Frequently asked questions

We regularly update this section with the most commonly asked questions. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Financing

How much do Nightingale apartments cost?

Since each Nightingale project is different, prices depend on location, projected cost of construction, number of bedrooms, orientation and elevation. More information on our Pricing page.

What financial contributions are required from purchasers?

Please see the How to purchase and Pricing pages for details of the financial contribution required.

Can I get my deposit back if my circumstances change?

Contracts of sale are binding legal documents. However, in cases of unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances which mean you are unable to purchase your apartment, we would work with you with the aim of re-allocating the apartment, so that the deposit can be refunded. We often have a waitlist of potential purchasers who missed out during the ballot and who may be interested in taking over your apartment contract.

It is important to note that Nightingale can’t guarantee the return of your deposit. Any legal and administrative costs incurred as a result of reallocating the apartment may be deducted from the deposit.

Are Nightingale apartments affordable?

Nightingale apartments are sold at cost. Up to 20% of apartments per building are reserved for community housing providers, who are able to provide affordable housing to vulnerable members of the community through the use of government subsidies.

In determining whether you can afford a Nightingale apartment, you need to consider whether you will be able to save the deposit required and whether you will be able to afford the mortgage repayments. If you are unsure, we recommend you speak with a registered financial adviser.

What are the owners corporation fees?

The owners corporation (OC) fee is determined on a building-by-building basis and will be disclosed in the contract of sale. As a rough guide, in 2020 the OC fees at Nightingale 1 were approximately $90,000 per annum. This equates to an average annual fee of $4,500 per apartment.

While higher than some other developments, this fee covers many things that make Nightingale unique as well as capturing some things that would ordinarily be paid separately, including:

  • The provision of hot water and hydronic heating to each apartment
  • Laundry use
  • Maintenance of common areas and property such as the lift, laundry, landscaped roof, green facade irrigation, veggie gardens, furniture, worm bins
  • Contract cleaning of common areas
  • Other typical OC costs such as insurance and management

It’s important to factor OC fees into your budgeting when deciding whether a Nightingale home is right for you.

What will my council rates be?

Councils use property values as the basis for distributing the rating burden across the municipality. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict the exact rates early in a new project, but the contract of sale will usually include current rates (or estimates).

How much stamp duty will I have to pay?

The stamp duty payable depends on your personal circumstances. Please seek advice from your conveyancer or a qualified adviser.

What incentives currently exist for first home buyers?

Please refer to the State Revenue Office of Victoria for detailed information on first home buyer incentives.

Do you recommend a specific bank for home loans?

We are not allowed to provide financial advice. We recommend speaking to your bank, an independent financial advisor and/or a mortgage broker to get the advice that best suits your circumstances.

Do any of the Nightingale projects take part in shared equity schemes?

We are not currently taking part in any shared equity schemes.