Why I purchased: Buyers move in to Hawthorn Park apartment development
Residents have moved in to the completed $300 million Hawthorn East apartment project Hawthorn Park.
The striking project was developed by Dahua Group to a design by Rothelowman and sits in landscaping designed by Jack Merlo.
With buyers having moved in, Urban spoke to first home buyer Nahrin Butrus about her property buying journey, and what she loves about Hawthorn Park.
JR: What first drew you to Hawthorn Park?
NB: I was looking for a place with open space and greenery so the landscaping around the complex was actually very attractive and very important to me. And then on top of that the architectural style of the building and the interior design and finishings were all very beautiful and of high end quality. I was incredibly impressed with all that Hawthorn Park has to offer.
JR: How long had you been searching for a property?
NB: For about one year on and off but I only seriously looked around for about three months with a firm intention of finding a place to finally purchase
JR: Were you always looking for an apartment?
NB: Yes, because I love the idea of living in an apartment with lots of facilities and amenities at hand. I also knew that for the location I was after an apartment would be the best option. It’s an affordable way to live in the best part of Melbourne.
JR: Why did you choose Hawthorn East?
NB: The location is perfect. It’s a beautiful leafy suburb, very close to the shops and restaurants on Glenferrie, Burke, Auburn, Burwood, and Riversdale Roads, and it is very close to the city and transport. A lot of my favourite restaurants are here.
Read more: Walking Tour: What's within walking distance from Hawthorn Park?
JR: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?
NB: Research on what you need to do to be ready financially and understand how the purchase process works. And there’s plenty of government schemes to help you along with buying your first place so take advantage of them.
JR: Did you take advantage of any government incentives?
NB: Yes, I used the First Home Super Saver Scheme and received the First Home Owner Grant and Stamp Duty was waived.
JR: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?
NB: I did but I also thought about how a range of characteristics worked together. I wanted a place that was close to the city, some greenery, with a good layout, good internal and external space, lots of amenities, not too tall a building so it is overbearing. I got everything I wanted.
JR: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?
NB: I found my dream apartment and it wasn’t built yet. But it also has the benefit of coming with the First Home Owner Grant, and it also gave me more time to get prepared with my finances and prepare to move. It’s nice to be able to plan in advance with a time frame than suddenly having to move your life around.
JR: How is your experience in Hawthorn Park?
NB: I'm very happy at Hawthorn Park. It’s all so beautiful and has turned out to be exactly what I was hoping to get. It honestly feels like living in a resort. And the apartment itself is well built too. I can see a lot of thought has gone into the layout inside the apartment to be functional for everyday life.
JR: Hawthorn Park has an impressive list of onsite amenities - which one is your favourite and why?
NB: It does and I love them all but the sky pool is definitely the most amazing. The views of the city and surrounds are impressive up there.
JR: How do you find Hawthorn Park community?
NB: Everyone I’ve met and talked to so far have all been lovely and wonderful people. I look forward to meeting more of my neighbours.
Read more: Rothelowman discuss the design principles of Dahua Group's Hawthorn Park apartment project