Riverfront living felt like a pipe dream for first home buyers Jorge and Alejandra Palacios, until they saw the price tag of their favourite apartment project in Hamilton and realised it was surprisingly affordable.
After renting for five years in Flare Apartments at Portside Wharf, the couple wanted to buy in the immediate area and the neighbouring Gallery House project was their first preference.
“We’d seen the Gallery House display and knew it was our dream project but initially didn’t think we’d be able to afford it,” said Mr Palacios, a 32-year-old head chef at the Queensland Museum.
Brookfield Residential Properties’ Gallery House features 319 luxury apartments on the waterfront in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs, and while penthouses in the project reach $5 million, one bedroom apartments are available from just $422,000.
For the Palacios, Gallery House was not only affordable, it also met the criteria for the Government’s first home buyers grant.
“When we discovered the one bedroom apartments at Gallery House were in our price range and we qualified for the Government grant because it was a ‘new build’, it meant we could own a luxury apartment in our favourite location.”
Mr Palacios said he had never considered leaving the Hamilton neighbourhood where he loves to spend his time dining at Portside Wharf and walking his dog along the riverfront.
“My wife and I can truly say that Hamilton feels like home which made it a no-brainer to buy into the area’s best apartment building,” he said.
“We already have everything we need right at our doorstep so living in the immediate area was a priority.
“I love the tight-knit village feel of Portside Wharf and it’s an easy commute to my work at Southbank. We just wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
Mr Palacios said renting in Flare Apartments gave him the confidence to buy in Gallery House, knowing the quality of Brookfield Residential Properties’ developments.
“We love the design of Flare but we were simply blown away after seeing what’s in store for us at Gallery House,” he said.
“It is a cut above the rest when it comes to finishes and design and we can’t wait to move in and enjoy our new riverfront location once it’s complete late next year (2019).”
Brookfield Residential Properties’ Managing Director Lee Butterworth said while Gallery House was home to some of Brisbane’s most luxurious riverfront apartments, there were options for those on smaller budgets who wanted the waterfront address.
“Gallery House has a desirable address and prime riverfront position so whether your apartment overlooks the water or not, its location is still the envy of buyers everywhere,” he said.
“While Gallery House apartments have predominately sold to local downsizers, there has been a sizeable cohort of first home buyers who recognise the value of owning property so close to the water.
“With the retail and residential precinct of Portside Wharf next door, young families and professionals enjoy the vibrancy of the area as well as the easy access to key employment hubs, public transport, major roads and the airport.
“It is a combination that has proven popular with buyers at all stages of life who appreciate the premium fittings and finishes and cleverly-designed apartments that take advantage of views, natural light and breezes.”
Mr Butterworth said generous balconies and resort-style facilities, including a rooftop infinity pool and lush podium garden, connected residents with the beauty of the outdoors.
“Gallery House is designed to maximise its natural surrounds, adding to the overall experience of living beside one of the city’s most celebrated assets,” he said.
Sales in Gallery House have reached more than $192 million, with construction on the first tower now at level ten, and tower two at podium three.
The $271 million luxury apartment project occupies a prime riverfront position that offers uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River and city skyline, to the mountains beyond.
Gallery House has three apartment ‘Collections’ – City, River and Sky – with one bedroom apartments from $422,000; two bedroom apartments from $565,000; three bedrooms from $865,000 and four bedrooms from $1,195,000.
For more information on Gallery House visit the Sales & Display Centre at Portside Wharf or www.gallery-house.com.au