Caydon Property.
An international property developer with a focus on community and easy living. As a freelance writer I covered everything from real estate news to the best local haunts.
5 of the best bars in Northcote
Whether you’re in the mood for a lazy afternoon pint or a boozy pub crawl, Northcote’s buzzing High Street precinct has it all. Read on to discover five of the best bars in Northcote, each within easy walking distance of Verso Apartments.
Carwyn Cellars
Technically located in Thornbury, this family-owned bottle shop-cum-bar is the kind of place everyone wishes they had at the end of their street. The friendly team at Carwyn Cellars are proud to support small, local drink producers, with a penchant for rare, specialty drops you won’t find anywhere else. Beyond the bottle shop you’ll find a cosy bar and beer garden offering an impressive range of locally made and international beer, plus wines and spirits aplenty.
877 High Street, Thornbury
https://carwyncellars.com.au/
@carwyncellars
Low Key
Low Key is one of Northcote’s top spots for fuss-free drinks. As in, if it can’t be poured directly into a glass, you won’t find it here. Housed in an old Victorian residence, this laidback bar serves up craft beers on tap, a couple of tinnies, several rotating wines and your standard selection of spirits. There’s a front bar, a cosy back room with fireplace, and even a beer garden out the back. Feeling peckish? Order in takeaway pizza from Primo across the road.
59 High Street, Northcote
@lowkeybar
Buck Mulligan’s
This cosy Irish whiskey bar and bookstore is the perfect place to while away a few hours, paperback and drink in hand. Named after a character from James Joyce’s classic Irish novel Ulysses, it’s no surprise that the shelves are lined with Irish fiction, poetry and plays (with a couple of Aussie titles thrown in for good measure). The bar stocks a variety of top-shelf Irish whiskeys, alongside bottles from Scotland, Australia and Japan. Need a pick-me-up? Buck’s Irish coffee is not to be missed.
217 High Street, Northcote
https://www.buckmulligans.com.au/
@buckmulligans
Northcote Social Club
Part-owned by the team behind Richmond’s Corner Hotel, this laidback live music venue is a northside stalwart. The Northcote Social Club underwent its second renovation in 2014, but thankfully retains all the hallmarks of a lovable suburban pub. It’s split into three main sections: old-school front bar, spacious beer garden, and 300-capacity band room, which attracts both up-and-coming and big name acts alike. Stop by on a Tuesday for $6 house wines.
301 High Street, Northcote
https://northcotesocialclub.com/
@northcotesocialclub
The Wesley Anne
Housed in a former 19th century church, the Wesley Anne is one of Northcote’s most picturesque and iconic pubs. From the Gothic-style main bar to the cosy band room and leafy beer garden out back, this place has your Friday knock-off drinks to your Sunday lunch, sorted. Live music plays most nights; on others, the space hosts trivia, stand-up comedy and everything in-between. To drink? Seasonal cocktails, alongside an extensive list of local beer and wine.
250 High Street, Northcote
https://wesleyanne.com.au/
@the_wesley_anne
Buying Off The Plan: Weighing Up The Risks and Benefits
Buying real estate off the plan is fast becoming one of the most affordable ways to get your foot into the property market. Here at Caydon, we’ll help you find the ultimate off the plan home to suit your lifestyle and your budget. That said, it’s still important to do your due diligence before signing on the dotted line.
What does buying off the plan mean?
Buying off the plan means committing to purchasing a property that hasn’t yet been built. In lieu of a physical property to inspect, you’ll base your buying decision on artist impressions, floor plans, brochures and display suites. Once you’ve chosen your dream home, you’ll enter into a contract and pay an initial deposit, with the remaining balance due once the build is complete.
What are the main benefits of buying off the plan?
Lifestyle and location
The median price of an off the plan home is usually significantly lower than an established property, which makes buying in your desired location far more achievable. From picture-perfect apartments to soaring skyhomes, Caydon developments offer affordable luxury living in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after suburbs. You’ll enjoy a plethora of communal amenities, from pool and gym to lush gardens, recreation and entertainment spaces. Plus, our developments are never further than 10km from the CBD, ensuring that all of life’s necessities are well within your reach.
Lock in current prices
The market value of your off the plan home is locked in from the moment you sign your contract. This means that the price will not change, even if the property increases in value throughout the build.
More time to save
Need a little more time to get your finances in order? When buying off the plan, you only need to pay a deposit - sometimes as low as 5 per cent - with the remaining balance due once the property is complete. This means you’ll have more time to save for a larger deposit. And with lower loan to value ratio, you’ll end up paying far less over the life of your loan.
Repair cost savings
A brand new off the plan apartment requires little to no maintenance when compared with an existing property. At Caydon, our apartments are designed with the highest quality fixtures and fittings, made to stand the test of time. As soon as settlement rolls around, your apartment is ready to move into and enjoy straight away.
Government grants and stamp duty savings
In Victoria, eligible first home buyers are entitled to the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), a one-off payment of $10,000 to put towards your home loan. The grant only applies to newly constructed homes, including off the plan. You may also be eligible for an off the plan stamp duty exemption or concession, which could save you thousands.
Tax benefits
Investors, you’re in luck. When buying off the plan, you can claim higher depreciation reductions compared to an established property, and may benefit from thousands of dollars worth of tax deductions.
How can I avoid the potential pitfalls of buying off the plan?
Be realistic
Buying off the plan means committing to a property that doesn’t yet exist, and depending on when you sign your contract, the build time could be around 24 months or more. Here at Caydon, we have a 100 per cent rate of delivering our apartments on time (and on budget). But if you’re itching to move in ASAP, we do have limited apartments remaining in our completed and soon-to- be completed developments.
Research your suburb
Before committing to an off the plan purchase, make sure that the location suits your lifestyle. Spend plenty of time exploring the area, visiting local restaurants and cafes, and even mapping out your potential work commute. If you’re planning on having kids in the not-so-distant future, make sure there are some good schools nearby.
Get a feel for the space
You might not be able to walk through your off the plan apartment before purchase, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good feel for the space. In addition to detailed floor plans and artist impressions, Caydon’s tactile display suites, located in Moonee Ponds and Abbotsford, feature exact replicas of full-size kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces, as well as a scale model. Here, you’re invited to touch, explore, and imagine your new life in a luxury Caydon apartment.
Seek advice
Before signing on the dotted line, you should seek independent advice to ensure you understand your legal rights and obligations. A solicitor or conveyancer will be able to talk you through the ins and outs of your contract, so you can enter into your off the plan agreement with absolute peace of mind.