These beautiful Melbourne off-the-plan apartments are under $600k

With a stamp-duty holiday in effect until October 2025 and a buyer’s market in Melbourne, it’s an ideal time to look at beautiful off-the-plan homes that may have previously felt out of reach.

Recent changes to stamp duty in Victoria make this an opportune time to buy off the plan, with the temporary duty concession creating access to greater savings – or the next tier up in apartment living.

For the next year, prospective Melbourne property buyers can enjoy tens of thousands in savings on off-the-plan properties, or utilise the 100% concession to consider homes that were previously just out of scope.

MORE: Everything you need to know about Victoria’s major housing shake up

It’s a particularly great time for first-home buyers too, with Victoria having the highest number of first-time property purchasers – an increase of 20% – over the quarter to July.

“In Melbourne, first-home buyers have had more confidence to transact – with prices holding steady over the past year and not surging ahead as is the case in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth,” explained REA Group Senior Economist, Eleanor Creagh.

Here are some fantastic options starting from $420,000.

Preston Crossing, Preston: from $420k

Preston Crossing from developer MAB is Melbourne’s most sustainable and progressive new community, which is now in its final stage and over 70% sold.

The significant, design-led urban renewal is developed by leading architects and delivered by people passionate about the city’s future, emphasising sustainable design, authenticity, and community.

Hayball has created three different interior schemes for the apartments at Preston Crossing, all of which feature timeless and durable materials. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Preston Crossing is offering sustainable one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses, designed by leading firm Hayball to be environmentally conscious, reduce living costs and support a healthy lifestyle.

The approach to the interior design of each apartment was driven by three principles: functionality, durability and enduring style, featuring timeless and beautiful aesthetics, free from trends.

Residents will also enjoy an outdoor rooftop terrace with sweeping views, as well as communal lounge on the top floor with library and booths. Next door, you’ll find a bookable private dining room with full kitchen and servery that opens to a large terrace.

Residents enjoy an outdoor rooftop terrace with two full-size barbeques and dining tables, surrounded by landscaped planters with sweeping neighbourhood views and back over the CBD. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The project is moments from the new Bell train station and skyrail, where parklands, wetlands and bike paths have transformed the former rail corridor. You’re also close to the iconic Preston Market and an array of places to eat and drink, as well as abundant green spaces.

One-bedroom apartments start from $420,000 ($17,370 stamp duty saving).
Two-bed, one-bath apartments from $580,000 ($29,870 stamp duty saving).
Two-bed, two-bath, parking apartments from $622,000 ($32,390 stamp duty saving).

Approximate project completion: June 2025

MORE: Nine of Melbourne’s best new off-the-plan apartment developments 

The Belmont, Clayton: from $485k

Delivered by Pitard Group, The Belmont is a landmark address in one of Melbourne’s vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods offering a combination of one- to three-bedroom apartments thoughtfully designed for contemporary, easy living.

Contemporary apartments are in the heart of Clayton, soon to become a transport super hub providing connection to all corners of Melbourne from the new Suburban Rail Loop as part of Victoria’s Big Build. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Apartments enjoy indoor-outdoor living with open plan interiors flowing to generous terraces. Kitchens are kitted out with ILVE appliances, and other features include engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, double glazed windows and ample natural light.

Lifts, secure basement parking and safe storage add to everyday convenience, while a ground-floor resident’s lounge is perfect for hosting gatherings with family and friends. Work from home at the workstations and enjoy a drink from the coffee station in the dedicated lounge area.

One-bed, one-bath, parking apartments from $485,000 ($21,070 stamp duty saving).
Two-bed, two-bath, parking apartments from $650,000 ($34,070 stamp duty saving).

Approximate project completion: December 2024

Luna, Glen Waverley: from $499k

Luna by Unique Development Group offers one- to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses a stone’s throw from renowned The Glen Shopping Centre in Glen Waverley.

Luna’s central courtyard is landscaped by John Patrick Landscape Design to create a lush green oasis with little nooks for residents to enjoy some time out. There’s also a rooftop terrace with northern views. Picture: realestate.com.au

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With integrated greenery in the building’s design and a raft of lifestyle amenities, residents can enjoy multiple well-designed spaces beyond the sophisticated interiors of their own apartment.

The heart of the building is centred around a central atrium courtyard, providing a serene space with seating nooks among the foliage, while a beautifully-landscaped rooftop terrace offers secluded entertaining and a built-in barbecue area with northern views.

Designed by renowned Ewert Leaf Architects, elegant apartments in Luna enjoy high ceilings and premium timber flooring, Bosch stainless-steel appliances, integrated joinery, floor-to-ceiling tiles and can choose from two curated colour schemes. Picture: realestate.com.au

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There’s also a wellness zone with state-of-the-art gym, and sauna, and a dedicated workspace.

One-bed, one-bath, parking apartments from $499,000 ($21,910 stamp duty saving).
Two-bed, two-bath and parking start from $750,000 ($40,070 stamp duty saving).

Approximate project completion: January 2026

Lonsdale and High, Preston: from $499k

M Property’s Lonsdale and High offers a collection of one- to three-bedroom architect-designed residences just 8km from Melbourne’s CBD.

Straddling the fringe of the vibrant Preston South hub and 150 metres from the desirable Thornbury strip, the development is situated on High Street, recently crowned Time Out’s 2024 Coolest Street in the World.

Lonsdale and High is topped off by a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Melbourne, where residents can enjoy private gardens, BBQ and fire pit – plus a soundproofed working pod. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Elegantly minimal residences are flooded with natural light and feature engineered timber flooring, premium kitchens with Miele appliances, bespoke joinery and stone benchtops.

Achieving a 7.2 STAR NatHERs energy rating, Lonsdale and High prioritises comfort, convenience, and wellbeing while ensuring reduced energy expenditure. Gas-free apartments incorporate smart lighting, climate control, use of non-toxic paint and low VOC materials, double glazed windows, energy and water efficient appliances, a rooftop photovoltaic solar system and more.

The apartments offer understated contemporary design with a choice of two colour schemes, Botanic (pictured, left) and Urban. On the street, the building’s striking design adds to its vibrant location on Time Out’s ‘World’s Coolest Street’ for 2024. Pictures: realestate.com.au

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The building’s distinctive architecture – with ground-level redbrick archways and abstract curvature – is topped off by an enticing rooftop with private gardens, a BBQ terrace, and a fire pit, all against sweeping view of Melbourne. Additionally, a soundproofed rooftop office pod provides quite the spot for work, with skyline vistas.

One-bed, one-bath, one parking apartments from $499,000 ($21,910 stamp duty saving).
Two-bed, two-bath, one parking apartments from $599,900 ($31,064 stamp duty saving).

Approximate project completion: December 2025

MORE: Melbourne’s top sustainable off-the-plan apartments and townhomes

New Johnston, Abbotsford: from $555k

With an entry laneway adorned in cascading greenery and an avenue of mature trees, New Johnston from DCF Property Group has been cleverly designed to feel secluded while nestled among Abbotsford’s cool urban hustle, thoughtfully crafted to make the most of place and space.

Hospitality, office and retail spaces occupy the building’s lower levels, and greenery will be used extensively throughout the exterior design to welcome residents home to a sanctuary while moments to Abbotsford’s cultural scene. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Its exterior, for example, references the character of the surrounding warehouses through a mix of concrete and red brickwork, metal detailing and balustrading, alongside a stepped façade to the north, which also bathes the interiors in natural light and reveals sweeping views of Victoria Park.

The project enjoys an average 7.5 NatHERs Rating, with one- to three-bedroom apartments that take in either city or park views. Floorplans are designed to maximise natural light and said views through floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows.

Boutique design practice, Zunica, along with dynamic firm of architects and interior designers, Marchese Partners | LifE3A, have thoughtfully crafted New Johnston’s exteriors and interiors to retain Abbotsford’s industrial character while delivering sophisticated and sustainable living situations. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Dwellings include custom bar joinery with feature stone and lighting, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, SMEG appliances and expansive private terraces and balconies perfect for alfresco meals.

One-bedroom apartments start from $555,500 ($28,400 stamp duty saving).
Two-bedroom apartments start from $810,000 ($43,670 stamp duty saving).

Park Avenue, Alphington: from $585k

Distilling a classic design aesthetic focused on longevity, Park Avenue from Giancorp enjoys a leafy pocket of Alphington, only 6.5km north-east of Melbourne’s CBD.

The buildings use a staggered design and integrated greenery to harmoniously blend in with the surrounding leafy area of Alphington. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Each of the 73 one- to four-bedroom apartments and five townhouses are designed for enjoyment and liveability, with a blend of timeless architecture, generous flowing interiors and elevated park and river views. The design also integrates lush landscaping and native plantings.

Amenity includes a 24/7 gym, as well as resident’s lounge with full kitchen, communal dining area, alfresco seating and BBQ area framed by pretty pergolas and verdant greenery.

The project has sustainability cred, as well as premium fixtures and finishes within all apartments and townhomes. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The project has a 7.1 NatHERS average energy rating, utilising energy efficient LED lighting, high efficiency fixtures, double glazing, EV charging ports, 26kW of photovoltaic solar power on the roof, rainwater storage tank and re-use, and use of Low VOC, PVC and formaldehyde building products for healthier homes.

Interiors include premium finishes like natural stone kitchens and oak engineered flooring, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the never-to-be-built-out park to river views.

One-bed, one-bath with parking from $585,000 (one remaining – duty saving $30,170)
Two-bed, two-bath and parking from $765,000 (stamp duty saving $40,970)

Approximate project completion: March 2026

Merri, Northcote: from $586k

On the banks of Merri Creek, Merri Northcote has been conceptualised to complement the natural beauty of the creek and reflect the values of the surrounding community. The project features a mix of apartments, split level and creek-fronting homes from one to four bedrooms.

Developed by MAB in collaboration with Six Degrees Architects and TCL landscape architecture, there is a choice of four interior schemes, all which express materiality and craft and focus on sustainable living. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Developer MAB is committed to delivering each residence to a 5-star Green Star standard, and over a 7-star average NatHERS rating via rooftop solar, double glazing, passive solar design, LED lighting and electric heat pump hot water systems.

Carefully resolved interiors play off the tones of the surrounding bushland and feature ample storage, flexible living spaces and natural light, and are designed for people to connect with nature and the community.

There are six buildings cascading back from the corner of Walker and High Streets, each with its own rooftop garden, while the ground level shares four piazzas, providing spaces for connections. Merri is bordered by Australian bushland to the south, low-rise cottages to the north and is a stroll from bustling Westgarth. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Each of the six buildings in the community has its own shared rooftop garden with tree top views, crafted by landscape architects TCL.

One-bed, one-bath, one parking apartments from $586,750 ($30,275 stamp duty saving).
Two-bed, one-bath, one parking apartments from $906,125 ($49,437 stamp duty saving).

Approximate project completion: June 2025

BLVD, Southbank: from $600k

If you want to use the stamp duty saving to access a premium project with leading amenity, then the next residential release from BLVD in Southbank’s masterplanned Melbourne Square could be the ideal spot.

From one of Malaysia’s most prominent developers, OSK Property, BLVD is in collaboration with international award-winner Cox Architecture with interior design partners CARR, and globally-renowned designer David Hicks on penthouses.

BLVD’s apartments feel international in scope and execution, with a global award-winning team behind its design. The project is located within masterplanned Melbourne Square, which is surrounded by 3745sqm of lush green parkland despite its inner-city address. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The building has WELL pre-certification being gas-free and carbon-neutral enabled. Refined and elegant apartments also enjoy future-proof features including integrated home automation and smart lockers. But the building amenity is also impressive.

The Level 8 Podium Club features a gym, indoor 25-metre swimming pool, spa and sauna, while entertainment spaces span a golf simulator, cinema/karaoke room and zen garden with BBQ facilities. Dine on level 55 in private dining rooms or work from the stunning co-working space with meeting rooms, breakout zones, private pods and open-plan design.

Building amenity is first class, with everything from lush outdoor landscaping, an indoor 25-metre pool, state-of-the-art gym, beautiful co-working space and a resident’s smart building app for everyday services. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Already with a full-line Woolworths supermarket and childcare centre, cafe and retail offerings, this precinct is the only Southbank development with an expansive 3745sqm park boasting established gardens, waterfall and leafy grounds.

One-bedroom apartments from $600,000 ($31,070 stamp duty saving).
Two-bed, two-bath apartments from $897,000 ($48,890 stamp duty saving).

Approximate project completion: March 2028

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