In a time when the Australian real estate market has faced its share of challenges including construction delays, two standout off-the-plan apartment developments have reached or are nearing construction milestones, exemplifying modern, innovative ways of living.
For prospective buyers seeking a new apartment they can call home before Christmas, these projects offer an exciting and reassuring opportunity to secure a place in some of Australia’s most desirable locations.
Let’s delve into them…
15 Thompson Street: A new pathway to home ownership in Melbourne
15 Thompson Street in Melbourne’s Kensington is not just another luxury apartment development; it represents a revolutionary approach to home ownership. Backed by AustralianSuper, the nation’s largest industry superannuation fund, this project is the first build-to-rent-to-own (BTRTO) initiative by developer Assemble, providing residents with a secure and innovative pathway to owning their homes.
Kris Daff, managing director of Assemble, highlights the significance of this milestone: “The project offers residents safety, security, and certainty as part of our innovative purchase pathway, supporting them to achieve home ownership despite a challenging housing market.
“Residents are now moving in with the purchase pathway, which sets purchase and rental pricing for the first five years – giving residents the space and time they need to save.
“Throughout the pathway, they are offered optional money coaching support to help them save a deposit for their homes.”
Now fully completed and move-in ready, you, too, can move into this innovative project in the charming, inner-city suburb of Kensington.
“Our builder partner Hacer Group have, under unprecedented times for our hard-hit construction industry, have efficiently and effectively completed this project to an incredibly high quality and finish,” said Kris.
Comprising 199 completed apartments, 15 Thompson Street provides high-quality, environmentally sustainable homes complemented by generous shared amenities that cater to the urban lifestyle. These spaces include a rooftop with vegetable and herb garden, futsal court, wood-fired pizza oven, dog run, and laundry.
The building also emphasises sustainability with open-air walkways, solar panels, an embedded energy network offering 100% accredited GreenPower®, and an intuitive design for a less car-dependent future, as it is so well connected to cycling paths to the city.
“We have provided space for over 400 bikes, and our partnership with GoGet means there are also five share cars on-site,” Kris revealed to AD.
“Dedicated bike ramps separate from cars and people walking into the building.”
With residents already moving in, 15 Thompson Street is a testament to high standards of design and sustainability while creating more housing choices for those on moderate incomes.
Over 70% of homes within 15 Thompson Street are inhabited, with residents having moved in since the beginning of June 2024. One-, two-, and three-bedroom residences are still available, with one-bedders priced from $450,000.
Catalina: Brisbane Bayside luxury, move-in ready now
Developed by Brisbane-based developer Torre Developments, Catalina is a landmark building that captures the essence of bayside living. Fully completed and move-in ready, Catalina was designed to offer a tangible experience of the award-winning quality and craftsmanship that Torre Developments prides itself on delivering.
Frank Ferrari of Torre Developments remarks, “As a builder-developer, we have the ability to control every aspect of the development, so it was important to offer a move-in-ready building for local owner-occupiers who want to touch and feel the quality and craftsmanship of the final product.
“Construction completion is the most important milestone within the life of a project as it removes all the risk from the purchase and provides an exciting experience for buyers.”
Catalina’s design is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Wynnum waterfront, featuring a private rooftop oasis with views of Moreton Island, a heated pool, BBQ areas, and a yoga lawn – the perfect place for both relaxation and entertaining.
“Catalina is a landmark building inspired by the character of its stunning bayside locale,” Frank said.
“The iconic architecture, interiors, and landscape pay homage to the unique seaside elements that define Wynnum Manly’s character, rich sailing history, and desirable harbour lifestyle.”
Sustainability is also a key focus, with the building achieving a 6 Leaf EnviroDevelopment certification and being the first all-electric building in the bayside, complete with EV charger, rainwater tanks, operable sunshade aluminium screens, and Low-E double glazing.
The diverse range of apartments at Catalina caters to first-home buyers, families, downsizers, and investors. By offering high-quality, sustainable living options, Catalina addresses the local housing shortage.
With only two final apartments available, the development’s success is a testament to the growing demand for premium, environmentally conscious homes in Brisbane’s bayside.
Catalina’s final two- and three-bedroom residences are still available, with the two-bedroom priced at $1,100,000.
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