Buying an apartment in Rhodes is one of the most exciting property decisions you can make in Sydney. With its waterfront lifestyle, transport connectivity, modern architecture, and strong community atmosphere, Rhodes has become one of the city’s most sought-after apartment suburbs.
But one question almost every buyer asks before starting the process is simple:
How long does it actually take to buy an apartment in Rhodes?
The short answer: anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on whether you’re buying off-the-plan, newly completed, or established.
The long answer: it depends on preparation, finance, contract review, and the type of development you’re purchasing.
Below is a clear, step-by-step timeline that reflects the real buyer journey in Rhodes in 2025.
Step 1: Researching the Market (1 – 3 weeks)
Most buyers begin by understanding the Rhodes apartment market, pricing, precincts, amenities, floor plans, and developer reputation. This stage often includes:
- visiting display suites
- walking the foreshore and retail precincts
- researching recent sales
- assessing buildings with good long-term performance
In Rhodes, many buyers specifically explore developments shaped by Billbergia, given the company’s long-standing role in transforming the suburb into a master-planned community with strong liveability and amenity.
This initial research phase can take as little as a week if you already know Rhodes well, or up to a month if you’re comparing different projects and outlooks.
Step 2: Finance Pre-Approval (1 – 2 weeks)
Before you can make a confident offer, you need to know your borrowing capacity.
Pre-approval usually takes:
- 1–3 business days with fast-turnaround lenders
- 1–2 weeks with major banks
Buyers purchasing in trusted precincts such as those delivered by Billbergia often find the finance process smoother, as lenders generally view established developers and well-maintained buildings as lower risk.
Step 3: Inspecting the Apartment or Display Suite (Same day – 1 week)
If you’re purchasing:
- Off-the-plan → you’ll visit the display suite, view floor plans, and explore finishes.
- Newly completed → you’ll tour the finished apartment and the building amenities.
- Established → you’ll attend private inspections or open homes.
In Rhodes, display suites, especially those connected to master-planned Billbergia precincts, are designed to give buyers a highly accurate feel for the actual finished product.
This stage may be completed in a single visit or spread over several days if you’re comparing layouts, levels, or views.
Step 4: Making an Offer & Paying the Holding Deposit (Same day – 48 hours)
Once you’ve selected the apartment you want, the offer stage typically moves quickly.
Most Rhodes developments secure an apartment with a holding deposit, which temporarily takes it off the market while contracts are prepared.
This part can take:
- a few hours if you’re ready
- up to 2 days if you need to confirm final numbers with your lender or broker
Step 5: Contract Review & Exchange (5 – 10 business days)
This is the stage that determines how long the entire buying process takes.
Your solicitor or conveyancer will review the contract and strata documents, clarify inclusions, and negotiate any required changes.
For apartments in Rhodes, especially those in large, well-documented Billbergia precincts, contract review is typically smoother because documentation is clear, detailed, and professionally structured.
Most buyers exchange within:
- 5–7 business days if everything is straightforward
- 10 business days if additional clarifications are needed
Step 6: Settlement Timeline (Varies: 2 weeks – years)
Your settlement time depends entirely on what you’re buying.
1. Off-the-plan purchases
Settlement happens when the building is completed.
This may be:
- 6–24+ months later, depending on construction stage
- Often scheduled with clear guidance from the developer
2. Newly completed apartments
Settlement is usually:
- 2–4 weeks after exchange
3. Established apartments
Settlement is typically:
- 4–6 weeks after exchange
unless negotiated otherwise.
So, How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Here’s the realistic breakdown:
Buying Off-the-Plan in Rhodes
- 1–3 weeks: Research & inspections
- 1–2 weeks: Finance pre-approval
- 1 week: Contract review & exchange
- 6–24 months: Construction period
- 2–4 weeks: Settlement
Buying Newly Completed or Established
- 1–3 weeks: Research & inspections
- 1–2 weeks: Finance pre-approval
- 1 week: Contract review
- 2–6 weeks: Settlement
Total timeline:
- Fastest possible: 3–4 weeks
- Typical: 6–10 weeks
- Off-the-plan: depends on construction, but your buying process is complete once exchanged
Why Rhodes Is Worth the Timeline
Rhodes continues to attract buyers who value:
- transport convenience
- precinct design
- modern apartments
- waterfront living
- long-term value
- strong rental demand
With major parts of the suburb designed and delivered by Billbergia, Rhodes has become a benchmark for master-planned living, with integrated retail, parks, transport, foreshore connections, and community spaces all within walking distance.
For many buyers, the time invested in the process pays off through the lifestyle and value Rhodes provides.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking “How long does it take to buy an apartment in Rhodes?” the honest answer is that it depends on your preparation and the type of apartment you choose.
But whether your journey takes a few weeks or several months, Rhodes offers a level of convenience, design quality, and waterfront living that remains hard to replicate anywhere else in Sydney, especially within precincts shaped by Billbergia’s long-standing commitment to master-planned communities.
FAQs
1. Can I buy an apartment in Rhodes quickly?
Yes. If you’re buying an established or newly completed apartment, the whole process can take as little as three to four weeks.
2. Does buying off-the-plan take longer?
Yes, because settlement occurs at completion. However, contract exchange happens early, securing your apartment ahead of completion.
3. Do Billbergia developments in Rhodes take longer to purchase?
No, documentation and processes are typically streamlined due to the professionalism of the development team.
4. When should I get finance pre-approval?
Before you begin making offers. Pre-approval speeds up the entire process significantly.
