After an extended search to find the ‘right’ property, Kel Fitzalan and his family have recently purchased off-the-plan at MONA in Darling Point. Here, Kel talks about his Fortis journey so far, which began when he met Charles Mellick, quite by chance, in Double Bay…
Q—How did you find the experience of looking for an apartment?
A—Well, like most people, there were times when looking for the right property in areas we wanted to live was very frustrating. The Eastern Suburbs has a well-deserved reputation for the most over-priced residential product in Sydney. There were countless times when we would find a property with the right characteristics for our family, only to discover the price or successful auction result was well above our budget. Earlier this year, quite by chance, I met Charles Mellick of Fortis. I walked past the Royal Oak in Double Bay and ran into friends, David Milton and Ben Stewart of CBRE Residential, who introduced us. This started a conversation that led eventually to us buying in MONA.
Q—What are the advantages of buying off-the-plan?
A—For us, the main advantage is we have an extra two years to save more towards our purchase price during the construction phase. It’s also quite reassuring not having a mortgage right now, especially with the RBA’s aggressive program of interest rate rises to combat inflation. Most economic advisers are forecasting inflation to be brought under control within the next two years. Hopefully getting in now will help us beat price rises over the next two years, so the timing was important. Off-the-plan also allows you to purchase a brand-new home with the desired characteristics you require.
Q—Why MONA? What does it have that others didn’t?
A—MONA was an easy choice for our family. The property is being developed by Fortis and having lived in Double Bay, we’ve seen first-hand the quality of their other developments here and in surrounding suburbs. MONA is beautifully designed with Manhattan influences including a small brick façade and floating gardens. The internal stone fit-outs for the kitchen and bathrooms are stunning and the appliances are all high-end. Although it’s quite close to transport, having two car spaces with easy access was also a bonus. Being located in Darling Point was a pleasant surprise and means we are going to be close to great schools and a wide variety of shopping from Double Bay to Edgecliff and Bondi Junction. I will also be close to my work commitments.
Q—What has your Fortis experience been like?
A—We’ve found Fortis to be a very professional team. They clearly have great people, led by Charles Mellick, who have delivered time and time again a high-end product at a competitive price point. The showroom for MONA, located in Double Bay, certainly showcases the team’s talent and we can’t wait to move in. I guess we finally have found a property that ticked all our boxes.
Q—Would you recommend Fortis?
A—Yes. I will certainly be recommending Fortis to my family, friends and clients. Fortis properties are high-end, competitively priced and located in desirable locations, including many in the Eastern Suburbs. The team at Fortis has been nothing short of excellent!
