Despite an interest rate cut not materializing in 2024 as many had anticipated at the start of the year, first home buyers appear content to enter the Sydney off the plan apartment market, somewhat reassured that rates are unlikely to rise in the short to medium term.

Data collected by MatterFact showed that first home buyers made up over 60 percent of enquiries in 2024 across New South Wales on Urban.com.au, driven by more affordable stock coming to market outside the city, particularly in and around suburbs along the recently opened Metro line.

Speaking with first home buyers across Sydney in 2024, the main driver of their purchase is the ability to afford the deposit, having saved up while living at home. However, many feel they are not yet ready to take on a mortgage. They are looking to enter the property market but aren't prepared to begin repayments just yet, so they're opting to buy into new developments at the earliest possible stage, knowing that the construction period will likely be at least two years, by which time they will be better positioned to begin repayments.

In this article, we explore the most popular suburbs in Sydney for first home buyers in 2024, highlighting some of the most sought-after developments in these areas.

<h2>Castle Hill</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>&nbsp;has been one of the most popular suburbs for several years in the off the plan space.

Previously starved of new supply, the $1 billion Hills Showground precinct opening up to development sparked a frenzy of developers wanting to add to the new apartment pipeline.

The large developments that have come in recent years have catered for all markets, offering one-bedroom apartments, tailor-made for first home buyers and investors, through to larger apartments for downsizers.

Adding to the appeal for first home buyers is the newly opened Metro which connects to the centre of Sydney in around 30 minutes. That's now making Castle Hill a viable living option for those who need to work in the city, where prices for new apartments are considerably more expensive.

Tapping into first home buyer demand is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/larool-crescent-castle-hill-2-22-larool-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Larool Crescent</a>, one of the only developments to launch in Castle Hill in 2024 while others complete.

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First home buyers have jumped at the opportunity to buy a one-bedroom apartment at $650,000, several of which have been snapped up. The two-beds currently come in at just over $900,000, which is generally a price of a one-bedroom apartment in the Sydney inner-ring.

The low-rise project is made up of five architecturally designed buildings around a central courtyard near Castle Towers, one of Sydney's largest shopping centres.

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Larool Crescent is one of few developments in Castle Hill which is covered by Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance, a policy which protects buyers from any structural defects of the building for 10 years post-completion.

Larool Crescent is slated for completion in mid-2026.&nbsp;

<h2>Crows Nest&nbsp;</h2>

Another suburb to benefit from the metro boom is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>.

Previously relying on heading to the neighbouring St Leonards for a train, Crows Nest is now just minutes from the centre of Sydney on the metro, which is drawing first home buyers.

One of the most popular projects for the year, and it only launched a few months ago, is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, the apartment development being delivered literally above the Crows Nest Metro Station.

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Third.i, and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, have seen a great response to the 130 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that have been designed by Woods Bagot.

One-bedroom apartments, which are under $1 million, are being seen as a great investment given the rarity of a TOD (Transit Oriented Development) so close to the city, one which isn't easily repeatable.

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Not just first home buyers, but any buyer at Elevate can buy an apartment with just a $10,000 deposit, rather than the standard 10 per cent.

&nbsp;

<h2>St Leonards</h2>

St Leonards is another benefitting from the spill over from Crows Nest.&nbsp;

Those projects that are in St Leonards, but bordering Crows Nest, are particularly attractive, like <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/twt-property-group">TWT Property Group</a>'s recently released first stage of The Collective.

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One-bedrooms at $935,000 are the most attractive proposition for first home buyers. Belle Property, the agency in charge of the sales, has said most of the apartments sold so far have been grabbed by locals.

<h2>Merrylands</h2>

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a> targeted <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>&nbsp;in Sydney's west,&nbsp;as an area where they could lift the supply of affordable housing

Rapidly gentrifying, Merrylands offers connectivity to Sydney and lifestyle at the doorstep, two factors high on a first home buyers wishlist.

Coronation's project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/mason-main-merrylands-249-259-merrylands-road-merrylands">Mason &amp; Main</a>, is a rare new development with studios, an apartment configuration barely ever seen in the new market. They start at $520,000, meaning first home buyers are exempt from paying stamp duty.

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The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments also aren't subject to stamp duty given they start from $760,000, under the $800,000 threshold.

Part of Mason &amp; Main is an integrated&nbsp;'Eat Street', which has proven an attractive addition for first home buyers who don't have to travel far to dine out.

&nbsp;

<h2>Rockdale</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/rockdale-nsw-2216">Rockdale</a>, in southern Sydney has emerged as a popular spot for first home buyers, one of the closest to the beach.

Near Brighton-Le-Sands but with the transport links and amenity of being in an inner-city suburb, Rockdale has garnered interest from those looking to live near the sand without the pricetag.

The newest development in the suburb is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale">Marque Rockdale</a>, a seven-level building with one-bedroom apartments designed for modern living.

&nbsp;

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Marque also offers the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy, which buyers are willing to pay a premium for when deciding to purchase a new apartment

Already topped out and advancing to a December 2025 completion date, one-bedroom apartments in Marque start at $650,000.

Joel Robinson

The Sydney suburbs first home buyers are looking to buy off the plan apartments

Downsizers and rightsizers have dominated the new and off the plan apartment market in 2024.

The two camps, downsizers in particular, are the least impacted by the continued high interest rates compared to a first home buyer or investor, positioning them as a key target for developers. Most of the new apartment developments that have come to the market in 2024 have been large apartments that suit the size and budgets of a downsizer.

Many downsizers have built significant equity in their family homes over the years and are now looking to move into more manageable living spaces, while also securing funds for retirement.

But where are downsizers and rightsizers looking to buy?&nbsp;

In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in Melbourne for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas.

<h2>Glen Iris</h2>

The leafy <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic" target="_blank">Glen Iris</a>, regarded as the geographical centre of Melbourne, is a suburb that, once you live there, you will never want to leave, which makes it an ideal suburb to be developing for downsizers.

The 3146 postcode offers a perfect blend of suburban charm and connectivity to greater&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>. It boasts some of the best schools in the city, as well as easy access to the central business district.

Heath Thompson, Director at Projects by Buxton, has sold out several new apartment developments over the years and notes that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;has long been regarded as one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>’s top suburbs for families and downsizers.

"You find that those who move to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic" target="_blank">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;often stay for generations," Thompson says.

"Generally speaking, young families move to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic" target="_blank">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;to enjoy a family-friendly lifestyle, with some of the best schools and parks in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>. As they approach the empty-nesting phase, these parents often look to downsize locally because soon enough they’ll be grandparents, and their children will likely raise their families in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic" target="_blank">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;as well. This creates a generational knock-on effect, making&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic" target="_blank">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;a really tight-knit community," Thompson explains.

Thompson has just one apartment remaining in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/galerie-glen-iris-1538-1540-high-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">GALERIE</a>, which will be welcoming buyers in the coming months. Downsizers have driven the majority of the sales of the 29 apartments.

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Equally popular over 2024 has been <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/lori-glen-iris-1610-malvern-road-glen-iris">Lori</a>, which brings a different lens of downsizing to Glen Iris.

Offering low maintenance townhouses which are due to complete in March 2025, only two homes remain for sale in the development by billionaire Larry Kestelman's LK Property Group.

The three-bedroom townhouses have been designed by Megowan Architecture and&nbsp;feature high ceilings and full-length windows to maximise natural light and provide views of the preserved 100-year-old trees on the site.

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The most recently launched new apartment development for downsizers in Glen Iris is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/avery-glen-iris-1542-1544-high-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">Avery</a>, just 24 apartments next door to GALERIE on High Street.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/alta-architecture">Alta Architecture</a>, embraced&nbsp;the principles of wabi-sabi, a Japanese design philosophy that emphasises natural simplicity and strength.&nbsp;

Alvin Xu from Alta said the aim was to create tranquillity within the busy city environment, integrating natural elements and gardens into indoor living spaces to foster a sense of calm.

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Demand for downsizers is expected to continue into 2025, particularly when Time &amp; Place <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/first-look-time-place-and-woolworths-greenlit-for-glen-iris-mixed-use-precinct">launch their mixed-use project</a> with Woolworths that will see 60 two and three-bedroom apartments developed on Burke Road.

<h2>Brighton</h2>

Brighton has long been one of Melbourne's bluechip suburbs, with house prices among the highest in the city.

It's another suburb that those who have lived in Brighton for most of their life, don't want to leave. It is also a suburb for the aspirational buyer in the new apartment market. The buyer who can't afford a house in the affluent suburb, but could downsize or rightsize into it.

"Brighton offers one of the best lifestyle offerings in Melbourne," developer Adam Sloane said.

"There’s the beach, the parks, the café culture, cinemas, retail… it has it all."

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sloane-property">Sloane</a> is currently developing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/111-carpenter-brighton-111-carpenter-street-brighton">111 Carpenter</a>, just seven townhouses near Brighton Station. All seven townhouses are north-facing, and some feature a master bedroom on the third level which overlooks neighbouring rooftops.

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Each townhouse has either three or four bedrooms across two of three levels. The open plan living area opens through bifold doors to private landscaped gardens by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/john-patrick" target="">John Patrick</a>&nbsp;Landscape Architects. Each home has a double garage.

"I knew 111 Carpenter was a fantastic, central site for a townhouse project based on the tree-lined streets, shops, schools and transport which are all at your door," Sloane added.

"It is the ideal spot to base your family and explore all that Bayside has to offer."

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Golden Age will try and tap into the more luxury townhouse market in the new year when it launches its high-end development on the former site of&nbsp;Xavier junior school.

They have <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/victorian-planning-minister-approves-golden-age-townhouse-development-in-brighton">plans approved</a> for 84 new homes across the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/47-south-road-brighton-vic-3186">3.3-hectare site at 47 South Road</a>.

<h2>Ivanhoe</h2>

The north-east Melbourne suburb of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a>&nbsp;has been starved of new apartments in recent years.

Only a quarter of dwellings are apartments, according to the latest census data.&nbsp;

Alternative investment managers <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>&nbsp;saw a gap in the market and is currently delivering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, strategically located at the entrance of Ivanhoe Village and near to all the community has to offer.&nbsp;

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The neighbourhood has a WalkScore of 90 out of 100, ideal for young families and downsizers with access to parks, restaurants, and prestigious schools.

Candela will comprise just 62 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/john-demos-architects">John Demos Architects</a>.

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In addition to enjoying all the surrounding neighbourhood has to offer, Candela Ivanhoe also includes communal spaces, such as multiple outdoor seating and dining opportunities amid landscaping, an atrium, a wine bar, a providore, and a rooftop garden.

<h2>Hampton/Hampton East</h2>

Much like Brighton in 2024, new apartment supply in Hampton and its neighbouring Hampton East has been geared toward larger-scale apartments.

Despite Hampton East's population rising above 5,000 from the 2016 census to the most recently collected census in 2021, the percentage share of apartments declined.

Chad Arbid Projects Director Chad Arbid said it's no wonder Channel 9 chose Charming St in Hampton East to film The Block in 2023.

"<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/hampton-east-vic-3188">Hampton East</a> is an affordable Bayside suburb known for parks, the beach, the best schools, shopping strips – like Hampton St, Bay St and Church St, restaurants and cafes, gyms, golf courses and medical centres - all within easy reach," Arbid says.

Arbid is marketing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/casa-tranquila-hampton-east-15-19-king-street-hampton-east">Casa Tranquila</a>&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/marcopolo-property">Marcopolo Property</a>, just around the corner from the five Block houses which sold for suburb record prices last year.

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Casa Tranquilla, one street back from the South Road thoroughfare comprises one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a> was another developer focusing on downsizers and rightsizers at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton">Linacre Rise</a>, next door to Linacre Private Hospital, a consdieration a lot of downsizers have when buying.

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Linacre Rise will have 27 apartments, 15 two-bedroom apartments and 12 three-bedroom apartments.

<h2>Elsternwick</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick</a>&nbsp;hasn't typicallly procued apartments that cater for downsizers or rightsizers. Not until design-driven developer Milieu revealed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, its garden community next door to the landmark Rippon Lea Estate.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> leaned into the fact the site no Gordon Street shares the boundary with the heritage-listed gardens that surround the 1880s-built mansion, with a private, secure gate that only future residents of Elsternwick Gardens can access.

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Aside from being located next door to Rippon Lea Estate, future Elsternwick Gardens residents will be a short walk from the centre of Elsternwick to the south, with its train station, shopping precinct and range of restaurants and cafes and the vibrant village or Ripponlea Village to the northwest.&nbsp;

The precinct will also include amenities such as health and wellness facilities, a simulation golf area, and for pet care, car washing facilities and hobby workshops, as well as a hospitality offering.

Milieu Managing Director Michael McCormack said Elsternwick Gardens is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

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Also seeing interest from rightsizers and downsizers is the larger apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/eva-elsternwick-village-apartments-241-glen-huntly-road-elsternwick">EVA</a>, suited to those who want to be in the heart of the village&nbsp;just 130 metres road from Elsternwick Station.

The large three-bedroom apartments, not common in the local area, are some of the largest Elsternwick has seen.&nbsp;

The completed development by builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/pitard-group">Pitard Group</a>&nbsp;was completed in 2023.

In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in Melbourne for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas

Melbourne’s most popular suburbs for downsizing and rightsizing in 2024

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/aniko-group">Aniko Group</a>, one of Queensland’s leading builder-developers, is getting set to embark on one of the most sought-after projects to be launched on the Gold Coast in recent years.

Aniko Group, headed by George Mastrocostas, is taking registrations of interest at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-landmark-mermaid-beach-14-seaview-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Landmark</a>, a groundbreaking $2 billion mixed-use project located in Mermaid Beach.

The ambitious development will consist of four towers, blending apartments, high-end office spaces, a fine dining precinct, and an internationally branded upper-luxury hotel.

The first release consists of 240 apartments. There will be around 800 in the overall precinct.

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“We are incredibly excited to bring The Landmark to life in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” said George Mastrocostas, Founder and Managing Director of Aniko Group.&nbsp;

“This project reflects our dedication to creating iconic spaces that not only redefine residential living but also enrich the surrounding community.

“We are encouraging those interested to register early, as The Landmark promises to be a highly sought-after address for those looking to experience a premium coastal lifestyle.”

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Landmark’s two and three-bedroom apartments have been designed to maximize views of the beach, city, and river.

Designed in collaboration with renowned architects at Plus and the expert team at Aniko Group, The Landmark merges contemporary coastal architecture with luxurious amenities that enhance the lifestyle experience.&nbsp;

Residents of The Landmark will enjoy an exceptional suite of amenities, which include a pickleball court, an outdoor lagoon pool, a dedicated Pilates studio, a golf simulator, an arcade, a sauna, spa, and a fully equipped gymnasium featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

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Strategically positioned on Mermaid Beach, the development grants residents convenient access to the area’s pristine beaches, premier shopping at Pacific Fair, and a wide selection of dining and entertainment venues, including The Star Casino and the lively precincts of Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Aniko Group brings a proven track record of delivering exceptional large-scale projects on schedule and with a commitment to quality. Following the successful completion of a $500 million waterfront transformation at Hope Island and the upcoming $145 million Orama project on Chevron Island, Aniko Group has further solidified its reputation as a trusted and reliable developer-builder. The company is preparing to redeploy its skilled construction teams to The Landmark in early 2025, ensuring the project will be built to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

With its distinctive design, comprehensive amenities, and prime location, The Landmark is positioned to become a defining addition to the Gold Coast skyline and a coveted address for buyers and investors from across Australia and beyond.

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Landmark’s two and three-bedroom apartments have been designed to maximize views of the beach, city, and river.

Registrations of interest start at Aniko's Mermaid Beach precinct, The Landmark

Splitting time between <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> and the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/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="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">villa in Capri</a>, the gated community currently being delivered by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> on the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Isle of Capri</a>, across a bridge from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> and all of the connectivity that comes with it.

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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="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/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="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-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.

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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="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-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.”

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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="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-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.”

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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="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-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="https://www.urban.com.au/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="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-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

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

Southport is about to witness the arrival of some of its most expansive apartments ever, with the launch of Brighton on The Park, a prestigious new development by Sixty Sticks.

Positioned on the park-facing Brighton Boulevard, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brighton-on-the-park-southport-28-brighton-parade-southport">Brighton on the Park</a> offers unparalleled, never-to-be-built-out views over the adjacent parklands, Nerang River, and extensive views toward the Main Beach skyline and Surfers Paradise. The exclusive development will feature just 12 luxurious apartments, with sizes starting from a generous 247 sqm.

The three-bedroom, half-floor residences offer spacious living, with the largest apartments reaching 300 sqm.

Designed with a focus on lifestyle and leisure, Brighton on The Park boasts an array of high-end amenities, including a rooftop pool with sun-drenched day beds, a fully equipped gym, and multiple lounge areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138113 project_image_fid=209672]

Sixty Sticks, led by Andrew Gilbert, has owned the 1,000 sqm-plus site since 2018, well before COVID-19 caused land prices on the Gold Coast to soar to record highs.

Preliminary works are booked in and ready to ensure the project launches by early 2025.

Demolition of the existing house on the property will begin shortly, with construction expected to start in Q1/Q2 2025. The build is anticipated to take around 14 months, as the project will not require excavation for basement parking, which typically adds significant time to the timeline.

With construction on track, buyers can expect to move in by mid-2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138113 project_image_fid=209672]

Gilbert explains that the majority of buyer interest so far has come from local suburbs, particularly downsizers looking for spacious apartments that can accommodate visits from kids and grandkids.

"These buyers are drawn to the convenience of apartment living, with all the comforts of a home—like a rooftop pool and an entertainer’s balcony—without the upkeep," Gilbert says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138113 project_image_fid=209308]

Each apartment features a generous balcony with a full outdoor kitchen, offering views over James Overell Park and the Gold Coast skyline.

The heart of each residence is the kitchen, designed to offer the feel of a house with a large butler’s pantry and a floating island that doubles as both a dining and entertaining area.

Each apartment also includes two side-by-side parking spaces, complete with an EV charging station.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138113]

Sixty Sticks, led by Andrew Gilbert, has owned the 1,000 sqm-plus site since 2018, well before COVID-19 caused land prices on the Gold Coast to soar to record highs


	Suburbs	Postcode	Mean Taxable Income ($)
1	Hawksburn/Toorak	3142	145,580
2	Portsea	3944	133,605
3	Brighton/Brighton North/Dendy	3186	110,462
4	Albert Park/Middle Park	3206	108,833
5	Kooyong/Malvern/Malvern North	3144	105,932
6	Camberwell East/Canterbury	3126	102,204
7	east Melbourne	3002	99,281
8	Flinders	3929	92,589
9	South Yarra	3141	92,032
10	Wye River/Wongarra	3234	91,089

At $145,000-plus incomes, Hawksburn and Toorak top Victoria's highest earning postcodes

Alistair Walsh

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