With traditional housing becoming increasingly unattainable for many, a new wave of thoughtfully designed apartments is redefining what it means to buy a home in Australia.
A new generation of apartment living is redefining traditional high-rise living.
In the face of rising property prices, the definition of the “Great Australian Dream” is evolving. Once centered around detached homes with backyards, today’s dream increasingly includes well-designed apartments nestled within green, connected communities.
According to recent research conducted by the City Futures Research Centre at UNSW Sydney, more families across New South Wales are choosing to buy home in Australia by turning to apartments as long-term housing solutions. The study highlights that 260 buyers include many with families that are embracing apartment living, a notable shift driven by changing lifestyle needs and affordability challenges.
According to the Master Builders Association of NSW, developers are prioritising the delivery of three-bedroom apartments.
Designing apartments for the modern buyer
Despite the growing interest, the study also revealed that approximately 10% of surveyed buyers found it difficult to secure apartments that matched their family needs. This signals an opportunity for developers within the Australia real estate sector to reimagine apartment design to suit evolving buyer expectations.
Dr. Charlie Gillon, a research fellow at UNSW, noted that planning regulations are encouraging the creation of apartment buildings that provide improved privacy, functionality, and amenity.
Key features in demand include:
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Larger living spaces
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Versatile floor plans
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Natural lighting and ventilation
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Outdoor access
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Acoustic insulation
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Scenic views
These qualities are particularly attractive not only to families, but also to professionals working from home and retirees seeking to buy home in Victorian or metropolitan regions with easy access to lifestyle facilities.
Willoughby Grounds is surrounded by greenery and features views of the CBD
Development trends: apartments for every life stage
The Master Builders Association of NSW reports a significant shift in developer focus, with three-bedroom apartments now accounting for up to half of new projects. Additionally, four-bedroom layouts previously reserved for luxury penthouses are becoming more common in response to market demand.
One such development, Willoughby Grounds, exemplifies this trend. Offering a variety of one- to four-bedroom residences, the project is surrounded by lush green landscapes and designed with modern family life in mind. Architectural features pay homage to the area’s history while prioritizing livability and sustainability.
According to Tim Abbott, Director at Ray White Projects (Lower North Shore), these residences are appealing to a diverse demographic, including downsizers, young professionals, and growing families who value low-maintenance living without sacrificing quality or space.
What it means for buyers in 2025
The evolution of apartment living reflects broader changes within the real estate market. For those looking to buy home in Australia, especially in urban areas or Victorian regions, modern apartments now offer an attractive alternative to traditional housing.
With high rental yields (currently 5.2% for units in Melbourne) and increasing investor interest, family-oriented apartments represent a promising opportunity both for homebuyers and real estate developers alike.
Buyers are actively booking inspections, showing preference for developments with modern features such as spacious terraces.
Final Thought:
Australia’s housing market is entering a new era. As affordability pressures grow, the emergence of high-quality, spacious apartments signals a pivotal shift in how Australians live, work, and raise their families. For many, the opportunity to buy home in Australia now lies not in the suburbs but in elevated, community-driven apartment developments built for the future.
