Salta’s Build to Rent business Est has achieved 98% occupancy within just a few months of opening at its Fitzroy & Co Build to Rent development in Fitzroy North.
The scheme has drawn a diverse mix of residents and has quickly developed a strong sense of community. Salta set out to deliver a neighbourhood that combines secure, flexible living with genuine opportunities for connection. Residents say the result has exceeded expectations.
“Fitzroy & Co was never just about delivering apartments – it was about creating a place that people could truly belong to. 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 Build to Rent can do more than house people – it can bring them together and offer an elevated lifestyle experience for people to live their best lives. This is just the beginning.”
Emma Woodhouse, Chief Operating Officer, Salta
Among them are Kate and Jaden, who moved from Canada without knowing anyone locally. Within weeks of moving into Fitzroy & Co, they were joining yoga sessions, using the gym and hosting dinner nights in the shared lounge and private dining area.
“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, Resident, Fitzroy & Co
“When you know, you know. There is literally something for everyone here.”
Kate, Resident, Fitzroy & Co
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. 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!”
Anthony, Resident, Fitzroy & Co
Fitzroy & Co includes over 1,000 sqm of amenities, including a Technogym-equipped fitness studio, yoga room, co-working lounge, private cinema, entertaining kitchen and outdoor terrace with CBD views. There is also a rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities and a fully enclosed grassed pet park with its own pet-spa.
The building’s interiors were created by SORA Interior Architecture, with communal spaces styled using vintage pieces by Emma Elizabeth, and original artwork curated by S.W. Art Consulting. A highlight is Convergence, a 376-sqm mural by Lisa Waup.
Events such as communal barbecues, rooftop pet meetups, film nights and creative workshops are organised by Est’s on-site operations team and a 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. 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 Build to Rent 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. We had a grand vision for our Build to Rent 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 Build to Rent projects in our Est pipeline.”
Edward McAuliffe, Director of Residential Development & Build to Rent Operations, Salta
The scheme attracted over 2,100 leasing enquiries during its launch period, showing demand for rental options that prioritise service, security and flexibility.
Backed by Est’s in-house operations team, residents receive concierge-style support for everything from maintenance to parcel delivery and event booking. A number have already upgraded to larger apartments to match changing lifestyle needs.
Salta is now progressing its second – and flagship – Est Build to Rent development, which will comprise 476 apartments in Richmond, Melbourne, by Q3 2027.
