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Celebrating quality property

Having worked with John Hopkins, the Executive Chairman of The Hopkins Group, now for 16 years –  and having known him for a further 15 years before I joined the business in 2002 – I am very familiar with his collection of his well-honed sayings which include ‘self praise is no praise’. Are they self-deprecating or hubris? A bit of both probably, but that’s always been up to the listener to decipher.

However, it’s the saying that came to mind when we were notified that a previously recommended property of The Hopkins Group won an international property award.

Dux Richmond Hill is a residential development of 175 apartments that includes a barbeque, common casual dining facilities, a swimming pool, and views from the terrace across the Melbourne CBD and out towards the Dandenongs. It was completed by Little Projects in April this year and has won the coveted 5 star award, Best Residential Development Australia in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2018/2019. This is an international property award and a world renowned mark of excellence that celebrates the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sections of the property and real estate industry.

I applaud Little Projects for delivering its masterpiece, but John Hopkins was never in any doubt.

Following a meeting in early 2015 with the team from Little Projects, John wrote to his clients;

“In considering Dux as an excellent investment, there are many issues which must be addressed. Two such factors – amongst the many – that I would like to highlight in my recommendation of these apartments include the personality of the location, and the integrity of the developer in charge.

Let’s start with the location; all property markets have a personality. Often people discuss Melbourne as a property market, but Melbourne consists of hundreds of residential property markets, some are popular and vibrant, and some are not so popular and vibrant.

Richmond is one of those markets that is iconic, popular and vibrant, but what makes it so? Its rich history, from its working class cottages to the substantial homes on Richmond Hill; its plethora of retail facilities and buzz of modern day life; its offering of entertainment, food and drink options; its central position next to the MCG and the CBD, plus ease of access to the Yarra River and surrounding suburbs including Hawthorn and South Yarra; its transport links on Victoria Street, Bridge Road and Swan Street, including buses trains and trams, as well as easy access to main arterials. These factors all combine to create a unique ‘personality’ that is virtually palpable.

At the core of Dux apartments being excellent investments is personality; Richmond’s unique personality.

The second factor that confirms our recommendation in this property, is our confidence in the developer, Little Projects.

Over recent years, our clients have purchased hundreds of properties from Little Projects and I can say without any fear of exaggeration, they are up there with one of the best development organizations we have worked with since the inception of our group 35 years ago. Their word is their commitment; it is enacted, and the result is exactly as stated or better.

Across Australia, many properties have been sold to unsuspecting purchasers ‘off the plan’ with the use of pretty pictures, and flowery words, only to find that when they settle their purchase, the property is nowhere near what was described to them when they purchased it. But not when Little Projects is concerned.

We at The Hopkins Group are proud to stake our reputation on Little Projects”.

I am John Hopkins’ apprentice and, as such, am now jointly responsible for reviewing property opportunities for The Hopkins Group. When making a judgement about ‘off the plan’ opportunities there are many criteria to consider, such as location, price point, value, design, method of construction, quality of fixtures and fittings, and tenancy, building and owners corporation management. However, of paramount importance is (another of John’s maxims) “the pedigree of the players.” Little Projects with Rothe Lowman Architects and Mim Design, is a highly acclaimed trifecta.

Paul Little is acknowledged for his passion to develop prominent, innovative and superior quality developments, that are rich in amenity and delivered to an impeccable standard to appeal to a wide demographic.

Architect Rothe Lowman has created a statement building at Dux of superior style, embracing the art deco heritage features of an earlier building, taking cues from the industrial past of Richmond, incorporating a striking façade of streamlined design, with fine details, warm bronzes and glass.

The accolades for Little Projects’ Dux Richmond Hill are a testament to John Hopkins’ judgement. All of our clients who purchased in the building secured offers of tenancy within a week of settling their purchases. Our clients have an expectation that their investment property will provide capital growth and an ongoing and appropriate yield, as well as security and flexibility.

Since the inception of the business in 1980, John Hopkins property selection criteria has been as follows:

1. Choose the best inner urban areas of a major metropolis from a demand, popularity and opportunity point of view;
2. Choose properties in those areas that most people wishing to owner occupy can afford;
3. Choose those properties that are most appropriate for long term investment, mainly from a physical maintenance and tenancy management point of view;
4. Choose those properties that are most appropriate to a particular investors circumstances. Very often these are tax, financial or portfolio balance considerations.

Little Projects’ legacy of Dux Richmond Hill will appeal for generations to come, providing a meaningfully designed home to many. The Hopkins Group clients who purchased apartments in the building will have a secure and gratifying long term investment. John Hopkins’ property investment philosophies are insightful and enduring, and I think as always, John got this right and does deserve the praise.

Interested in which other properties have received The Hopkins Group stamp of recommendation? View a selection of our Current Recommended Property here, or contact us to learn how property investment might fit in your personal financial situation.

READ MORE: Did you see Dux got the Vogue treatment recently? Check out the Vogue Living feature here.

General advice warning: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

 

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The Hopkins Group

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Level 23, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3001

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GPO Box 4347, Melbourne, VIC 3001

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