Imran Hamidi has sold a one-bedroom designer apartment at 807/227 Victoria Street, Top of the Town, Darlinghurst for $1,180,000 at auction, with an interstate investor beating local competition after a campaign that engaged 243 buyers.
Targeting three markets at once
Imran’s strategy was to position the level-eight apartment — which commands complete city views including Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Centrepoint Tower — to appeal to first-home buyers, downsizers seeking an inner-city bolt-hole, and investors attracted by strong rental yield.
“We needed to have an extremely incredible social media campaign with incredible photos and a fantastic video showcasing everything the area had to offer,” Imran said.
“Making sure that all the marketing was designed to attract all parties.”
The premium positioning was justified by the building’s prestige status within Darlinghurst, warranting a price point above the local average for one-bedroom apartments.
Premium visual assets drove engagement
While the majority of initial inquiry came through Domain and realestate.com.au, Imran deployed drone photography, dusk shots and video content to differentiate the property and drive premium interest.
“A strong social media campaign is imperative in achieving a premium result and you need to use assets such as drone photography and videos to ensure that you get the best result,” he said.
The approach generated substantial interest from residents within the building itself, both potential sellers monitoring market performance and prospective buyers seeking to secure their own position in the landmark development.
Interstate buyer moved quickly
The successful purchaser — an interstate investor who also planned to use the apartment as a Sydney base — demonstrated the decisive approach typical of buyers working to tight inspection timeframes.
“Interstate buyers are usually working to a timeframe and decide on things very quickly as they don’t have an abundance of time to inspect properties whilst they’re here,” Imran said.
“This particular buyer was looking at it as an investment and somewhere to come and stay in when they’re in Sydney. It ticked a lot of boxes for them and they were just very quick decision makers.”
The buyer celebrated enthusiastically after securing the property under the hammer, with Imran calling the auction himself.
Location appeal
Darlinghurst’s inner-city position attracts a young, professional demographic, with 44 per cent of residents aged 20–39. The suburb’s proximity to Sydney CBD, established transport links and heritage character make it a competitive market for premium apartments. Top of the Town’s elevated position offers resort-style amenities including a pool and secure parking, distinguishing it within the neighbourhood’s apartment stock.
Coordinating an overseas vendor
With the vendor based overseas, Imran navigated time zone challenges to align both parties on price during the auction process, ultimately securing a result that left the seller — who had owned the property for several years — thrilled with the outcome.
Advice for neighbouring owners
For other property owners in similar prestige buildings, Imran’s recommendation is clear: invest in marketing assets that allow the property to stand out.
“They need to pay particular attention to their marketing when in these types of buildings so that they can position themselves as a more prestige property,” he said.
“The use of dusk photography and videography as well as drone footage and having a video and a social media campaign really increase the price that they’re able to get. You need to use all the tools that you have.”
About the Agent
Imran Hamidi has specialised in Sydney’s Inner City and Eastern Suburbs markets since beginning his real estate career in 2013. A multi-award-winning agent with deep local knowledge from growing up in the Eastern Suburbs and now living in the Inner City, Imran focuses on residential sales and high-end buyer engagement. Visit Imran’s website for more information or call Imran on +61 412332330.