Buying an off-the-plan apartment is not just an opportunity to secure a modern, stylish home, it's also a chance to make it uniquely yours from the start. 

Off-the-plan apartments offer easier access to homeownership through government concessions like stamp duty savings, lower deposits and more time to save and prepare before moving in. 

Developments usually include designs and floorplans that are cost-effective for both builder and buyer, and while you’re less likely to be able to change up a floorplan, there is an opportunity to add customisations to an entry-level design to help make the space your own.

Developers are generally open to incorporating your preferences at the start of the planning and design process, but making changes becomes trickier down the line. 

“With an apartment, it’s quite important to try and factor in customisations while it's not yet built and having those approved,” said Sherridon Homes interior designer manager, Samantha Darmarkis. 

What customisations are we talking? Darmarkis shared her picks that will pay off in your new off-the-plan apartment. 

MORE: Project home customisations worth spending your money on 

1. Layout changes

Developers aren't strangers to custom requests for floorplans. Buyers might want a bigger laundry, or a study with built-in storage instead of a third bedroom, or they may want a larger island in their kitchen.

Requests like these help to personalise the apartment to reflect how you live your daily life.

While changes that affect structural elements – for example, enlarging a bathroom or moving the location of a kitchen, both of which have plumbing – are usually out of the question, layout preferences can be accommodated depending on the request.

Getting customisations into your off-the-plan apartment early ensures your ideal living space becomes a reality. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The earlier you discuss options, the better.

“When you're buying off the plan and if you don't have experience in this industry, it’s important to know that it's not as easy to do things after the fact in apartments,” advises Darmarkis.  

2. Fixtures and finishes

The most popular way to customise your off-the-plan apartment is through fixtures and finishes, which includes everything from tapware and window coverings to tile and flooring choice.

Upgrading your flooring in particular can set the tone for the entire apartment. Hardwood floors, engineered timber, and high-quality tiles not only look stunning but are also durable and easy to maintain.  

In wet areas, another high-impact choice is tiling from floor to ceiling, which can give the space a more luxurious, hotel feel.  

Little details can also go a long way in personalising your space, so consider an easy win like upgrading tapware and lighting fixtures for both style at functionality. 

3. Storage design

If you’re moving from a house to an apartment, you might find storage space to be front of mind.  

“If homebuyers are downsizing later in life, they’ve usually come from a bigger home and are needing to cull down – but they may not be used to doing that, especially in apartments,” Darmarkis explained.  

MORE: 6 good reasons to buy off the plan

In-built wardrobes and linen cupboards make apartment living more organised and comfortable. Picture: realestate.com.au

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"Storage needs to be thought through and considered very well in apartments. Smart built-in joinery can significantly maximise space," Darmarkis said.  

Integrating built-in wardrobes, linen cabinets and strategically positioned shelves can help you utilise every inch effectively, from kitchens to bedrooms.  

In smaller apartments, efficient use of space is also critical. This includes areas like the laundry, which might not have a dedicated room. 

"A really well-thought-out European-style laundry, set up and integrated in the cupboard, can make a difference," Darmarkis advised.  

MORE: Upsizing your off-the-plan apartment 

4. Lighting design 

Lighting can transform the atmosphere of your apartment and is crucial for both function and aesthetics.  

"Electrical, especially lighting, can be very tricky to do later on in an apartment setup," Darmarkis warned. 

Consider placement and installing dimmers and feature lighting to create a versatile living environment. This balances practical needs with ambiance, such as adding task lighting in kitchens or mood lighting in living areas. 

5. Kitchen upgrades 

In any home, the kitchen usually becomes the centre of activity, and in modern apartments, floorplans are usually open with flow-on from the kitchen to the living and dining areas. 

Thinking about the functionality and quality of your appliances and ensuring they are integrated can help create a serene living environment.

With the kitchen as a central part of your home, quality appliances maximise both style and usability in apartment living. Picture: realestate.com.au

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In some cases, homebuyers can choose to upgrade appliances, which enhances both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of your apartment. 

“I think it's nice to integrate them in an apartment, so they're there, but you visually don't see them,” Darmarkis explained.  

 “I'd also want them to be pretty efficient in terms of their noise and outlet.” 

Pro tip: Seek expert advice for interior choices 

When it comes to the finishes in apartments, you want them to meet your expectations and enhance the overall living experience.  

The level of specification for finishes in modern apartments is usually quite good, often curated by professional design houses. But as Darmarkis advised, it could be useful to engage a designer early in the process.  

"With apartments, you generally already have set the colour palette, but given that you don’t have the resource of a studio appointment to go through customisations, it could be very worthwhile to engage a designer so they can have a look at those plans and give their thoughts on whether there is adequate storage and if the layout can be improved," Darmarkis explained. 

"As long as the developers are accommodating and it's captured soon, there's generally some room to customise it."  

Looking for an off-the-plan apartment? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.