First home buyer or looking for a lock-and-leave? Such an affordable and appealing one-bedroom home with courtyard at Monaco by the sea.

The home offers great buying and, in an uncertain market, the reassuring benefits of quality build and quality neighbourhood, and the unique village setting boasts excellent amenities, including pool and gym. Unlike many, this home is constructed of permanent materials - brick, concrete, and solid, attractive timbers. Selling at its RV means potential upside as the market recovers. Body Corporate Annual Levy $5,915.11, Annual Rates $2,270.44.

On two levels, the townhouse has a spacious bedroom upstairs and ground floor open plan living. A lovely fireplace and exposed ceiling beams help make it homely and special, and you have the bonus of a brand-new kitchen. Winters are cosy with the gas fire, or open French doors to your courtyard garden for sunny morning coffee. Early sun pours into your bedroom, too, with a fully tiled en suite, complete with bidet and spa bath. Again, it's unusual quality in such a reasonably-priced home.

And as for the complex itself, this is no retirement village! It's increasingly owner-occupied, a mix of younger professionals, people in their 30s, and active retirees.

With the tranquil gardens and the local shops and businesses adding energy and daily activity, there's a good feeling here. If you fancy a drink, or a delightful lunch or dinner, there's the fabulous Brick restaurant on the premises. Waterside strolls and the cycle trail are at your front gate. And across the road there's the Honest Lawyer pub.

You have one car park near your front door.

With body corporate approval, you can have a dog, but cats are not permitted. You pay a body corporate levy, which gives you garden and lawn maintenance, insurance for your home, repairs and maintenance throughout the grounds, waste management fees and window cleaning, of course you get a maintained pool and gym. This apartment is sharply priced. Call Julie Ambrose for an appointment.