When Reza Chen and his partner, Rika, began organising their wedding, they also began thinking about where to buy their first home.<\/strong><\/p>\n So, in between searching for dresses and venues, they spent hours online looking at new developments or established city apartments that they could call home.<\/p>\n It was an important decision and they took their time to consider exactly what they wanted.<\/p>\n A city location, plenty of space, a modern design, quality appliances and good amenities were all high up on their wishlist.<\/p>\n \u201cWe looked at a series of developments, including the St Boulevard development,\u201d says Reza, 32.<\/p>\n The St Boulevard development has a central location, which was a key consideration for the couple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWe were considering buying either an off-the-plan property or an existing property, but we couldn\u2019t find anything we liked that was already built and suited our budget,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cWe both liked St Boulevard and it was within our budget, so we purchased an apartment at Magnolia Residences.\u201d<\/p>\n Buying off-the-plan can have several benefits including modern features, the peace of mind knowing that no one has lived in it before, cost savings, customised finishes and fittings, a flexible floor plan and having additional time to save money.<\/p>\n These were all considerations for Reza and Rika, too.<\/p>\n Modern features and the fact that no one has lived in these apartments before are other key selling points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI like the shape of our apartment,\u201d says Reza.<\/p>\n \u201cOur current apartment in Southbank belongs to my parents and it\u2019s slim and elongated whereas our new home is a squarer design and the kitchen, living and dining area is open-plan,\u201d says Reza.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels more spacious and the two bedrooms and bathrooms are also a generous size.\u201d<\/p>\n Apartment living isn\u2019t for everyone, especially if you\u2019re used to a house with outdoor space. However, modern developments are often spacious and incorporate elements like a rooftop garden, or wrap-around balcony.<\/p>\n Reza, who works in banking, moved to Melbourne from an apartment in Perth\u2019s CBD in 2013. Rika, 30, is from Indonesia and, like her husband, prefers apartment living \u2013 and particularly somewhere with a resort-style atmosphere.<\/p>\n The open-plan design makes the apartment feel spacious.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Their new apartment development has a central community garden with a pool that winds its way around three signature trees.<\/p>\n A private dining room, wine bar, reading room, health club, spa, cinema, gym, pool tables, theatre and even a karaoke pod are also available to residents.<\/p>\n \u201cMy wife loves the resort-style vibe. We travel to Bali a lot and the community area has that relaxing feel. We can entertain guests there too,\u201d says Reza.<\/p>\n Discover every corner of the tranquil garden.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Located on St Kilda Road, they will be a quick walk or tram ride away from the CBD and popular suburbs like Prahran and St Kilda.<\/p>\n \u201cI work in the CBD and I walk to and from work \u2013 convenience is important to me,\u201d says Reza.<\/p>\n \u201cWe love being close to the city\u2019s laneway bars and restaurants. When we socialise and catch up with friends, it\u2019s always in the city and we can pretty much walk or tram to wherever we need to be. I like to jog on the weekend and it\u2019s easy to get to Albert Park or Kings Domain.\u201d<\/p>\n Their new home is also within easy reach of Wesley College, where Reza and Rika plan to one day send their children. Married in early May, they are looking forward to seeing their home take shape.<\/p>\n All renders supplied by Magnolia Residences.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n <\/p><\/div>\n Realestate au <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Have you considered all of your options?<\/h2>\n
![\"Magnolia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/images\/2500x1278-fit%2Cprogressive\/2018\/05\/17140003\/Cutaway.jpg?resize=2500%2C1278&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nWhat are the benefits of buying off-the-plan?<\/h2>\n
![\"Magnolia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/images\/2500x1389-fit%2Cprogressive\/2018\/05\/17140000\/170203_MAGNOLIA_V06_BEDROOM_FINAL.jpg?resize=2500%2C1389&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nDoes apartment living suit your lifestyle?<\/h2>\n
![\"Magnolia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/images\/2500x1250-fit%2Cprogressive\/2018\/05\/17135958\/170202_MAGNOLIA_V04_KITCHEN_LIVING_FINAL.jpg?resize=2500%2C1250&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nWhat amenities are important to you?<\/h2>\n
![\"Magnolia](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/images\/1779x2500-fit%2Cprogressive\/2018\/04\/24145415\/MAGNOLIA_V08_POOL2.jpg?resize=1779%2C2500&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nDecide where you want to live<\/h2>\n