The top six apartment developers to look out for in Melbourne in 2022
There's set to be a fresh wave of international returnees over 2022, as Australia once again reopens its borders fully to the world of investors and students.
Some of Victoria's top developers have been planning for the eventuality, acquiring development sites and timing the launch of their projects to coincide with the expected 2022-rush for apartments.
With many making the move to the unit market as a result of growing housing prices, buying from a developer with a track record and long-term commitment to delivering quality projects has become all the more important for aspiring investors.
Urban takes a look at six developers in Melbourne who are set for a busy 2022.
1. Neometro
Melbourne-based developer Neometro is one to watch this year thanks to a range of new developments that unite architecture with community and sustainability.
Delivering developments across Melbourne for more than three decades, the group become Australia’s first property developer to achieve B Corporation certification in 2013.
Neometro recently launched Nine Wilson Ave, which will home the final 58 apartments and 15 lofts in Jewell Station Village, their fourth residential building at the southern end of Brunswick near Royal Park.
In conjunction with architecture firm MAA and the local landscape designers Mud Office, Nine Wilson Ave promotes wellbeing, prioritises sustainability and is engineered to last.
Neometro’s meticulously crafted residences are the result of a unique, curated approach to uniting architecture, interior design, engineering and construction.
Neometro also recently launched 57 Martin St, just six sustainable townhouses in the nearby Thornbury.
2. Pace Development Group
With over 100 projects delivered across Melbourne since conception in 1992, Pace Development Group is an integrated property developer and builder.
Founded by Shane Wilkinson, Pace has grown to a team of 80 that oversees development, acquisitions, planning, architecture, sales and marketing as an end-to-end developer involved in every step of the process.
Set to reach completion this year is there 298-residence development Pace of Blackburn, featuring one, two and three-bedroom apartments, designed by Ascui & Co.
The project will feature resort-style amenities, multiple retail spaces on ground level and an office tower, once completed.
Other projects in the pipeline include four boutique buildings that will make up the Hampton Quarter precinct, as well as Pace’s final development in Sunshine North which will launch early this year.
There's also The Darley, which will rise overlooking Flemington Racecourse, in what will be one of the most exciting projects to hit the market in Melbourne this year.
3. Lendlease
Founded in 1951, Lendlease boasts over 70 years of experience in building new communities and shaping cities.
Headquartered in Sydney, Lendlease is a globally integrated real estate and investment group operating across four regions.
Further stages at Melbourne Quarter, a new, vibrant inner-city precinct, are expected to reach completion over the coming year.
With a diverse mix of workspaces, living, hospitality, retail and green public realms, Melbourne Quarter is set to house approximately 3,000 residents and engage 15,000 workers.
The 40-level East Tower was recently completed, and Lendlease are offering buyers $0 stamp duty for eligible buyers of the one, two and three-bedroom apartments. One-bedroom apartments start from $446,000.
Currently, the group boasts a current development pipeline of $14.5 billion and feature 100 per cent renewable energy across all Australian building projects.
Lendlease has long been committed to the environment and was named by the Green Building Council of Australia as a 2021 Green Star Champion.
4. Mirvac
Celebrating its 50th year in operation in 2022, Mirvac has an unmatched reputation for delivering quality products in the residential development sector.
Founded in 1972, the leading Australian property group has become a trustworthy developer known for its delivery of upfront amenities, diversified product range and quality design.
Mirvac completed over 3,300 residential sales over the 2021 financial year, an increase of 83 per cent on the previous year, with total assets under management growing to approximately $25 billion.
As one to watch, potential buyers and investors should keep an eye on Mirvac’s many residential developments, including the launch of Mirvac's highly anticipated final release at Tullamore, FORME.
FORME residences have been meticulously designed by Mirvac and set within the tranquil surrounds of nature, designed by award-winning landscape architect Paul Bangay.
FORME sits in the wider Tullamore community, which has been a hit with buyers over the last few years. There has been five distinct stages, The Apartments of Tullamore, The Stables, The Club, The Reserve and The Grange.
Tullamore is extremely walkable with over 25 per cent of the site dedicated to green space and trails.
Mirvac are also pressing ahead with their multi billion dollar Yarra's Edge project, with plans for their ninth tower recently tweaked to be more owner-occupier friendly.
The final apartments remain in Mirvac's eighth tower, Voyager, the 43-level, 130 metre tower of 310 apartments.
5. Beulah
One of the most talked-about developments of 2022 is Beulah International's STH BNK by Beulah.
The $2.7 billion project will see a dual skyscrapers designed by UNStudio and COX Architecture erected in Southbank.
Once complete, it will top Australia 108 as the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building upon its completion, rising 102 storeys, some 366 metres from the City Road address.
There will be around 449 apartments across the two towers, as well as a hotel, commercial, and retail space. Residents will also have access to a Private Auto Club, a first-of-its-kind in Australia.
The STH BNK Auto Club will see residents have the opportunity to use the fleet of luxury vehicles, from BMWs and Teslas to Porches and Range Rovers.
Last year Beulah acquired the neighbouring site in a strategic move that will allow Australia's tallest tower to now have four street frontages, with the site increasing to 7,706 sqm.
From thoughtfully considered individual experiences to city-defining mixed-use developments, Beulah is known for its transformative spaces and progressive design approach.
As one to watch, Beulah has cemented its place as a developer to watch with the successful sell-out of Gardenhill and their engagement on high-profile projects.
There's also plans being prepared for 182-194 Commercial Road, a mixed-use 1,132 sqm site in Prahran, secured last year for $11.4 million opposite the well known Prahran Market.
6. Buxton Projects
As one to watch in 2022, Buxton Projects is set to deliver a range of developments this year, including their recently launched Toorak residence, ADA.
A curated collection of 22 private residences in the heart of Melbourne’s most sought-after suburb, ADA is the vision of Buxton Projects, Conrad Architects and Jack Merlo.
The development group draws on generations of property and real estate experience to create inspiring spaces for exceptional lifestyles, with a diverse pipeline of development projects across the residential, industrial and commercial sectors.
In November, Buxton Projects purchased a 3,987sqm park-front Malvern East site for $10.5 million, likely to become a townhouse project.
Other projects include Salt Townhomes in Brighton, designed by NTF Architects, which is also expected to reach completion within the next two years.