Investment manager Barings and super fund Aware Super have officially opened the $405m WeAreLiving Queens Build to Rent development. The scheme comprises 433 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across 14 levels in one of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-city locations, alongside Albert Park.
Designed by Bates Smart and built by Hickory, WeAreLiving Queens will soon be home to over 850 residents. Amenities include a 24- hour gym, pool, sauna, steam room and cold plunge, pet wash and dog run, rooftop terrace with barbecues, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, a dedicated podcast studio, private dining rooms, cinema rooms, resident lounge, over 2,500m2 of landscaped courtyard gardens, and 503 secure car spaces including electric vehicle charging.
Pictured left to right: George Abraham (Managing Director, Hickory); Thomas Morrison (Senior Leader Investments, Aware Super), Warwick Dowler (Head of Residential, Barings Real Estate Australia).
Located at 50-52 Queens Lane, the all-electric building achieves an average NatHERS rating of 7.8 stars across all apartments and features an embedded energy network, double glazing throughout and private balconies or terraces to every apartment. Build to Rent specialist Essence Communities is the property manager, with a dedicated on-site team delivering tailored services to residents.
“With 433 brand-new apartments, WeAreLiving Queens is our largest Build to Rent development to date and its location near the park and lake, as well as the tram line for a simple CBD connection, offers residents the true Melbourne lifestyle.
“These new homes represent a significant contribution by Barings and Aware Super to new housing supply in this busy, desirable area. This is what WeAreLiving is all about – creating quality homes in great locations with amenities tailored to the area and which fill gaps in the local community, so residents can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with everything they need in a secure tenancy.
“And with Albert Park directly opposite, for Formula 1 fans, WeAreLiving Queens is your front row seat to the Grand Prix each year.”
Warwick Dowler, Head of Residential, Barings Real Estate Australia
Rents start from $680 per week for studio apartments; $795 per week for one-bedroom apartments; $1,060 per week for two-bedroom apartments; and $1,580 per week for three-bedroom apartments.
Every apartment includes premium appliances, including Fisher & Paykel and Haier cooking appliances, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer, with fully-furnished options also available.
WeAreLiving Queens.
WeAreLiving Queens benefits from the Victorian Government’s 50% land tax concession for new Build to Rent schemes, in line with Government’s multi-faceted housing supply strategy.
“WeAreLiving Queens provides valuable housing supply to Melbourne, whilst showing Aware Super’s commitment to invest in local projects that will provide stable, long-term returns for our members. This building will enable hundreds of Australians to live in high-quality homes, with the added benefit of rental stability – a pillar of the Build to Rent model.
“Where people live, how they spend their time, and distance to their workplace has a genuine impact on them.
“With an inner-city location close to Melbourne’s tram network and ANZAC Station – along with a host of on-site facilities such as co-working spaces, rooftop terrace, and pool – WeAreLiving Queens provides a great location complemented by design that values community and wellbeing.”
Alek Misev, Head of Property, Aware Super
The WeAreLiving brand is focused on delivering premium Build to Rent schemes close to employment, education, public transport and everyday amenities, creating professionally managed neighbourhoods designed around convenience, connection and resident wellbeing.
The latest and largest Build to Rent development for WeAreLiving, Queens follows this year’s successful launch of WeAreLiving Preston in Melbourne’s north, WeAreLiving Brunswick in Brisbane, WeAreLiving Zetland in Sydney, which is set to be unveiled in Q3 2026.
“More than just a building, this development creates 433 high-quality homes that sets a new benchmark for Build to Rent living. As demand for quality housing continues to grow, projects like WeAreLiving Queens demonstrate the important role our industry can play in delivering vibrant, connected communities for the future.”
George Abraham, Managing Director, Hickory
With a pipeline of over Build to Rent homes across New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria, WeAreLiving is a property operating platform owned by Aware Super and managed by Barings.
“WeAreLiving Queens leverages its position next to Albert Park by drawing in the experience of parkland and lake. Apartments prioritise natural light and air, their cascading terraces overlook the park and water. The result is a happy and healthy community for living.”
Karen Wong, Director, Bates Smart