Branded residential real estate continues to provide certainty in uncertain times. With property markets around the world increasingly vulnerable to softening valuations and demand given government restrictions put in place to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, branded residential could emerge as a top performing sector.

The Australian Government recently announced changes to the Foreign Investment Review Board regime in response to the rapidly evolving situation, meaning foreign buyers can now expect delays of up to 6 months for applications to be processed.

Despite the delays, branded residences typically deliver in terms of fundamentals, ticking the boxes in terms of blue-chip location, favourable supply and demand balance, A-grade amenities and re-sale value premiums and so should be well positioned to maintain and increase in value over time.

This is obviously in addition to the incredible lifestyle benefits branded residential offers to owners. With that in mind, here are five of the finest branded residential developments currently available for sale in Australia.

Queens Wharf Residences, Brisbane

The residences are part of Brisbane’s $A3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Development, a master planned precinct featuring four new luxury hotels, 50 restaurants and bars, a new bridge across the river and 2000 new apartments that is set to become Brisbane’s signature landmark and the largest integrated resort development in Australia.

Centred around a large collection of beautifully restored heritage buildings, these exclusive residences have been designed by principal architects Cottee Parker so that every apartment can make the most of stunning city, Botanic Garden or river views.

Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, Sydney

As the ‘Australian-first’ branded residence project, Crown Residences at One Barangaroo has garnered its fair share of praise and attention. Due for completion in 2021, the development will be located within the re-imagined Barangaroo precinct and will offer 82 high-end apartments from $A9.5m that will appeal to international and local buyers alike.

Apartments within the Wilkinson Eyre-designed tower will feature floor-to-ceiling windows and jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, while bespoke interior layouts will be crafted by New York design firm, Meyer Davis.

West Side Place, Melbourne

Melbourne’s West Side Place is set to become a residential icon. Once complete, the city’s first Ritz-Carlton hotel will be the tallest in Australia. As the final phase of West Side Place, The Park Release Residences celebrate the striking views across the heritage-listed Flagstaff Gardens and the beautiful new gardens that connect the development with the CBD.

Apartments will feature natural colour palettes and lots of natural light, while the building’s high-end amenities will include residential lounges, private dining rooms, wine tasting room and wine cellar, rooftop cinema and gardens, virtual golf and pools aplenty.

Seafarers, Melbourne

Seafarers is transforming one of Melbourne’s last remaining areas of riverside land into a inviting waterfront precinct featuring a limited collection of 125 branded residences and the first foray into Australia from US eco-friendly hotel brand 1 Hotels.

Built around the re-imagining of the heritage-protected Good Shed 5 by Fender Katsalidis, the development includes the restoration of the wharf’s historic crane and is complemented by extensive public park, dining and retail.

Star Residences, Gold Coast

Epsilon at The Star Residences Gold Coast sets a new benchmark in true luxury living. Located on the exclusive Broadbeach Island – and part of a transformational world-class integrated resort, The Star Gold Coast – premium amenities and hotel-style luxury are on your doorstep. To further enhance this unique offering, The Star Gold Coast’s proposed $2 billion-plus masterplan for Broadbeach Island means your new place of residence could be perfectly positioned at the heart of a growing lifestyle and entertainment destination.