Cost-of-living pressures and rising interest rates have shifted how Melbourne renters think about housing.
Many are ditching their aspirations of getting on the property ladder as soon as possible, instead leaning towards stable, well-designed places to rent that support their lifestyle.
The build-to-rent model is designed specifically for this mindset.
“For many, the traditional path to ownership now comes with significant trade-offs – stretching finances to secure a deposit, committing to a long-term mortgage, and often compromising on location or lifestyle,” says Goldfields Build-to-Rent General Manager, Mitchell Tayt.
“Instead, people are making more deliberate, lifestyle-led decisions.”
“They’re choosing to live in well-connected, amenity-rich neighbourhoods that align with how they want to spend their time, rather than where they can simply afford to buy.”
Build-to-rent properties are attracting a wave of renters who are deliberately choosing to rent long-term. Pictured: Artist impression of the external facade of The Raleigh Build to Rent.
How the build-to-rent housing model works
Build-to-rent is an evolution of the rental housing model into an option that’s purposefully designed and built to offer a better lived experience.
“It has existed in Australia for decades,” notes Mr Tayt.
“But now, it’s grown in popularity with the shift from Australians’ historical prioritisation of housing as a wealth-creating asset – at the expense of lifestyle – to one that prioritises the lived experience,” says Mr Tayt.
Rather than attracting a specific type of renter, he sees it appealing to “a very broad demographic, but most often to residents who want to enjoy the culture, community and amenity that comes with living in a great location”.
Build-to-rent puts lifestyle at the forefront, making it a popular choice in culture-rich city locations. Pictured: Artist impression of The Raleigh's rooftop dining facilities.
Under the build-to-rent model, residents get to live in an apartment that’s thoughtfully designed and functional, with higher quality finishes and fixtures compared to many traditional rental premises.
Properties are professionally managed for better peace of mind, with maintenance staff available to assist with tasks like mounting a television, and amenities are a big focus of the design.
Mr Tayt says there’s a lot to be said for intentional renting – that is, choosing to rent because it suits your lifestyle, not because you have to.
“Intentional renting is the deliberate, choice-driven approach to renting, rather than renting as a fallback to home ownership,” he says.
“It recognises that the benefit of renting isn’t just putting a roof over your head, it’s a home, and often one with a better lifestyle than buying can offer.”
Intentional renting means renters are choosing not to compromise on lifestyle and amenity. Pictured: Artist impression of The Raleigh's exterior and its rooftop basketball court.
Introducing The Keys by Goldfields
The Keys is a new quietly premium rental experience by Goldfields, and The Raleigh is its flagship build-to-rent project in Windsor.
Located between Melbourne’s Albert Park and Prahran Market, The Raleigh comprises 348 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across two interconnected 15-storey towers.
Holding true to the build-to-rent model, apartments are intentionally designed and finished with high-quality fixtures and furnishings that balance beauty and durability.
More than 2,600sqm of shared amenity supports daily routines and social connection.
Residents have access to a co-working space on ground floor and a dog park on level nine, while the basement offers a golf simulator, tool workshop and bicycle workshop, alongside 278 car spaces, 435 bicycle spaces and motorbike parking.
The residences are also pet-friendly, with a dog wash inside the building and an outdoor pet terrace on Level 9.
“It’s these thoughtful touches that make renters feel at home,” says Mr Tayt.
“Our resident‑first approach prioritises transparency and reliability, our homes are shaped by smart design, and our services genuinely simplify everyday life and deliver value you can feel.”
Features like the pet terrace on Level 9 highlight how The Raleigh is consciously designed to meet the everyday needs of residents. Pictured: Artist impression of The Raleigh's pet terrace.
Rooftop lifestyle at the forefront
The heart of The Raleigh’s amenity is the rooftop communal area.
Looking across the Melbourne skyline, each tower offers different spaces for relaxation and recreation.
The north tower features bookable spaces for dining and entertaining, while the south tower hosts The Raleigh’s yoga studio and fully-equipped gym.
Connected by a sky bridge, the rooftops also include a basketball court, cinema room, and pool area.
These communal spaces bring residents together, and are core to the value that intentional renting offers.
“It’s grounded in a real understanding of how people actually want to live,” says Mr Tayt.
The Raleigh residences start from $570 per week, with private tours now available.
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