THE WALDEN HITS $103 MILLION IN SALES WITHIN THREE HOURS AT NORTH SYDNEY LAUNCH
More than half of Stage One was exchanged on opening day as buyers chase harbour views, amenity and metro connectivity at 177 Walker Street.
2 min
North Sydney’s apartment market notched another milestone with the launch of The Walden, where 55 per cent of the Stage One release exchanged contracts totalling $103 million within three hours of sales opening. The project is by ALAND, a gold star iCIRT rated developer and builder.
Positioned at 177 Walker Street on the eastern edge of the CBD, The Walden fronts uninterrupted harbour views from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Sydney Heads.
Limited local housing supply, strong demand from affluent downsizers and a growing population are cited as drivers of both interest and pricing in the suburb.
Data referenced in the release notes North Sydney apartment prices rose nearly 10 per cent in the 12 months to August 2025, compared with an average year to date gain of 0.7 per cent across wider Sydney. The precinct continues to benefit from public and private investment as it evolves into an 18 hour destination.
“It’s clear that North Sydney’s changing rapidly, and property buyers are excited both by what’s on offer in the suburb now, as well as what’s yet to come,” ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto said.
“Against this backdrop, The Walden is set to become a benchmark for luxury living in North Sydney, and it’s perfectly poised for buyers to capitalise on the continued growth and transformation in the local area. With its unrivalled amenities, refined design, and rare balance of sophistication and community connection, The Walden delivers a lifestyle unlike anything else on the market.”
Planned resident facilities include a fully equipped gym, wellness and treatment room, spa, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining room, pool, dedicated work from home and meeting spaces, plus concierge services.
“Apartment sales in North Sydney have remained robust throughout 2025, and today’s opening sales at The Walden reflect strong buyer confidence in the area’s ongoing revitalisation,” said Ben Stewart, Partner at SRM Residential, which is overseeing sales.
He added that purchasers are responding to apartment scale and amenity, along with metro connectivity that places Barangaroo three minutes away and Martin Place five minutes away.
“The Walden has the best views in this part of the North Shore which can never be built out, with 70% of apartments enjoying front row views of the harbour.”
Stewart also pointed to confidence in delivery and quality. “The design and sizing of apartments at The Walden is a level above the majority of other projects on the market, and we’re seeing buyers prioritise well designed apartments that offer both lifestyle appeal and long term investment potential.
“ALAND’s 23 years of delivery success, backed its Gold Star iCIRT rating and Latent Defect Insurance (LDI) have been embraced by this market.”
Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.
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Australia’s housing market defies forecasts as prices surge past pandemic-era benchmarks.
First-home incentives can still form part of a long-term investment plan if used strategically.
3 min
Australia’s home prices continue to grow, and while that makes them great investments, they are also some of the most unaffordable in the world.
That’s why first-home buyer schemes such as the First Home Owner Grant, the First Home Guarantee, and stamp duty concessions have become so valuable.
These programs are designed to reduce upfront costs and fast-track people into homeownership.
But the question many aspiring investors are now asking is can these schemes be used as part of an investment strategy? These government initiatives aren’t designed for investors, but they can still play a key role in your long-term investment journey if used strategically.
What the schemes actually allow
Every first-home buyer incentive in Australia is created to support owner-occupiers, not investors.
Whether it’s a cash grant, reduced deposit requirement, or a stamp duty discount, the catch is always the same in that you must live in the property for a set period of time. For example, the First Home Owner Grant often requires you to live in the property for at least six to twelve months, depending on the state.
The First Home Guarantee allows you to purchase with just a 5 per cent deposit without paying lenders’ mortgage insurance, but again, you’re required to live in the property for at least one year.
Likewise, state-based stamp duty concessions are only available for properties intended as a principal place of residence. If your intention from the outset is to buy a property solely for rental income, you won’t be eligible. However, if you’re open to living in the property initially, then transitioning it into an investment, there’s a path forward.
A strategy that works
Rentvesting has emerged as one of the most practical ways for first-time buyers to take advantage of these schemes while also laying the groundwork for a property portfolio.
The concept is simply, buying a property in an area you can afford (using the first-home buyer schemes to assist), live in it for the minimum required period, and then rent it out after fulfilling the occupancy condition.
This approach lets you legally access the benefits of first-home buyer schemes while building equity and entering the market sooner. Instead of waiting years to save a full 20 per cent deposit for an investment property, or getting priced out altogether, you get your foot in the door with reduced upfront costs.
Once you’ve satisfied the live-in requirement, the property can become an income-generating asset and even serve as collateral for your next purchase.
What to look for in a rentvestment property
If you plan to eventually convert the property into an investment, you need to think beyond your short-term living experience. It’s essential to buy a property that performs well both as a home and as a long-term asset.
That means looking at key fundamentals like location, rental demand, and growth potential. Suburbs with strong infrastructure, access to employment hubs, good transport links, and low vacancy rates should be high on your list.
A balanced price-to-rent ratio will help ensure manageable holding costs once the property transitions to an investment.
Established low-density areas often outperform high-rise apartment developments that flood the market with supply and limit capital growth. And ideally, your property should offer scope for future improvements, whether that’s a cosmetic renovation, granny flat addition, or potential to subdivide down the track.
Mistakes to avoid
There are a few common missteps that can undermine this strategy. The first is selling too soon. Some grants and stamp duty concessions include clawback provisions if you offload the property within a short period, which could see you lose the benefits or even owe money back.
It’s also a mistake to let the lure of a government handout sway your purchasing decision. A $10,000 grant doesn’t justify compromising on location, growth prospects, or property fundamentals.
Another pitfall is failing to consider the financial impact once the property becomes an investment. Repayments, tax treatment, and outgoings may change, so it’s important to stress-test your position from day one.
Lastly, beware of buying into oversupplied areas simply because they’re marketed to first-home buyers. Not all new builds are good investments. If hundreds of identical properties are being built nearby, your long-term growth could be seriously limited.
With the right approach, your first home can be the foundation for an entire property portfolio. It starts with using available government support to lower your entry cost.
From there, you occupy the property for the required time, convert it to an investment, and leverage the equity and rental income to fund your next purchase.
Many of the most successful investors today began with a single, strategically chosen property purchased using these exact schemes. By buying well, you can turn your first home into the launchpad for long-term wealth.
Abdullah Nouh is the Founder of Mecca Property Group (MPG), a buyers’ advisory firm specialising in investment opportunities in residential and commercial real estate. In recent years, his team has acquired over $300 million worth of assets for 250+ clients across Australia.
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