Why people want to live in South Melbourne: The top five South Melbourne apartment developments selling in January 2024
It was the 1850s gold rush that brought a significant influx of people to Melbourne and South Melbourne.
This period of economic prosperity led to the construction of many historic buildings in the area, some of which still stand today.
In 1855, South Melbourne was granted municipal independence, which allowed the local government to manage its own affairs. This contributed to developing essential infrastructure, including roads, schools, and public services.
South Melbourne became an important industrial hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with factories, warehouses, and port facilities along its waterfront. This industrialisation brought jobs and economic growth to the area.
It wasn't until the mid-20th century that there was a shift towards residential development, after the deindustrialisation and urban decay of many inner-city areas.,
Former industrial spaces were converted into apartment developments and more modern housing complexes were built which attracted new residents to the area. Commercial and retail growth has continued to see the population of South Melbourne increase, with the emergence of shopping districts, restaurants, and cultural venues. The recent ABS Census data showed 11,500 people call South Melbourne home.
It's been famous for apartment development in recent years, with Gravity Tower, Shadow Play and The Fawkner bringing a much-needed amount of supply to the sought-after suburb.
The recent trends are for projects more boutique in nature, with the shift toward larger, owner-occupier style apartments.
We've looked at the top apartment developments currently for sale in South Melbourne.
Project: Quattro
Apartments: Eight whole-floor apartments
Priced from: $1.15 million
Prospective property buyers in South Melbourne seldom find whole-floor apartments, but 8SM's Quattro presents an opportunity to acquire four full-floor residences spanning 190 sqm in this sought-after locale.
Each apartment has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open living, dining, and kitchen layout, ample storage solutions, a private second living area, and a designated parking space.
Located on Boundary Street, just five kilometres from the CBD, Quattro presents an opportunity to embrace inner-city living, while just being a six-minute drive away from the Port Melbourne Yacht Club and the dog-friendly Port Melbourne Beach.
For shopping and dining enthusiasts, Bay Street is only three minutes away, while the famous South Melbourne Market and Albert Park Village are only a ten-minute walk from Quattro.
This bustling hub provides residents with diverse local amenities, from cafes, restaurants, and bars to upscale fashion boutiques, gourmet markets and unique homeware stores.
Quattro also enjoys proximity to various transportation options. The 109 Tram, which operates from North Port Stop 127, is accessible within seven minutes, while bus route 234 is just minutes away at the intersection of Boundary and Crockford Street.
Project: The Eighth
Apartments: 36 two and three-bedroom apartments
Priced from: $1,595,000
In an era where the boundaries between life, work, and leisure are increasingly blurred, the importance of a modern and adaptable lifestyle has become evident. The Eighth by Crema caters to those who have embraced this lifestyle shift.
The concept behind Crema's The Eighth is to extend residents' experiences beyond their private residences and into the communal spaces within the building.
Designed by both Peter Kennon and Elenberg Fraser, The Eighth's facade boasts a solid grid of polished concrete, framing expansive floor-to-ceiling windows softened by cascading greenery on the five-level podium.
The Eighth offers 36 two and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 128 sqm to 550 sqm, including quarter, half, and whole floors. There's a maximum four apartments per floor.
Each apartment features an open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, stone baths, and private lift access to a dedicated lobby. They sit above a range of commercial office suites, one of which will be occupied by Projects by Crema.
Residents of The Eighth can enjoy breakfast at the Palms Cafe and Beppi's Wine Bar on the ground floor, relax at the European-inspired day spa and EQ Corporate Wellness Club, or unwind at the rooftop pool and bar.
The Eighth is surrounded by shopping strips and malls, with the Clarendon Street shopping strip and the Clarendon Centre only a 15-minute walk away. The famous South Melbourne Market is a 25-minute stroll from the property.
Project: Emerald Place
Apartments: 36 two and three-bedroom apartments
Priced from: $1.55 million
Emerald Place presents an exclusive collection of 36 Woods Bagot-designed apartments on the corner of Clarendon and York Street.
Developed by Lowe Living in collaboration with Icon Kajima, this $160 million mixed-use project will feature 1,500 sqm of ground-floor retail, 12 premium commercial tenancies spanning two levels, and six levels housing the 36 apartments.
The residential offering includes a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments and a limited number of three and four-bedroom Skyhomes.
The Skyhomes comprise four expansive apartments on levels seven and eight, with internal spaces ranging from 268 to 391 sqm. These apartments offer bay or city views with triple-aspect panoramas and private pools on select apartments.
The generously sized apartments open to sunlit living areas that flow into private outdoor retreats. Luxury features such as natural stone benchtops, brushed silver fixtures, and smoky oak detailing are prevalent throughout these residences.
The kitchens are well-appointed with a suite of Gaggenau or Liebherr appliances, including a built-in oven, induction cooktop, and fully integrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher.
ICON Developments is expected to commence construction early next year, with an estimated construction period of around 20 months, positioning the completion date in mid to late 2025.
Project: Domain House
Apartments: 174 one, two and three-bedroom apartments
Priced from: $1.55 million
Construction completed and ready for occupancy, Virgate Property Group's Domain House awaits its residents on the city's doorstep and the Botanic Gardens.
Domain House comprises a diverse selection of 174 one, two and three-bedroom apartments over 19 levels.
At the uppermost levels of the prestigious Domain House is the Capital Collection, with spacious well-appointed two and three-bedroom residences with a panorama view of Melbourne at its feet.
Designed and meticulously planned by Bruce Henderson Architects, the floor plans offer a high degree of flexibility, while the material and colour palette provide a choice between the two schemes.
The Designer Scheme presents a modern blend of moody tones, raw textures, and rich, saturated colours, creating a contemporary ambience. In contrast, the Neutral Scheme offers a classic, minimalist palette with soft hues and tactile finishes.
The building also includes a series of high-end, shared spaces on the 6th level for upscale entertaining and well-being.
The podium rooftop has a residents' lounge and fireplace, providing a cosy gathering spot.
The Yoga Room and Wellness studio offer a rejuvenating environment bathed in natural light and adorned with timber finishes. The outdoor terraces and the private dining room, enhance the entertainment options and offer stunning vistas of the surrounding parklands and city.
From Domain House, residents can easily access numerous lifestyle amenities in the Domain precinct, including Albert Park Lake, the golf course, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Project: R.Iconic
Apartments: One, two, and three-bedroom
Priced from: $525,000
The completed, ready-for-move-in, 31-level Plus Architecture-designed twin tower development by R. Corporation offers various configurations from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms and penthouses with double the amenities of any project.
Surrounded by low-rise residential and restricted height zones, R.Iconic will be the only building with protected, never-to-be-built-out views of the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay.
The two buildings, one for a hotel and the other for apartments offer everything from a rooftop running track to a whiskey lounge.
Residents will have access to wellness amenities such as a state-of-the-art gym, an infinity pool, fitness stations, a tranquil zen garden, and a floatation spa.
There's also a multitude of entertainment options, including outdoor dining pods, a cinema, a karaoke room, a wine vault, a Mahjong room, a virtual golf range, and an adventure playground for children.
Pets are also welcome and have their dedicated dog grooming amenities.
The adjoining hotel also boasts a wealth of amenities that are open and easily accessible to the residents. Some of the hotel amenities and services include a clubhouse, bicycle café, Mercedes loan van, e-bikes and scooters, electric car charging stations, secure bike storage, business space and digital media rooms.
R.Iconic is within walking distance of South Melbourne Market, Port Melbourne Beach, Albert Park Lake, Melbourne’s CBD and the Arts Precinct.