Bayside Melbourne's best off the plan apartment developments on the market in 2024
Melbourne's Bayside has long been one of the most attractive places to live in the Victoria capital.
It gained significant attention and growth as a knock on effect in the mid to late 20th century as Melbourne expanded and urbanized. The unrepeatable coastal suburbs, a premium in Melbourne compared to other capital cities across the country, meant it had a unique selling point which would never go away.
As transport to Bayside from the city improved, the property market grew and grew. Then came further investment within the suburbs themselves. Brighton's Church Street is now one of the most popular retail strips in Melbourne, and prices surrounding the street reflect that.
Some of Melbourne's best schools are also in Bayside, such as Melbourne Grammar School and St Leonard's College, while the Victoria Golf Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Australia, is located in Cheltenham.
There's only nine suburbs which make up the exclusive local government area on Port Phillip Bay. It's anchored by the main suburbs of Brighton, Hampton and Sandringham which run along the coast to Beaumaris through Black Rock, while Cheltenham, Highett, Hampton East and Brighton East sit one suburb from the water.
We've looked at the top off the plan apartment for sale in Melbourne's Bayside in 2024, a mix bag which cater for a number of different demographics, not just the wealthy.
Project: 448 Brighton
Location: 448 St Kilda Street, Brighton VIC 3186
Developer: Sunkin Property Group
In the heart of one of Melbourne's most coveted neighbourhoods lies 448 Brighton, a boutique collection of just 17 apartments and three penthouses.
Completed in 2021, 448 Brighton has swiftly established itself as a coveted addition to the neighbourhood.
A team of experts in their own right came together for the development, led by Sunkin, who collaborated with renowned architects SJB and landscape architect Jack Merlo, designing a residence that caters to the discerning needs of homeowners and individuals seeking to downsize.
It's down to the location, says Sunkin's Group Sales Manager Sophie Dobson, given it is adjacent to Elsternwick Park and Elwood Beach.
The 17 apartments also offer floor plans that generously accommodate various lifestyles, ranging from a comfortable 111 sqm to an expansive 693 sqm.
“Buyers need more space when working from home and that trend is evident with Melburnians fleeing to the seaside or country to get more space and fresh air," Dobson says.
"These homes offer larger living spaces for people to enjoy and more space for those working from home."
While demand has been high, a selection of two and three-bedroom apartments remains available in this development.
Project: Martin
Location: 133 Martin Street, Brighton VIC 3186
Developer: EBG Developments
EBG Developments' luxury downsizer project, Martin in Brighton, has been popular with both local downsizers and those from Bayside looking to get into the Brighton market.
The developer is approaching the completion of the striking Martin Street building of just 11 two and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 104 sqm to 141 sqm.
Buchan Group Architects designed Martin Brighton, with the interiors meticulously crafted by Miriam Fanning's MIM Design.
The two and three-bedroom residences feature natural finishes, such as stone, with the detailing resonating a timeless sensibility, which is evident throughout the master bedrooms and living zones.
Downsizers have shown a keen interest in Martin Brighton, appreciating the development's location and the lifestyle it offers.
Situated on Martin Street, the project provides residents with the coveted Brighton lifestyle without the hustle and bustle typically associated with the area. The Martin Street Village is also just a short stroll away and is home to a variety of fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Nature enthusiasts will also delight in the proximity to the Bay Trail and Elwood Beach, both just over a kilometre away.
Project: Willow
Location: 74-78 Well Street, Brighton VIC 3186
Developer: Samuel Property
Willow, the recently completed Brighton apartment development by Samuel Property, is the newest addition to the luxury Brighton apartment market.
Willow comprises 14 two, three, and four-bedroom apartments designed by Bayley Ward.
The striking curved facade creates a street presence on the tree-lined Well Street while remaining quietly shielded by a generous setback and extensive landscaping.
The residences are flooded with natural light, thanks to three-metre, floor-to-ceiling windows in each space.
"We wanted each owner to experience a home that’s truly a step above," says Romy Jackson, Development Director at Samuel Property.
Beyond the incredible design and layout of each home, Willow also exceeded expectations by delivering luxury finishes and appliances, with Liebherr and Vzug featuring in the kitchens.
Willow residents also have access to a communal wine space, a large temperature-controlled wine room with allocated storage for each residence.
The development has also garnered attention for its exceptional landscaping, showcasing a biophilic design by Acre that prioritises the health and well-being of its residents.
Willow is close to Church Street, a bustling hub known for its wide variety of shops and restaurants, and just a short train ride to Melbourne's CBD.
Project: Highett Common
Location: 37 Graham Road, Highett VIC 3190
Developer: Sunkin Property Group
Sunkin feature again in Bayside with their latest development, one of the largest even seen in Bayside.
Their recently launched Highett Common, a masterplan in the heart of Highett, will home more than 1,000 residents across a 9.3-hectare site when it's completed.
The collaboration between ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects and Tract Landscape Architects ensures that each neighbourhood within Highett Common will have its own distinct character and residential landscape.
The first release, Park House, already 70 per cent sold, offers one, two, and three-bedroom residences designed to harmonise with the surrounding environment.
Making sure residents have significant amenities when they move into Park House in mid to late 2025, part of the first stage will incorporate numerous health and well-being facilities.
The state-of-the-art amenities include gyms and wellness areas, swimming pools and sun-drenched decks, providing residents with a resort-like living experience.
Meanwhile, residents can host celebrations with family and friends in a private dining room and expansive indoor and outdoor lounge areas.
The development also incorporates dedicated spaces for work and study, workshops, and community meetings at the new public Highett Library.
Sunkin recently released the first collection of townhomes at Highett Common. They start at just over $1.6 million.
Project: Hampton Ltd by Spyre
Location: 36 Deakin Street North, Hampton VIC 3188
Developer: Spyre Group
Record-breaking Queensland developer Spyre Group branched out into the Melbourne apartment market last year in Hampton.
Their boutique project, Hampton Ltd, will see just 20 apartments and three townhouses developed across three three-level buildings on the corner of Thomas Street and Deakin Street.
Architects MLD Studio designed the project, with the interiors crafted by Studio Brent Lee.
Interior layouts are designed around focal points such as the open plan kitchens and master bedrooms, spaces where people spend most of their time.
The living area flows around the entertainer’s kitchen where a sculptural island bench, crafted from Vanillish Pearl marble, stands as a statement piece.
The master bedrooms offer a generosity of space and abundant natural light. They feature lush wool carpets, and an expansive walk-in wardrobe with feature timber-look joinery.
The two and three-bedroom apartments are expected to be popular among empty nester downsizers and young professionals.
Hampton Ltd is located near Hampton Beach and Bayside's entertainment capital Church Street in nearby Brighton.
Project: Southpoint Highett
Location: 1233-1237 Nepean Highway, Highett VIC 3190
Developer: H1Land Group
Multi-residential apartment developer H1Land grabbed one of the most connected blocks of land in the whole of Highett, where their Rothelowman-designed Southpoint will stand once completed in early 2026.
The two apartment buildings will be on the huge 4,330 sqm site at 1233-1237 Nepean Highway, one a rare 12 levels with views over Bayside, the other just four levels.
Southpoint will home a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments when completed in early 2026.
It's the taller 12-level building that offers rooftop amenities with sweeping views across Bayside. It has a plunge pool, communal well being spaces, barbecue facilities, and a bar space, strategically positioned to offer views over the bay, CBD, and Dandenong Ranges.
Southpoint's prime location also positions residents across the road from Westfield Southland, one of the biggest shopping centres in the country.
Melbourne's bay beaches are a quick 10-minute car ride, providing long kilometres of swimming, strolling, riding, or running alongside pets.
Southpoint is also within the catchment zone of some of Melbourne's finest educational institutions. Families will appreciate the proximity to prestigious schools such as Firbank Grammar, Mentone Grammar, and Cheltenham Secondary College.