Located in Melbourne’s sought-after suburb of Fitzroy North, the distinctive BTR offering focuses on local connectivity, art and design. It has not only achieved remarkable leasing success – reaching 98 per cent occupancy in just a matter of months – but, more importantly, has fostered a strong sense of community among its residents.

Designed with warmth, creativity and service in mind, the project blends high-quality design with thoughtfully curated amenity and on-site support through Est’s dedicated, in-house, operations team. But for the people who live there, it’s become something much deeper than just a stylish place to live.

“Fitzroy & Co was never just about delivering apartments – it was about creating a place that people could truly belong to,” said Emma Woodhouse, Chief Operating Officer at Salta.

“We’re so proud of the depth of community that has formed here in just a matter of months. The building is alive with connection, kindness and support. It’s become a living case study in how BTR can do more than house people – it can bring them together and offer an elevated lifestyle experience for people to live their best lives.”

Among the residents are young professionals, creative couples, local downsizers and newcomers who have moved from interstate or overseas, all drawn to the building’s design, amenity and location. What they didn’t expect – but now cherish – are the friendships they’ve built along the way.

Residents, Kate and Jaden, moved to Fitzroy & Co from Canada without knowing anyone. Within weeks, they were engaging in sweat sessions in the building’s gym and yoga studio, and were hosting dinner nights with other residents in the level ten shared lounge and private dining space.

“This was the only building that allowed us to view it more than a month out from the time we wanted to move in. We had thought we were just moving into a nice apartment. What we found instead was a whole community. From not knowing anyone, we’ve now made friends for life here,” Jaden shared.

“When you know, you know. There is literally something for everyone here,” added Kate.

Another resident, Anthony, described the positive impact the building and community has on his work-life balance – with Fitzroy & Co’s amenity providing ease and comfort both for his lifestyle, as well as for his dog, Rosie.

“The location’s great – there is a tram stop right out the front taking you directly to the city or the popular High Street in Northcote. There’s also Clifton Hill train station at the back – it’s great to be able to rely on the versatility of good transport options close by,” said Anthony.
“It was also key for me that pets were allowed. My dog, Rosie, was used to a big backyard but has adapted so well and it’s great to have not only animals welcomed,but have access to the pet-spa and the grassed area upstairs – which has been great for both of us!”

From pet-owner meetups on the rooftop dog park to communal barbecues, film nights and creative workshops organised by the Est team and resident-led social committee, life at Fitzroy & Co is shaped as much by its people as by its place.

“This is what the future of renting looks like,” said Edward McAuliffe, Salta’s Director of Residential Development & BTR Operations.

“The design and amenity make it a beautiful space to live – but it’s the people, and the way we empower them to connect, that make it a true community. What we’ve found with the emerging BTR sector in Australia – which is already a well-established market overseas in Europe and the US – is that people are interested in all the perks and features, but also in the sense of security and flexibility. We find that these people are also more engaged with looking for social connections within the building, to make it feel like home.”

Backed by a responsive, on-site operations team, residents enjoy concierge-style support that includes everything from maintenance requests and parcel delivery to booking shared amenities and hosting events. With the added flexibility BTR brings, a number of residents have also decided to upgrade to large apartments, to accommodate their changing lifestyle needs.

The building itself is a showcase of thoughtful, locally inspired design, featuring interiors by SORA Interior Architecture, and communal spaces styled with vintage pieces by renowned Australian interior stylist Emma Elizabeth.

More than 1,000 square metres of shared amenity includes a Technogym-equipped fitness studio, yoga space, co-working lounge, private cinema, entertaining kitchen, and an outdoor terrace with sweeping CBD views. There is also an additional rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities and lounge space, which features the aforementioned fully enclosed and grassed pet park complete with pet-spa.

Original artwork by local and emerging – and many First Nations artists — weaves cultural storytelling into everyday spaces at Fitzroy & Co, carefully curated by S.W Art Consulting.

A key feature is the iconic 376-square-metre mural Convergence by Lisa Waup. These pieces are not just decorative – they’re part of the fabric of Fitzroy & Co, sparking conversations, fostering identity and anchoring the building to its inner-north community.

“We had a grand vision for our BTR brand to provide quality, well-located apartments that championed lifestyle and a true sense of place. We’re overjoyed to see such a positive reception to our Est brand, and to Fitzroy & Co. This provides us with a lot of inspiration and energy as we look to deliver future BTR projects in our Est pipeline,” added McAuliffe.

Fitzroy & Co received over 2,100 leasing enquiries within its official launch period – demonstrating strong demand for a different kind of rental experience – one that prioritises liveability, flexibility, and human connection.

“This is just the beginning,” said Woodhouse.
“What we’ve achieved at Fitzroy & Co demonstrates the power of putting people at the centre of design and service. As long-term custodians of our BTR communities, we invest both passion and deep expertise into creating neighbourhoods where connection and belonging can truly flourish. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the Est community come to life and our approach to BTR so warmly embraced by the Melbourne market.”