Bayside appeal is quietly drawing discerning buyers to one standout postcode in Melbourne’s southeast, especially those looking to downsize without compromise.
They are seeking elegant, low‑maintenance living in locations that lift their lifestyle.
Demand is growing for established neighbourhoods just minutes from the city, where leafy streets meet the bay, transport is effortless and boutique homes are surrounded by local shops, essential services and natural coastal surrounds.
Downsizers are looking for beautiful homes that prioritise lifestyle in well-established neighbourhoods.
Why this Hampton pocket is drawing smart downsizers
One of the suburbs that's ticking the boxes and turning heads is Hampton, situated along a stunning stretch of Port Phillip Bay between Brighton and Sandringham.
Known for its leafy streets, heritage charm, and walkability, it's an area with strong lifestyle appeal.
With homes just a short walk from the beach, it's become a magnet for buyers wanting a more relaxed bayside lifestyle without the pomp of other waterside locations.
"It's an exceptional area for downsizers," says Blanco Norton, one of the Directors of Wickton.
"It's a place where people can enjoy walks along the beach, access public transport, and have everything from shops to cafes and medical amenities in the village right at their doorstep."
With so much to offer, the suburb has been gaining attention in recent years, reflected in rising property values.
Prices are up a healthy 15% over the past five years, according to realestate.com.au data, and Mr Norton says more downsizers are gravitating towards the high-quality, low-rise options appearing in the area.
Hampton is a charming Bayside suburb that's attracting plenty of interest from buyers.
Boutique scale: Big lifestyle living
Positioned in the heart of this sought-after postcode is Linacre Rise — a modern collection of just 27 architect-designed residences, a mere 250m from the water.
Mr Norton explains the development has been designed specifically for the location and for buyers seeking modern homes of exceptional quality.
"It's located naturally at the highest point in Hampton, which is a big advantage," he shares.
"The area has a leafy character, and it’s in the heritage pocket, so it's a great location, but it also means all the views are protected through heritage controls."
Developed by Wickton — a brand known for quality high-end creations — in collaboration with architect Ewert Leaf and landscaper John Patrick, the apartments deliver exceptional quality and high-end finishes.
The range has been tailored for downsizers with generous internal footprints, large outdoor terraces and refined touches throughout.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open the interiors to the outdoors, while abundant storage has been thoughtfully included.
"We appreciate that people are coming out of family homes with family heirlooms they need to protect and store," Mr Norton says.
"So we've included those really simple but important things like storage that these buyers want and need."
The development offers privacy and strong security, appealing to those who want to lock up and leave with peace of mind while on holidays.
The apartments at Linacre Rise are peaceful, expertly designed, and made to take advantage of the Hampton lifestyle.
A peaceful, walkable address with everything you need
Linacre Rise residents benefit from all that Hampton has to offer, all within close reach of home.
The apartments are just a few minutes' walk away from Hampton Street retail village, a quaint local hub with stylish cafes and restaurants, a classic Italian deli, and boutique shops.
It's not uncommon to find locals here passing the day with coffees in the sun before strolling to Woolworths for the weekly shop.
There's also a 24-hour access hospital nearby, and for those keen to head into the city for a day out, it's just a 30-minute drive along Nepean Highway or Beach Road.
Alternatively, residents can hop on the train at Hampton Station on the Sandringham line, which passes through other beachside suburbs and delivers you straight to Flinders Street Station.
Move-in ready with no compromise
The appeal of move-in-ready apartments in a high-demand suburb cannot be overstated.
With construction recently completed, buyers can experience a brand-new residence without waiting months for construction.
"It does present a kind of unique opportunity being able to experience the product just at completion, and buyers can really touch and feel the quality and understand it spatially, and what it is that they're buying," Norton says.
The colour palette is an "elegant and well-considered colour tone" perfect for customisation.
"It’s intentionally not bold and striking so that people can bring whatever’s precious to them into the home, making it their own," Norton says.
Two-bedroom apartments start at $1.25 million, and three-bedroom options start from $2.275 million.
With limited completed apartments remaining, these new modern residences designed for downsizers won’t last long.
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