Dipping his toe into apartment living changed Vahid Nouri’s whole life, including the way he invests. After downsizing from his family home in Gordon to a unit in Rhodes in 2023, he fell in love with the high-rise lifestyle – snapping up an investment property at Billbergia’s Rhodes Central masterplan and now planning to build his portfolio further.
Vahid owns and operates Harmony Stone Gallery in Silverwater, which fabricates stonework and imports natural stone slabs. Before this he worked in the property sector, developing residential and commercial properties across Sydney. He also built an investment portfolio of residential and commercial property assets in Sydney and the United Arab Emirates.
“After 20 years in a big house, I wanted to see what apartment living was like, and I’ve become a happier person. I have everything I need here, and another major advantage is I’m only 10 minutes’ drive from work. I love the building’s water views, amenities like the sauna, spa and BBQ area, and I’m down at Rhodes Recreation Centre every day,” said Vahid.
Until then, he had predominantly invested in houses and commercial properties – but experiencing apartment living was pivotal in changing his focus.
Vahid rented for just two months before purchasing two units at Oasis, Stage Two of Rhodes Central – a 128sqm three-bedroom to live in, and a 68sqm one-bedroom-plus-study as an investment. With his investment unit rapidly leasing, Vahid had the confidence to expand his apartment portfolio.
“I found a great tenant almost immediately and the returns have been very strong. These apartments are very appealing, particularly to students and young professionals. People love the water views, and it’s close to Macquarie University with great public transport and dining as well,” said Vahid.
Vahid now plans to buy a second one-bedroom off-the-plan in Stage One of Billbergia’s Rhodes Bay masterplan, and even add a third when Cascade – the upcoming final stage of Rhodes Central – is released.
According to the veteran investor, units offer stronger returns than houses with less upkeep, which better suits his lifestyle. SQM Research’s August suburb data backs this up, with Rhodes apartments currently averaging a 5.6% rental yield compared to 4.1% for houses.
“My previous strategy was to buy older-style houses that I could renovate to increase their value. But these days, I’d rather focus on growing my business and enjoying my spare time. For busy people, apartments are the way to go,” he said.
Having worked in the industry himself, he also says Billbergia’s commitment to quality is what keeps him coming back.
“Billbergia never compromises on quality – I’ve seen this firsthand but also hear it from people in the industry. Plus, their sales team is helpful, professional, and always available,” he said.
Rhodes Bay
Rhodes Bay is a transformative $3.2 billion mixed-use waterfront masterplan spanning 3.1 hectares across four sites fronting Cavell Avenue, Averill Street and Leeds Street.
The project will deliver more than 1,800 new waterfront homes and over 16,000 square metres of public open space, incorporating sporting facilities, community parklands and a vibrant retail and dining precinct.
Occupying the northern tip of the Rhodes peninsula, Rhodes Bay represents one of the suburb’s last major north-facing waterfront development opportunities, with sweeping views across the Parramatta River.
Stage One is now selling off-the-plan, offering 249 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with prices from $795,000 for a one-bedroom. Two-bedroom residences are priced from $1.34M and three-bedrooms from $1.76M.
Residences combine contemporary luxury with everyday functionality, featuring double-glazed windows and flexible open-plan layouts. Each home can be further tailored with optional upgrades, allowing residents to personalise their space to suit their lifestyle.
Options include an elegant entryway, a customised study area, a sophisticated TV wall unit in the living room, and hybrid timber-look flooring. Kitchens are equipped with premium Gaggenau appliances, combining refined design with superior performance.
The project will unlock more than 300 metres of previously privatised foreshore, returning the waterfront to public access for the first time in more than a century and creating a new active waterfront destination similar to Blackwattle Bay and Pirrama Park.
Rhodes Bay can be inspected at Billbergia’s Sales Office, located at Shop 5, Rhodes Central Shopping Centre and open from 10am – 6pm, Monday to Sunday. For more information, call 1300 55 11 23 or visit www.rhodesbay.com.au.
Rhodes Central Stage Two – Peake & Oasis
Set at the heart of Rhodes town centre, Peake and Oasis offer luxury apartment living with resort-style amenity and unrivalled connectivity. The towers are part of Stage Two of Billbergia’s $3 billion, three-stage Rhodes Central masterplan.
Located at 43 Walker Street, the vertical village comprises 674 apartments across the striking 48-storey Peake and 43-storey Oasis. With Rhodes train station and Rhodes Central shopping centre just footsteps away, residents benefit from standout public transport links and easy access to retail, dining and essential services.
One of Sydney’s fastest-selling residential precincts, just 11 apartments remain, offering a final opportunity to secure a one, two or three-bedroom residence. Prices start from $960K for one-bedroom apartments, $1.6M for two-bedrooms and $1.95M for three-bedrooms.
At the heart of the development is a vibrant ‘urban backyard’ – a suite of family-friendly amenities designed to bring residents together. These include landscaped podium gardens, an expansive outdoor pool, spa and sauna, poolside grille and alfresco dining area, cinema, games room, shared work-from-home library, children’s play area and pet-friendly pocket park.
Adding to the precinct’s amenity, Peake and Oasis also rise above the $85 million Rhodes Leisure Centre – an award-winning three-level community hub featuring a fully equipped gym, multi-purpose sports courts, competition-level gymnastics centre, allied health services, childcare, retail and bookable community spaces.
Peake and Oasis can be inspected at Billbergia’s Sales Office, located at Shop 5, Rhodes Central Shopping Centre and open from 10am – 6pm, seven days a week. For more information, call 1300 55 11 23 or visit www.rhodescentralapartments.com.au.
Article by PR Partnership Karen Gampenov and Stella Dearing on 27 August 2026
