Why I purchased: Local first home buyers secure an apartment at Geelong's Ryrie Home development

First home buyers at Ryrie Home purchased an off-the-plan property after wasting too much time inspecting established homes only to be “blown out of the water at auction”
Why I purchased: Local first home buyers secure an apartment at Geelong's Ryrie Home development
Ryrie Home, Geelong. Image: Supplied
Max KwokMay 21, 2021

Ryrie Home is the most recent mixed-use project delivered by Victorian developer Franzé Developments.

Having officially broken ground in April, the tower is on its way to become Geelong’s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia, driven by employment opportunities, education, infrastructure and its coastal lifestyle.

Urban chats with a local first home buyer, who has recently secured their first property at the luxury project, which was listed as Urban's most popular investor project for Q1 2021.

MK: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?

FBH: The government grants on offer as well as the price certainty of buying off the plan. I’ve wasted too much time researching and inspecting established properties and then being blown out of the water at auction!

MK: Which apartment configuration did you opt for, and what led you to narrow down your decision to the apartment you have purchased?

FHB: I opted for a one-bedroom apartment with the easterly aspect! It enjoys views over the city and towards the bay aswell as the morning sun.

MK: Were you already looking for property when you discovered Ryrie Home?

FHB: Yes, I have been looking around the Geelong area for the best part of a year.

MK: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?

FBH: I wanted a property in a convenient location with a good clean layout and high-quality design.

MK: What do you love most about what Ryrie Home has to offer residents?

FHB: The Residents Rooftop area and the ground level retail amenity. It’s going to be a great place to host a BBQ on a warm summers night.

MK: What was it like negotiating with the sales agent and the team at Franzé Developments?

FBH: The sales agents were great to deal with. Very knowledgeable and helpful. It was actually a fun experience learning more about the project and selecting the perfect apartment for me!

MK: Is this your first property purchase? How did you find the due diligence research and purchase process?

FBH: Yes, it was my first purchase. The sales agents at the display suite gave us lots of information and we found the internet a great source of information too.

Lots of helpful websites to help refine our search which ultimately led to our decision to buy at Ryrie Home.

MK: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?

FBH: Do your homework and find an agent that genuinely wants to help you make the right decision.

Max Kwok

Max Kwok is a staff contributor at urban.com.au. Based in Sydney, Max has previously worked at Property Observer where he specialised in content creation and editorial research.

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