We spoke to Michael Zhang, General Manager of Landence Group, about the company's approach to luxury property development in Melbourne. He shares insights on how Landence applies its global experience to local projects, balancing luxury with practicality, and contributing to Melbourne's urban landscape.
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Global Luxury Development Comes to Melbourne
19 November 2024
Landence Group is known for its global success. How are you adapting your international experience to meet the needs of the Melbourne property market?
International experience, without a doubt, helps Landence Group shape its approach to the Melbourne landscape. With extensive experience in overseas markets, we are able to closely monitor international and local supply and demand equations, explore how international innovation and sustainability can be applied to the local market, and incorporate international design trends into local projects. For instance, the emergence of smart home technology came to our attention, so we incorporated comprehensive smart home solutions into two recently completed apartments. This attracted numerous buyers, resulting in contracts being signed for both units within a month of the installation.
Can you elaborate on how the Landence philosophy of "genuine care about how people live now and into the future” is implemented in your developments?
Landence Group is extremely selective in site acquisitions, focusing on triple-A locations close to amenities and parks. Our goal is for buyers to enjoy comfortable homes and convenient access to nearby facilities, from parks to grocery stores. In designing our buildings, we collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and local communities to deliver projects that perfectly meet market needs. Sustainability and innovation are priorities for us and our buyers. We offer a range of features, including energy-efficient appliances and tapware, high green star ratings, vegetable and herb gardens, and advanced security measures. These initiatives aim to reduce utility bills and enhance living experiences, reflecting our commitment to providing comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions to the market.
Landence Group specialises in "timeless, luxury development". How do you balance luxury with practicality in your projects?
In the last couple of years, construction costs have increased 30%-40% on average and nearly 50% for luxury projects. We believe it's time to implement innovative strategies and collaborate with all stakeholders more than ever. We have devoted significant efforts to procurement and supply chain management to ensure our materials are sourced at competitive prices while maintaining high quality. This allows us to deliver affordable products to the market in the current environment. Additionally, together with our consultants, we have focused on design, maximising the use of space, colour, and orientation of individual apartments to improve practicality.
With over 13 years of experience in various sectors, how does Australia's multi-residential market differ from other markets you've worked in?
Most of our investments are in Melbourne, one of the world's most liveable cities. Unlike commercial and retail assets, which can have significant fluctuations, the residential sector is more stable. COVID-19 has changed how we live and work, with hybrid working impacting office and retail markets, especially in the CBD and inner suburbs. Inflation and increased living costs have made it difficult for Australians to maintain their lifestyles, affecting small businesses and retail segments. However, the residential sector remains resilient because everyone needs a place to live, and property is often viewed as an investment. Melbourne's multi-residential market is generally robust despite fluctuations, supported by population growth and housing demand.
How does Landence Group plan to contribute further to Melbourne's urban landscape and community?
We remain confident in Melbourne's property market. Besides our hospitality project in the CBD, we'll continue focusing on boutique and luxury apartments in the bayside, north, and inner eastern areas. With upcoming residential projects in Moorabbin, Brunswick, and Armadale, we're seeking new opportunities in prime locations. Landence Group actively participates in UDIA and Property Council of Australia to share insights with industry professionals. Our CBD hospitality project will include a two-level bookstore and exhibition area, creating a community gathering space. We plan to invite students from RMIT, University of Melbourne, and others to display their artworks and projects once the building is completed.
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