Investor tips for creating the ideal study zone in your inner-city apartment
It's time for investors to start thinking differently about their rental properties and marketing them to fit the growing work-from-home trend.
This means adapting to demand and updating your property to match the needs of the young professionals and students who may need study and workspaces to accommodate their new lifestyles.
Urban takes a look at the top tips for creating the ideal study zone in your inner-city investment property.
- Tip 1: Find the space
Whether it’s within a bedroom, a hallway or in a dedicated study, finding the perfect space to modify into a work-from-home study zone is an important first step.
Urban recommends exploiting underutilised ‘dead space’ – an alcove or a landing that may fit a small desk or collapsible shelving.
- Tip 2: It’s all about lighting
Lighting can have a huge effect on the efficiency of study and work, as well as make your property look bigger and brighter.
It is generally agreed that natural light is best when it comes to general lighting for your home study space, as natural light has been claimed to increase productivity and performance.
If natural light is not possible in your investment property, warm lighting can deliver similar benefits.
- Tip 3: Set up a brand-new desk
Standing out from the competition is important when seeking good tenants, so there’s no denying that good marketing and some furnishings go a long way, especially in an apartment marketed towards students.
Setting up a brand-new desk lets prospective renters imagine desk space in the home and may even secure more competitive prices for your inner-city apartment.
- Tip 4: Add some greenery
Besides looking beautiful and creating a more welcoming home, research shows that there are numerous benefits to having plants in work zones.
Plants have been proven to boost your mood, improve memory, and increase productivity.
Apartments nearby universities, research hubs and numerous employment opportunities are the ideal location for investors to secure their next investment property.
Here are four investor-friendly apartments for sale now in Melbourne.
1. Melbourne Grand, Melbourne
Address: 560 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Two-bedroom apartments from $569,000
Winner of the HIA ‘Victorian apartment complex of the year 2020,’ Central Equity’s Melbourne Grand provides an outstanding living experience.
Less than a kilometre away from Monash University’s Parkville campus, investors can secure high-income researchers as well as postgraduate students who will enjoy the apartment’s ideal location.
Designed by Guildford Bell and Graham Fisher Architects, Melbourne Grand features various amenities, including resort-style facilities, residents’ lounge, 17-seat theatre and coffee bar.
2. Port Lane, Port Melbourne
Address: 201 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Three-bedroom townhomes from $1,025,000
Boasting 122 three-bedroom residences, Port Lane offers a quality selection of townhomes in Port Melbourne.
Developed by ID_Land, the coastal community delivers an authentic and distinctive design to sit in harmony with the Port Melbourne community.
Architects Rothelowman and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have designed the home with contemporary palettes and materials.
Curated landscaping by Tract frame the townhomes, with a verdant entrance pergola marking each residents’ arrival.
3. Live City, Footscray
Address: 124-188 Ballarat Road, Footscray VIC 3011
Two-bedroom apartments from $460,000
Backed by developer R&F Property Australia, the new master-planned Live City project comprises 208 residences spread across 14 floors.
Set to deliver over 1,400 apartments across eight buildings, the project brings together a fully-integrated, mixed-use community that’s thriving with character and history.
Designed by Elenberg Fraser, each apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary interiors and an abundance of natural light.
4. The Docklands Residences
Address: 3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008
Two-bedroom apartments from $1,050,000
Located atop the five-star Marriott Hotel, Docklands Residences provide timeless luxury living in Melbourne’s inner-suburbs.
Set atop the five-star Melbourne Marriott Hotel, homeowners of the oversized one, two and three-bedroom Docklands residences will enjoy exclusive hotel membership, access to services and amenities and true luxury living.
Designed by award-winning architects DKO, the unique mixed-use project boasts floor-to-ceilings windows, terraces and a private enclosed glass winter garden.