New development in Cammeray shows the upside of downsizing

​Downsizing is all the rage on the north shore, as older homeowners trade in sprawling homes for apartments that can be locked up and left at a moment’s notice.

Tim Abbott, director of LJ Hooker Projects and Developments, says this group is typically searching for high-end but low-maintenance options with two or more bedrooms and an outdoor area.

“They move into a phase of life where they want to simplify things, and just have somewhere they can lock up and leave to go travelling,” Abbott says.

Downsizers are expected to be one of the main groups interested in a new development in the heart of Cammeray.

Miller Place by Pavilion Residences comprises 24 one and two-bedroom apartments on three residential levels above a ground-floor retail space.

All bedrooms have outdoor terraces and parking. Abbott says the project combines exceptional architecture (by Wolski Coppin) with luxurious interior design (by Michelle Astudillo).

The apartments, released for sale last week, are also expected to be popular with professionals, investors and out-of-towners wanting a city bolthole.

One traffic light from the CBD, Cammeray has been flying under the radar, slowly developing a hip cafe culture and buzzy village vibe without the flashiness of its lower north shore neighbours.

“Cammeray was a sleeper for a long period but it has become really popular as Sydney has become so congested,” Abbott says.

“There are limited opportunities to do developments in the heart of Cammeray … We find it’s such a sought-after area that they get taken up very quickly.”

Feature property

Miller Place
473 Miller Street, Cammeray
One beds, 45-51 square metres, $765,000 to $815,000; two beds, 73-76 square metres, $1,145,000 to $1.32 million
Strata levies from $685 pq
Due for completion late 2017
Agent LH Hooker Projects, 1800 554 888; millerplace.com.au

Or try these

Artist’s impression of No 4 Ellalong, 4 Ellalong Road, Cremorne

No 4 Ellalong
4 Ellalong Road, Cremorne
Three beds, 173 square metres, $3 million; four beds, 220 square metres, $4 million
Strata levies from $500 pq
Due for completion August 2017
Agent Boutique Estates, 0411 643 535; boutiqueestates.com

A look-at-me luxury duplex is being built in Cremorne, with one four-bedroom ground-floor apartment and one three-bedroom first-floor unit offered for sale last week. Both have vast outdoor entertaining areas with built-in barbecues and spacious interiors, including corner fireplaces and limestone floors in the living areas, gas and induction stove tops and pull-out pantries. In the bathrooms are intricate tile patterns, curved walls and timber details. Each bedroom has its own hallway entry, to maximise privacy. No 4 Ellalong is from TMF Projects with 3PLY Studio, an alliance of Tess Regan Design, Jeff Karskens Designer and Benedict Design.

Artist’s impression of Vista Chatswood, 871-877 Pacific Highway, Chatswood

Vista Chatswood
871-877 Pacific Highway, Chatswood
One-beds, 46-56 square metres, $790,000 to $880,000; two-beds, 73-84 square metres, $1.15 million to $1.49 million; three-beds, 103 square metres, $2.03 million to $2.08 million
Strata levies from $450 pq
Due for completion late 2017
Agent CBRE, 1800 803 188; vistachatswood.com.au

There are curves ahead at Chatswood, with a new six-storey development on the Pacific Highway, about 600 metres from the train station. Vista Chatswood has a striking rounded corner profile, designed to maximise light and airflow. Full-height glazed doors in the living area offer district views, while Lane Cove National Park can be seen from some apartments. Westfield Chatswood and Chatswood Chase are about five minutes away by foot. Megland Group worked on the project with local partner PBD Management. About 30 of the 42 units are still available. The on-site display suite is open Saturday to Wednesday from 10am to noon, or by appointment.