Since moving to Epping two years ago, the area has undergone significant change. What was once homes on big blocks has now become streets lined with six-storey apartments. In the space of 18 months, close to a dozen apartment blocks have sprung up in my front yard. I’m all for density done well, and given our proximity to the train station, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

We were in a boom time, and these apartments were selling like hot-cakes. All, but this one building – I took this photo a month ago, and it is still the only building on the block that is covered in real estate signs.

Why can’t it sell?

I’m not certain why this particular apartment building isn’t selling, when the others are doing just fine, but I’m guessing it has to do with quality. Even from the outside, the quality of finishes isn’t at the same standard as the others in the street.

Quality matters

In development, quality matters. It can be tempting to purchase a home based on its marble benchtops and ducted air conditioning, but these aren’t the things that matter. Considering the recent Opal Tower concerns (cracks in the concrete) or Grenfell Disaster (cladding caught on fire), you need to be able to trust where you sleep at night. When purchasing your home, make sure you look beyond the shiny exterior and find a quality home that has your family’s comfort in mind.

What should you ask for?

Quality can take many forms, but to ensure your home is comfortable, the level of insulation and the orientation of the building are incredibly important. Air conditioning can account for 40% of your electricity bill, so getting this right not only means you’re comfortable, but it means your finances are too. Support this with solar panels, to further reduce your bills, and the chance of being caught out during a blackout.

Quality is also reflected in healthy materials, such as paints and furniture that don’t release toxic chemicals into your home. GECA certified products are a great place to start because you know they’re safe (for you and the people who made them). Your mental health also benefits when your home connects you to nature, either through views, or natural surfaces.

If you’re building your own home, this government website is a really useful resource: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/

If you’re buying off the plan and want a third-party verified stamp of quality, look for certifications like Passive House or Green Star.

Quality is important, and this building here is facing the consequence of not delivering.