The Shire offers hope for Sydney's first-timers with new developments

Shire first-home buyers make up a sizeable chunk of those who have bought off-the-plan apartments at a new development a few blocks from Westfield Miranda. And for those hoping to buy a place of their own on a limited budget, the South is looking promising indeed.

Making a particular splash in the area is Alta Miranda, a collection of nearly 100 units across two buildings, one six storeys and the other five storeys. Due for completion in March 2018, nearly half the residences have sold since the project launched in November last year.

The project sales manager at St Trinity Group, Will Wehbe, says this represents a robust take-up rate in light of the Christmas break.

“In Miranda, there has been a huge increase in the number of developments but not many are from local developers,” he says. “This is from a local developer and local builder – and it’s one of only a handful in the area that has started construction.”

Selling points include easy access to Miranda and Gymea shops and trains, a large private garden between the buildings and landscaped rooftops with city and water views.

Alta Miranda, Pinnacle Street attracts a range of buyers, including downsizers, first-home buyers and families. 
Photo: Artist’s impression

“The fact that the entry point is so low, with one-bedroom apartments from $515,000, means it’s fully within the first-home buyer’s range,” Wehbe says.

Eddy Haddad of developer Level 33 says the vast majority of initial buyers intend to live in Alta.

“We’ve definitely seen a wide range of buyers, including downsizers, first-home buyers and families,” Haddad says.

Designed by Level 33’s in-house architects with interiors by Shakeup Architecture, the project is about 25 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD. A display suite at 2/567 Kingsway, Miranda, is open Friday to Sunday from noon to 2pm or by appointment.

Another affordable option in the southern area is Jade Gardens, located at 12-20 Garnet Street, Rockdale.

Jade Gardens, Rockdale is designed around a central garden area, providing leafy outlooks for apartments overlooking the landscaped space. 
Photo: Artist’s impression

Roughly one-third of the 56 apartments at Jade Gardens, between Rockdale and Brighton Le Sands, are still on the market.

Due for completion mid to late-2018, the four-storey project from private developer Resibuilt occupies a corner position about halfway between Rockdale and Brighton Le Sands, 15 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD.

Architect Philip Perrie designed Jade Gardens around a central garden area, providing leafy outlooks for apartments overlooking the landscaped space.

Inside, expect subtle colour palettes, handy study nooks and plenty of storage. Ground-floor apartments offer generous private courtyards with room for barbecues.

An on-site display suite is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Ramsgate Park, Kogarah is one of south Sydney’s biggest new masterplanned communities. 
Photo: Artist’s impression

Moving to Kogarah, one of south Sydney’s biggest new masterplanned communities, Ramsgate Park will transform the former Darrell Lea factory site into a residential development comprising 533 apartments and 20 townhouses.

Developer JQZ and PTW architects have sought to maximise residents’ access to green space, with easy access to Claydon Reserve, Leo Smith Reserve and Scarborough Park, and a huge new central park in the middle of the development.

Four apartment buildings range from 11 to 13 storeys. Townhouses run along the site’s southern side. There are also plans for a childcare centre and gym.

A display centre at 168 Rocky Point Road in Kogarah is open seven days from 11am to 4pm. Ramsgate Park is due for completion in 2019 and is selling now.