New apartment developments are renowned for reaching ever greater heights, but for Australia’s high-end apartments it’s all about elevating lifestyles.
Can you spot the signs of luxury? Myka Residences in Perth shows the new standard. Image: realestate.com.au
The term “luxury” can be ubiquitous in the property space, meaning prestige developers have to keep pushing the envelope to stand out and embody a truly premium offering.
With ever-rising expectations from luxury buyers, standard features are also ever-evolving – focused on factors such as size, convenience, comfort, aesthetics and flexibility.
Here are eight of the new standard features on trend in Australia’s luxury apartments, from the inclusion of smart tech to design classics with a twist.
Full-floor and corner apartments
Space is the ultimate luxury for many homebuyers, yet vast floorplans have traditionally been reserved for houses and penthouses.
By offering apartments on their own floor, it provides the best of both worlds: the dimensions and privacy of a standalone home with the amenities and low maintenance of a building.
For example, River House in Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point comprises only full-floor apartments, across 15 levels, to ensure each one enjoys the panoramas of its riverfront position.
At River House, you get the whole floor to yourself. Image: realestate.com.au
With house-sized proportions, these luxury residences would provide a seamless transition to apartment living for families, downsizers and those who love to entertain.
Corner apartments are also popular for buyers who want to reduce shared walls with neighbours, and maximise natural light and views with floor-to-ceiling windows.
At Adorn, a new boutique development on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, all 13 residences are corner apartments with spacious layouts and expansive windows.
Curved glass
In a similar vein, curved glass is a high-end architectural element that exudes luxury, creating a sculptural quality inside and out.
Requiring skilled design and craftsmanship, it’s a premium feature that isn’t commonplace in new developments, but is gaining traction within the luxury market.
Greenmount, on the Gold Coast, goes big with curves. Image: realestate.com.au
Apart from the aesthetic appeal, curved glass softens interior spaces, provides floorplan flexibility and can even improve energy-efficiency by maximising natural light and heat.
Distinctive curves are a standout feature of the prestigious Riviere Residences in Perth and Greenmount Residences in Coolangatta, which both cut striking figures on their respective waterfronts.
Built-in automation
It’s no surprise that smart technology is expected in 2025, but some developments have next-level integrations as standard for optimal convenience.
For example, the boutique Sea Glass apartments on the Gold Coast have home automation that includes circadian lighting, Sonos sound, ducted and zoned air-conditioning, and a dedicated EV power circuit.
There’s also number plate recognition to enhance security and ensure residents-only access to the carpark.
Sea Glass integrates the latest tech. Image: realestate.com.au
Loggia terraces
As a long-time luxury playground, the Mediterranean provides ample inspiration for prestige design and one of its hallmarks is emerging 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-luxe developments, particularly with warm climates.
De-Luxe Burleigh Heads makes the most of outdoor space. Image: realestate.com.au
Two new premium developments, Myka Residences on Perth’s Scarborough Beach and De-Luxe Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, feature modern interpretations of the historic style to maximise their balmy beachfront locations.
Apartments in both buildings have these substantial roofed terraces so residents can enjoy the outdoors from their own home.
Natural stone
Marble, limestone, granite, travertine… these have long featured in high-end homes, but natural stone is usually reserved as a premium extra.
However, some new apartment developments are including these materials as standard finishes for a truly palatial but tasteful result.
At Amara in Mosman, Adamson No. 5 in Brighton and 623 Collins in Melbourne, natural stone is integrated into the interior forms for an understated luxury look – from benchtops and splashbacks to fireplaces.
Natural stone makes a statement, as shows in the designs for Amara Mosman. Image: realestate.com.au
Dedicated wine storage
Another traditional feature of affluent households, wine storage is less typical in apartment living beyond built-in wine shelves.
So the incorporation of bespoke wine storage is 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 resident use, complete with climate-controlled storage and a tasting room.
The penthouses in the latter development also have their own private wine cellars.
Royale's wine lounge is a perk of the development. Image: realestate.com.au
Wellness amenities
Gone are the days when a pool or gym were the height of resort-style luxury.
Today’s health facilities are focused on mind-body wellbeing, with tailored spaces for residents to 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.
Perhaps an oceanfront yoga room to salute the sun?
At West Village Karrinyup in WA, residents have both a sauna and steam room on offer. Image: realestate.com.au
And at South Beach in Surfers Paradise, the comprehensive wellness offering includes water facilities, such as hydrotherapy pools, magnesium spas and cold or ice plunge baths.
It also has a suite of alternative amenities, from sound healing and light therapy spaces to a hammam (Turkish steam bath) and Swedish or infrared saunas.
Concierge services
Recreating a five-star hotel experience, the inclusion of a concierge desk is a clear-cut lifestyle boon for luxury apartment residents.
A dedicated concierge is designed to make everyday life easier, from booking restaurant reservations and transport to household services like dry-cleaning, dog-walking and package collection.
Some developments have upped the ante with a fully serviced residential offering: 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 hassle.
Concierge services such as at One Toorak Place will cater to residents daily needs. Image: realestate.com.au.
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This article was originally published on 3 Nov 2025 at 8:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
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