A tie for the last week of room reveals on this season of The Block. Domain's Adrian Lowe spoke to the joint winners.
Explore The Block in 360 to win
After months of sleep deprivation, design disasters, triumphs and endless hours working, this week our Blockheads delivered their completed apartments. Each is unique and each offers different styles and amenities, from the soaring high ceilings in Will and Karlie’s apartment to the high-end Gaggenau appliances featured in Sasha and Julia’s. While each of the real estate agents engaged to sell the apartments will be singing the praises of their couple’s apartment, there are certain attributes that a multimillion-dollar apartment can’t be without. Here is my list of the five things buyers should be looking for:
1. We all know the old adage: location, location, location and it should be a top priority for buyers. Proximity to transport links, parks, restaurants and shops is a must and within walking distance is ideal. It’s all about lifestyle and being able to connect to your local community and its attractions easily. Of course, an apartment in a blue-chip location is a wise investment when it comes to reselling later on as the growth in these locations is likely to be much higher and less likely to decrease in value.
2. Space, light and architectural uniqueness. Good architecture retains its value – whether it is apartments designed by a well-known and respected architect, the building that holds heritage significance and period details or, at the very least, look for good bones and quality finishes. An apartment interior that is open to the outdoors – either with a balcony or courtyard – with plenty of windows letting in natural light, will create a great feel as well as improving resale value. Consider neighbouring buildings and zoning rules when purchasing an apartment to safeguard your investment into the future. Also, when looking at square footage, consider cubic footage as high ceilings also create a vastly different feeling of space and luxury compared with a lower ceiling. Weigh this up with any available views.
3. Available amenities. This year’s Block certainly delivers, featuring a spectacular rooftop terrace with city views created by the amazing team at Franklin Landscape & Design. A luxury apartment block should offer its buyers one or more of the following amenities: outdoor entertainment spaces, secure car parking, a fitness area or gym, swimming pool, tennis court, storage facility and concierge services.
4. Storage. Put simply, living is so much easier with vast amounts of storage. Buyers should be looking for an apartment where all of their belongings will have a place. Bespoke built-in and walk-in wardrobes are a must, but also look for linen cupboards, laundry storage, large and well designed bathroom vanity storage, built-in desks and home office storage and, of course, the all important kitchen storage which should be functional, plentiful and include a butlers pantry.
5. Finishes and appliances. High-end building and renovations executed well take time and money so it pays to look for an apartment where everything has been considered. Stone composite or marble bench tops are not only practical and hard wearing but create that high-end vibe in kitchens and bathrooms. Equally, good quality kitchen appliances are a must, with the inclusion of one or more ovens, a steam oven, coffee machine and wine fridge all to be expected in a luxury apartment. Other important elements are underfloor heating throughout, good quality heating and cooling, built-in sound and security systems and well-planned lighting design. Developers often hire interior designers to choose all of the fixtures and finishes for the apartments in their buildings – at a fraction of the per-unit cost a buyer would pay for the same designer, making the premium paid for an apartment that is ready to move into well worthwhile.
Have a look at this week’s room reveals below.
Julia and Sasha’s terrace:
Kim and Chris’s terrace:
Karlie and Will’s terrace:
Carleen and Dan’s terrace:
Andy and Ben’s terrace:
