Lifestyle subdivisions, great fun and a lesson for all. February 2006 RETURN
Gated communities, golf course estates and marina developments were largely thought of for the wealthy retirees or empty nesters. These end users are considered to expect more out of their daily activities, their homes and their immediate environment. They can also happily pay for the privilege. Accordingly great attention was paid to streetscape, functionality of design and feature lifestyle benefits of the various developments. Along with this attitude came spectacular designs for outside entertainment, water recycling opportunity, solar energy, efficiency ratings, heating and cooling capacity and non obtrusive, renewable materials. The talents of world renowned personnel such as Greg Norman and John Bertrand were utilised in the lifestyle concepts. Many main stream developers found it difficult to see how this could be provided within traditional sale values. What is now blatantly obvious, many other sectors of our populace are also quite prepared to pay strongly for property that provides significant feature benefits and outstanding environs. Golfing communities of the Links Group such as Sanctuary Lakes near Point Cook and Sandhurst near Carrum are case in point, having sales shattering traditional local values, yet with significant benefits for premiums paid. These landmark projects have now opened eyes to opportunities elsewhere with Caroline Springs and many other estates following suit, albeit in a more conservative fashion. The beauty for all is that the knowledge gained in this process filters right throughout the property design industry. We are now seeing most CBD & city fringe properties with just as much effort put into lifestyle, efficiency and environmental issues. This can only be good as lifestyle is too often forgotten in this busy day and age. We should enjoy ourselves wherever possible.
Gated communities, golf course estates and marina developments were largely thought of for the wealthy retirees or empty nesters. These end users are considered to expect more out of their daily activities, their homes and their immediate environment. They can also happily pay for the privilege. Accordingly great attention was paid to streetscape, functionality of design and feature lifestyle benefits of the various developments. Along with this attitude came spectacular designs for outside entertainment, water recycling opportunity, solar energy, efficiency ratings, heating and cooling capacity and non obtrusive, renewable materials. The talents of world renowned personnel such as Greg Norman and John Bertrand were utilised in the lifestyle concepts. Many main stream developers found it difficult to see how this could be provided within traditional sale values. What is now blatantly obvious, many other sectors of our populace are also quite prepared to pay strongly for property that provides significant feature benefits and outstanding environs. Golfing communities of the Links Group such as Sanctuary Lakes near Point Cook and Sandhurst near Carrum are case in point, having sales shattering traditional local values, yet with significant benefits for premiums paid. These landmark projects have now opened eyes to opportunities elsewhere with Caroline Springs and many other estates following suit, albeit in a more conservative fashion. The beauty for all is that the knowledge gained in this process filters right throughout the property design industry. We are now seeing most CBD & city fringe properties with just as much effort put into lifestyle, efficiency and environmental issues. This can only be good as lifestyle is too often forgotten in this busy day and age. We should enjoy ourselves wherever possible.