The Hybrid Buyer – Mel's Plan for Investment & Retirement
After her last off-plan experience fell through, she’d promised herself she’d never do it again. But deep down, she knew the Gold Coast lifestyle she pictured for retirement was only getting further out of reach the longer she waited.
When Mel first reached out, she wasn’t new to the off-plan world, but she was understandably cautious.
A few years earlier, she’d purchased an apartment in another project that, despite all initial promises, never went ahead. When the development was cancelled and her deposit was returned, she was left disappointed and hesitant to trust the process again.
Still, she knew what she wanted: a coastal apartment that would make financial sense today and lifestyle sense tomorrow. What she didn’t want was to compromise on quality or security. Her next purchase needed to be in a project that was certain to proceed, backed by a reputable developer and builder with real progress on site.
That’s when we introduced her to Elements by McNab in Budds Beach, a boutique development by one of South-East Queensland’s most respected construction companies. With construction only weeks away from commencement, and McNab both developing and building the project, it offered the level of certainty and trust she needed to confidently move forward.
Mel loved that Elements offered the best of both worlds: a peaceful Budds Beach setting, tucked away from the hustle, yet just a short walk from the shopping, dining, and entertainment precincts of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Broadbeach. It ticked every box for her long-term plan.
With a 10% deposit, she secured a 2-bedroom apartment priced at $1.41M, positioning herself to benefit from expected capital growth over the 2-year construction period. Her plan is simple and smart:
Stage 1: Let the property appreciate during construction.
Stage 2: Use it as an investment, placing it in the short-term rental market to generate income.
Stage 3: Gradually transition to part-time stays, leading into full-time living in retirement with her partner.
For Mel, this wasn’t just an investment, it was a strategic step toward a lifestyle she’s worked hard for. And by purchasing at the right time, in the right project, she’s managed to combine financial foresight with future lifestyle goals.