Learn the everything you need to know about hundreds of projects from throughout Australia. We’ve got the insider information to ensure that you choose the apartment, townhouse or house and land project that suits you and your lifestyle.
This is independent editorial content written by a PropertyMash Journalist. While we try to ensure all information is as accurate as possible, please double check with the developer or real estate agent directly before making a purchasing decision. The information contained within this article may be incorrect or out of date.
Manhattan Terraces is a quite rare terrace home development located on Bailey Street in Brisbane’s West End, 2km from the CBD and only 1.5km away from the city’s cultural and entertainment precinct, South Bank.
The $75 million development will have just 80 terraced homes, and as we mentioned above, it is quite a unique product offering in Brisbane at the moment.
Selling as individual titles with no body corporate, the Manhattan Terraces are comprised of three floorplan options, each spread over either two or three levels.
A terrace home, a villa perhaps, even sometimes called a townhouse, are all terms you could use to describe Manhattan Terraces. I know, architects will tell us all there are subtle differences, but in a nutshell with Manhattan Terraces you get your own home, a 2 or 3 bedroom walk up, that has freehold title and no body corporate fees. You do share walls.
In Brisbane at the moment this is a quite unique offering, with the vast majority of new property available being apartments in mid to high rise buildings. Manhattan Terraces will appeal to buyers looking for a lifestyle and living experience similar to a house, but with the convenience and low maintenance of an apartment.
The easiest way to understand what you get when you buy a terrace at Manhattan Terrace is to look at the site plan.
There are three apartment options to choose from: The Lexington provides two levels, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. The Madison features three levels, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a two-car garage. The Empire, which sits on the corner of Kurilpa and Bailey Streets, is the jewel in the crown. It sports four bedrooms, three bathrooms plus two powder-rooms and a two-car garage – all across a luxurious two levels.
As you can see from the side schematic, your own roof top area for BBQ’s etc are a common feature.
Owners can put their own stamp on things with some intuitive adjustments. According to sales agent Janet Kake, one can opt to forgo a third bathroom (in Madison) and instead have a study. Similarly, there is an option of adjusting the configuration of the ground floor – instead of having two car spaces, the second allocated space can be reconfigured into an extra bedroom. A nice option for those with teenagers or young adults living at home.
Keeping with the personal specifications, there are also some additional premium options: Parquetry timber floor ($7,000), walk-in robe ($2,000), gas ($2,000), stone bath ($2,500), and blinds ($3,000 for the three-bedroom apartment; $2,000 for the two-bedroom apartment).
All terrace apartments have generous balconies: The Lexington’s is 15sqm, the Hudson has a 17sqm balcony and 17.5sqm courtyard, and the Madison has a 27sqm balcony.
Timber flooring – a premium upgrade. Photo taken 15/12/2015.
Some of the Manhattan Terrace properties border Rogers, Bailey and Kurilpa Street and have access to street park bays. These properties have external stairs allowing for direct access from the street.
And for visitors, there are 10 parking spaces set aside.
The secluded development is not gated and has no onsite manager, but residents are welcome to make their own arrangements for such management.
Manhattan Terraces is scheduled for completion in March 2017.
Manhattan Terraces is located on Bailey Street, West End – 2km from Brisbane’s CBD and only 1.5km from South Bank.
The project sits on a self contained block, that is almost an island in a see of mid to high rise apartments. It is a short walk from the river and sits in the heart of the West End urban renewal area, which is made up a large number of new projects at the moment.
Being close to the river, all Brisbane residents immediately think of the 2011 floods that ravaged the West End (and almost everywhere else along the river). With this in mind, the developers have taken an extra precaution with the Manhattan Terraces development by elevating the entire site. Though the building consists of only three floors, it will actually stand much taller thanks to the first level being used for car parking. This should alleviate any concerns for future floor events.
Existing shed on site showing marking of flood level in 2011 and height of lowest habitual level.
The development is close to the West End Trail, which is great for walking or cycling. It takes you from Orleigh Park, along the river up and all the way to the Riverside Drive. It is a great way to see Brisbane and view all of the new developments and activity along the river.
Aldi Supermarket is a short walk away, on Montague Road and Coles is also close on Mollison Street. There are a wide range of trendy restaurants like The Gun Shop Café and London Fields in the West End area. The weekend West End markets, Davies Park and Brisbane River are all contributing to the buzzing activity and atmosphere of West End.
The South Bank precinct is practically right next door, where people can enjoy a range of restaurants that suit every palette, as well as experience the culture of Queensland Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, museums, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane Eye – all 1.5km away from Manhattan Terraces.
The exciting new Kurilpa Riverfront Renewal project is also planned to be near the Manhattan Terraces. The project will neighbour the South Bank Culture precinct and will able to support new restaurants and residential area and will also offer new employment opportunities. This new precinct will offer new opportunities and will become a world-class riverfront destination.
Other neighbouring suburbs include South Brisbane, Highgate Hill and Woolloongabba.
The Brisbane Cricket Ground (the ‘Gabba’) is located in Woolloongabba and is only a 12 minute drive from Duncan Street.
West End Primary School is a two-minute drive on Vulture Street. Brisbane State High School is also along Vulture Street and is a five-minute drive. The private girls’ school Somerville House is also in the area.
The University of Queensland is easy to get to by walking 17 minutes to the nearby West End CityCat terminal on Orleigh Street, then it is just one stop away. Queensland University of Technology, TAFE and Griffith University are all within close proximity to SOKO Waterfront Apartments and easily accessible with public transport as well.
The Mater Public and Private and Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital are within 5km from Manhattan Terraces.
Finishes are of substantial quality, with three main interior options: ‘Sky’ combines fresh white/off-white cabinetry with light timber details. The result is a feeling of space and sharp design. ‘Earth’ is the second option, with dark finishes, charcoal tones and warm timber creating contrast and a more dramatic feel. And the ‘Bespoke’ package features a bolder colour palette is used in opposition to bright and light detailing, which creates a more vibrant and dynamic aesthetic.
There are three main options for interior finishes 15/12/2015.
Appliances are Miele for all of the apartments at Manhattan Terraces.
Interior fittings and furnishings can be upgraded, and the onsite display office (across the street from the building site) provides detailed and comprehensive brochures of all the available options.
Two (2) bedroom apartments start at $799,000. Three (3) bedroom apartments are from $899,000. And the four-bedroom Empire is priced at $1.8 million.
At the time of writing Janet has a temporary incentive in place, which sees the Stamp Duty withheld.
Rental returns for the Manhattan Terraces will naturally be high for premium product such as this, with returns for a three (3) bedroom apartment expected to be around $1,050 per week.
In the absence of body corporate and on site management, the yearly communal fees are only $1,300 which is exceptionally low.
You will not find much at all similar to this project in the inner city radius. Surrounding Manhattan Terraces is a significant number of high rise apartment projects, however if you want a walk up / house / terrace type living, then locally the only real choice is purchasing an existing home.
If you are prepared to look fourther afield, the closest projects that offer terrace style living are Nido in Ascot and Newstead Series in Newstead, both north of the Brisbane River.
Urban Construct are multiple-award winning developers, taking on projects from boutique to large in scale, both in residential and commercial design.
Condev Construction Pty Ltd constructed Manhattan Terraces and are a well-established, mid-tier construction firm.
Marketing Agent for Manhattan Terraces is Place Projects. Onsite sales agent is Janet Kake who is a very experienced agent. As past owner and director of Prime Real Estate this is the first time in 30 years that she has worked for anyone else, which speaks to her high regard of this particular project.
Sales agent Janet Kake. Photo taken 15/12/2015.
The display office at 24 Bailey Street, West End, is directly opposite the site. Currently there is no dedicated visitor parking, but there will be spaces made available in the near future.
Inside, the display office makes available material samples of all the possible finishes as well as a myriad of slick diagrams/artist’s impressions as well an actual kitchen benchtop and cabinets.
Current display times are 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, appointments can be made with Janet.
A visit to the display suite is highly recommended if you are interested in Manhattan terraces.
Sales display suite. Photo taken 15/12/2015.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this project.
Have you visited this project recently, or perhaps you live nearby or bought in a neighbouring building? Tell us what you love about this project, or perhaps what you don't.