The best in Melbourne apartment living for first-home buyers

Functional design without aesthetic compromise, a sense of community, and access to vibrant urban lifestyles. These two apartment developments provide the ideal canvas for Melbourne’s next generation of homeowners, proving that trendy urban living is not just a dream, it’s an achievable reality.

As a city of vibrant neighbourhoods, Melbourne’s appeal for first-home buyers (FHBs) seeking accessible yet trendy urban living is undeniable.

For those dreaming of a lifestyle that blends community, convenience, and culture, apartment developments like New Johnston in Abbotsford and 15 Thompson Street in Kensington offer a compelling entry point into property ownership. These projects are designed to cater to modern, city-centric lifestyles while maintaining housing accessibility – a crucial factor for FHBs.

Let’s take a closer look at them…

15 Thompson Street: Community-driven living in Kensington

Located just four kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, nestled between Flemington and North Melbourne, Kensington is a leafy inner-city haven with a multicultural vibe and a strong community spirit. Home to chic cafes, charming period homes, and plenty of green spaces, it’s an idyllic suburb for those seeking a trendy, city-centric lifestyle.

At the heart of this neighbourhood is 15 Thompson Street, a development by Melbourne-based developer Assemble, that takes a unique approach to making home ownership accessible for FHBs.

The standout feature of 15 Thompson Street is its innovative ‘Pathway to Ownership.’ This program allows residents to lock in their rental and eventual purchase price for up to five years, providing stability and financial security as they prepare to buy. It’s a “try before you buy” model, allowing potential homeowners to live in their future property without the pressure of an immediate purchase.

This thoughtful approach is complemented by design features that prioritise community and sustainability.

Shared spaces like a rooftop space with veggie gardens, a woodfired pizza oven, sports court, pet park, and a multipurpose event space extend the living experience beyond individual apartments. With a shared laundry, clothesline, and lending library, convenience is ensured.

There’s even a dedicated workshop for those messy jobs, such as fixing bikes or building planter boxes, and a bookable two-bedroom guest house for visitors – a rare luxury for urban developments.

Sustainability also plays a key role. With an average 7-star NatHERS rating, rooftop solar panels, and a focus on 100% electric living, 15 Thompson Street minimises environmental impact and reduces running costs for residents. Dedicated bike storage, on-site car-sharing services, and proximity to public transport encourage a car-free lifestyle, aligning with the needs of eco-conscious urbanites.

Kensington’s charm as a neighbourhood further enhances the appeal of 15 Thompson Street. With its mix of trendy cafes, a growing selection of restaurants, small breweries (including a gin distillery across the road), and green spaces such as JJ Holland Park, your every day is exciting.

Public transport is easily accessible with the Craigieburn/Upfield train lines and the 57 tram nearby, with the Capital City Trail providing a cycling route around Melbourne. Kensington is truly a convenient place to live, striking a perfect balance between vibrant city living and a close-knit community.

For FHBs, 15 Thompson Street is an investment in both a home and a lifestyle.

Construction is now complete, with residents already moved in. Two- and three-bedroom residences are still available, with two-bedders priced from $750,000.

New Johnston: Artsy living in Abbotsford

Abbotsford, just four kilometres northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, is one of the city’s greener inner-city suburbs, home to an impressive amount of green spaces considering its proximity to the city. Renowned for its artsy, outdoorsy vibe and flowing café culture, it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of Melbourne’s most coveted residential enclaves for young singles, couples, and families seeking a stylish, low-key lifestyle. 

Striking the perfect balance between laid-back living and the buzzing energy of city life, Abbotsford is an ideal location for FHBs looking to embrace the best of both worlds.

Among the hustle and bustle, New Johnston stands out with its eco-friendly design and high-quality finishes, making it a top contender for FHBs who value sustainability and style.

With piling works already underway, this development is set to be completed by the end of 2025, perfectly timed for buyers looking to benefit from Victoria’s stamp duty concessions. These savings can reach up to $118,000, a significant boost for those entering the property market.

The apartments themselves are thoughtfully designed to maximise natural light and functionality. Open floor plans, dual-aspect layouts, and premium materials like stone benchtops and engineered timber floors ensure a contemporary and comfortable living experience. Residents can choose from multiple design schemes, allowing for a touch of personalisation without compromising on quality.

Location is another highlight. Nestled conveniently between the city and the peaceful banks of the Yarra, New Johnston’s neighbours range from warehouse breweries and bustling farmers markets to brunches in hyped cafes and Sunday roasts at historic pubs.

Within a stone’s throw to the Yarra Bend, residents can easily access the Yarra Bend Park and Golf Club, the creative community of the Abbotsford Convent, and Collingwood Children’s Farm.

Efficient commuting services, such as the nearby Victoria Park Station just a seven-minute walk away, along with tram routes 12 and 109, seamlessly connects residents to Melbourne’s bustling CBD and its vibrant surroundings. Furthermore, residents can enjoy the convenience of well-planned bus routes, complemented by a bike-friendly infrastructure and walkable streetlines, fostering connectivity to the neighbouring Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Richmond areas.

Abbotsford’s designation as a major activity centre under Melbourne’s 2030 Metropolitan Strategy signals exciting growth prospects. For FHBs, investing in New Johnston is not just about securing a home; it’s about being part of a neighbourhood poised for long-term value and vibrancy.

Buyers are already loving New Johnston, highlighting the finishes found in the apartments, their efficient layouts, how fantastic the location is and the quality of lifestyle it provides, the development’s eco-friendly initiatives, and the great affordability of the offerings, especially in comparison with other similar options.

With one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments still selling at New Johnston, you can be part of this community. One-bedders are priced from $555,500.

So, whether it’s the sustainability-focused communal living of 15 Thompson Street or the artsy, nature-infused vibe of New Johnston, these developments truly provide the ideal starting point for Melbourne’s next generation of homeowners.

For more off-the-plan apartments and developments, click here.