Art deco apartments surge in popularity among Melbourne buyers

Many home buyers in Melbourne are showing a strong preference for art deco apartments. This architectural style, popular in the 1920s to the 1940s, is gaining renewed interest. It was the second most searched term by buyers on Domain.com.au last year, only surpassed by “pool.” Leah Grinter, who recently purchased her art deco apartment in Elwood, loves the style's elegance and spaciousness. She appreciates the larger bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens typical of art deco units compared to modern apartments. For her, the charm and aesthetic appeal make these apartments feel like home. Art deco homes were among the first apartments in Melbourne. They offered a better living standard in neighborhoods like St Kilda and South Yarra, moving away from older rooming houses. According to Eliza Owen from CoreLogic, art deco signifies quality and desirability, attributes often missing from newer mass-produced developments. In recent years, many new apartments catered mainly to investors, leading to a drop in quality and size. Research shows a significant percentage of new units sold at losses in several Melbourne suburbs. Buyers are now looking for better living spaces that offer more than just financial incentives. Art deco apartments are known for their solid construction, creative design elements, and timeless appeal. Real estate experts believe these features make them desirable alternatives to traditional houses, especially in suburbs with high property values. Although modern builds can have structural issues, buyers trust the proven longevity of art deco designs. Interior designer Megan Norgate highlights the unique features of art deco properties. Elements like large windows and flowing curves enhance living spaces. She believes that art deco buildings can easily adapt to modern living needs, making them attractive choices for today’s home buyers.