Melbourne’s lively Box Hill is levelling up the rental experience — and renters are all in.
Renting today means more than just having a roof over your head.
It’s about loving where you live, with full access to spaces designed for work, study or entertaining built in, and thriving suburbs with direct access to transport right on your doorstep.
Thanks to the build-to-rent (BTR) movement, new addresses that raise the bar are popping up across the city, promising perks well beyond the norm of a traditional lease.
Local: Box Hill is a brand-new build-to-rent development in one of Melbourne's most exciting suburbs.
What is build-to-rent and why is it booming in Melbourne?
More renters are waking up to the real reasons why BTR is changing the face of renting.
In a nutshell, build-to-rent developments are brand-new apartment blocks designed purely for leasing, not selling.
They commonly offer lifestyle-rich features, flexible lease terms of six months up to five years, and dedicated onsite maintenance — all wrapped into one convenient package.
"Residents are recognising the lifestyle value of professionally managed rentals,” says Megan Hondromatidis, General Manager of Marketing and Communications at Local: Residential.
“It’s becoming more popular because it offers a convenient and hassle-free solution for those who value secure leases, entertainment spaces, gyms and other amenities that are included in their rent.
So, people don’t have to think about the added cost of a gym membership or a pool pass. It’s already accounted for.”
She adds that the process is simpler too.
"Most people would agree that there are better ways to spend a Saturday than lining up with 200 other hopefuls for an apartment that only one person will get,” she says.
“At Local: Box Hill we have an in-house leasing team offering one-on-one experience from inspecting to moving in. This approach makes the process consistent, quick, and puts the control back into the hands of the renter where they can view a few options that might suit them and have the ultimate choice over their perfect next home.”
Build-to-rent locations like Local: Box Hill feature high-quality amenities all included, meaning extra costs like gym memberships or pool entry are bundled into your rent.
How to get more value from your rental in 2025
While BTR is booming in Melbourne right now, Hondromatidis says the secret to finding the right place is identifying included value, which can look different depending on an individual’s lifestyle and location preferences.
All residences at Local: Box Hill come with inclusive access to co-working spaces, an indoor lap pool, steam room, sauna, cinema room, mahjong and games rooms, private dining rooms and family-friendly outdoor terraces — along with pet wash facilities and the much-loved Bark Park with city views.
“The wellness zone features an indoor lap pool, a fully equipped gym, a steam room and a sauna.
It’s completely pet friendly, and the outdoor pet area offers incredible views of the city,” Hondromatidis says.
Inside, apartments range from one- to three-bedroom options, with all appliances supplied from the start — including washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, split system heating and cooling, and fridges.
Flexible lease security is another drawcard.
“Some people might know they have a change coming in 12 to 18 months, or they might want to lock in for three or four years having full visibility of their annual increases, and they can do that with the flexible lease terms,” she says.
“There’s no surprise inspection or sales of the property that renters have to worry about.”
Renters can also avoid paying double rent by choosing a move-in date that suits them, supported by private tours and an in-house leasing team.
To ease financial pressure, Local applies a flat rate bond of $1,000 for all apartments — all while gaining access to bundled conveniences managed via the Resident app, from parcel handling to cleaning services.
Flexible lease terms and included appliances are just some of what makes renting at Local: Box Hill great value.
Renting vs buying in 2025
While many Australians still aspire to own property, extended rental periods are becoming more common.
For some, renting can make better financial sense.
“Renting is often far cheaper week-to-week than owning in major cities once you factor in mortgage repayments, strata, maintenance, insurance and rates,” explains wealth guide and chartered accountant Salena Kulkarni.
“This financial flexibility allows renters to invest surplus cash, capitalising on the benefits of early investment.
Every dollar you invest in your 20s is worth four to five times more in retirement than dollars invested in your 40s.”
Renting also enables individuals to direct funds into growth assets such as shares, ETFs, high-yield bonds and property syndicates — provided surplus income is invested wisely.
It can even be a stepping stone into the property market.
Kulkarni notes that renters can often qualify for investment lending, enabling them to live where they want while buying more affordable property elsewhere.
Long-term renting can be more financially viable than a mortgage, especially in sought-after inner-city locations.
Why Box Hill’s rental value is rising fast
For those not ready to buy but seeking an elevated rental experience, Box Hill offers rare appeal thanks to its vibrant feel, diverse dining scene and excellent transport connections.
Its popularity is soaring.
Census data shows its population has grown from 16,480 in 2006 to over 23,600 by 2019 — driven by a wave of new apartments, hotels, high-rise offices and BTR projects.
Even with this surge in supply, demand remains strong.
“There’s been a lot of early interest in Local: Box Hill, and we expect things to move quickly, with the building opening launching it during peak leasing season,” Hondromatidis says.
“A lot of people are looking to relocate between November and February, which is when the rental market sees a lot of movement.”
For renters, it’s a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
With premium amenity, secured leases and no ownership pressure, Box Hill’s BTR offerings make it easy to live well without compromise.
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