Every new Melbourne apartment development launched in April

It was a strong April for new apartment developments launching in Melbourne, with buyers offered up six new developments to talk about.

It's still far away from what's required, with both building approvals and completions at record lows, at a time when Melbourne is the fastest-growing city in terms of population.

The last update from the ABS saw Melbourne's population grow 167,500 people in 2022-23, above Sydney's 146,700.

There continues to be a large imbalance between new apartment developments being submitted, approved, and built, against the thousands heading to Melbourne to call it home. The demand is coming to the Melbourne off the plan apartment market, and supply isn't.

We've wrapped up the six apartment developments that launched across Melbourne in April.

Project: Drummond House

Address: 482-492 Drummond Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Developer: Bensons Property

Longtime Melbourne developer Bensons Property has lifted the lid on their new Carlton apartment development, Drummond House.

Drummond House, located in the heart of Carlton and on the fringe of Princes Park, has been designed by renowned architecture firm Fender Katsalidis and is the only fully electric building in Carlton.

It will rise 13 levels and offer a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments with interiors by SORA Interior Architects.

The amenities offered at Drummond House include a wellness centre featuring a gym, salt room, sauna, and ice bath, along with additional areas such as private dining spaces, a kids' play area, and a business centre. 

Balmain & Co has been appointed builder for Drummond House.

Project: Sculpt Hawthorn

Address: 43 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn VIC 6103

Developer: Monolith Projects

The market for off the plan apartments is so tight in Hawthorn, the upcoming launch of Sculpt by Monolith Projects will make it the only off the plan development on the market in the sought-after inner Melbourne suburb.

Sculpt, crafted in collaboration with acclaimed design teams Mim Design, Parallel Workshop, and Jack Merlo, comprises just 18 two, three, and four-bedroom apartments in a low-rise building on Riversdale Road.

Crowning Sculpt is the penthouse residence featuring palatial open-plan living areas beneath high ceilings and a stately kitchen.

Underpinned by an innovative design vision, Sculpt is also thoughtfully designed with sustainability at the forefront, with plans for a 10 kW Solar PV system on the rooftop, provision for AC electric vehicle charging, a 27kL in-ground rainwater tank for stormwater collection, and a comprehensive waste management system.

Project: No.1 Camberwell

Address: 1 Cooloongatta Road, Camberwell VIC 3124

Developer: Burbank Urban

Builder developer Burbank Urban has launched a limited release of homes in its new townhouse development in the heart of Camberwell.

No.1 Camberwell comprises 16 three and four-bedroom free-standing and semi-detached homes starting from $2.3 million.

Designed by Genton, each home at No.1 Camberwell showcases a rare proposition in a premium location - unique architectural style, premium finishes, and diverse floor plans.

More than half of the homes sit on large corner lots with spacious courtyards and multiple perspectives, while over half of the 5,000 sqm plus site at 1 Cooloongatta Road, just off Riversdale Road, is dedicated to greenery and open space.

Project: Napier 235

Address: 235 Napier Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Developer: Romano Property Group (RPG)

Romano Property Group has unveiled its latest project, the Napier 235 apartment development, situated in the heart of Fitzroy. 

The fully integrated property developer led by Maurice Romani has launched Napier 235, a boutique project of just 14 two and three-bedroom apartments named after its ideal location at 235 Napier Street, near the Napier Hotel and Fitzroy's thriving hospitality scene.

Designed by Ewert Leaf, Napier 235 features sculptural geometric exteriors that blend with the lush green surroundings landscaped by Florian Wild. 

Napier 235 is recognised for its sustainability efforts, ranking in Victoria's top five per cent for sustainable developments as per Victorian Planning Policy benchmarks.

Project: Ancora at Collins Wharf

Address: 971 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008

Developer: Lendlease

Following the success of its most recent Collins Wharf apartment tower, Regatta, ASX-listed developer Lendlease has unveiled Ancora.

“Ancora at Collins Wharf is the next stage of our ongoing commitment to deliver more housing in prime locations in Melbourne, with the precinct stretching the city’s famed Collins Street further westwards to engage with the water, connecting its maritime past with the contemporary vibrancy of the city,” Daniel Dugina, Executive Director of Development at Lendlease, said.

Warren and Mahoney have been engaged again to design Ancora, a 28-level tower with 303 residences that offer uninterrupted views of either Victoria Harbour towards the city or the Yarra River across to Port Phillip Bay.

Ancora residents will enjoy a hotel-style lobby with concierge service, a private dining room to entertain guests, and the lush, landscaped surrounds of two rooftop terraces located at level four and level 16 with panoramic views, plus a winter garden.

Construction of Ancora is set to commence later this year and is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

Project: New Johnston

Address: 398 Johnston Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067

Developer: DCF Property

It's been four years since Abbotsford, in Melbourne's inner north-east, has seen a new apartment development launch.

Abbotsford's newest project, New Johnston by DCF Property, sits at 398 Johnston, near Victoria Park Station and Victoria Park. It will comprise 46 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across nine levels, on top of ground-level retail spaces.

Designed by MA+CO Architects, New Johnston's architecture took inspiration from Abbotsford's industrial heritage, incorporating concrete, red brickwork, and metal detailing reminiscent of the area's historic warehouses. 

With a WalkScore of 90, New Johnston's location offers residents easy access to a range of amenities, including the Yarra River, Victoria Park, and prestigious schools.