Author: Alex Kufel

News

Projects by Buxton – Interior Design

July 24, 2020

Projects by Buxton Director, Heath Thompson, has seen, first-hand, how a growing discernment of interior design has created a more demanding off-the-plan buyer but says that a lot of buyers still need to understand that the true definition of quality interiors should be about what is behind-the-scenes – not just on the surface.

“There is so much more to great interior design than what appliances are there and what type of stone is on the benchtop,” says Heath.

And with well-considered interior design playing such a critical role in the marketing success of off-the-plan property development projects, Heath says one of the key ingredients to successful interior design is its connection to what the target market actually wants.

“It’s really important – more than ever – to raise the bar to hit the interior design target,” says Heath. “This becomes possible when you understand who your buyer is, through research and a thorough knowledge of the way the market evolves. There are all kinds of fantastic interior design, but if your target market doesn’t want it, then it’s not valuable.”

With the needs and wants of that buying market changing from suburb to suburb, Heath says there are some general trends to take note of.

“In suburbs such as Richmond, Collingwood and Brunswick, industrial-style interior design touches still work well, whereas in the inner-eastern and bayside suburbs, there is still a preference for a contemporary style feel.

“There are all kinds of variations within those general trends, of course,” says Heath. “Projects by Buxton developments always offer slight variations, from use of dark finishes versus light tones, with the ability for clients to mix some things up to suit their personal tastes.”

But, he reinforces, it’s what lies “beneath the skin” that is the mark of truly great interior design.

“Many people think of interior design as the colour palette and tapware designs but thoughtful interior design works closely with architectural design and is about the way space is utilised to suit the needs of the people who will live there,” says Heath.

Choosing a professional interior design partner to collaborate with, says Heath, is something that must be taken very seriously. For many Projects by Buxton associated developments, the interior design collaboration is part and parcel of the connection to the project’s architect. But when interior designers are not part of an in-house package, Heath says that both developers and architects choose carefully, with the broader vision of the property development to guide them.

“There are some independent interior designers that carry a very strong brand name – and high-end prestige,” says Heath. “By having them attached to a property development project, buyers recognise the value.”

One positive example of how the choice of an independent interior design worked well, says Heath, was a recent Projects by Buxton development – Alia McKinnon.

“When it was well under construction it was already almost sold out and it set records on purchase price and per-square metre rate,” says Heath.

“The whole team – including the developer, BCENTRAL and the interior designer, Zunica Design – just got it. It was a fantastic collaboration that looked at the aesthetic as much as it looked as what the market wanted – and it ticked all the right boxes without going over the top.

By appealing to a broader sector of the market, properties sell more easily and a neutral colour palette gives incoming buyers the opportunity to add their own flair via artwork or furnishings.”

Sustainability and environmental-awareness in interior design is becoming more important for many buyers but Heath says a common question he gets asked is: “does it add value?”

For a buyer who cares about such issues, then the answer is a definite yes, but it is personal, says Heath.

“Broadly speaking, in terms of an entire development promoting its sustainable touches, there is definitely more value in some areas. In Melbourne, that value is typically recognised in locations north of the river,” Heath says.

News

100 apartments needed for NDIS clients

July 2, 2020

Heath Thompson of Projects by Buxton explains how his client is looking to buy apartments for a good cause.

Apartment projects along the east coast of Australia and in the Northern Territory are being sourced for a very worthy cause.

Heath Thompson, director of Projects by Buxton is a real estate company that specialises in finding projects for specific clients.

“We currently have a client who wants to purchase 100 apartments over the next six months for NDIS clients with disabilities,” said Mr Thompson.

Project requirements:

  • Looking for projects of 50 or more apartments
  • Good access to public transport
  • Close vicinity to covered shopping centres
  • Areas include Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Northern Territory and Hobart.

“We are looking along the Australian east coast and in the Northern Territory, as we have secured a number of projects in Melbourne already.”

Mr Thompson said the process includes sourcing projects where apartments are either in the early phases of construction or about to start works.

David St, Richmond is a project by Projects by Buxton’s client. Photo: Projects by Buxton

The company will source up to 11 apartments per project, then requirements will be drawn up by a specialised architect to make the properties suitable for those with disabilities.

“There is a lot of work to be done to meet the necessary requirements,” Mr Thompson said.

“We will look at the floor plans, usually up to ten 2-br apartments and one 1-br apartment for a carer, then they will be redesigned by the SDA architect.

“Requirements include bespoke kitchens, compliant path of travel and wider doorways.”

Mr Thompson said being involved in this project has been very rewarding.

“The feel good part of doing this is it’s great to get young people out of nursing homes,” said Mr Thompson.

“If a young person has been in an accident, we can get them back in to the community.

“With complete intregration we are providing the opportunity for a life that is as independent as possible.”

Mr Thompson said with the right requirements built into the apartments NDIS clients will live in, this will help them to be able to live full lives, doing most things for themselves.

The Projects by Buxton’s team has a background providing a powerful combination of more than 40 years in project marketing and real estate sales mixed with building, construction and property development experience.

News

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

June 2, 2020

The unfolding impact of the global pandemic crisis has given business leaders across many sectors a unique opportunity to exercise their brand agility and see how their team works during stressful times.

It’s not an opportunity anyone would wish for but, despite the challenges and devastation so many businesses have faced, it has been heartening to witness a coming together of community to offer support and be patient with each other. In the property development and real estate sectors, that patience has been tested as laws around social distancing continually evolve, with brand responsiveness to changing ways to do business proving quite complex and, at times, confusing. For Projects by Buxton Director, Heath Thompson, the crisis has created an excitement and fresh engagement with clients and partners that he wasn’t expecting to experience.

“There have definitely been some crazy times but when you start to see a light at the end of a tunnel, there are many things to celebrate about the way you’ve seen your team adapt and maintain their positivity,” says Heath. “Everything about the way we previously did business has changed in some way and, on the whole, it’s been interesting and even positive to be able to streamline processes and examine our ability to service our clients in a way that’s efficient and still so thorough.” By looking inwardly, Heath says that each and every member of the Projects by Buxton team has found ways to explore the way they interact – and then improve those ways to adapt to current circumstances.

“Great brands need to be flexible,” he adds. “At first, we all thought working from home was a curse but now we are confident that we can actually achieve so much while on the move and working from locations we never had to work from before.” The timing to transition the Projects by Buxton business to a more mobile model was something, fortunately, Heath says was already actively underway. “In our case, that timing was positive and we are so grateful to be in a strong position because of that commitment to innovation,” says Heath.

The technology at the team’s disposal has played an integral part in the way they will continue to do business – something that Heath says is less about “smoke and mirrors” and more about authentic insights and practical support. “One idea I’ve always subscribed to is the fact that you can’t control the uncontrollable,” says Heath.

Dealing with the laws from both state and federal governments that impacted so acutely on the property development and real estate sales sector definitely fell into the category of things beyond the management of his team at Projects by Buxton. But when it came to the ability to control their own actions as a response to dealing with the situation, Heath says it was important to be aware of the surrounding noise without letting it impact on his own clear focus.

“Creating ways to communicate clearly – with everyone involved in the projects we’re involved in – was key,” Heath says. “Fight or flight can be make or break and for us, even though there were definitely moments of panic, we recognized the need to stay grounded and move forward. Really, it was the only possible option.” Heath knows the difficult days are far from over but believes brands that can strategise creatively, while still remaining congruent with their brand values, can have a chance to do more than merely survive – they have the potential to thrive.

News

Innovation during adversity at Projects by Buxton Real Estate

May 1, 2020

A year ago, nobody could have predicted the changing times we currently face in the property market.

For many people, sadly, the changes as a result of this global pandemic have meant job losses and worries about financial security. For others, though, it seems to still be business as usual – albeit in a rapidly evolving world.

At Projects by Buxton Real Estate, Director Heath Thompson says he and his team are determined to use this time as a chance to learn and grow. ‘Business is going to change – there’s no doubt about that,’ he says. ‘Now is a positive time to innovate and motivate and we are looking at ways to deliver what our clients need, in a way that suits our current circumstances.’

Heath doesn’t mind admitting that, in a property sector that has relied on traditional, ‘old-school’ sales techniques, there is definitely room for cutting-edge improvements to make communications effective and efficient – changes designed to create communication solutions in this age of social distancing and lock-down but also continue to offer alternatives when life returns to its new normal.

‘We are looking at new ways to communicate with people and stand out from the pack,’ says Heath. ‘Being part of the Buxton network means we have some positive assets available to us – and that means our ability to utilise smart technology to inform our clients of property news and how they can still stay active in the market.

With the knowledge pool of 25 offices, 200 sales staff and collective databases with more than 600,000 contacts, we’re committed to finding new ways for people to find the answers to any questions they have.’ Heath knows that the current health crisis will force the hands of developers to pull back on projects but with powerful tools to connect clients with currently ongoing development projects in the virtual world, he also says there are still lots of opportunities.

By ramping up the production of video content to help people see the projects from the comfort of their own home, Heath says new ways of doing business keeps people safe and healthy, while still supporting much-needed economic growth.

The strategic approach to boost the level of video marketing Projects by Buxton Real Estate clients can engage with is about enabling buyers and potential buyers to form a real connection with quality information.

‘The new model of real estate sales communications won’t be about making you jump through hoops. We have information to give you and we want to share it,’ says Heath. ‘From viewing digital floorplans to having a Zoom meeting to discuss plans with all the relevant parties – it’s been a definite challenge to transition through but we believe this type of innovation will help a lot of industries perform better, in ways that are streamlined, sustainable and, importantly, very user-friendly.’

News

A spotlight on campaign creative with Heath Thompson and Darcy O’Sullivan

April 17, 2020

The journey towards creating an effective and dynamic creative campaign requires a lot of steps. At the heart of it all, is a team that communicates clearly to understand the essence of the project – and how to promote those benefits to a broader audience of potential buyers and investors.

When Projects by Buxton Real Estate begin work on a project, the team’s first priority is ensuring alignment between everyone involved, which is built on a solid foundation of communication between every member of the team including architects, interior designers, the developer and creative agency.

According to Director at Projects by Buxton Real Estate, Heath Thompson, getting everyone with ‘any input in the project at all’ together in one place – whether in an office, or via a Zoom meeting, in the current climate of social distancing – to ensure that there is a thorough understanding of all the moving parts, from everyone’s unique perspective.

‘That means getting the architect, the interior designer, the digital renderers, the builder, and, of course, the creative agency on the same page’ says Heath. The recent success of the Mast development in Brighton is, Heath says, testament to the way early planning process makes a positive difference.

‘The very first meeting happened straight after the planning permit was received and our team sat down with the architect, the creative design team, the developer and everyone else involved, and talked about every aspect of the process – and our vision for the project– in a way that helped every single member of that diverse team appreciate the importance of their individual roles and how everyone’s ideas could come together in a way that attracted buyers,’ Heath says. ‘When you get a creative team who really understands the intent of the project, the result is a powerful campaign that delivers real results.’


At Dugan & O’Sullivan, Managing Partner, Darcy O’Sullivan agrees. ‘The core challenge in the off-the-plan sales arena is a complex one,’ he says. ‘You are tasked with the job of creating interest in a product that doesn’t yet physically exist, so before you can help sell a property dream to a buyer, you have to first understand what that dream is – and the emotional impact of being able to make it come true.’

Creating trust, Darcy says, is critical, and for today’s increasingly discerning buyers, that means delivering much more than just a floor plan and a promise. Savvy developers have responded to the shift towards full-scale, project marketing campaigns that are branded uniquely to suit the relevant buying audience and the level of research undertaken by the Dugan & O’Sullivan team, Darcy says, plays a pivotal role.

‘Authenticity is at the core of every genuinely successful campaign,’ he says. ‘By approaching each creative campaign through a strategic lens, we help buyers connect desire with decision-making – for real sales results.’

In today’s changing world, both Heath and Darcy know the delivery of creative campaign strategies will continue to evolve but, at its heart, the process will remain the same. ‘The way creative campaigns interact with potential buyers will be different but the need to inspire people and generate a feeling of connection and belonging will never change’ says Darcy.

News

The home next door

March 2, 2020

Written by Lucent

If you’ve visited our display suite along Church St in Brighton, you may have noticed a row of hard hats lining one of the walls.

More than just decoration, these hard hats represent our commitment to creating homes that are truly “made with you”. We’re proud to uphold the highest standards of quality within each aspect of Slate House and believe that being transparent is the best way to demonstrate this.

As part of the team, all purchasers will be given a hard hat and invited along to a number of site visits throughout construction. This means you’ll be alongside us as we assess regularly for shape, function, beauty, detail and most importantly – quality.

More than just another development, we want you to feel like you’re building your own home – and be able to envisage your future as you watch it take shape.

Comprising 14 separate residences, each home at Slate House is designed with a focus on privacy, sustainability and personality.

Embracing Brighton’s rich architectural heritage, the award-winning Austin Maynard Architects have used natural, robust materials like slate and brickwork to create a building that looks both familiar and original in the streetscape.

Inside the homes’ modern interiors, you’ll find beautiful Tasmanian oak panelling and large windows optimised for natural light. Purchasers are also invited to add their own personality, with options to customise bench top materials, tapware and feature light colours.

We can’t wait to show you each component of Slate House – meeting you in the display suite, out on site and at the final handover of keys.

To begin your journey as part of the team, book an appointment with Heath 0408 314 756 or Anita 0422 868 586 from Projects by Buxton today.

News

A view towards 2020 with Heath Thompson

January 30, 2020

The market bounced back steadily in 2019 and, according to Heath Thompson, this can only mean good things to come for both discerning property investors and potential owner-occupier home-owners. In the past, some greedy developers failed on quality and delivered underwhelming apartments and townhouses that didn’t actually meet the needs, or expectations, of increasingly discerning buyers. 2020 will see a definite shift towards quality apartment developments, as a fresh generation of potential buyers ask tougher questions and do better research into the project teams they choose to work with, says Heath.

Anyone keen for a good buy in the evolving, dynamic 2020 property market should focus on aligning themselves with a reputable and experienced property development team who can deliver a development project to impeccable standards. 2020 will, says Heath, continue to see growth in the Melbourne property market and while that is good news for vendors selling established homes, it can also be great news for potential buyers looking at investment in off-the-plan builds in an evolving, more dynamic environment.

Future buyers must educate themselves to understand the truth behind the myth of land value. It is a myth, Heath says, that has seen buyers in previous years fall into the trap of valuing land size over the reality of quality developments – something that has seen some buyers disappointed by low-quality builds that have sacrificed quality design touches and that all-important location in the race to secure buyers.

When times are tough, the strong survive and, in the recent years when the property market has been less positive, the good news is that the cream has definitely risen. The developers doing positive things in 2020 are the ones who have invested time and money into researching the real needs of owner-occupiers and investors – teams that are focused on creating homes that meet the demands of buyers to create developments that tick all the important boxes of quality home design.

Knowing your team is always good advice and, according to Heath, if buyers are prepared to be patient and take the time to find a team they feel confident in working with, they will be rewarded with a stress-free off-the-plan experience, and the future reality of solid capital growth.

To find out more about what you should be looking for in 2020, as a property investor or owner-occupier, talk to our A-team of development specialists at Projects by Buxton Real Estate.

News

2019 in review with Heath Thompson

December 16, 2019

2019 built steadily throughout the year – a positive sign of an even better future, as the Melbourne property market prices continue to climb, according to Projects by Buxton Real Estate Director, Heath Thompson. One noticeable rise in the sector is amongst the owner-occupier demographic, who have enjoyed a boost in confidence and have been rewarded with some quality choices in product options available. Low stock levels have had a good impact on achieving high clearance rates and created a strong sense of competition amongst buyers.

There are still, however, issues in some parts of the market, including the Melbourne CBD precinct which has suffered some bad press in recent years, thanks to a glut of apartment developments marred by a lack of construction integrity and quality by less scrupulous developers who have compromised on high-quality materials and cut architectural design corners. 

Luckily, other developments across other sought-after areas – both on the city fringe of some of Melbourne’s most convenient and cosmopolitan inner-suburbs, as well as some key outer-suburban addresses – have delivered stunning projects. Heath’s advice is that potential buyers do their research to connect with respected development teams who enjoy solid reputations, there are some fantastic homes and investment properties to be found. The strongest growth in 2019 has occurred in the last two months and with off-the-plan projects continuing to gain momentum, it’s a great time to plan the purchase of your new home.

With discerning buyers demanding the complete package in an apartment development – including car parking, outdoor space and premium interiors with quality fixtures and fittings, a desire to look at sustainable developments, with an eye on environmental-awareness, has made property developers lift their game even further to design and produce truly beautiful living spaces that are designed for the genuine needs of a contemporary home-owner or investor. With 2020 set to look even more dynamic, Heath’s advice is that it is a good time to ‘find your A-team within the real estate/property development industry’ and ask the right questions that ensure you find a home you’ll be proud to call your own.

Looking into the potential for capital growth is about tapping into the direction the property market is heading. A move away from traditional apartment developments, in favour of inner-suburban projects that still offer space and luxury, without compromising on quality, is a trend to watch, based on what has already been happening in 2019, says Heath. It all adds up to 2019 ending on a high note – a real celebration of a continued move towards higher quality standards within the property sector, which is a move that can only mean even more positive things to come for buyers in the next 12 months and beyond.

For more information on how you can be part of a positive property development project and choose a home or investment property you’ll love, talk to our team at Projects by Buxton Real Estate today.

News

Floorplan Characteristics that Today’s Buyers Expect

November 15, 2019

Why Floorplans Must be Unique, Creative and Practical
As the Melbourne property market continues to shift and evolve, developers are under increasing pressure to lift their game and hone in on offerings that are designed to add flexibility, style and quality to the experience of a new generation of owner-occupiers and investors. ‘Providing quality, beautiful and spacious living space is key,’ says Projects by Buxton Real Estate Director Heath Thompson. ‘Making sure you have genuinely livable space that is designed to meet the lifestyle needs of the appropriate demographic that the development is pitched to is important – and that means designing clever storage, quality fittings, fixtures and details that people want in their own home,’ Heath says. ‘It’s not about banging out low-value developments to suit investors only. Today’s quality developments need to be sustainable and offer a lifestyle for families who demand flexibility, comfort and style.’ That might mean creating a dining zone that’s spacious enough to house an 8-10-seat dining table that is ideal for hosting the family Christmas lunch, or a master bedroom room large enough to fit a king-size bed.

Creating Homes Starts With Smart Design
In the past, Heath says, these things have been overlooked by many developers who were more focused on a high turnover of smaller apartments. ‘Great development is about coming back to basics now.’ ‘Floorplans reflect and showcase an understanding of what it really takes to create a wonderful home.’ ‘Storage is critical – especially when you are creating developments that target buyers in the upper-end of the Melbourne apartment market. These are often people who are downsizing from a large family home and they want room for occasional guests to stay, plus the storage required that reflects the great lives they have lived,’ says Heath. ‘A quality project team, such as the teams we assemble at Projects By Buxton Real Estate, get that it’s not about trying to shoe-horn features into developments just for the sake of it. A great floorplan should display features that make sense and add value and enjoyment to the lives of the people the project is designed for. It starts by understanding the area and the type of people who will want to live there – then designing homes that cater to their needs.’

Architectural Design That Matters
The change in thinking means that, in a 15-apartment development, each apartment doesn’t have to have identical features. ‘Sometimes, each separate apartment needs its own unique resolution to utilise the available space, light and orientation in the best possible way,’ says Heath. ‘That means that a quality development team is thinking carefully about who will be living there and what their needs are – then creating spaces to meet those needs in a way that is comfortable, stylish, practical – and beautiful.’

News

Building the Development A-Team

November 7, 2019

Picking a Quality Team of Property Development Specialists

Putting together a quality team of trusted and experienced property professionals to deliver a project is, says Projects by Buxton Real Estate Director Heath Thompson, a two-sided issue. ‘From the developer’s point of view, assembling the perfect team is about helping you achieve what you want to achieve within the necessary budget, to create the desired profit,’ he says. Flexibility is critical and to make sure you get the right team matched to the right project, Heath’s advice includes being open to choose potential collaborators on their individual skills and strengths, rather than simply automatically choosing to work with someone you have worked with in the past.

‘More and more developers are using different architects and builders to suit the design and construction of different developments that cater to different markets,’ says Heath. ‘It’s a prudent approach that means you don’t have all your eggs in the one basket. Relationship-building matters but so does thinking outside the box and that might mean you work with someone different because they have unique insights that can enhance a specific development.’ In his own quest for companies to partner with on developments designed, constructed and sold under the Projects By Buxton Real Estate banner, Heath says a lot of research is done on exploring their track record and their proven abilities.

‘We put a few different hats on to help us choose the right people to work with on a development. The design might be stunning but if it is not geared towards the target demographic of potential buyers, it won’t be successful – and that’s no good for anyone involved. What buyers want more than anything is the confidence that comes from trusting a project they invest in actually comes to fruition,’ says Heath. ‘Because we work with architects, interior designers, marketing agencies, builders and landscape architects who understand that, we are proud to be part of developments that are genuinely sought-after.’

Financial Viability Turns Design Ideas Into Completed Projects

A proven track record and all-important financial viability are key, says Heath, when choosing to work with any development team. ‘There is a natural cleansing of the market that has seen some high-profile developers meet a tough end,’ says Heath of the current market conditions and increasing discernment of prospective buyers. ‘Developers have to make money to make projects happen but they also need to offer products that are well-priced for buyers. Having a commitment to meet the real needs of buyers is one of the most important things each and every member of any property development team should have.’

This is critical because the other side of creating a successful property development, is, of course, seeing a quality home completed – all the way through to settlement day. ‘With the right team behind each and every project we work on, we give buyers absolute confidence they are buying a property they will be able to live in and love,’ says Heath.

View Our New Developments

Click Here