St Kilda Road is shedding its office-heavy reputation and drawing in a new wave of residents—many of them downsizers and owner-occupiers looking for space, greenery and city convenience.
The shift isn’t exactly new, but it’s picking up pace as more commercial buildings are converted into apartments, and Melbourne’s property market stabilises after several turbulent years.
One of the latest projects tapping into that momentum is Park Quarter by Sunnyland, where more than 90% of homes have already sold.
Here are five signs the boulevard is turning a corner—and why buyers are paying attention.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 800 450"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Park Quarter is a St Kild Rd project offering a new standard in Melbourne city living.
1. The rise of residential over commercial
Where once there were only office towers, developers are now delivering larger apartments designed for long-term living.
Sunnyland’s Kevin Lin says the shift began during the pandemic when vacancies created an opening for reimagining the strip.
“During COVID, a lot of commercial buildings became vacant,” he says.
“Developers saw the opportunity to reshape the area into a new residential precinct.
“The location offers incredible views – Park Quarter, for instance, has double view lines: Fawkner Park to the east, and Albert Park to the west.
“It’s a park-hugging location, yet right on a lush green boulevard leading to the city.”
2. Buyers want tech that actually works
While smart home tech is increasingly common, Park Quarter leans into functionality.
An app allows residents to book amenities, receive parcel alerts and contact building management directly.
“We’re rolling out a dedicated Park Quarter app,” Lin says.
“It’s all about seamless living.”
Optional upgrades allow buyers to control lights, curtains and music from their phones, and all home handover info—like manuals and documents—is stored digitally.
“No more hunting for USBs—everything is in your portal.”
The building’s range of resident amenities can be booked using the dedicated Park Quarter app.
3. Bigger apartments, fewer compromises
Post-pandemic, many buyers are steering clear of smaller, investor-grade apartments.
Park Quarter offers two-bedroom homes from 83sqm, with some three-bedders starting at 130sqm.
“Post-COVID, people want homes they can actually live in—not just invest in,” Lin says.
“Our two-bedroom apartments start from 83sqm and go well over 100. Three-bedrooms begin at 130sqm.”
The building is split into three sections:
- Garden Homes on levels 7–14
- Sky Manor Residences on levels 15–16 with premium finishes
- Penthouses on level 17 offering top-floor views and private rooftop terraces with outdoor kitchen, spa pool, and outdoor lounge
Each garden home apartment includes a balcony, timber flooring and ASKO appliances, with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and curved natural stone benchtops featured in the upper levels.
The large-scale apartments and penthouses are designed for maximum liveability.
4. A city-fringe location that feels more suburban
Park Quarter sits between two major parks and is minutes from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Nearby Anzac Station—set to open soon—will connect residents to the CBD and eventually the airport rail.
“You’ve got direct tram and train access, excellent hospitals and schools nearby, and yet it’s quiet after 6pm – almost like a neighbourhood street,” Lin says.
“It’s ideal for people who work in the CBD but don’t want to live in the chaos.”
Inspired by the nearby parklands and the Botanic Gardens, Park Quarter is a haven for city dwellers.
5. Timing is everything
With construction well underway and stamp duty savings still on offer, Lin says there’s been renewed interest from buyers looking to secure today’s prices in a future-ready location.
“Buyers today are incredibly savvy – they know they’re getting today’s prices for a home that will be completed in a couple of years, in a location that’s only going up in value,” he says.
“We’re able to offer premium quality at a much more competitive price.
In fact, many nearby projects are around 20% more expensive for comparable finishes.”
No responses yet