APARTMENT LIVING
Outlook - Development in Mission Bay
BUYING OFF-PLAN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY With Auckland’s current ‘up rather than out’ attitude, it seems everywhere you go are ‘Under Construction’ signs, and cranes building brand new homes. Be that as it may, buying off-plan requires confidence and trust in the developer, builders and your real estate agent. We spent some time with Trent Quinton, recently recognised as Bayleys number one residential agent nationwide and founder of VIP Auckland Apartments alongside his wife Julie. After selling down over 13 projects since joining Bayleys in 2005, Trent and Julie know a great deal about developments and purchasing off-plans. With the force of their nine-strong team of development and apartment specialists, Trent and Julie currently have nine off-plan developments listed and know a great deal about what buyers need and want. Trent is enthusiastic about what he does and believes “there are some overlying benefits to purchasing off-plans compared to current stock in the market.
Trent & Julie Quinton Project & Apartment Specialists
“There is huge competition between developments and construction companies in the currently to produce the best possible product for you. You are also gifted with the first pick of the crop, with alternate choices of floorplan, outlook, design and even colour scheme.”
a figure of around 65 STC/IIC - this will make a huge difference to the way you live.
“If the development completion date is a few years away, chances are the apartment will be worth more when you settle than what you first bought it for.
Trent also urges all purchases to do their due diligence. “Find a good solicitor with plenty of off-plan experience, this will make a huge difference to your purchase process.” It’s all about triple checking, making sure you are protected. “Know your Sunset Date and make sure your deposit is goes to a third party.”
“I only choose to work on projects that I believe in,” says Trent. “Julie and I have purchased apartments in a number of developments over the years. We like to invest in developments we are working on, it gives buyers extra confidence to invest and shows that we believe in the product we are selling.”
To learn more about the world of developments, contact Trent Quinton on M: 021 894 070.
A number of projects have fallen over in the last few years, with some purchasers left out of pocket and feeling devastated. The key is research. When considering purchasing off-plan, Trent stresses the importance of researching the developer and their history. “Some of the developers we work with today have done numerous successful projects and come from rich development, architecture and even council backgrounds. “Since the era of leaky homes, the standards of new builds have significantly increased.” While there are still minimum building standards, Trent suggests to look out for projects that go above and beyond the ‘minimum’. “Check all of the details - go through the specifications with a fine tooth comb and you will see which developments have put the time in to making sure it will be perfect.” The minimum New Zealand standard for sound proofing, for example, is 55 STC. Keep an eye out for developments that have
100 PONSONBY NEWS+ August 2018
11 Paora - Development in Orakei PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)