They're the paparazzi-proof complexes with a long waitlist of discerning buyers - from downsizers to corporate high-flyers seeking a city base, and in some cases, A-lister residents.
Across Australia, a select few residential towers have achieved an iconic status that make them legends of the local (and national) real estate scene.
Whether it’s Melbourne’s exclusive ‘Tower of Power’ or the Sydney block favoured by Hollywood A-listers, these in-demand prestige buildings equate to intense competition and long waiting lists. But if you get in, you'll need to have your elevator pitch ready for the high-profile neighbours you may bump into in the hallways.
Here are some of the premium apartment buildings that require patience, persistence and, quite often, a celebrity-sized bank balance.
Melbourne’s ‘Tower of Power’
Nicknamed the ‘Tower of Power’, few buildings command the recognition and reverence in Melbourne’s property landscape quite like 99 Spring Street.
Positioned directly opposite the Treasury Gardens at the ‘Paris end’ of the CBD, this 1970s modernist structure has cemented its place as one of the city’s most exclusive residential addresses.
99 Spring St in Melbourne is as well known for its residents as it is for its location. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Its prestige is rooted in location, views that can never be built out, and a history of housing some of Australia’s most powerful figures.
Former residents include Australia’s first billionaire Robert Holmes à Court, media tycoon Kerry Packer, music producer Bill Armstrong, businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Potter, restaurateurs Branco Tocigl and Shannon Bennett, and retail king Norman Rockman.
“It’s not just any building — it’s a landmark of its era in Melbourne residential architecture,” said Mario Lionetti of Woodards Real Estate Northcote, who recently sold a two-bedroom unit in the block.
“The scarcity of listings ensures fierce buyer competition. Owners rarely sell, creating a tight-knit, predominantly owner-occupied community,” Mr Lionetti said.
The most recent sale in the building was this two-bedroom unit, which sold in November. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“When an opportunity does arise, interest is immediate from a select group of affluent downsizers and international buyers.”
The complex has no units currently listed for sale, with Mr Lionetti's listing the most recent sale at $2,950,000.
Harbour royalty
In Sydney, exclusivity often comes hand-in-hand with an unbeatable harbour vista. The Latitude building at 55 Lavender Street, Milsons Point is such a complex.
Positioned directly above Lavender Bay, its spectacular outlook across to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House is a constant drawcard for high-profile residents seeking discretion, resort-style facilities, and proximity to the city.
The understated architecture of the Latitude building masks its status as one of Sydney's most tightly held complexes. Picture: realestate.com.au
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban own half a dozen units within the complex. Picture: realestate.com.au
Its status as an icon has been amplified by the long-term presence of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, who've acquired half a dozen units within the Mirvac-developed block over many years to create a vast Sydney base.
“Latitude at 55 Lavender Street is one of Sydney’s most admired harbourside addresses,” said David Gillan, director at Ray White Lower North Shore Group.
“The design, quality, and enduring appeal make it a benchmark for prestige apartment living on the Lower North Shore.”
Listings here are exceptionally rare and often transact quietly off-market due to the intense demand from local and expatriate buyers. The value proposition extends beyond celebrity neighbours; Latitude offers five-star facilities, including a heated pool, gymnasium, and onsite management.
There are currently no units in the complex listed for sale on realestate.com.au, with the last sale taking place in September 2025.
The views are second-to-none. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Mr Gillan’s recent sales in the building speak to the premium price tag a unit here commands.
“The last units I sold here went for $6,850,000 and 5,750,000,” he revealed. “And they both had over 80 buyer inspections and multiple contracts out. Apartments in the building are now starting to reach over $8,500,000.”
“There’s always a list of buyers who contact me wanting to be notified if anything becomes available in the building. Opportunities are extremely scarce, and that exclusivity, combined with the prestige and celebrity connection, keeps demand very high."
The celebrity haven
Perched on the edge of leafy Hyde Park, 18 College Street, Darlinghurst is revered as one of Sydney’s most sought-after residential addresses, offering inner-city living with a distinctly luxurious edge.
“For star-studded neighbours and resort-style living, 18 College Street is one of Sydney’s most sought-after residential addresses,” said Luke Austin Bindley, founder of Austin Buyers Agents.
The Residence on Sydney's Hyde Park also boasts many famous and high profile residents. Picture: realestate.com.au
The building's drawcard is its combination of luxury and discretion. It boasts a 24-hour concierge service, a 20-metre lap pool, spa facilities and even communal wine storage.
Pop sensation Delta Goodrem has quietly called this residence home for more than six years, and adding to the building’s star power, fellow pop star and TV personality, Ricki-Lee Coulter, has also joined the community.
Ricki-Lee Coulter shares images of her new joint with her vast social media following. Picture: Instagram
Mr Austin Bindley points to the recent listing of former Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood’s apartment in the same block, which carried a guide price of around $6.25 million, as a testament to the building’s calibre.
“The address itself is a drawcard. With Hyde Park at its doorstep, Sydney’s cultural hubs, top restaurants and shopping precincts are just minutes away,” he explains. “But it’s the combination of location, lifestyle and discretion that makes the building particularly appealing to high net worth buyers.”
Hyde Park is your backyard when you live at The Residence. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
That cult-like status means there is consistently high demand for units here, especially those on the prized north-west corner, which offer sweeping north-facing views from the Eastern Suburbs to the CBD.
Currently, just one unit in the complex is listed on realestate.com.au, a two-bedroom apartment on level three with a west aspect.
A sky-high sanctuary
When discussing Sydney’s definitive benchmark for prestige apartment living, Harry Seidler’s iconic The Horizon can’t be overlooked.
The Harry Seidler-designed complex, Horizon. Picture: realestate.com.au
Its striking, cylindrical design and elevated position offer arguably the best views in the city, alongside premium facilities including a 25-metre heated pool, gym, and tennis court.
“The Horizon is a great example of Harry Seidler’s bold and innovative style,” commented Victor Morry Maia, sales agent at McGrath. “It’s one of those buildings that still feels modern and relevant today.”
It boasts panoramic views of the city and harbour. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
The mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with the penthouses, are all generous in size and feature Seidler’s signature ‘wave’ balconies with glass balustrades, designed to let in plenty of natural light and make the most of the stunning views.
“The views are a major highlight too — they’re some of the best in the area,” continued Mr Maia. And then there’s the resort-style facilities, beautifully kept gardens, plus high security with concierge and on-site management.”
The complex has resort-style facilities including a ground-level pool and tennis court, a rarity for the inner-city location. Picture: realestate.com.au
The Horizon’s Darlinghurst location is another big part of its appeal — right in the heart of everything, close to transport, parks, shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Currently, the only property for sale within the complex is an eccentric two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a car space, which hit the market in January and is decked out head to toe in pink.
The only property for sale is this eccentric pink apartment - a reflection of its high-profile vendor's personality. Picture: realestate.com.au
As well as being a boon for lifestyle-seekers, the building is also ripe for investment gains, according to Mr Maia.
“Francesca Packer bought the Penthouse apartment there in 2019 for around $15.8 million,” he said. “And then sold it in September 2024 for $27.5 million, which is an impressive result and strong capital gain in just a few years.”
Gold Coast trophy address
Towering above Surfers Paradise, Q1 remains the Gold Coasts most recognisable residential landmark and one of its most tightly held prestige buildings.
Q1 retains its title of the nation’s tallest tower, measuring in at 322.5m thanks to its external spire, though the 319m Australia 108 building in Melbourne has more floors. Picture: realestate.com.au
Completed in 2005, it redefined the skyline and held the title of the world’s tallest residential tower for six years, a status that continues to anchor its market appeal.
“Q1 is more than a residential tower. It is a global symbol of the Gold Coast,” said Steven Tropoulos, group director at finance and property advisory consultancy, Highfield Private.
“The value of owning one of its tightly held larger residences is clear. Buyers are securing an irreplaceable position with world class views.”
It's resort-style pool and facilities make it popular with investors due to its popularity with holiday-letters. Picture: realestate.com.au
Its attraction for high end buyers lies in its scale, its amenity and its rare larger floor plans that capture sweeping views over the ocean, river, and hinterland.
Residents enjoy resort style facilities, multiple pools, a full gym, day spa services and secure living in one of the most central positions on the coast, steps from the G link tram and the beach.
“Recent sales confirm the strength of the building,” added Mr Tropoulos. “The penthouse changed hands in a swift off-market deal for $11.5 million in September 2025, underscoring buyer confidence at the top end.”
One of a handful of apartments listed for sale in the complex is unit 3805, with an asking price of $1,895,000. Picture: realestate.com.au
There are a handful of apartments for sale in the complex of more than 500 units, with none priced below $1m.
Brisbane’s heritage-listed landmark
In Brisbane, Torbreck in Highgate Hill is not just an apartment building; it is a pivotal piece of Queensland history and one of the city’s most instantly recognisable mid-century addresses.
Torbreck in Brisbane is extremely tightly held. Picture: realestate.com.au
Completed in 1960 and now heritage listed, this pioneering tower was the first multi-storey home unit development in Queensland, an architectural moment so significant it was championed by the State Premier.
“It’s a genuine Brisbane landmark. Its elevation, character, and scarcity attract long-term residents who wait years for the chance to buy in,” Mr Tropoulos said.
Many residents have lived in the complex for decades. Picture: realestate.com.au
“It sits in that rare class of buildings where original, pioneering design, unrivalled location, and a fiercely loyal owner-occupier community combine to create enduring, almost cult-like demand. Opportunities are scarce and buyers know it.”
The extreme rarity of listings - and the strong sense of community that sees 75% of units owner-occupied - ensures that every sale is an event.
There are currently no properties for sale in the building, with this renovated one-bedroom, one-bathroom 12th floor apartment recently going under offer.
This renovated one-bedroom unit is now under offer. Picture: realestate.com.au
Mr Tropoulos said the "combination of outlook, heritage charm, and location close to West End and South Bank" made it a "rare offering in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held buildings.”
Unlike other high-profile complexes, buyers can get into the Torbreck building for an affordable price, unit 12FB in the complex was seeking offers over $585,000 before it went under offer.
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