings/the-corso-maroochydore-20-south-sea-islander-way-maroochydore">The Corso</a>, one of only two new apartment developments in the evolving Maroochydore CBD.

"I am constantly staying up to date on the market, and looking for locations that are likely to outperform the greater market, plus of course developers who deliver value and a reliably good product," Andrew says.

"I have strong trust in <a href="/developers/habitat-development-group">Habitat Development Group</a>, and I believe Maroochydore will perform well in terms of capital growth and rental growth in the medium to long term."

Andrew secured a three-bedroom penthouse apartment in The Corso, driven by the high-end finishes, high ceilings which made it feel more like a house than an apartment, and the large floorplan on offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100708 project_image_fid=294387]

Holding equal importance for Andrew as an investor are the facilities in the building

"Having amenity that will attract good quality tenants is one of the biggest drawcards to an apartment development," Andrew says, adding that the pool and lawn area, barbecue facilities, high-end private dining room, and work-from-home-space in The Corso would assist in securing great tenants.

He says that he always looks for locations with a&nbsp;high walkability score and significant amenity that is close.

"The Maroochydore CBD cannot be beaten in terms of its proximity to amenity and future government investment, and so the location really ticked all of my boxes."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100708 project_image_fid=291147]

Ultimately however, it came down to the reputation of Habitat.

"There are always risks in buying off the plan, and that is why I am such a big believer in Habitat," Andrew says, noting that the way they operate with their inhouse construction arm should fill any prospective buyer with confidence in their apartments.

"Most developments have to sell 50 per cent or so of their development before a bank will lend them money to start building. Habitat is not one of these developers."

Andrew bought his apartments just as the project launched back in 2022. Since then, according to CoreLogic, the Sunshine Coast unit market has boomed nealy 18 per cent, taking the new median unit value to $859,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100708 project_image_fid=291166]

Situated in the heart of the new Maroochydore CBD, The Corso comprises 158 apartments across two towers.&nbsp;

Only three-bedroom units, including a sub-penthouse and penthouse, remain on the market, with prices just below $1.7 million.&nbsp;

Andrew took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="https://expert-insights/buying/the-top-eight-considerations-when-buying-off-the-plan" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=100708]

Local property investor Andrew knew what the infrastructure pipeline for Maroochydore would do to the property market

Why a Maroochydore investor has bought four apartments with Habitat: Urban Buyer Q&A

A growing family and a long-term commitment to a lifestyle that ticked all the boxes were the two key drivers behind the recent purchase of a penthouse at Killarney Ponds in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/box-hill-nsw-2765">Box Hill</a>.

<a href="/new-apartments/killarney-ponds-box-hill-4-alan-street-box-hill-nsw-2765">Killarney Ponds</a>, the new development by&nbsp;<a href="/developers/kellarney-developments">Kellarney Developments</a>&nbsp;that is slated for completion early next year, has been intentionally designed so it not only offers larger-scale apartments than any other new development in the area, but the community facilities to match, creating an environment where its residents can thrive privately and socially.

We recently spoke with a buyer of one of the penthouse apartments to hear firsthand why they bought in&nbsp;Killarney Ponds.

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The young family secured a two-level penthouse, with three bedrooms set privately on the second level, away from the main kitchen, living and dining space. The apartment, including terraces, spans around 140 sqm, one of the biggest apartments in Box Hill.

The buyer spoke not only about the rarity of such an apartment, but also about the facilities within the building that they intend to use. Residents will have access to&nbsp;a function room, outdoor barbecue area, and playground on level one, along with a gym and technology hub on level two.&nbsp;

There's also an exclusive rooftop terrace reserved just for the penthouse owners.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22636 project_image_fid=297514]

Speaking about buying off the plan for the first time, the purchaser said it suited their needs because the family didn't need to move in straight away.

"We wanted to find the right place because this is a long-term decision that we're making for our family," the buyer said.

"It's a 10+ year decision for us, so we didn't want to rush into looking for an established place if we didn't need to. we would rather wait, and when we saw the opportunity, and say all the boxes were ticked, we jumped on it and it was a no-brainer."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22636 project_image_fid=297513]

It was the first time purchasing off the plan, and the buyer highlighted the effort taken by the McGrath Projects team to help them understand the process.

Reputable builder Sitecorp is approaching completion of the building, with internal fitout to commence soon after.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=22636]

Speaking about buying off the plan for the first time, the purchaser said it suited their needs because the family didn't need to move in straight away

Why apartments at Killarney Ponds in Box Hill are suiting the family buyer: Urban Buyer Q&A

In the new development space, the smallest detail can impact whether a buyer goes with your development, or someone elses.

Milton Young, a Gold Coast local and a director at national scaffolding supplier BuildSafe, had been looking for his next home, nearer the coast, having sold the family home in Clear Island Waters earlier this year.

He'd narrowed his search to the sought-after southern pocket of the Gold Coast, near the surf and the growing hospitality scene.

"We were fairly late to the party on discovering the southern end of the Gold Coast," Milton said.&nbsp;

"You're so protected from the winds of the Gold Coast, which makes beachfront living more attractive than some of the more northern suburbs."

Young was open to both the established and off the plan apartment market, but nothing he'd seen had felt quite right.

Having looked around Kirra, where almost every apartment had either a road or a park, or both, separating it from the beach, Milton opened the search north to Tugun and <a href="/developments/bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga</a>.

While there are several boutique buildings under construction on Golden Four Drive, one of just two true beachfront streets in Bilinga, <a href="/new-apartments/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Pipis</a> by&nbsp;<a href="/developers/siera">SIERA</a>&nbsp;stood out in particular, initially for the most unlikeliest of&nbsp;reasons.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=264301]

"It was one of the cleanest building sites I'd seen," Milton said, adding that while it's not the be-all and end-all, what it told him was that both the developer and the builder were taking great care in every facet of the new development, and that would no doubt extend to the apartments.

"Something&nbsp;was happening there every day," Milton recalled.

"When you're dealing with buying off the plan, you have very little to physically take in, so anything you can see for yourself, is very important in the decision-making process. It gave me a high level of confidence."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=264303]

Milton visited the display and was particularly impressed with the size of the apartments on offer, as well as the price, compared to some other developments, and the density of the building.

"The price per sqm rate is as good as you can get on the southern Gold Coast," Milton said.

"It can get to $30k plus in Kirra, Palm Beach or Burleigh. Pipis is closer to $14,000 per square metre. I couldn't look past that value proposition."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=264302]

There will be just 19 apartments in Pipis, which was also a drawcard for Milton.

"With less than 20 apartments, you're not going to be&nbsp;constantly sharing a lift, or sharing the pool. I love the small details, like the lift opening right into your apartment."

Another bonus was that one of Milton's friends was doing the landscaping for Pipis, and spoke highly of both the developer and builder. They were also putting in extensive greenery in the building, more than competing projects on the beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=264308]

On buying off the plan for the first time, Milton said paperwork, for any property transaction but particularly off the plan, can be daunting.

"Brad from Siera connected us with the solicitors handling the project, and everything went smoothly. We didn’t have to search for a new solicitor or worry about the paperwork. It was all taken care of as part of the buying process, which gave us confidence that we had chosen the right team."

Milton did his due diligence on Siera, who is part of the team, and what they'd delivered before, before purchasing a three-bedroom, half-floor apartment at Pipis.

Pipis, currently under construction through regarded builder LPS Group, is slated for completion in early 2025.

Milton took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="https://expert-insights/buying/the-top-eight-considerations-when-buying-off-the-plan" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138311]

While there are several boutique buildings under construction on Golden Four Drive, one of just two true beachfront streets in Bilinga, Pipis by Siera stood out in particular, initially for the most unlikeliest of reasons.

Buyer Q&A

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