There’s so much more to living in a masterplanned community than choosing your dream home
OPTING to live in a pre-planned residential environment has a lot to recommend if you choose wisely
Home Mag
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QUESTION: We’re considering buying into a masterplanned community. What should we know before we commit?
ANSWER: Masterplanned communities have been in Australia since the 1950s, with Castlecrag in Sydney designed by architect Walter Burley Griffin one of the earliest examples.
In general terms, they refer to planned residential areas that come complete with their own amenities, including schools, shopping precincts and recreation areas.
Senior development manager, Development & Communities for Sekisui, Brent Thompson (pictured), says many people are attracted to living in these areas because they know what they are going to get now and into the future.
“The very nature of a masterplanned community, designed in detail from the outset, provides residents with greater certainty on the built form and landscape outcomes to be achieved,” Brent says.
“This provides residents with a degree of comfort on what could be built nearby.”
Houses built in a masterplanned community generally have to conform to a set of standards which may prescribe anything from the size of the house to paint colours and even the style of landscaping.
Newer masterplanned communities, such as The Hermitage at Gledswood Hills, offer a range of housing options to attract people at all stages of life, from singles and families through to empty-nesters. Brent says the key to a successful community, however, is about more than the housing available.
“A key component is a strong civic heart with local amenities and services that not only provide for daily convenience needs, but also the nucleus for planned and unplanned social gatherings, fostering community development and wellbeing,” he says.
Each masterplanned community offers its own unique facilities, which can include everything from bike tracks and nature walks through to swimming pools, playgrounds and even well-appointed golf courses.
BEFORE YOU BUY
If you’re considering buying into a masterplanned community, Brent says it’s worth doing your homework.
“Firstly, make sure you understand the history and credentials of the developer to ensure that there is a proven track record of delivering on the established vision, particularly since the time frame for completion can span several years,” he says. “Given masterplanned communities are typically located in evolving urban areas, it is important for a prospective purchaser to probe into the proposed and existing amenities, services and recreational areas to understand what level of convenience will be available in the future.”
Be clear in your own mind about what matters to you most, whether it is access to education, transport, recreation facilities or green space and look for developers who have a track record of delivering on their promises.
If you buy into the first stage of a masterplanned community, it may be several years before the whole area is completed, along with the associated disruption.
But choose wisely and you’ll live in an environment your family will love in a
high-quality home with everything at your fingertips.