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

Joel Robinson

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."

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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.”

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wy4Blv8jK-A?si=rKKxGXAMzh4jUSDj" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

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.

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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."

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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;

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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.

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"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."

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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."

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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.

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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

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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.

Why density and delivery matters to downsizers on the Gold Coast: Urban Buyer Q&A

When Brisbane lawyer Rebecca Stevens and her husband started thinking about downsizing, they weren't too sure where to start.

They knew they wanted to be closer to the city from their family home in Bardon, which was getting too big with their four kids all starting to finish university.

"We wanted city living again," Rebecca said, adding that lifestyle factors, like proximity to the city and walking distance to cafes and restaurants, were two key criteria in their search.

"We started looking around New Farm and other riverside areas, but we couldn't find anything that we really loved within our budget," Rebecca recalled.

The couple also knew they wanted something dog-friendly for their small dog, which is why they initially started their search in the established house market.

It was a visit to West Village, the $1.2 billion West End masterplanned community by Sekisui House Australia, which changed their mind.

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Rebecca had in fact suggested her parents move into West Village several years earlier, having&nbsp;spotted a Facebook ad for a French Christmas market being held on the lawns at West Village, and floated the idea of downsizing to her parents.

It wasn't until last year that Rebecca considered West Village as an option for her and her husband when she went to visit her parents.

"We never thought we'd want to live there, but we loved the idea of the lifestyle," Rebecca admitted, but having spent more time in the community, and a well-placed signboard, the couple's interest was piqued.

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"There's&nbsp;always been signage throughout the community talking about what's happening next. When we visited we noticed a signboard with a dog that looked a lot like ours and that turned our heads a little as we hadn't considered apartment living with the dogs.

"Dog-friendly living was something we thought we would never find in an apartment building, but to have an off-leash dog park on the roof of the building, communal dog wash facilities, and just to know having pets in the building was welcomed, that was a huge drawcard for us."

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Rebecca will soon be able walk to work in the city and will be in the immediate proximity to cafes, restaurants and retail, all located within West Village which is a thriving community having first started its development nearly a decade ago.

Rebecca's apartment, and the rest of the Allere Collection, are slated for completion mid-next year by regarded builders Hutchisons. There are only a handful of the four and five-bedroom apartments left in the Opulent Release.

Rebecca 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.

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How the lure of city living is drawing downsizers to West Village: Urban Buyer Q&A

"I don't buy off the plan."

That's what Melbourne resident Jill said nearly 12 months ago while contemplating a move from her family home.

Jill, who works for an international engineering company, has lived in cities like Sydney, Denver, and London over the past three decades, yet, she always envisioned settling down in Melbourne.

Still just in a research phase, it was casual coffee chat on a weekend with <a href="/project-marketer/projects-by-buxton">Projects by Buxton</a> Director Heath Thompson that decided her next move.

"The first words I said to Heath were that I wouldn't buy off the plan,"&nbsp;Jill joked as she recalled their meeting just before Christmas in 2023.

"An hour later, I was calling my friend and telling her I'd be late for our brunch."

The conversation with Heath set the wheels in motion for Jill to purchase a two-bedroom apartment in <a href="/buildings/galerie-glen-iris-1538-1540-high-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">GALERIE</a>, the boutique development in Glen Iris that is now a few months away from occupancy.

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"I appreciated Heath's considered approach to understanding my lifestage, my wants and my needs."

Since the purchase,&nbsp;Jill says she hasn't looked back.

Developer LDS Property and Projects by Buxton hosted a buyer event at Big Plans, a company that allows buyers to project their apartment onto the floor and move around furniture so they can get a life-size scale of what they're buying.

Jill had made a few changes to her floorplan, including adding a fireplace to the living room. On top of the flexibility to customise, it was the attention to detail and care from the wider team that made her&nbsp;feel part of the process.

"Rachael, the development manager from M2Co, said she had looked at the fireplace request and said that it would be a nice addition to the living space. She said she wouldn't have let me add it if it impacted my liveability or the design, and I thought&nbsp;that was so nice to know you were being looked after behind the scenes."

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Jill is excitedly awaiting settlement and a move-in date which will be before Christmas.

"At the buyer event we got to meet several of the people I'll be calling neighbours, many of whom are downsizers."

Jill says the downsize will mean less unnecessary clutter, and no maintenance of a garden, and it will mean staying in an area she has loved for many years.

On GALERIE as a whole, Jill says it ticked all the boxes for her.

"It’s the perfect balance of low-maintenance living and style, and I’m ready to enjoy my new space."

Jill 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

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"The first words I said to Heath was that I wouldn't buy off the plan," Jill joked as she recalled their meeting just before Christmas in 2023

Why a downsizer who wouldn't buy an off the plan apartment, bought an off the plan apartment in GALERIE Glen Iris: Urban Buyer Q&A

It was the combination of research, timing, and growth potential that led Youngki Park to secure his first home in <a href="/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a>’s Melrose Central, part of the expansive Melrose Park urban renewal project.

Youngki, an architect by trade, had become aware of the opportunity for growth in the area from his friend who had previously bought an apartment in Melrose Park with Sekisui.

"The value of my friend's apartment had gone up since he had bought it off the plan, so that for me opened up the idea of buying an apartment that hadn't been built yet,"&nbsp;Youngki said.

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Youngki had seen first hand how much the area had evolved in recent years, and was well aware of the infrastructure developments in <a href="/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a>.

"There is a lot happening in the area, especially regarding transport, which will connect it to the rest of Sydney," Youngki said.

"Melrose Central will be across the road from the future&nbsp;Parramatta Light Rail which will make commuting into the city easy, and there's a new bridge planned that will connect it [Melrose Park] to Wentworth Point."

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Understanding no purchase of a home isn't without its risks, in both the established or off the plan space, Youngki said doing his research on the developer made him feel at ease.

"As an architect, I appreciated the design of&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/melrose-central-melrose-park-33-hope-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Central</a>,&nbsp;and after doing my research into Deicorp and the fact they have delivered 100 per cent of projects they've set out to, my mind was made up."

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Youngki is renting across the harbour in Rhodes but decided it was the right time to invest in his financial future. He was one of 40 or so buyers who secured apartment on the display suite launch at&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/melrose-central-melrose-park-33-hope-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Central</a>.

"I hadn't intended on buying on the opening weekend, however, the sheer number of people, and the clear confidence and intent of those buyers, pushed him over the line."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289895]

<a href="/project-marketer/cbre-residential-australia" target="">CBRE</a>&nbsp;Residential Project Managing Director, David Milton, says Melrose Central represents great value for buyers.

"Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments are priced under $1 million. If you go to any of the neighbouring suburbs, you can't get that kind of value," Milton suggests.

Milton says the buyer pool has been diverse, with first home buyers, local owner-occupiers, and even investors purchasing.

Melrose Central, developed by Deicorp and <a href="/developers/payce-consolidated-limited">PAYCE</a>, is a part of the larger 55-hectare Melrose Park precinct, which will eventually deliver 500 apartments over six buildings, alongside a five-level podium housing retail, wellness facilities, and a Coles supermarket.&nbsp;

The first stage of Melrose Central is expected to complete by mid-2027.

Youngki took part in Urban's&nbsp;<a href="/news/buyer-qa">Buyer Q&amp;A series</a>, which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="/guides/the-ultimate-off-the-plan-guide-5-property-experts-share-advice-for-buying-a-new-apartment-or-townhome" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134220]

CBRE Residential Project Managing Director, David Milton, says Melrose Central represents great value for buyers

Why a local first home buyer bought an apartment in Deicorp's Melrose Central: Urban Buyer Q&A

Purchasing off the plan can often feel like a confidence challenge; however, once you’ve done it once, the process becomes much easier.

Many buyers find themselves returning to secure apartments in new developments by the same developer, given assurances they've delivered quality before, and, in a lot of cases around the country, price growth on the initial purchase.

This is precisely the case in <a href="/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle</a>, where Neil Owens recently purchased an apartment at ONE Apartments, the new two-tower project by local builder-developer GWH. It marked Neil's second purchase with GWH. He bought off the plan in SKY Residences, just 650 metres down the road.

"I have firsthand experience with the developer's quality, and I believe that, like any reputable developer, they will always strive to make each new building even better," Neil said

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Neil has been living on the top level of Sky since its completion in 2022.&nbsp;

"It's an amazing apartment," Neil says.&nbsp;

"That was my downsize from my house in the area. I was seeking to scale back work commitments and slow life down, and buying an apartment was part of that."

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Neil's purchases with GWH were driven by what he wanted to do for his daughter.

"I wanted to buy something new for my daughter that nobody had lived in," Neil said.

Neil secured one of the few two-level, two-bedroom apartments in ONE Apartments, which he intends to move into.

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Going back six years, Neil was looking to downsize locally. He had been looking around Newcastle's centre, but it was a chance meeting after a football coaching camp that paved the way for the start of Neil and GWH's relationship.

Neil scheduled an appointment to go and see SKY Residences after the weekend, a weekend when he was training to become a football coach. When he visited the display on the Monday, he was welcomed by a familiar face.

That was GWH Sales Director Peter Kunov, who had been at the same football coaching training at the weekend.&nbsp;

"It was a chance encounter but it immediately put me at ease that I was talking to someone that was part of the local community," Neil recalled, admitting that he was a little out of his depth.

"I'd never bought off the plan before, and I hadn't lived in an apartment since I was young. But at the time, GWH was building several developments around the area, and SKY was 75 per cent complete, it wasn't just a hole in the ground. That helped me make my decision, and I'm glad I was patient and waited the six months or so for completion and move-in, rather than buy something that would be more short-term thinking."

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Neil had looked at some apartments down on the foreshore, but he said the quality "just wasn't there."

His downsizing plans to a secure apartment will allow him the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle downsizers often seek.

<a href="/new-apartments/one-apartments-newcastle-west-1-national-park-street-newcastle-west">ONE Apartments</a> is the latest Newcastle apartment project by reputable builder-developer <a href="/developers/gwh">GWH</a>, a company synonymous with development in Newcastle since its inception in 1995.

The two 22 and 19-level towers designed by <a href="/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a> are connected by a four-level podium that will home a commercial space and will be crowned with an outdoor pool.

There are further facilities throughout the building, like a cinema, gym, sauna, bookable private function room, and two rooftop entertainment areas. The Scenic Lounge is located on the 22nd floor of the South Tower, and the Harbourview Lounge is atop the 19th floor of the North Tower.

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Over half of the 193 apartments in ONE Apartments have sold, mostly to locals.

GWH's in-house construction arm is on track to complete the two buildings at the end of 2025.

Neil took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="/guides/the-ultimate-off-the-plan-guide-5-property-experts-share-advice-for-buying-a-new-apartment-or-townhome" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia

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Neil took part in Urban's Buyer Q&A series which focuses on the driving factors behind buying off the plan property in Australia

Second time's a charm as off the plan buyer secures another apartment with GWH in Newcastle: Urban Buyer Q&A

Recent off the plan property purchaser Ray Foo has a strategy when he's buying apartments off the plan in Sydney.

"I'll always draw a five-minute walk radius around a development, to calculate its proximity to transport connections, mainly train or metro stations," Ray said.

"I do this from both an investment and liveability standpoint.

"My view is those developments that are well connected to the rest of Sydney will enjoy greater returns in both price growth and rental yield. I also look at the walk radius for when I live in the apartments, so I have an easy and convenient route into the city."

It was with this method, as well as extensive knowledge of the reputation of developer <a href="/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a>, that led Raymond to purchase a two-bedroom apartment in <a href="/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville">Juliet</a>, Hyecorp's new apartment development in Roseville.

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Comfortably falling into Ray's criteria, Juliet is located across the road from <a href="/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> Station, a 25-minute commute into the Sydney CBD.

"You can't get a better location," Ray said.

"Not only are you across the road from the station, you're on the top of a hill and next to a park. It will be hard for another development to rival this location in Roseville."

Read more:&nbsp;Juliet: <a href="/news/nsw/juliet-one-of-the-most-connected-apartment-developments-in-the-leafy-roseville">One of the most connected apartment developments in the leafy Roseville</a>

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The Juliet purchase represented an upsize for Ray, who bought his first property, also off the plan, a few years ago in his early 20s. That apartment was in&nbsp;Billbergia's Rhodes Central a few years ago, another well-connected development to transport near Rhodes Station.

Ray said off the plan gives much more flexibility for a first home buyer than a purchase in the established market.

"The percentage required for a deposit when buying off the plan allows first home buyers to avoid relying on the 'bank of mum and dad,' which is often necessary in the established market," Raymond explained.

"You pay a 10 percent deposit—an amount that is achievable to save up for. Instead of settling on the property in six weeks, as is common in the established market where you must pay the remaining 10 percent of the deposit, you have years to accumulate that money. While saving, you're not paying any progress payments or other fees, and your asset is often growing in value over that period."

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It was 2016 when Hyecorp identified the prime Pacific Highway site, home to the Roseville RSL Club, as where they wanted to create not only a new apartment development, but rejuvenate the RSL which&nbsp;had been a fixture next to Memorial Park since the 1930s.

Hyecorp worked with both the Roseville community and local council to come up with Juliet, just 35 apartments that will sit above a redesigned ground floor club that will be more fine-dining than sticky floors with tired decor.

<a href="/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville">Juliet</a>&nbsp;offers a point of difference in a suburb dominated by larger family homes, with very little supply of new apartments. Less than a third of housing in&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a>&nbsp;is apartments, and of those, only 30 per cent have more than two bedrooms.

Ray took part in Urban's&nbsp;<a href="/news/buyer-qa">Buyer Q&amp;A series</a>, which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="/guides/the-ultimate-off-the-plan-guide-5-property-experts-share-advice-for-buying-a-new-apartment-or-townhome" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia.

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