Melbourne’s best city-fringe townhouses for under $850K

By 2050, Melbourne is predicted to have a population of nine million people. That’s the same population as New York City.

While more people might be calling Melbourne home, one thing you can’t make more of is land.

Apartment living isn’t for everyone, and not everyone wants to live more than a 30 minute commute into the city. So, what’s the solution? Townhouses!

Modern, warm, dry, low maintenance, solidly built, well-designed and affordable, these seven city fringe townhouses offer a slice of coveted land that’s only going to increase in value as the city swells, with the best of what makes Melbourne Melbourne just a hop, skip and a jump away.

186 Buckley Street, Footscray

VIEW LISTING: 186 Buckley Street, Footscray, VIC 3011

The inner west of Melbourne is beginning to give the inner north a run for its money in more ways than one.

Just eight kilometers from the CBD, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse is perfectly positioned in one of Footscray’s most desired pockets.

Seddon village with its trendy boutiques and hip cafes and restaurants is just a five minute stroll away, as is the Footscray market and the historic Victoria Hotel - perfect for a mid-week quintessential Melbourian pub meal.

Filled with natural light, the tasteful interior features crisp white walls with warm light timber floors and cabinetry. At ground level you’ll find a bedroom or perhaps the perfect WFH space and an internal garage. The middle level is dedicated to entertaining, with the open plan kitchen, living and dining space flowing out onto a private balcony. The upper level includes two bedrooms - both with built in wardrobes and the master boasting an ensuite - and the main bathroom.

186 Buckley Street goes to auction on 21 June. With a price guide of $800,000 to $880,000 the question to ask yourself is - is my finance ready?

39 Rosamond Road, Maidstone

VIEW LISTING: 39 Rosamond Road, Maidstone, VIC 3012

Not yet completed but with construction well underway, 39 Rosamond Road is the perfect scenario for savvy buyers keen to avoid stamp duty - and let’s face it, who really wants to give away tens of thousands of dollars if they don’t have to?

With five homes remaining in this new development, you can take your pick of the two or three bedroom homes on decent-sized blocks ranging between 112.8 square meters and 166.5 square meters.

As you’d expect with a high-quality new build, the layout of each home has been thoughtfully considered to capture natural light and maximise every inch of space. Each generously sized bedroom has built-in wardrobes; the open plan kitchen and living space boast high-spec appliances and finishes as standard, and there’s even a study nook option.

The Thompson Reserve off-leash dog park, the Maribyrnong river, and Highpoint shopping centre are each just 1.5 kilometres away - perfect for weekend meandering, exploring and indulging in a bit of retail therapy. And, with the city just 10 kilometres away, if you really need to leave this city fringe haven to head into the office, you can relax knowing it won’t take long to get there.

Listing agent Robert Enes of Nelson Alexander is currently taking expressions of interest from $730,000 to $800,000.

8/75 Gadd Street, Northcote

VIEW LISTING: 8/75 Gadd Street, Northcote, VIC 3070

If you’re looking for a city fringe lifestyle with cool factor, Northcote is it. For music lovers, the Northcote Theatre and the Northcote Social Club need no introduction. Both of these iconic venues are located just 2000 meters away from 8/75 Gadd Street - on the street that was crowned the coolest street in the world in 2024. It doesn’t get much cooler than this!

From the outside, the angular lines and material combinations of concrete, glass, perspex and timber ooze modernist architectural style. Internally, the clean lines and smart layout will appeal to anyone who appreciates sophisticated style and practical and sustainable living.

On the ground floor, you’ll find the garage, which not only keeps your car safe but also houses a water tank, ample storage, and a European laundry. Heading up a level you reach the open plan kitchen, dining and living space. Up another level is the sleeping, ‘‘recovery’ zone, with a master bedroom with ensuite, second bedroom and the main bathroom.

What makes this townhouse special, beyond its prime location, is the balcony. Accessed from the living room through full-height bi-fold doors, it’s the perfect place for a pre-show get-together with friends.

With a price guide of $680,000 the main problem the lucky owner will face is deciding which friend gets to use the guest room.

1/7 Odowd Street, Reservoir

VIEW LISTING: 1/7 Odowd Street, Reservoir, VIC 3073

A short drive from the scene that is Northcote High Street is 1/7 Odowd Street, another two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse in a rapidly growing, highly desirable city fringe locale. While it might be beginning to sound repetitive, this home really does tick all the boxes when it comes to convenient modern lifestyle living.

950 meters from the Reservoir Leisure Centre, and a 1500 meter walk to the C.W. Kirkwood off-leash dog park and the Darebin Creek Trail, this stylish contemporary home with its timeless warm neutral colour palette and natural finishes is ideal for those who put wellbeing first.

When you need a city fix, Flinders Station is just 15 kilometres away - that’s less than a 30-minute drive off-peak.

Offered for sale with a price guide of $850,000, this home nestled smack-bank in the middle of everything that makes Reservoir one of the most in-demand suburbs will not disappoint.

3/112 Dundas Street, Thornbury

VIEW LISTING: UNIT 3/112 Dundas Street, Thornbury, VIC 3071

Neighbouring Northcote, quality, affordable townhouses in Thornbury have become increasingly hard to find. Case and point is the fact that unit 3/112 Dundas Street is one of just two properties currently on the market for $850,000 or less.

With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a ground-floor courtyard and an upper-level balcony off an open-plan living zone, this superbly positioned and well-appointed home is the perfect entry point for professionals and young families alike.

Local favourite cafe The Old Milk bar is a four-minute walk away, and with the bus, trams and Penders Grove Primary school more or less on your doorstep, convenience and community are the two values you’ll become accustomed to.

Currently on the market with a price guide of $840,000 to $880,000, expressions of interest close 09 June, so don’t delay or you’ll miss out on your chance to own the perfect family and bank-friendly home.

3/496 Dandenong Road, Caulfield North

VIEW LISTING: 3/496 Dandenong Road, Caulfield North, VIC 3161

Another rare as hen’s teeth property, 3/496 Dandenong Road is currently the only townhouse for sale in the area. With a price guide of $600,000 to $660,000, the auction on 14 June is likely to be fiercely contested.

Offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two basement car parks, a courtyard, a balcony and secure cage storage, this bright, cheerful townhouse is a perfect first home or investment.

Both of the generously sized bedrooms are located on the upper level, meaning the ground floor is dedicated to living and entertaining family and friends who will never want to leave they’ll be so comfortable gathering around the island bench, feasting on meals created in gourmet kitchen which boasts a 90 centimeter oven - a foodies dream!

For foodies who get tired of cooking, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Glenferrie Road’s restaurants and cafes within walking distance. Add to that the fact that city bound trams, buses and Malvern Railway Station are all easily accessible, with Monash University, Malvern Central Shopping Centre, and Caulfield park mere minutes down the road in one direction, and Prahran and Toorak’s high-end boutiques in the other, the most difficult decision you’ll ever have to make is where to go.

5/8 Woornack Road, Carnegie

VIEW LISTING: 5/8 Woornack Road, Carnegie, VIC 3163

Also up for auction on 14 June is 5/8 Woornack Road. A chic two-bedroom, one bathroom, one car single-level Villa style townhouse with not one but two private courtyards, this home is crying out for a contemporary interior makeover.

Effortlessly liveable as it is, with a neutral colour scheme and practical, easy-care flooring and finishes throughout, the home is beautifully warm and energy efficient with ducted heating and solar panels.

The well-appointed kitchen, good-sized bedrooms and a very generous laundry circulate around the open plan living and dining spaces - each of which connects seamlessly to their own courtyard on opposite sides of the home. What makes these dual outdoor entertaining zones even more special is that the living room courtyard faces north, while the dining room courtyard faces south, meaning there’s always a perfect spot to sip your morning coffee or relax after a long day.

Ideally located within walking distance to Koornang Road shops and cafes, Carnegie Village, Carnegie Station and numerous green spaces, families will appreciate zoning for Carnegie Primary School and Glen Eira College, as well as proximity to prestigious private schools including Kilvington Grammar. With a price guide of $800,000 to $880,000, this is the perfect home for those looking to secure their future.