Luxury developer DARE Property Group has commenced construction on Saint David, a multi-million-dollar residential project in Melbourne’s inner-north suburb of Fitzroy, marking a further step in the company’s expansion into Victoria.
The development will comprise 17 high-end residences, with prices starting from $1.3 million. Six of the residences have already been sold, according to the developer, reflecting early market interest ahead of completion, which is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.
Saint David represents DARE Property Group’s second major foray into Melbourne following its earlier Zero Gripps project in neighbouring Collingwood. The move signals the Sydney-based developer’s intention to establish a broader Victorian pipeline, as it seeks growth opportunities beyond its established eastern seaboard strongholds.
A Strategic Melbourne Expansion
DARE Property Group has built its reputation in Sydney’s premium harbour-side suburbs including Vaucluse, Mosman and Point Piper. Its projects have typically focused on boutique, architecturally designed residences targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high levels of finish and amenity.
The commencement of Saint David demonstrates a continuation of that positioning in Melbourne, albeit within a distinctly different urban context.
Director Danny Avidan said the group had been closely monitoring Melbourne’s property cycle and viewed current market conditions as favourable for expansion.
“We are actively growing our Victorian pipeline and believe the fundamentals are strong across key Melbourne postcodes that we have had our eyes on for years,” Avidan said.
“With Melbourne prices stabilising at record lows, now is the time for buyers to return to the off-plan market. There has never been a better time to gain exposure ahead of what we see as an imminent market rise.”
Market analysts have observed that Melbourne’s property sector has experienced a period of price correction in recent years, following the sustained growth of the 2010s and the volatility of the pandemic era. For developers with access to capital and established brand recognition, this period of stabilisation has created opportunities to acquire sites and launch projects at comparatively lower entry points.
Stamp duty concessions and sustained housing demand in inner-city precincts have also supported renewed interest in boutique apartment developments.
Design Anchored in Local Character
Saint David has been designed by Melbourne-based architectural firm Cera Stribley, with interiors by Fiona Lynch Office, reflecting a deliberate effort to align the project with Fitzroy’s industrial and cultural heritage.
The architectural approach draws on the suburb’s warehouse history and distinctive urban fabric. Materials such as fluted concrete and timber detailing have been incorporated into the façade, alongside expansive terraces and large panoramic windows intended to blur the line between interior and exterior spaces.
Fitzroy, one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs, is known for its Victorian terraces, former industrial buildings, and a streetscape characterised by a mix of heritage structures and contemporary infill development. The design brief for Saint David sought to respond to this layered context rather than compete with it.
Cera Stribley’s design incorporates robust forms and textured finishes that reference industrial typologies while maintaining a contemporary residential expression. The scale of the development remains boutique, limited to 17 residences, which is consistent with DARE’s preference for smaller, design-driven projects.
Interior designer Fiona Lynch described the internal design strategy as one grounded in materiality and restraint.
“The interiors embrace a balance of restraint and materiality,” Lynch said. “The design responds to a tactile, textural quality, curating a dialogue between natural finishes and crafted details. Each space is carefully composed, offering three distinct palette options that remain grounded in warmth, depth and artisanal craftsmanship.”
Lynch added that the development represents “a light-filled addition to the lively, residential-rich fabric of Fitzroy” and aims to honour the character of its neighbourhood while introducing a refined level of sophistication.
Custom joinery, layered textures and carefully selected finishes are intended to differentiate the residences within a competitive inner-city apartment market, where buyers increasingly seek individuality and longevity in design.
Construction and Delivery
Construction of Saint David has been awarded to Samssons, with work now underway on site. Completion is targeted for Q3 2027, allowing for a staged build program over approximately 18 months.
The involvement of an established builder is expected to support delivery certainty, particularly in a market that has faced construction sector challenges in recent years, including builder insolvencies and supply chain disruptions.
While these broader industry issues have impacted confidence across segments of the apartment market, boutique developments with strong pre-sales and secure funding structures have generally continued to progress.
The early sale of six residences may assist in underpinning financial feasibility and providing assurance to both purchasers and financiers.
Market Positioning and Buyer Profile
Saint David’s pricing, commencing from $1.3 million, places it firmly within Melbourne’s upper-tier apartment market. Developments at this level typically appeal to downsizers from nearby suburbs, professional couples, and investors seeking exposure to tightly held inner-city locations.
Fitzroy’s proximity to Melbourne’s CBD, its established hospitality and retail scene, and access to public transport have historically supported demand for well-located residential product.
Blair Property Group has been appointed as the sales agent for the project. The agency reports strong initial enquiry, with buyer interest said to be supported by DARE’s track record in Sydney and its previous Melbourne delivery.
In the current market environment, off-plan sales require a degree of purchaser confidence in both the developer’s brand and the project’s design credentials. Developers expanding interstate often rely on reputational capital built in their home markets to attract early adopters in new regions.
Broader Industry Context
The commencement of Saint David occurs amid a broader discussion about apartment supply in Australian capital cities. Inner-city construction levels have fluctuated in response to financing conditions, building costs and planning approvals.
Melbourne, in particular, has experienced a slowdown in large-scale apartment commencements compared to previous peaks. Boutique developments such as Saint David reflect a more measured approach to supply, focusing on smaller, higher-quality offerings rather than high-volume towers.
Industry observers note that as feasibility pressures ease and demand remains steady in established suburbs, well-located mid-scale projects may become more common.
Developers with a clear design narrative and strong delivery partners are often better positioned to navigate evolving buyer expectations around sustainability, amenity and build quality.
While specific sustainability features of Saint David have not been detailed publicly, contemporary residential projects in inner Melbourne typically incorporate improved glazing performance, energy-efficient systems and considered material selection in response to evolving building standards and consumer preferences.
Fitzroy as a Development Location
Fitzroy continues to attract both residential and mixed-use development, balancing heritage preservation with modern housing needs. The suburb’s planning framework places emphasis on contextual design, which can present both opportunities and constraints for developers.
By referencing the area’s industrial past through material selection and architectural expression, Saint David aims to align with local identity while offering contemporary living spaces.
The site’s proximity to Collingwood, where DARE completed its Zero Gripps project, may also allow operational efficiencies and brand continuity within the immediate precinct.
For buyers, the appeal of Fitzroy lies in its established streetscape, cultural vibrancy and relative scarcity of new, design-focused residential offerings.
Looking Ahead
With construction now underway, Saint David will serve as a test case for DARE Property Group’s broader Victorian ambitions.
If successful, the project may support further site acquisitions and developments in comparable Melbourne suburbs where heritage context and boutique scale are key attributes.
For the wider market, the commencement provides another data point suggesting that confidence is gradually returning to select segments of Melbourne’s apartment sector.
Saint David residences are currently available for purchase, with completion anticipated in late 2027.
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