The customisable rental changing how Australians live

From feature walls to furniture packages, these apartments are offering tenants new freedoms to personalise their space.

In Australia’s rental market, tenants often face strict rules when it comes to personalising their homes. Regulations vary by state but in a typical rental, most changes must be cleared with landlords and there is often little opportunity to make a space truly feel like your own. 

But build‑to‑rent (BTR) developments are changing that by giving renters new freedoms, including the ability to customise their homes from day one.

Mirvac BTR sector lead Angela Buckley told realestate.com.au it is a deliberate part of the model. 

“The resident is the customer, and our business model relies on them staying – and wanting to stay – for as long as possible, so we obviously want to encourage that,” Ms Buckley said. 

“It’s really about your individuality and being able to express that. You can come home and know it’s yours –  that helps you feel like you belong.” 

What makes BTR different from typical rentals 

BTR developments are entire multi‑unit buildings where each apartment is rented directly to a tenant, rather than being individually owned. 

Unlike traditional rentals, a BTR property is purpose‑built, professionally managed and designed for long‑term renters.  

For tenants, the benefits often include longer leases, on‑site maintenance, inclusive amenities, and the ability to customise.  

In fact, a greater ability to personalise a rental property was listed as the second most compelling feature of BTR properties – after rental security – in a 2024 survey conducted by REA Group. 

For many BTR developers, offering personalisation is a way to help residents feel more at home and encourage them to stay longer, delivering benefits for all parties. For them, it’s lowering the rate of tenant turnover. 

Mirvac operates its BTR portfolio under the LIV brand, with five projects across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Its newest – LIV Albert in Brunswick – opened in August 2025, delivering 498 homes alongside more than 2400sqm of shared amenities, including a gym, co‑working areas, private dining rooms, a courtyard, and more. 

Another developer in the space is Novus, with its first BTR project on Sturt in Melbourne’s Southbank.  

Residents here enjoy a hotel‑style line‑up of amenities, including a pool deck, full gym and studio space, library and games room, and podcast studio. 

CEO Adam Hirst said it’s about giving residents both choice and security. 

“We want to provide a home so good that a resident will never want to leave. Allowing residents the freedom of choice, along with flexible lease terms and security, helps to overcome a major hurdle in traditional rental markets,” Mr Hirst said. 

“Allowing personalisations in an apartment is just the cherry on top of a whole lot of renter benefits that come with living in a build-to-rent apartment.” 

What you can customise 

Not all BTRs offer the same level of flexibility, but many go well beyond small changes.  

At LIV projects, residents can paint the walls, install hooks and hang artwork and choose furniture packages  – or bring their own. 

“Some people love the full furniture package, others want to paint a wall  – it’s about suiting different needs,” Ms Buckley said. 

At Novus, residents have similar options. 

“Our residents are able to personalise their apartment to make it truly feel like their own,” Mr Hirst said. 

“In some cases, it’s as simple as mounting a TV, in other cases it’s a splash of colour on a wall.” 

While personalisation is encouraged, there are still rules. Most BTR providers set boundaries to protect building safety, maintain design consistency and keep apartments in good condition for future tenants. 

At Novus, the main rule is reversibility. 

“Customisations have to be reversible in order for the apartment to be restored on expiry of a lease,” Mr Hirst said.  

“In most cases – things like painting a wall or changing a curtain – are easily restored.” 

For Mirvac, the only absolute restriction is structural changes, Ms Buckley said.  

By allowing renters the freedom to personalise their space, whether it’s through a feature wall, or furniture package, BTR providers say they are creating homes people want to stay in and neighbourhoods that feel lived‑in from the start.  

“We have more than two and a half thousand residents today and we hear that feedback all the time, so it comes down to individuality and belonging,” Ms Buckley said.  

For renters wanting the stability of a long lease and the flexibility to make a home truly their own, these customisable rentals might just offer the best of both worlds. 

Are you interested in learning more about build-to-rent developments? Check out our New Homes section.  

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