6 Condos to Know in Melbourne, the World’s ‘Most Liveable City’

“Most liveable city” are the three words that Stephen Fitzsimon, head of growth at Melbourne Real Estate, uses to describe the Australian coastal locale. Situated in the southeastern state of Victoria, Melbourne is often touted as the hippest metropolis in the country; it’s got the buzzing Queen Victoria Market, gorgeous beaches, a world-renowned comedy festival—plus, Melbournians will tell you they make the best flat white, hands down.

“We like outdoor space,” Fitzsimon says of the locals. So, while properties with pools are popular, rooftop gardens are less of a phenomenon, as Melbournians prefer to indulge in the wealth of parks and beaches just beyond their doorstep.

Condominium buildings tend to be of a lower-rise nature, though exceptions to the rule—such as Paragon and Melbourne Square—are now changing Melbourne’s skyline.

Queens Place, Central Business District (CBD)

Sitting atop Flagstaff Hill—Melbourne’s highest point—condominiums in the sleek twin towers of Queens Place, which is now nearing completion, command fine vistas of the city. Residents of these luxury condominiums designed by two Australian firms, Fender Katsalidis Architects and Cox Architecture, have their choice of four swimming pools, as well as a spa and karaoke rooms. Apartments are varied in price, with the higher end reaching $2.8 million.

Paragon, CBD

A direct neighbor of Queens Place, Paragon incorporates the historic facade of the Celtic Club Melbourne, while towering upward into 48 stories of sleek glass and steel. Despite its height, Paragon features just 227 residential condominiums in all—an average of fewer than five per floor. All feature floor-to-ceiling windows. The building’s centerpiece is a three-story indoor forest landscaped by Paul Bangay. Three-bedroom residences are priced at $880,000.

Capitol Grand, South Yarra

To the southeast of Central Melbourne is South Yarra, one of the neighborhoods singled out by Fitzsimon as a hotbed of luxury condominiums. One such building is Capitol Grand, designed by Bates Smart and described as “one of Melbourne’s most talked-about apartment projects in recent years.” 

Residences are categorized as Classic, Deluxe, Superior, and Penthouse. All feature timber flooring, Gaggenau appliances, and some incredible view or another. While three-bedroom apartments start at $1.4 million, the penthouse is decidedly loftier, in the region of $15 million.

Seafarers, Docklands

The Nonda Katsalidis-designed Seafarers building overlooks the Yarra River in Melbourne’s Docklands area and is said to take its inspiration directly from the water, “amplifying the movement and reflection of the Yarra through the colour and geometries of its facade.” Residents of the waterfront apartments may be inspired to join a local rowing club; otherwise, they can take a dip in the indoor pool of the 1 Hotel, which is part of the complex. Other hotel perks for residents are a 24-hour concierge and eco-conscious housekeeping, while residents-only amenities include a private dining area. Park view apartments at Seafarers start at $800,000, while river-facing residences begin at $1.4 million.

Melbourne Square, South Melbourne

A highly ambitious development, Melbourne Square describes itself as a “new neighbourhood environment within itself.” Residents will revel in piazzas, cafes, layered garden landscapes, and a supermarket. Four of Melbourne Square’s six towers are dedicated to residential apartments, featuring open living spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass, a selection of two color schemes, and Miele appliances. Three-bedroom residences range from $730,000 to $8.75 million. 

Avant Garde On Tintern, Toorak

Despite the surge in taller residential buildings like Melbourne Square, the area remains a relatively low-rise environment, says Fitzsimon. Avant Garde On Tintern—in the Toorak neighborhood, around three miles north of the city center—demonstrates luxury condominium living at a down-to-earth scale. The boutique collection features just eight residences, each with living spaces opening onto green terraces or gardens—playing to that Melbournian love for the outdoors. Apartments range from $1.4 million to $3.7 million for the penthouse.

All prices are in USD.