How to find off-the-plan townhouses in Melbourne

Off-the-plan townhouses are often stylish, functional homes with thoughtful design. As they’re typically available at a lower price point than other houses in your preferred suburb, buying a townhouse off-the-plan is an ideal option for those looking to enter the property market or build their property portfolio.  

What is an off-the-plan townhouse? 

Understanding exactly what buying an off-the-plan property means is the first step in making an informed decision when it comes to purchasing real estate. Whether you’re a first home buyer, upsizer, downsizer, rightsizer, or are looking to build your portfolio through a sound investment property, there are a few things you need to know. 

Buying off-the-plan means that you are purchasing a property before construction has been completed. Plans for the development and individual residences, including floorplans, key details and renders will be available to view so that you know what kind of property you are buying. 

When you purchase a property off-the-plan, you do so with a guarantee of the quality and style of the property, a timeframe for construction, a completion date, size, fittings and fixtures - all of which are included in your contract of sale. 

A townhouse is a self-contained property that exists within a group of three or more properties. When you own a townhouse you own that particular property, but ownership of the land is shared with other owners within the complex. Townhouses can be attached or freestanding, with many new, off-the-plan ones boasting the size, layout and outdoor space you would typically expect from a traditional detached house.

What are the benefits of buying an off-the-plan townhouse?

Affordability and investment potential 

Acquiring the funds to purchase an established home is becoming increasingly difficult for young Australians. However, because the median price of off-the-plan townhouses is usually lower than the price of pre-existing houses, buying off-the-plan offers significant financial benefits. 

For example, as of 2022, reports show that the price gap between traditional detached houses and townhomes have widened to a record high of nearly 38%. This means townhomes are now the more viable pathway to homeownership for many first home buyers looking to get a foothold in the property market.

Off-the-plan concessions also allow you to save money when buying your home by minimising stamp duty costs. You pay duty on the dutiable value of your property. But when buying off-the-plan, the dutiable value amounts to the contract price minus the construction or refurbishment costs incurred on or after the contract date. This consequently reduces the amount of stamp duty you pay. 

Additionally, off-the-plan properties require a lower deposit amount with some developers offering financial incentives (including developers’ grants and furniture packages) to further sweeten the deal. 

Buying an off-the-plan townhouse ultimately has the potential to be a fantastic investment as you will spend less than you would on a traditional house with capital gain over time. Townhouses have significant investment potential whilst also being an excellent option for first home buyers looking to buy their first property. 

Location 

Buying off the plan allows you to purchase a home in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after suburbs at a more affordable price than traditional houses.  

Whether you’re an owner-occupier or an investor, the value of location is extremely beneficial for buyers. The value of buying off-the-plan is both short term and long term, and allows you to make a savvy investment in your future. Many off-the-plan properties are strategically located in the most desirable suburb to ensure capital growth. In addition to providing affordable home-buying opportunities, buying a townhouse off-the-plan is evidently an excellent way to invest in property at an achievable price. 

Considered design 

Off-the-plan townhomes tend to be architecturally designed, with firms like Cera Stribley, Bates Smart, Architectus, Rob Mills and Rothelowman often ensuring design is thoughtful and considered. Buying a townhouse off-the-plan often means that you can customise floorplans to suit your personal style as construction hasn’t begun yet. Rather than confining you to a specific aesthetic, purchasing a townhome off the plan will provide you with great scope for creativity. 

New developments are generally designed in accordance with the most contemporary design principles as well. By demonstrating a timeless, future-proof and considered use of space, many expertly designed new developments act as an immaculate canvas to inject your own personal style into your new home. 

Sustainability

Across most off-the-plan townhomes, developers and architects are increasingly emphasising sustainability in their choice of design and materials. Implementing a design that enables cross-flow ventilation reduces reliance on air conditioning systems, whilst solar panels allow for renewable energy. These are just some of the ways that developers integrate sustainability into the design of townhomes. This gives you a chance to easily integrate sustainable practices into your daily life simply by way of the home you live in. 

Peace of mind

Buying off-the-plan can offer increased peace of mind for buyers, as many off-the-plan townhomes offer a range of buyer guarantees that reduce risk. 

The off-the-plan duty concession is one of the major benefits for buying off-the-plan, as are the changes in the sunset clause that have been implemented in recent years. The sunset clause allows purchasers to legally terminate a contract if the developer misses key deadlines or runs excessively behind schedule. Conversely, a developer cannot end the contract via the sunset clause unless agreed with by the purchaser or approved by the Supreme Court. 

Off-the-plan townhomes also offer a range of buyer guarantees including extended building guarantees, extended builder’s defects liability period and the use of only Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) approved facade materials. 

How to find an off-the-plan townhouse in Melbourne 

You can find an off-the-plan townhouse in Melbourne on the Apartments & Developments website. To search specifically for townhouses, click on the blue ‘Filters’ button in the search bar, and click on ‘Townhouses’. 

To start looking for off-the-plan townhouses in Melbourne, click here.