Why Buying Off-the-Plan with Norus Makes More Sense Than Ever

Australia’s new apartment market has continued to shift, shaped by higher delivery costs, tighter feasibility plus a stronger focus on owner-occupier quality and larger, more liveable floor plans.

Urbis Apartment Essentials reported the national average price per square metre for off-the-plan apartments (projects in presales and under construction) reached $16,400/sqm in Q2 2025, a 14% year on year lift. Urbis also recorded a standout surge in late 2024, with the national average surpassing $19,000/sqm in Q4 2024, which was up 24% quarter on quarter, led by Brisbane, where square metre rates exceeded $23,000.

As pricing trends higher across the east coast, Norus Projects remains focused on a different outcome: delivering high-quality off-the-plan apartments at strong value in well-connected, lifestyle-rich suburbs across Melbourne.

Value That Outperforms the Market

Here at Norus Projects, we aim to offer a rare combination of premium location, smart design and affordability that’s increasingly hard to find. For example, our Parkview project in Burwood is averaging just $8,955 per square metre, making it more than 50% more affordable than the national average. Meanwhile, our Bay Road development in Sandringham comes in at $9,691 per square metre, a figure that’s nearly $10,000 per square metre cheaper than the rates being quoted for new projects in city-fringe areas like South Melbourne and Albert Park. Our newest project, Riverbend Ivanhoe, delivers outstanding value in one of Melbourne’s most prestigious inner suburbs. In a market where affordability is becoming increasingly rare, Riverbend stands out as a smart and timely opportunity.

Premium Suburbs Without the Premium Price Tag

Unlike other developers chasing record highs in inner-city areas, we aim to strategically focus on suburbs that offer both liveability and long-term value. Burwood, Sandringham and Ivanhoe are three standout examples, offering lifestyle, convenience and future growth potential, without the inflated price tags of their CBD neighbours.

Why Burwood?

Burwood is fast becoming one of Melbourne’s most liveable and well-connected eastern suburbs. Located along the bustling Burwood Highway corridor, Parkview residents enjoy direct tram access into the city, easy connections to Deakin University and close proximity to major retail destinations like Burwood Brickworks and The Glen. The area is known for its strong education offerings, green parks and a growing café culture, making it ideal for young professionals, students, families and investors alike. With a strong rental market and increasing infrastructure investment, Parkview ticks all the boxes for both lifestyle and long-term growth.

Why Sandringham?

Set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s beautiful bayside, Sandringham offers an enviable coastal lifestyle without the multi-million-dollar price tags often associated with beachfront living. Residents enjoy easy access to the beach, a range of walking and cycling tracks, golf courses and a laid-back village atmosphere. It’s a suburb that blends community charm with convenience, thanks to its excellent schools, boutique shopping strips, vibrant local cafés and direct train links to the city.

At Norus Projects, we want to make it easier than ever to call Sandringham home, with two distinct off-the-plan opportunities designed to suit different lifestyles:

Sanctuary Sandringham – A Tranquil Retreat with a Natural Connection

Sanctuary Sandringham is designed for those who crave a peaceful, nature-connected lifestyle while still being close to everything Sandringham has to offer. Nestled in a leafy enclave, this boutique development offers a sense of retreat, with apartments that emphasise open-plan living, generous outdoor spaces and high-end finishes that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. It’s ideal for downsizers and professionals looking for a refined, low-maintenance home that prioritises relaxation and comfort.

Beach Point Sandringham – Bayside Luxury with Urban Convenience

If you’re after something closer to the action, Beach Point Sandringham delivers bayside living with an urban edge. Located moments from the waterfront, this project offers a bold architectural statement, combining sophisticated interiors, oversized kitchens and premium finishes. With a focus on spacious floor plans and high-end European appliances, Beach Point is perfect for those who want a contemporary, design-led home without compromising on lifestyle or location.

Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing or buying your first home, both Sanctuary Sandringham and Beach Point offer an aspirational lifestyle at a smart entry point. At Norus, we aim to ensure you can secure a bayside address with premium design and strong long-term value - all at prices that outperform the market.

Why Ivanhoe?

Riverbend Ivanhoe is set in one of Melbourne’s most prestigious and tightly held suburbs, just 9km from the CBD, close to Ivanhoe Village. This location offers a rare combination of leafy surrounds, urban convenience and long-term appeal.

Residents will enjoy easy access to parklands, top-performing schools, boutique shopping and city-bound trains. Designed for comfort and longevity, Riverbend features spacious layouts and refined interiors that complement the suburb’s established character. Whether you're a downsizer, first home buyer or investor, Riverbend Ivanhoe delivers a lifestyle-rich home in a location with enduring value.

The Norus Advantage

In our opinion, what sets us apart in today’s market is a genuine commitment to affordability without compromising on quality or design. Every apartment is thoughtfully crafted with spacious, liveable floor plans that prioritise natural light, functionality and flow. Our projects embrace sustainable construction methods and timeless architecture, ensuring each development complements its local environment while offering longevity in both form and value.

Our buyers also benefit from transparency and personalised support throughout the off-the-plan journey. We work closely with purchasers at every step, from selecting the perfect apartment to providing regular updates on construction and customisation options. While many developers are adjusting their prices upward to cover rising costs, we remain focused on delivering premium homes at attainable prices, ensuring our buyers get more for their money.

Now is the Time

With apartment prices hitting record highs across the country and affordability becoming increasingly scarce, buyers can lock in today’s prices in suburbs with strong growth potential, while enjoying the benefits of quality design and lifestyle-rich communities.

Want to secure your future in one of Melbourne’s best suburbs?
Explore off-the-plan opportunities with Norus in Burwood, Sandringham and Ivanhoe and take advantage of pricing that outperforms the market without compromising on quality.

*Terms and Conditions apply to any promotions and information that may be contained within this communication. Promotions may end at any time without notice and at a maximum will not be available for more than 14 days from the date of commencement. Only one promotion can be used per purchase and can not be used in conjunction with any other promotions. Prices and other values and information may change at any time without notice. For any government grants, concessions, programs, taxes, levies or duties, please refer to the relevant government websites for further information. The information contained herein is given for general information purposes only and it is subject to change. Readers, viewers and consumers are advised to perform their own research and investigations and obtain their own financial, legal and other advice. The information and materials do not form any representation by any vendors or agents of any vendors and may include third-party opinions that do not represent the opinion of any vendor or agent. They do not form part of any contract of sale and they do not constitute legal, financial, real estate or other advice and must not be regarded or relied upon as such. No warranty is given either expressly or implied and the vendors or agents do not assume liability for negligence or otherwise with respect to the contents herein. All images are artist impressions only. Any plans are yet to have had their structural and services review so are subject to change prior to completion of construction. All plans, dimensions, areas and particulars herein whether by measurements or visual representation are approximate only, for general information only, and do not constitute any representation by the vendor or its agents or representatives. They do not form part of any contract of sale. Changes will undoubtedly be made during development and dimensions, fittings, finishes and specifications are therefore subject to change. Any furniture, goods and chattels depicted in this document are not included with any sale. Prospective purchasers or lessees are advised to not to rely on the information contained herein and to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of all information given by making their own inspections, searches, inquiries and advises or as is otherwise necessary. The vendor or its agents or representatives will not be responsible for any error or misdescription which may appear. Further, the vendor or the developer or their agents or representatives do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that the integrity of this communication has been maintained or that the communication is free of errors, virus, interception or interference. Usage of this or any other websites and materials and any associated website or material is subject to further terms and conditions. Further terms and conditions apply. Please enquire with the vendor and agent for further terms and conditions.