New apartment complexes are known for reaching ever greater heights, but for Australia’s luxury apartments it’s all about improving the lifestyle.
Do you recognize the signs of luxury? Myka Residences in Perth showcases the new standard. Image: realestate.com.au
The term ‘luxury’ can be ubiquitous in the real estate sector, meaning prestigious developers must continue to push the boundaries to stand out and embody a truly premium offering.
With the ever-increasing expectations of luxury buyers, standard features are also constantly evolving – focusing on factors such as size, convenience, comfort, aesthetics and flexibility.
Here are eight of the new standard features that are on trend in Australia’s luxury apartments, from the addition of smart technology to design classics with a twist.
Ground floor and corner apartments
Space is the ultimate luxury for many homebuyers, but traditionally large floor plans have been reserved for houses and penthouses.
By offering apartments on its own floor, it offers the best of both worlds: the size and privacy of a detached house with the amenities and low maintenance of a building.
For example, River House at Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point consists of only full-floor apartments spread over 15 floors to ensure everyone can enjoy the panoramas of its riverside location.
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At River House you get the entire floor to yourself. Image: realestate.com.au
With house-sized proportions, these luxury homes would provide a seamless transition to apartment living for families, smaller people and those who enjoy entertaining.
Corner apartments are also popular among buyers who want to reduce shared walls with neighbors and maximize natural light and views with floor-to-ceiling windows.
At Adorn, a new boutique development on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, all 13 homes are corner apartments with a spacious layout and large windows.
Curved glass
Likewise, curved glass is a high-quality architectural element that exudes luxury and creates a sculptural quality both indoors and outdoors.
It requires expert design and craftsmanship and is a premium feature that is not common in new developments but is gaining traction in the luxury market.
Greenmount, on the Gold Coast, goes big with curves. Image: realestate.com.au
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, curved glass softens interior spaces, provides floor plan flexibility, and can even improve energy efficiency by maximizing natural light and warmth.
Striking curves are a standout feature of the prestigious Riviere Residences in Perth and Greenmount Residences in Coolangatta, both of which are standouts on their respective waterfronts.
Built-in automation
It’s no surprise that smart technology is expected in 2025, but some developments have standard next-level integrations for optimal convenience.
For example, Sea Glass’ boutique apartments on the Gold Coast have home automation with circadian lighting, Sonos sound, ducted and zoned air conditioning and a dedicated EV power circuit.
There is also license plate recognition to increase safety and ensure that only residents have access to the car park.
Sea Glass integrates the latest technology. Image: realestate.com.au
Loggia terraces
The Mediterranean has long been a luxury playground, providing plenty of inspiration for prestige design, and one of the hallmarks of this is evident in high-end Australian apartments.
Loggia – a covered open-air gallery or corridor, popular in Italian architecture – is an exclusive feature popping up in ultra-luxury developments, especially in warm climates.
De-Luxe Burleigh Heads makes the most of the outdoor space. Image: realestate.com.au
Two new premium developments, Myka Residences at Scarborough Beach in Perth and De-Luxe Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, offer modern interpretations of the historic style to maximize their sultry beach locations.
The apartments in both buildings have these large covered terraces, so that residents can enjoy the outdoors from their own home.
Natural stone
Marble, limestone, granite, travertine… these have long been present in luxury homes, but natural stone is usually reserved as a premium extra.
However, some new apartment developments are incorporating these materials as standard finishes for a truly palatial yet tasteful result.
At Amara in Mosman, Adamson No. 5 in Brighton and 623 Collins in Melbourne, natural stone has been integrated into the interior shapes for an understated luxury look – from worktops and splashbacks to fireplaces.
Natural stone makes a statement, as evidenced by the designs for Amara Mosman. Image: realestate.com.au
Special wine storage
Another traditional feature of affluent households: wine storage is less common in apartments that live away from built-in wine shelves.
The integration of bespoke wine storage is thus an exclusive element within new developments – such as at Royale on the Gold Coast and Broadway on the Bay, where shared facilities include a wine lounge for residents’ use, complete with climate-controlled storage and a tasting room.
The penthouses in this latest development also have their own private wine cellars.
Royale’s wine lounge is an added bonus of the development. Image: realestate.com.au
Wellness facilities
Gone are the days when a pool or gym was the height of resort-style luxury.
Today’s healthcare facilities focus on the well-being of body and mind, with tailor-made spaces where residents can relax, sweat and reset.
Think Pilates studios, meditation rooms, saunas and steam rooms, spas, infinity pools, beauty studios and of course, state-of-the-art gyms.
Maybe an oceanfront yoga space to salute the sun?
At West Village Karrinyup in WA, residents have been offered both a sauna and a steam room. Image: realestate.com.au
And at South Beach in Surfers Paradise, the extensive wellness offering includes water facilities such as hydrotherapy pools, magnesium spas and cold or ice plunge pools.
It also has a range of alternative facilities, from sound healing and light therapy rooms to a hammam (Turkish bath) and Swedish or infrared saunas.
Concierge services
The addition of a concierge desk, which mimics a five-star hotel experience, is a clear lifestyle benefit for luxury apartment residents.
A dedicated concierge is designed to make everyday life easier, from booking restaurant reservations and transportation to housekeeping services like dry cleaning, dog walking, and package pickup.
Some developments have raised the bar with fully catered residential offerings: such as One Toorak Place, which includes in-room dining, event experiences with hospitality services and a cellar concierge for wine selection.
Perfect for entertaining in style without the fuss.
Concierge services like those at One Toorak Place will meet residents’ daily needs. Image: realestate.com.au.
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