The promise of a brand-new home is increasingly appealing to buyers, but they still have concerns about trusting something they can't see.
Savvy buyers know there’s more research to be done when considering a property purchase than simply flicking through glossy renders and polished brochures.
But they also want to know how to weigh up that research to put their mind at ease about quality concerns.
This comes as realestate.com.au's 2026 New Homes Research reported that 65% of respondents said that the quality of a new build was one of their hesitations about buying new, instead of in the existing market.
At the same time, 75% of respondents agreed that a brand-new build offered a more modern, tech-enabled lifestyle than a preexisting home.
These figures show that buyers do want to purchase new builds and are simply hunting for a developer that can actually deliver.
Industry stalwart Sekisui House, which has been in operation since 1960, is setting a standard for proven trust and credibility for buyers in the new homes industry, not only by being independently vetted for quality with a 4-Gold Star iCIRT rating, but also its long and trusted track record.
Buyers are looking to balance certainty and modern tech when it comes to their new homes.
An established history
First established in Japan, the company brings craftsmanship inspired by Japanese principles to all its projects, and has already delivered numerous award-winning developments in Sydney and Brisbane that are standing the test of time and matched with stunning design.
The company's latest project, Waterstone – a beautiful Japanese-inspired 207-apartment development in St Leonards – is now shaping up to be a key project aimed at restoring buyer's confidence in the Sydney market.
Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf describes Waterstone as "a boutique development that has been very well urban planned".
"It's already under construction and will be completed by late 2027 and it is fully backed by Sekisui House, which means a lot.”
Beyond its structural integrity, Mr Kalaf says that the design seeks to tackle new frontiers.
"It will be completed to a very high standard, and is not going to be anything like what people would see in other projects."
Waterstone is a new project backed by Sekisui House's decades of experience.
Inside the St Leonards address giving buyers a new lifestyle choice
Sizeable and smart living is one of the key giveaways that Waterstone is way ahead of the pack.
"Sekisui House always offers floorplates that are generous and much larger than our competitors," explains Mr Kalaf.
"Waterstone has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each designed around space and how people actually live.
"A lot of our one- and two-bedroom apartments have a media room or a study.
"It's not a nook, it's an actual room. And there are little details of craftsmanship throughout the design. There are no step-overs to get onto the balcony. There are full floor-to-ceiling height windows."
He adds that in line with the company's Japanese origins, there is a simplicity and commitment to their signature design principles from the architecture right through to the aesthetics.
The end result is something understated yet beautiful.
The interiors at Waterstone are inspired by sleek Japanese design and craftsmanship.
A location where buyers want to be
Nestled in St Leonards on the fringe of the CBD, the location of Waterstone won't disappoint, delivering an address that's close enough for convenience but also leafy enough to feel like an escape.
The building itself also embraces greenery and nature in all its common spaces.
"It actually sits right on the edge of the St Leonards precinct, so you are close to the hustle and bustle but you're also far enough away to keep out the noise of traffic," Mr Kalaf explains.
"It's only a short walk to the St Leonards Station or Crows Nest Metro. There are dog parks, schools and all sorts of local amenities."
Amenities that open up residents to a new life
Beyond the apartments themselves, this high-calibre project is built around the concepts of enhancing wellness and lifestyle, and offers up perks that rival many luxury resort hotels.
There's the beautiful pool, high-tech gym, spa, sauna and a pool pavilion where residents can rest and rejuvenate.
These sit alongside other useful amenities including co-working and dedicated workshop spaces, and even a pet wash bay.
Mr Kalaf says the mix of features support residents in their daily life rather than simply dressing up a sales brochure.
Watersone residents have access to amenities, from wellness and relaxation areas to co-working spaces.
What to know before buying off-the-plan on the Lower North Shore
It's natural for buyers to be wary in the current market, especially after the horror stories of defects and delays, but Kalaf says this is why the developer behind a project matters as much as the project itself.
"Sekisui House brings over 17 years of Australian development experience," he shares.
"This is not our first project; we have a number of others under construction. We have The Orchards at Norwest which is a five-stage development, Sanctuary by the water’s edge in Wentworth Point and the landmark Melrose Park. We have delivered hundreds of fully occupied apartments, so we have that history which brings a bit of trust and confidence to the market. Buyers know the quality of the finish is going to be first class."
He adds that people can also trust the team of Waterstone including the builder, Decode, and architect, Turner Studios, who bring precision and design rigour so buyers can trust what they'll be getting at settlement.
The latest releases in the precinct, Aella and Zenith, are currently available and garnering plenty of attention, but Kalaf warns that with limited opportunities buyers should visit the display suite in St Leonards sooner rather than later to see first-hand what it looks like when confidence truly has a home.