Rhodes has become one of Sydney’s most recognisable apartment precincts, a suburb defined by its waterfront location, walkability, transport links, and the kind of mixed-use convenience that suits modern urban living.
If you’re considering buying in the area, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to purchase off-the-plan or opt for a completed apartment. Both pathways offer advantages, but the experience is different, and understanding those differences is essential to choosing the right option for your lifestyle or investment goals.
Below is a clear, high-level breakdown of how these two types of purchases compare specifically in the context of Rhodes, a suburb heavily shaped by master-planned development from Billbergia.
What Is an Off-Plan Apartment?
Buying off-the-plan means purchasing an apartment before it has been completed, sometimes before construction has even begun.
You’re buying based on:
- detailed architectural plans
- 3D renderings
- floor plans
- display suite walk-throughs
- material and finish samples
- the developer’s reputation and delivery record
In Rhodes, off-the-plan buyers often gravitate towards precincts delivered by Billbergia because of the developer’s long-standing consistency, attention to detail, and history of delivering exactly what is promised.
What Is a Completed Apartment?
A completed apartment is exactly that, fully built, inspected, and ready to live in immediately.
You can walk through the actual residence, stand on the balcony, check finishes, assess the light, and experience the building’s amenities firsthand.
Completed apartments in Rhodes are in strong demand because buyers can see, touch, and feel what they’re purchasing, particularly in the riverfront and mixed-use communities established by Billbergia.
Key Differences Between Off-Plan and Completed Apartments in Rhodes
1. Timing and Move-In
Off-the-Plan:
You exchange contracts early but wait for construction to finish, which may take 12–30 months, depending on the stage of the project.
Completed:
Settlement and move-in can happen within weeks.
A completed apartment suits buyers who need certainty and a fixed timeline.
2. Price and Market Positioning
Off-the-Plan:
Often priced with future value in mind. Buyers sometimes secure properties at today’s pricing for tomorrow’s finished product.
Completed:
Reflects current market conditions.
There is no speculation; you’re buying what exists today, with full visibility of the final product.
3. Ability to Inspect Before Purchasing
Off-the-Plan:
You rely on display suites and material samples.
In Rhodes, Billbergia display suites are known for accurately representing the final product, but off-the-plan buyers still rely on trust and documentation.
Completed:
You walk through the exact apartment you’re purchasing.
You can assess natural light, views, finishes, acoustics, and spatial flow firsthand.
4. Developer Reputation Matters More Off-Plan
With off-the-plan, the developer’s consistency, financial strength, and delivery record are key.
Billbergia’s decades-long involvement in Rhodes gives many buyers confidence because the precinct has evolved steadily under a clear master-planned vision, and the final delivery consistently matches the design intent.
Completed apartments, by comparison, allow buyers to judge the result independently of the marketing.
5. Settlement Timeline and Finance Requirements
Off-the-Plan:
Finance approval typically occurs closer to completion.
The upfront commitment is the deposit, but the loan is only drawn at settlement when the building is finished.
Completed:
Finance approval is immediate, and settlement occurs within a standard 4–6 week window.
6. Customisation Opportunities
Off-the-Plan:
Depending on the stage of construction, some developers allow minor upgrades or colour scheme selections.
This is more common in large, premium precincts with structured design packages.
Completed:
What you see is what you get.
You can renovate later, but there’s no customisation during the purchase.
Which Option Suits You in Rhodes?
Choose Off-the-Plan If You Want:
- a longer settlement period
- modern, brand-new finishes
- potential capital uplift on completion
- first pick of layouts and outlooks
- confidence in a reputable developer such as Billbergia
Choose a Completed Apartment If You Want:
- to move in quickly
- certainty about the exact layout and views
- a known building community and strata environment
- to physically experience your apartment before purchase
Both options can be excellent; the right choice comes down to your financial timeline, lifestyle needs, and preference for either certainty or early access to premium stock.
Why Rhodes Remains a Strong Option for Both
Whether purchasing off-the-plan or completed, Rhodes delivers long-term appeal:
- waterfront positioning
- direct rail access to the CBD
- walkable retail and café culture
- high-quality apartment design
- strong rental demand
- thoughtfully planned precincts
With Billbergia leading the evolution of major sections of Rhodes, the suburb has become a benchmark example of how well-executed development creates real, lasting value for residents.
Final Thoughts
When comparing the difference between off-plan and completed apartments in Rhodes, the choice ultimately comes down to timing, certainty, and your appetite for flexibility versus immediacy.
Off-the-plan offers early access and forward-looking value, especially when buying from a long-standing developer with a strong reputation.
Completed apartments offer immediacy, transparency, and the comfort of seeing exactly what you’re buying.
In Rhodes, a suburb shaped by thoughtful precinct planning and architectural detail, buyers have strong options on both sides of the spectrum.
FAQs
1. Is it faster to buy a completed apartment in Rhodes?
Yes. Completed apartments typically settle within 4 – 6 weeks.
2. Are off-the-plan apartments cheaper?
Not always. Pricing reflects future value, but early buyers often secure favourable positions in premium precincts.
3. Why do many off-the-plan buyers choose Rhodes?
Precincts shaped by Billbergia offer strong amenities, transport access, and waterfront appeal.
4. Can I inspect an off-the-plan apartment?
You can inspect the display suite and material samples, which are designed to represent the final finish accurately.
