An exciting new era of developments is set to change the way we live, as builders work towards the government’s goal of addressing the nation’s housing shortage. 

There is buzz around premium off-the-plan builds from experienced developers with a strong team, ones who are trying new game-changing ideas, crafting quality projects to improve density in our city's desirable inner and mid-ring areas. 

It comes at a time when Australia is simultaneously experiencing the throes of a housing crisis and tough construction outlook, thanks to rising costs and slowing approvals, according to ABS data. 

“Encouraging more apartment development is absolutely critical in reaching the government’s housing target,” explained PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty, referencing the National Housing Accord target which is to build 1.2 million well-located homes over the next five years.

Melbourne’s premium off-the-plan projects are showcasing what’s possible for the city, as developers design and deliver successful builds with impressive features including architectural flair, luxury lifestyle and wellness amenities, village-style communities, biophilic and sustainable design, parks, gardens and more. 

Wiltshire House epitomises a new era of quality development: a premium inner-Melbourne Richmond location, a leading design and landscaping team, and considered design that incorporates a lifestyle precinct to encourage a village-style community feel. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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“From a buyer’s perspective, there’s a lot of reason to be optimistic about the future performance of apartments,” said Ms Flaherty.  

“We know that the population is growing rapidly, we know that apartments have seen a sharp slowdown in development activity, so that would suggest that we might see the apartment market outperform over the next decade.” 

Here are nine of Melbourne’s latest and best. 

1. Bradmill Yarraville, Yarraville 

Fraser Property’s sprawling Bradmill Yarraville project is a veritable neighbourhood, spanning more than 600 three- and four-bedroom townhouses, more than 700 apartments, a shopping centre, community facilities and a heritage-listed precinct.

Render of a courtyard space within the Bradmill Yarraville complex. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Part of the masterplanned community’s success is the preservation of the heritage-listed buildings, with two refurbished to provide amenities for residents: one with a sauna, gym, pool, spa and yoga space, and the other (the Boiler Room) with a media and entertainment space, dining room, co-working spaces and lounge. 

Renowned architects Rothelowman will design the townhouses and larger site, inspired by the area’s industrial past, while Hayball Architects will design the premium apartments. The development has received a six-star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, representing world leadership in social and environmental design. 

2. South Yarra House, South Yarra 

South Yarra House promises a refined, contemporary residential development in the heart of sophisticated South Yarra. Developed by Wattletree and Dorman Capital in collaboration with renowned architects SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie, South Yarra House offers 58 spacious three-, four-, and five-bedroom elegantly minimalist residences with premium fixtures and fittings such as Gaggenau appliances.

SJB Architects are creating serene sanctuaries with high-end materials to a backdrop of breathtaking views of the Yarra River and city skyline. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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The homes enjoy uninterrupted views from every level, taking in the Yarra River to the city skyline, while atop the 20-level building sits a private rooftop escape for residents, with a swimming pool, alfresco dining space with barbecue kitchen, and an indoor dining area. The three lower levels are dedicated to commercial and retail spaces.

SJB’s vision is sensitive to South Yarra's rich architectural heritage, with a modernist-style facade with Art Deco touches, giving the mixed-use tower a distinct New York sensibility. 

3. Wiltshire House, Richmond

Wiltshire House offers 57 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in sought-after Richmond, responding to demand for premium property in Melbourne’s inner-city areas. Fortis has engaged lauded SJB Architects on the design and Acre for landscaping, creating a high-quality escape using a natural palette and a design full of character and class. 

Wiltshire House in Richmond East Square will create a vibrant new laneway precinct in the desirable 3121 postcode. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Refined apartments offer bespoke kitchens designed under the guidance of legendary Australian chef Neil Perry. But if you'd rather entertain up high, then friends and family can enjoy an exclusive private rooftop dining room that opens to an alfresco area with sweeping city views.

The mixed-use building will include other resident amenity on the beautifully-landscaped rooftop with wellness facilities including a gym, yoga space, sauna, and showers. The lower levels – marked by a striking green facade – form Wiltshire Houses’ own lifestyle precinct, including premium office space and modern dining and retail options including cafes, artisan bakeries, cocktail bars and more. 

4. Fernhurst, Studley Park, Kew

From the team behind the nearby highly-awarded Fenwick development, Fernhurst comprises just 17 apartments and three homes on a one-acre corner site. The luxury residences are characterised by soaring ceilings, high-end design and oversized gardens, thanks to a collaboration between architecturally-led boutique developer Angle, design firm Edition Office and landscape designer Eckersley Garden Architecture.

Fernhurst is down the road from Angle's huge success, Fenwick, which has engaged the same design and landscaping team. Picture: Angle

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Due to zoning and heritage restrictions, Fernhurst is one of the last remaining apartment development sites located in a coveted Studley Park side street, and is also just 300 metres to Kew Junction. It will be Angle's most extensively landscaped project yet with homes ranging from $2 million to $7 million.

5. Elsternwick Gardens, Elsternwick

Design-led developer Milieu is undertaking one of its largest projects yet in Elsternwick Gardens, reviving the former ABC Studios site on Gordon Street in Elsternwick. Described as a neighbourhood, the project comprises expansive private gardens, a hospitality space, integrated arts program and a public park, alongside three distinct residential offerings: Gordon Place, Ripponlea Terrace and The Garden Pavilion. The buildings will only cover half of the 11,000 sqm site.

Elsternwick Gardens is set to create a stunningly landscaped neighbourhood on the former ABC studios site. Picture: Milieu

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The all-star design and construction team includes Woods Bagot, OCULUS, K.P.D.O., Flack Studio, Broached Commissions and March Studio, creating an opportunity to live in thoughtfully created homes immersed in nature. The intention for the project is to create a community as opposed to a high-density development, and one bedroom options start from $695,000.

6. 424-426 St Kilda Road, St Kilda

Gurner Group is planning an $800 million mixed-use development at 424-426 St Kilda Road, securing a prime site facing Albert Park. The project will offer about 200 large apartments over 19 levels, with uninterrupted views of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Domain precinct, city skyline, and Albert Park Lake.  

Gurner development plans to offer St Kilda a world-class skyscraper with Dubai and New York sensibilities, providing roughly 200 residences to the area. Picture: Gurner

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The plans, by Chicago-based architects SOM, the firm behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and New York’s One World Trade Centre, include a jaw-dropping lobby. The residential component focuses on large two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, while the ground floor will comprise a retail area with a food, beverage and wellness offering. 

7. 250 Albert Street, East Melbourne

Pask's luxury East Melbourne apartment development, 250 Albert Street, is underway – an eight-level building of 18 parkfront residences sitting respectfully behind a thoughtfully restored Victorian mansion and terrace.  

The project includes quality appointments like Miele, Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances, as well as a sophisticated suite of shared amenities, such as a Concierge, Resident's Lounge and Dining Room. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Pask have assembled an industry-leading team to realise their vision, including eminent architects fjcstudio, interior design practice SJB, landscape architects NBLA and construction partner Cobuild. The project offers residents immediate access to Fitzroy Gardens and expansive views of the city skyline, and is inspired by the abundant parkside setting of the site and the architectural heritage of East Melbourne. 

8. Central Park, Malvern East

Melbourne developers Roulston and Moda have teamed up to release a collection of luxury dwellings in one of the city’s most prestigious park-front settings – a rare opportunity to buy an off-the-plan apartment on Malvern East's Central Park. 

The rare development features an abundance of windows to maximise the uninterrupted park or city skyline views. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Joining forces with award-winning design studios, Ewert Leaf and Jack Merlo, the 29 premium apartments offer serene palettes influenced by its natural surrounds, while embracing restrained, New York-style sophistication. Many apartments provide uninterrupted park views, while west-facing apartments take in stunning city skylines. The building also boasts a Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating of 7.5. 

9. The Osment, Prahan

One of Melbourne's most desirable postcodes will receive more housing supply with developer Kincrest breaking ground on The Osment by the end of the year, set to be one of the city's best new park-side developments. The Grattan Gardens Prahran location will house 22 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across a seven-level stepped building, which enjoys a 35-metre frontage to popular the Prahran park.

The Osment is a boutique development promising a village-like buzz in Melbourne's best postcode. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Architecture is by the distinctive Cheah Saw, with interiors by renowned Lawless and Meyerson, who will deliver timeless, luxury style and finish. Promising a community feel, the two lower levels will comprise of strata offices and the village-like charm of restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques and health offerings, all facing the park.

Interested in exploring the hottest off-the-plan builds? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.