You may have heard about Australia 108, or maybe you’re even considering investing in this iconic Melbourne skyscraper. But in 2025, is it still a smart buy?
Completed in 2020, Australia 108 remains the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere, standing at over 316 meters. Its distinctive golden starburst design and luxury amenities set a new benchmark for high-rise living in Melbourne, attracting high-net-worth residents and investors to Southbank’s riverside location.
If you can still get a unit below $800k, you’re getting a better deal than those who bought during the 2020–2022 hype. But the thing is, Australia 108 is almost sold out, and what’s left? Either already overpriced or tightly held.
As of June 2025, available apartments for sale in Australia 108 are priced between $1,628,000 and $3,739,000 (depending on the unit's size, floor level, and view). And while the rental demand is there, yields are thinning — especially for new buyers. You're paying a premium now for the tower's reputation, not its upside.
Am I saying don’t buy there? No. But only if you're dead set on the address — not if you're here to make smart money.
Australia 108 now is like buying the last few slices of a pizza at the end of the party. Sure, you get something, but it’s not the freshest, biggest, or best piece. You pay more, but the potential to multiply your investment is limited because the price has already reflected the hype.
So if you're buying in now, you're not buying low, and that’s not how you build serious returns. And if you’re looking for a cheaper, high-yield rental, there are better options. That’s why today, I want to walk you through two projects that — in my opinion — are the smartest plays in Melbourne right now.
The Next Generation of Melbourne Investments
1. Atlas Melbourne Selling Fast for a Reason
Located in Melbourne’s CBD at 383 La Trobe Street, Atlas Melbourne is a 73-storey mixed-use development that’s capturing serious attention — with its thoughtful design and variety of apartments (studios to three-bedrooms) that make it accessible and attractive.
The location is fantastic — right in the heart of Melbourne’s thriving CBD with excellent connectivity and proximity to educational institutions, offices, and entertainment hubs.
- 3 minutes to Victoria University
- 10 minutes' walk to RMIT & The University of Melbourne
- 7 minutes to Queen Victoria Market
- 9 minutes to Melbourne Central & State Library
- 13 minutes to Bourke Street Mall
Plus, construction is just kicking off, meaning you still get to buy early, at a relatively lower price, and enjoy the capital growth as it rises.
For investors who want solid rental yields and long-term growth, Atlas Melbourne is a standout choice.
Prime Southbank location—moments from the CBD, Crown, and arts precinct
Brand-new, high-spec apartments—with the latest in design and technology
Flexible layouts for families, students, professionals, and retirees
World-class amenities rivaling (and in some ways surpassing) Australia 108
Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a wellness club featuring a spa, sauna, gym, and a resort-style pool with stunning views of the city skyline.
2025 Market Data
Prices:
- Studio Units: Sold out - 1-Bedroom: From $732,000 - 2-Bedroom: From $1,127,000 - 3-Bedroom: From $2,370,000
The prices provided are estimates based on the project's initial launch and may vary based on market conditions and specific unit features.
- Rental yield: 5.2%–5.8% (among the highest in inner Melbourne)
- Vacancy rate: Less than 1.4% (CoreLogic Q1 2025)
- Stamp duty savings: Up to $90,000 for early and eligible buyers
Why This Matters
Melbourne is experiencing its lowest new apartment supply since 2008—just 400 completions in Q1 2025. Demand is surging, driven by:
Record-high migration (over 150,000 new arrivals in Victoria in 2024)
International students flooding back (Melbourne is ranked #4 globally for education)
Retirees and lifestyle buyers seeking world-class amenities and walkability
Atlas is perfectly positioned to capture this demand. And with Australia 108 almost gone, the spotlight (and the buyer rush) is now here.
Check out Atlas Melbourne here.
2. Verde My Favorite Pick in Southbank’s Arts Precinct
If I had to pick one project to recommend right now, it would be Verde at 85 Coventry Street, Southbank.
This one’s for the long-term players.
Just 300m from Australia 108, Verde sits in the arts precinct, minutes from Anzac Station and across the road from the $1.7 billion transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct.
Still under construction, completing in late 2027, but here's why I’m excited:
- Only 174 residences — boutique scale, high exclusivity
- Architecture by Elenberg Fraser — same firm behind Australia 108. Sleek, shimmering facade with tinted grey faceted glass that offers stunning views of the city, the bay, and nearby parks.
- Hardwood floors, SMEG appliances, concierge, co-working spaces, rooftop dining — no corners cut. Residents get access to a lounge, gym, library, and even a café right on the ground floor.
- Steps from the new Metro Tunnel (cutting travel times significantly)
- With Anzac Station close by, residents enjoy seamless access to the CBD and beyond — a huge plus for renters and owner-occupiers.
Prices are still being quietly released. You’re early.
Why I like it:
- Buying today = off-plan pricing, not resale markup
- You’re in the growth zone of Southbank, not the saturated casino end
- You get the “Australia 108 vibe” but in a newer, tighter, and more refined development
If you can wait 2–3 years, Verde is the next icon in the making — minus the inflated premium.
Verde is for the buyer who wants something a little different—more space, more privacy, and a true “Melbourne” lifestyle. It’s perfect for families, retirees, or anyone who wants to be in the heart of the action without the crowds of a mega-tower — for investors seeking high yields and long-term appreciation and for those eyeing migration or education — living close to cultural hotspots, universities, and transport.
Read my honest take on Verde here.
The people who made money in Australia 108?
They bought before everyone else wanted it.
The people who’ll make money in Atlas and Verde?
Same story. They’re buying now, before the crowd catches on.
Supply is low. Demand is surging. Yields are rising. But the window won’t stay open long.
If you’re serious about owning in Melbourne, position yourself one step ahead. Let’s talk before prices rise again.