What off-the-plan residences look like in the world’s 6th best city

It’s easy to see why Melbourne has been named “sixth in the whole wide world” by the 2025 Global Cities Index report.

Deemed the culinary and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is home to some of the world’s premier sporting events such as the Australian Open and Australian Grand Prix, a wealth of top drink and dining venues (including the world’s fifth best restaurant according to TimeOut), never-ending entertainment, green spaces, and the list goes on.  

Economic experts from Oxford recently assessed 1,000 of the largest cities worldwide and gave each city a score across five categories: Governance, Environment, Quality of Life, Human Capital, and Economics. It comes as no surprise that Melbourne was ranked sixth, jumping from ninth place in 2024.

Melbourne ranked highly in these categories:

• World-class healthcare system
• Low crime rate 
• Low environmental emissions
• Stable climate
• Multicultural population

Earlier this year, Melbourne also scored fourth in TimeOut’s annual list of “the best cities in the world.” Statistics gathered from that survey revealed that:

• 91% of people agreed that Melbourne makes them happy 
• 77% said the vibes in the city are diverse and inclusive
• 78% said going out to see art is their favourite affordable activity

The Victoria capital climbed the list and, once again, took the top spot as the highest-ranking Australian city, overtaking the likes of Tokyo, San Francisco, and Boston. Melburnians, give yourselves a pat on the back.

Making Melbourne your home

Late last year, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan announced that stamp duty would be significantly reduced for all off-the-plan apartments, units, and townhouses in Victoria under a 12-month stimulus initiative, which recently got extended until October 2026.

Under the new scheme, a buyer purchasing a $620,000 apartment will pay approximately $4,000 in stamp duty – a savings of $28,000.

The measure is part of a broader strategy aimed at stimulating development and providing more affordable housing located near major transport hubs across the state.

“More apartments and townhouses getting built means more homes for young people and families to rent or buy,” Allan stated.

If that isn’t encouraging enough, leading property data company CoreLogic found that, while gross rent yields have remained relatively unchanged over the past two years at 3.7% at the national level, yields in Melbourne rose by 29 basis points over the year.

Melbourne’s premier apartment options 

With things looking up in the Melbourne real estate space, buyers have been turning to apartments and townhomes, with off-the-plan developments offering some of the city’s most premium homes.

Here are some of today’s top options in the world’s sixth best city.

Tintern Toorak Village: 410 Toorak Road, Toorak

Google ‘Melbourne’s most luxurious suburb’ and Toorak pops up – the postcode of choice for Melbourne’s affluent from the city’s very beginning.

Nestled right beside the beloved Toorak Village, Tintern Toorak Village exhibits the DNA of a classic Toorak home. It’s highly exclusive, much like the suburb, featuring just three exclusive whole-floor apartments, including an extraordinary two-storey penthouse with its own private rooftop.

As a resident, you will enjoy effortless access to the locale’s designer boutiques, fine dining, and tranquil green spaces. Yet, despite its connected location, the development has been meticulously planned to deliver the highest standards of privacy and security.

Construction is now underway, with future homeowners poised to celebrate Christmas 2026 in this exceptional new landmark.

The Archer: 550 Epsom Road, Flemington 

For the first time in its 184-year history, the Flemington Racecourse is offering residences – and they are incredible.

The Archer marks a significant chapter in Melbourne apartment living, offering a limited collection of 315 residences in the beating heart of Victoria’s prestigious racing precinct, set to be move-in ready later this year.

Renowned architecture and interior design practices ARM and Carr are bringing these residences to life, offering a variety of stunning floorplans complemented by luxurious resident-only amenities and unobstructed 360-degree views of the Racecourse, Melbourne city skyline, or Straight Six.

One-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments are selling.

Adamson No.5: 5 Adamson Street, Brighton

If you’re looking to live Bayside and just moments from Brighton’s Church Street, turn to Adamson No.5.

Tucked away in a leafy cul-de-sac, this premier location of just 15 apartments places residents just five minutes from Brighton Beach and within walking distance of the vibrant Church Street village and Middle Brighton Station.

Whether it’s a morning swim, boutique shopping, or dining at one of the area’s acclaimed eateries, Adamson No.5 connects buyers to the best of Brighton – all while providing a peaceful and elegant retreat to come home to.

Two-, three-, and four-bedroom floorplans are available, set to complete by early 2026.

Four Three Seven: 437 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Perfectly positioned on the edge of Melbourne’s cherished Fawkner Park, on the city’s iconic St Kilda Road, Four Three Seven brings serene parkfront living just moments from Melbourne’s cultural precinct and the CBD.

“Four Three Seven is testament to genuine city-shaping foresight and represents a new chapter in Melbourne living, one where nature and design collide to forge an extraordinary lifestyle for the culture and art enthusiasts, the innovators and those who appreciate the finest level of detail,” said Cbus Property’s CEO, Adrian Pozzo.

To pair with this dreamy address, buyers can realise their dream homes with extensive customisation options available, including choices in flooring, cabinetry, and decorative finishes.

All this with trams on the doorstep and the nearby Anzac Metro coming soon. Two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences are selling.

Fernhurst: 11-15 Fernhurst Grove, Kew

There are homes, and then there are residences that leave an impression – the perfect balance of design, location, and distinction.

Enter Fernhurst.

This rare collection of just 17 apartments and three freestanding homes offers something few new developments can: lasting architectural value and considered interiors on a leafy green side street in Studley Park – one of Kew’s most tightly held pockets.

Not only that, but the development sits on a private, north-east-facing acre block in the historic Studley Park precinct, boasting an almost perfect Walk Score of 91/100 Walk Score. This means everyday necessities and lifestyle wants are within easy reach.

Only 20 residences are selling, with three-bedroom floorplans available.

For more off-the-plan apartments and real estate news, click here.

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