Boutique in scale and with high-end amenities, townhomes have become the latest premium offering for buyers seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Once thought of as a housing choice simply to fill in the middle between apartments and houses, townhomes have not often found the limelight. 

But as more and more buyers are seeing the benefits of this housing category – low-maintenance, well-proportioned homes with in-built community – they’ve been growing in popularity.  

Major cities across Australia have also looked to increase density, urging consideration of this dwelling type on typical suburban blocks. 

As a result, the types of townhomes on offer have started to blossom, with more options coming to the market to suit every lifestyle. 

For the luxury buyer, developers are looking not only to meet expectations, but surpass them. Many new developments are now taking things to the next level by blending low-maintenance designs with lavish features to set new standards in luxury living. 

While the townhome has long been a staple of urban living, it’s projects in Victoria and Queensland that are particularly showing what the future holds. 

Here are five townhouse developments that are attracting residents by offering something extra for buyers. 

1. Parlington Street, Victoria

Located in Canterbury, one of Melbourne’s expensive suburbs with a median price of $3.4 million, Parlington Street has heritage style with modern, luxurious touches.

This boutique offering comprises six townhomes by JT Property, echoing the elegance of a Victorian mansion through arched thresholds, stonework, and herringbone timber flooring. 

Externally, the townhomes have classic vertical lines and heavy masonry, with upper levels showcasing striking pitched roofs and framed views. 

Inside, the options continue with interiors crafted by Telha Clarke, where homeowners can select between a light or a dark palette.  

With double-glazed windows and EV charging points, these homes are as energy-efficient as they are luxurious, featuring premium appliances, private lifts and inviting fireplaces.  

Outdoors, each residence offers landscaped private courtyards complete with al fresco and BBQ areas, ensuring space for entertaining and relaxing.  

2. Brunswick Established, Victoria

In Melbourne’s north, Brunswick Established is bringing circular living to the forefront with 23 sustainable townhomes set behind a heritage façade made of materials from one of Brunswick’s earliest clothing factories.

Developed by Beulah and designed by Six Degrees Architects, each of the three-and four-bedroom townhomes are all-electric and draw inspiration from traditional London Mews while being enveloped in lush greenery from Hansen Partnership. 

Engaging living spaces filled with natural light flow seamlessly to outdoor areas. 

Green living is at the centre of this community, with each townhome offering either a rooftop garden, landscaped courtyard, or both, catering to diverse lifestyles. 

Offering three- and four-bedroom designs, these homes can be tailored to many different ways of living, all in the heart of one of Melbourne’s best cultural centres for dining and retail. 

3. Rockley, Victoria

Serving as a response to its natural surroundings, Rockley in Melbourne’s South Yarra offers residents contemporary homes with premium details.

CDG Group’s development, designed by Architects Genton, features a series of smooth curves around its façade and is complemented by a monochromatic palette of concrete render, bluestone cladding and black metal – offering a modern take on South Yarra’s rich heritage. 

Inside, expansive spaces and premium finishes carry the luxury theme, while seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors let residents enjoy nature and optimal ventilation without hassle.  

Residents can also tailor their homes’ character with two flooring options, a green-toned terrazzo or a dynamic multi-coloured design – suiting diverse tastes.

4. Union, Queensland

Nestled in the leafy, inner-city Brisbane suburb of Taringa, Union by Birch Developments offers a peaceful retreat with connectivity. 

The collection of ten townhomes is architecturally crafted with functional elegance and ease for everyday life with its expansive layouts and high ceilings.  

Kitchens have Miele appliances, designer tapware, and high-end inclusions throughout, such as 40mm stone benchtops, and full butler’s pantry. Outdoor and indoor flow naturally into each other, with living zones extending into private courtyards or outdoor terraces. 

Outdoor terraces and private courtyards extend living spaces, set amidst arches and organic shapes that create an artistic interplay between lines and textures.  

Moments from Brisbane’s bustling CBD, this location provides easy access to shopping at Toowong Village and Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, along with schools. 

5. Oakmont, Queensland

On the Gold Coast, Azure Development Group has Oakmont, a new community with the benefits of a masterplanned city. 

Nestled within a secure gated community and on the front of Brookwater Golf Course, Oakmont comprises three-and four-bedroom townhomes with contemporary style and timeless design elements. 

Each residence is complete with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with bathtub to master bedroom, open plan living and kitchen featuring walk-in pantry, integrated fridge, dishwasher and ILVE appliances. 

The development encompasses 61 terraces, all rendered in crisp classic white with dark metal detailing adding an artful edge to their appearance.  

Each garden seamlessly blends with communal spaces. Residents also have access to over 2000sqm of amenities designed to embrace wellness.  

Are you interested in buying an off-the-plan townhome? Check out our New Homes section.

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It wasn’t love at first sight when Anna Francis and her late husband – legendary radio announcer Bob Francis – pulled up at the North Adelaide townhouse they would soon call home but that changed the moment they stepped over the threshold.

“I didn’t even want to go in,’’ said Mrs Francis, recalling the day she and her then-fiance inspected the three-bedroom home at 153 Buxton St in 2005.

“It was my daughter, who was with us, who said, ‘Well, we’re here now, let’s just go and have a look’, so I agreed but I was very grumpy.

“Looking at the front door, I thought it was too small but I didn’t realise that when you went in it just goes back and back and back.

“I ended up being very grateful to my daughter – she was right to push us (to look inside) because we never looked at another place.

“As soon as we walked in we just loved how spacious it actually was.

“It’s been the most wonderful house I have ever lived in. It’s a happy home and it’s got very good vibes. I’ve been very comfortable here.’’

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The renovated North Adelaide home has been listed for sale for the first time in 20 years.

It features lightfilled living spaces.

SA radio announcer Bob Francis at home in North Adelaide with wife Anna.

The couple made a few cosmetic changes to the home shortly after moving in, replacing tired carpet with blonde timber flooring, retiling the large swimming pool and – indulging Mrs Francis’s “fettish for chandeliers’’ – installing new lighting.

When the radio shock jock died suddenly in 2016, aged 77, Mrs Francis said she “Anna- fied’’ the home, getting rid of the dark, heavy furniture, wall tapestries and floor rugs favoured by her husband in favour of a softer, more feminine interior.

“Bob’s sister-in-law used to say it was an eclectic collection (of décor previously)…which was a nice way of saying nothing matches because we had blended modern with antique pieces,’’ Mrs Francis said.

“I’ve made (the home) lighter now and more feminine. It’s much more to my tastes.’’

Mrs Francis said the configuration of the townhouse had been perfect for the couple, with one of the upstairs bedrooms overlooking the pool formerly serving as her husband’s home office.

A rear, downstairs bedroom, sunroom and bathroom offered independent living space to one of her daughters during her university study, while a chef’s kitchen and spacious lounge, as well as a central courtyard and stainless-steel outdoor kitchen, were invaluable for “fabulous parties’’ and entertaining.

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The home is ideally suited to entertaining.

The kitchen is spacious and will easily impress.

Radio announcer Bob Francis on air at 5AA in 1987.

Mrs Francis, who has stage 4 inoperable cancer, said after two decades in her home, including almost 12 years with her beloved Bob, the time had come to downsize.

She said she would miss the peacefulness of her home’s surroundings, the sunny mornings enjoying a coffee in the courtyard, her wonderful neighbours and the close proximity to North Adelaide’s cafes, restaurants and shopping.

“I’m in a good place (physically) now. I’m in remission and my doctors are very happy and that’s why we have decided this is a good time to sell the home, while I have the energy,’’ Mrs Francis said.

The home, which is listed with Booth Real Estate without a price guide, will be auctioned on Saturday, May 17, unless sold prior.

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The five-bedroom home at 15 Layton Crescent, Newtown, has sold to a local buyer.

Newtown has a new clubhouse leader for the most expensive home to sell in 2025 with a striking five-bedroom architectural residence on a substantial landholding.

Tremayne, at 15 Layton Crescent, Newtown, was secured in a $3m-plus deal by a Geelong family that’s spent two years in the market searching for the right property.

Buxton, Newtown agent Tom Butters said it’s a special home that was built in the 1970s.

“It is the biggest sale in Newtown for the year so far,” Mr Butters said.

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The split-level home overlooks an outdoor area and backyard pool.

The local family had been searching for the right home for a couple of years, he said.

“They wanted that land factor,” Mr Butters said.

“They’ll probably put their own spin on the house.

“But it’s a pretty special house on 1300sq m in Layton Crescent, which is arguably one of the best streets in Newtown.”

The property was listed last November with $3.2m to $3.5m hopes after a previous listing in 2023 at a higher price unable to find a buyer.

The classic architecture has created big spaces tied together with a raked, timber-lined ceiling.

The garden outlook is evident in the bedrooms.

A mezzanine level above the study, laundry and sauna offers an additional sitting area.

Floor to ceiling windows and doors draw in plenty of natural light to the split-level home with plenty of architectural cues, such as 3.65m ceilings, and angled windows allowing the main raked ceiling to run continuously through the main portion of the house; a mezzanine level above a study, laundry, bathroom and sauna, and an open deck that overlooks the rear courtyard and onto the big backyard pool.

“It’s amazing. The 1970s build features a big open space with timber ceilings,” Mr Butters said.

“The architecture is beautiful, really special, all open and full of light.”

While new hydronic heating and ducted heating and cooling add to a long list of amenities in the home, it’s the main elements such as hardwood timber cabinets, a redesigned outdoor area featuring and open timber pergola and the expansive open-plan living, dining and kitchen area that connected to the landscaped garden that catches the eye.

The kitchen is at the heart of the home.

Large windows even make an impact in the bathroom.

Gardens dominate the property, which is walking distance to The Geelong College Middle School, and also close to St Josephs College, Sacred Heart College and The Geelong College’s senior school.

The sale has beaten the previous highest price for a custom five-bedroom residence from renowned Geelong builder Bruce Warren.

The Nantes St residence sold for just shy of $2.93m in March.

PropTrack data shows Newtown’s median house price is $1.17m.

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A distinctive roundhouse that seemingly levitates above the water has been listed for sale.

Occupying a prime riverfront block, 16 Bridge Street, Lawrence certainly stands out among the surrounding traditional weatherboard cottages.

The unusual home is set on a 1221sqm block with 50 metres of river frontage along the Clarence River in northern NSW.

The property’s prime position is matched by its distinctive circular design, which frequently draws the attention of passers-by, according to its owner.

The house includes five bedrooms, as well as a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, all positioned around a central living space.

Inside, warm and inviting timber-clad interiors are bathed with natural light thanks to expansive windows offering river views, as well as a central skylight.

The 25-year-old home is being offered for sale by Harry Eames, who owns the home with his brother.

“My father built it in about 2000,” he told realestate.com.au. “He was pretty old school, he was building sheds by the time he was 12 years old. He always has a pretty good building mind.”

“My dad used to be on the carnivals that travelled around. The first ride that we owned was a merry-go-round, so that’s where the inspiration came from.”

“It’s built on an old railway turntable. The ‘arms’ of the house slot into a central concrete column which sits on the bedrock. It’s quite a solid foundation.”

“There is also a jetty there that’s built out of two railway tracks.”

Mr Eames said his father was somewhat of a collector, hence the home’s unusual construction.

“It wasn’t uncommon to be in a car with him and he’d stop and say ‘look at this!’ and go and buy it,” he said.

“Inside there’s these big wooden beams, they’re red mahogany. He just spotted them in someone’s paddock and asked if he could buy them. He was that kind of guy.”

Mr Eames, who grew up in the home but currently lives in Sydney, said the property constantly fascinated those who came across it.

“Even when I go up there to visit, there wouldn’t be a day that goes past where people don’t stop and take photos, or ask me if it spins,” he said.

Selling agent John Cameron of Ray White TKG Grafton said it was somewhat of a local icon.

“Everyone knows it,” he said. “It’s probably the only roundhouse in the area.”

“Plus it’s right next to Lawrence Tavern which has some of the best meals in the area.”

Mr Eames said it would be hard to part with the cherished property, but hoped its future owners would appreciate its unique architecture.

“It’s really sad to sell it because it’s obviously our family home,” he said. “But we’re not going to move back to Lawrence at the moment so it doesn’t make sense to keep it.”

“We want someone to take care of it and love it as much as we do.”

The home is selling with a price guide of $900,000 to $990,000.

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Buyers are exploring regional areas seeking the next farm town poised for growth – and these six have big potential.

Affordability, improved infrastructure, and the shift to flexible working mean buyers no longer need to choose between career opportunities and where they live. Quarterly internal migration data from the ABS released in March, shows a net of 7901 people moved from capital cities to the regions in the three months to September last year, demonstrating many Aussies are acting on a tree change.

Farm towns now offer the best of both worlds with easy access to nature and a strong community vibe alongside connection to modern amenities and nearby cities.

Whether it’s the rich history of Wagga Wagga in NSW, or the laid-back charm of Mount Barker in SA, these farm towns are attracting buyer interest and developers are responding to the rising demand with a wave of new housing projects either underway or in planning.

Here are six towns that have the potential to lead Australia’s next regional property boom.

Harrisville, Queensland

Tucked in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Harrisville is emerging as a hidden gem for buyers seeking a peaceful country lifestyle within easy reach of Brisbane and Ipswich. Known for its rural charm, community spirit, and stunning natural surroundings, Harrisville offers an authentic country-town experience without feeling remote.

Now, the town is set for a new chapter of growth, thanks to QM Property’s latest residential project: Harrisville Pastures. This development offers buyers the chance to secure larger blocks of land from 4000sqm, which is perfect for those craving space, privacy, and a connection to nature.

Set against the backdrop of the Scenic Rim mountains, Harrisville Pastures is designed for families seeking to immerse themselves in nature.

Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

Midway between Sydney and Melbourne, Wagga Wagga is often referred to as the “unofficial capital” of the Riverina. This inland city blends the charm of regional living with the sophistication of a larger urban hub. Already well established, but continuing to attract newcomers, the Wagga Wagga City Council forecasted a population of 70,239 by the end of 2025, and a rise to 82,605 by 2046.

Although regional, Wagga has everything you can find in a bustling city with a thriving hospitality and arts scene, highly regarded schools and universities including Charles Sturt University, and a major hospital.

Locals enjoy a coffee by the picturesque Murrumbidgee River, browse the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, or picnic in the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The town’s airport, regional rail links, and strategic location make it a practical choice for commuters and businesses alike.

Mount Barker, South Australia

Set against the rolling hills of the Adelaide Hills region, Mount Barker is quickly becoming one of South Australia’s fastest-growing lifestyle hubs.

Less than a 40-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, it offers a peaceful country lifestyle with all the modern conveniences of a well-established town. It was also featured in the Hot 100 list as one to watch in 2025 as it has been experiencing strong population and price growth.

“This growth reflects the suburb’s popularity among families and professionals, thanks to its vibrant community, access to amenities, and beautiful natural landscapes,” Ms Bianca Denham, head of performance and recognition at Ray White said. 

“As the region continues to develop, Mount Barker remains an appealing choice for homebuyers and investors alike.” 

Residents enjoy an ever-growing hospitality scene, boutique shopping, lush parks, and easy access to local wineries, trails, and national parks.

The town is currently undergoing major residential expansion, with new estates such as Aston Hills offering masterplanned living with parks, schools, sporting facilities, and shopping precincts built in.

Colac, Victoria

Nestled between Geelong, the Great Ocean Road, and the Otways, Colac is an attractive option for those seeking a life entwined with the outdoors. Its location puts it within easy reach of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and scenic hiking trails for endless sporting activities.

Colac is home to strong local industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and education and it’s rapidly becoming a hotspot for young families, professionals, and retirees seeking affordable living without losing connection to the outdoors.

Several developments are underway in Colac, including Emerald Estate, which is a four-minute drive from town and aimed at first-home buyers and growing families, offering generous blocks, modern home designs, and proximity to schools, shops, and recreational facilities.

Orange, New South Wales

Set in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Orange is gaining attention for its unique mix of history, its thriving food and wine scene, and strong community. Many buyers from Sydney who are looking for a quieter lifestyle have set their sights on the charming country town.

From farmers’ markets to acclaimed restaurants and cellar doors, Orange offers a range of options for serious foodies who want to live remotely, but not miss out on city-standard cuisine.

New developments on the fringes of town are helping to meet increasing demand for property, with family-focussed estates offering larger blocks and thoughtfully designed homes that suit the relaxed country lifestyle. With access to schools, a hospital, and daily flights to Sydney, Orange combines big-sky living with urban comfort – making it one of the most appealing farm towns to watch in 2025.

Donnybrook, Western Australia

Located in the Southwest region of WA, Donnybrook is best known as the apple capital of the west, but it’s now emerging as a lifestyle destination for those wanting space, charm, and community. Just 30 minutes drive from Bunbury and two hours from Perth, Donnybrook may be regional, but is within easy reach of the city centres.

The town is surrounded by fertile farmland, rolling hills, and wineries, and it’s becoming increasingly popular with families, hobby farmers, and remote workers.

Land developments around the town are beginning to pick up, with generous lots and more affordable housing options than coastal WA hubs where the median house price is $650,000.

Are you interested in building your dream house in one of Australia’s classic farm towns? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.

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