High Value of Architecture

Ben Braysich, a thought leader in luxury property, recently sat down with Jordan in Brisbane to discuss her take on key markers in the market. “When luxury buyers are considering property, they’re looking at homes that incorporate wellness aspects, sustainability, smart integration and AI innovation,” says Jordan.

Wellness is a key selling point for high-net-worth buyers, with many architect-designed developments prioritising features such as saunas, mineral pools, cold plunge pools and gyms. Koichi Takada’s design for Aria Property Group’s landmark Upper House in South Brisbane is a prime example, where groundbreaking architecture meets world-class lifestyle offerings. Penthouse 2901 sold in August for $7.25 million.

Sustainability is also a prominent component of architect-designed prestige properties, evidenced through biophilic design, which connects a building’s occupants more closely with nature via elements such as lushly planted rooftop gardens or greenery cascading from terraces. “This environmental component is really topical at the moment,” says Jordan. “You can see it in the increasing green spaces in homes, bringing the outdoors in.”

High-end, architecturally designed homes are often sold off-market and this is where a buyer’s agent can help. “Our role is to bring clients into those closed-circle markets, which are typically run by agent relationships. Properties could also be in development pipelines as well as direct-to-vendor relationships. So when a client comes to us seeking off-market property, our role is to exhaust every opportunity that they normally wouldn’t have access to. That typically serves them about 60 per cent more property options.”

Buyers in the luxury market recognise the value of highly informed professional support, like Commonwealth Private, a bespoke banking service supporting high-net-worth Australians through their property journeys. With a team of highly knowledgeable lending specialists, Commonwealth Private offers not just technical expertise but financial strategies around acquiring both commercial and residential properties. Lending is one aspect of the bank’s larger wealth management offering. “That includes things like looking after client’s cash, looking after long-term checks around their investments and wealth strategies, and also understanding more of the details about their business operations,” says Braysich.

A benefit of buyers working with a private bank is getting a team of financial professionals aligned for an holistic view of potential investments. This team would include representatives who act as trusted advisors thanks to their vast experience and knowledge of commercial lending. “Having that knowledge and being empowered by your team on your financial position – and knowing why they’re looking to make that next move in the market – means better outcomes for clients because that team has been in full consultation from the very beginning,” explains Braysich.

If you’d like to connect with Commonwealth Private about your high-net-worth banking or lending needs, visit commbank.com.au/private.

Commonwealth Private Limited ABN 30 125 238 039 AFSL 314018, is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945. Commonwealth Private’s services are provided by a team consisting of Private Bankers who are representatives of the Bank and Investment Directors who are representatives of Commonwealth Private.