Developers Keen To See 'William' Customised By Buyers

Developer Lucent Capital and Architectural firm ClarkeHopkinsClarke have embraced the growing trend of off-the-plan apartments customisation and have encouraged buyers to get in on the action wit their new development, William apartments.

They said they are more than happy to get behind the initiative that helps potential purchasers make all kinds of changes in order to meet their lifestyle needs.

“More and more, people are realising they don’t have to compromise on location because of budget, and they can have greater say during the process to get the layout they want," ClarkeHopkinsClarke Partner Toby Lauchlan said.

“There’s a number of multi-residential projects across Melbourne which, similarly to William, we are combining apartments in the various stages of development, from early planning and even during construction for some developers."Situated in leafy Carnegie, the medium-sized 41-dwelling development 'William' – named after William Murray Ross, who first developed the Carnegie area – is designed in homage to the architectural language of the area.

“William was designed with Carnegie in mind. Timber textures, brick, render and glass, along with landscaped gardens, gives the facade a soft yet modern feel that complements the surrounding leafy streetscape,” Mr Lauchlan said.

William is within walking distance of the numerous cafes, bars and eateries on Koornang Road. There are a number of kindergartens and schools in close proximity and Monash University’s Caulfield campus is a little over a kilometre away. Trains, buses and the 67 tram line complete the public transport picture.

The ability to customise floor plans proved to be an enticing element to William, especially for buyers like Laura, who purchased two two-bedroom apartments to create a larger home for her partner and two young children.

Having trialled apartment living before Laura knew the benefits of a low maintenance and community-focused lifestyle, but said this time around, size and an outdoor area for their children were important factors.

She and her partner said she was able to define their own floorplan, then with the expert advice of the developer and architect evolve their sketch to include two spacious courtyards, a home office, extra built-in storage and an entertainment area in the living space.

Sophie Whittakers from Lucent Capital, the developers for William, said she has seen similar movement from downsizers.

“Downsizers are not necessarily price-driven when purchasing a new home but, like first-home apartment buyers, they are similarly concerned with location, generally wishing to stay connected with their networks and the amenities they have become accustomed to,” Whittakers said.

The City of Melbourne recently released a report predicting that, in 15 years, couples with children will account for 9 per cent of households in its area, many of which will be occupying apartments. Middle-ring suburbs such as Carnegie, where the median house price is currently $1,266,500, are steadily following suit.

Construction of William will commence in May 2017 and is scheduled for completion in mid 2018.