More and more, purchasers are waking up to the opportunities afforded to them by strata living. No longer simply a choice of size, or price point, buying an apartment is now a lifestyle choice.
Working with developers on a range of projects across Melbourne, we’ve seen this exciting trend emerge and worked with the communities as they settle into their new – elevated – way of living.
There’s no shortage of lifestyle initiatives and amenities that developers can look to include when trying to appeal to this new, discerning purchaser; we’ve rounded up 3 projects that have really pushed the envelope to give you some inspiration.
Hotel-like amenity in Brighton.
The International Brighton is a collection of luxury residences born from a collaboration between Landream, V-Leader, Carr and VCON. No strangers to the hotel lifestyle, VCON and Carr are the same builder architect team behind the award winning Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula.
Beyond spacious floor plans, high end finishes and beautiful design, this project has focussed on creating a hotel-like experience for its residents, many of whom are local downsizers looking for a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave alternative to their family home.
Resident amenities at The International include a 20-person private dining room with back of house kitchen, executive office suites complete with audio visual facilities, wine room, and a rooftop BBQ and entertaining area. These inclusions ensure that, despite the smaller footprint, there is no aspect of a stand-alone home that will be missed.
Indeed, with all these features, plus the bonus of an onsite concierge to arrange dog walking or dry cleaning, a ground floor café and over 60 security cameras onsite, it’s easy to see why the lure of downsizing is so strong.
Mitchell Crawford, Head of Development VIC at Landream says the pandemic has really accelerated this trend towards hotel-style amenity, “After spending so much time at home during lockdowns, purchasers have had time to reflect on their living situation and their plans for the next 15-20 years. Purchasers are bringing forward their plans to upgrade their living environment without compromise.”
A touch of escapism in Collingwood.
Described as ‘where East Melbourne meets the Lower East Side’, Victoria & Vine is a brand new project in the vibrant and eclectic Collingwood community.
From the innovative team at GURNER Group, supported by Cox Architecture and builders Hickory, this project does not shy away from the heritage of the area, and instead celebrates and breathes new life into the Wellington Street address.
With a nearby restaurant and bar scene reminiscent of Greenwich Village in New York, residents of this project will be able to experience a touch of escapism, every day, with facilities carefully designed to heighten the experience.
Including a New York bar & library, pool & spa facilities, a bookable private dining room and a VIP lounge, Victoria & Vine has thoroughly considered both every convenience, and every indulgence.
Sustainability first in South Melbourne.
Sustainable features in residential complexes have traditionally been limited to those required by building codes, or small nods – like well-performing appliances – with developers hesitant or unwilling to make bolder moves towards sustainability. Ferrars & York by HIP V. HYPE have challenged that status quo.
Comprising 22 carbon-neutral apartments enabled by HIP V. HYPE, Ferrars & York achieves an average energy rating of 8.6 out of 10, which HIP V. HYPE expect will result in a 40 – 50% reduction in energy use by occupants each year. Ferrars & York is 100% electric, with no gas and is operationally carbon neutral. 20.1kW solar panels on the roof are for the shared use of apartments and commercial tenancies, providing sufficient energy to operate many of the building’s shared uses.
With just one apartment available for sale, it is clear to see that this focus has resonated with purchasers. It is an approach we expect to see more of, with purchasers not only concerned about the environment, but also about the rising costs of living, and the cost-savings represented by energy efficient apartments.
Retrofitting these initiatives can be complex and costly for apartment Owners, so a project which includes them from the get-go makes for an attractive proposition.
As we emerge from the pandemic, with new priorities and expectations for our home lives, apartment projects can offer convenience, wellbeing, and a sense of community. And if the success of these projects is anything to go off, purchasers are responding.