Australians want more storage in their apartments: Here’s where to find them

During the Next Generation Apartments event held last month in Melbourne, Australian Apartment Advocacy (AAA) CEO Samantha Reece revealed findings from AAA’s 2025 Apartment Survey.

The survey, conducted over three months earlier this year, collected 1,110 responses from participants across the apartment sector. From owner occupiers (80% of the respondents) and renters (5%) to investors (15%), most participants recorded positive experiences with apartments.

The survey further revealed what actually matters to these apartment owners and occupiers when it comes to living in their apartments, and choosing which to purchase or rent.

One of the highlights? A need for storage.

Storage tops the wish list

When asked what they would change about their current apartment, nearly a third of survey respondents (32%) pointed to one thing: more storage.

According to Samantha Reece, women are often the primary decision-makers when couples purchase or rent an apartment, and their priorities highlight the importance of smart design.

When inspecting potential apartments, Samantha reports that women notice practical, everyday considerations, such as the placement of pantry space and ceiling height in storage cupboards, and ask themselves questions such as, “Where will the vacuum cleaner go?” or “How do we store the Christmas tree?”

Samantha even goes on to note that architects should ensure they have at least one woman on the design team when planning new developments, as these practical needs are front of mind during inspections.

The need for more storage was followed by requests for additional parking (22%), larger apartments overall (20%), and better-designed kitchens (19%), further showing the importance of smart design in apartments.

So, where can you find these new apartment developments with ample storage and space? Here are a few stand-outs:

33 Queens Pde: Clifton Hill, VIC

Set in the heart of Clifton Hill – one of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-city suburbs, 33 Queens Pde offers a sophisticated collection of townhomes, apartments, and penthouses. A combination of functional and stylish design and a prime location close to amenities and parks makes this residential development a prized choice.

This is especially true for one long-time North Fitzroy local, who said, “The development’s design fits seamlessly with our lifestyle and future plans.

“It offers pet-friendly living, ample storage, lush greenery throughout, and a strong sense of community.”

Victoria & Albert: Broadbeach, QLD

Sprawling proportions, expansive balconies, multi-purpose rooms, en-suites to every bedroom, and a luxe master retreat define The Horizon Collection at Victoria & Albert.

Located in the vibrant heart of Broadbeach, these residences are described as house-sized, with ample storage to match.

Aeris: Melrose Park, NSW

Award-winning Japanese developer Sekisui House’s latest vision at Melrose Park, Aeris, presents a collection of beautifully crafted apartments that open up to breathtaking vistas across Sydney and Parramatta CBD.

Inside, apartments are thoughtfully composed to enhance modern living, with built-in storage, clever pantries, and integrated Miele appliances. For families or multigenerational living, the unique dual-key apartment offers privacy and connection under one roof. While flexible study spaces in two- and three-bedroom layouts cater to a wide range of lifestyles, allowing residents to work, rest, or grow their passions.

Frith & Howarth: Brunswick, VIC

Spacious, sustainable, and stylish, Frith & Howarth is thoughtfully designed with everyday details that make life easier. This includes generous storage, butler’s pantries, dedicated laundries, and floorplans that are 21.3% larger than the average apartment in Brunswick, offering the kind of space usually reserved for standalone houses.

All this just six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and across the street from Yubup Park.

Rivara: West End, QLD

Located on one of the last true riverfront addresses in Brisbane’s West End, just 3km from the CBD, Rivara presents a highly exclusive collection of river homes, penthouses, terrace homes, and apartments.

Architecturally designed by Rothelowman, each residence features all the important details, including intuitive floorplans, generous proportions, refined materiality, and, of course, thoughtfully designed storage.

Veue Parkside at The Orchards: Norwest, NSW

Nestled in a nature site with its own creek, this world-class community boasts kilometres of cycleways and walkways and 1.4 hectares of parklands. Veue Parkside is a place to thrive, where every apartment features an open-plan kitchen and an abundance of storage space throughout living and dining areas.

A highlight is the versatile Max Space. This extra space in most residences is the perfect space to turn into a study, reading nook, children's nursery, or extra storage room, depending on your needs and lifestyle. The possibilities are endless.

To find more off-the-plan apartments, click here.

Header image of Frith & Howarth.