Build to Rent developer and operator Greystar is waiving lease exit fees for couples who begin relationships within its Haiku Claremont Build to Rent development in South Yarra and choose to move into a larger apartment within the same complex.
The terms of the offer include a requirement that both parties have lived in separate apartments within the building for at least three months, have kept up with rent payments, and are willing to sign a new 12-month lease for a larger unit.
Downsizing to a smaller or more affordable unit is not permitted under the offer. The scheme is set to end in October, but Greystar may reassess based on its effectiveness.
“If it helps them find a new BFF or a life partner – well that’s a bonus. To us, this is a positive benefit. I don’t think it would skew people to move in together for the wrong reasons.
“The offer marks our commitment to offering Australian renters more than just an apartment – it’s about finding a home and a community. And, who knows, maybe they’ll also find a great friend or even something more amongst their new neighbours.
“In today’s housing climate, renters need more than just a roof over their heads; they need connection. This offer is about making it easier to enjoy shared spaces and foster a sense of community, whether it’s hosting a dinner party, watching the sunset on the rooftop, or having a movie night. It’s about connecting more with where you live and reconnecting with real-life moments.”
Matt Woodland, Managing Director, Greystar Australia
To support the scheme, Greystar has also introduced residential activities such as book and pet clubs, wine tastings, and other community events to help residents engage with one another, fostering a sense of community.
The developer believes that encouraging connections at Haiku Claremont can lead to ‘happier tenants’, who are more likely to stay long-term and take better care of the building, supporting staff members.
“While it may be a bit of a gimmick, if it works out for some renters, we wish them all the best.
“(But) renting is increasingly a long-term or permanent housing situation for many people, and many renters are forced to make decisions about who they live with based on what they can afford—not how they actually want to live.”
Cameron Bloye, acting CEO, Tenants Victoria
The $500m Haiku Claremont Build to Rent development comprises 235 apartments. Some of the amenities include private lounges, a rooftop bar, a residents-only cinema, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, and a yoga studio.
Greystar’s aim is to provide residents with spaces that encourage interaction, alongside offering a lifestyle that goes beyond just renting an apartment.
Overall in Melbourne, Greystar has 935 apartments across two buildings, with another 1,624 in the pipeline or under construction. The developer currently operates $320bn in real estate and over a million beds around the world, including the US, Europe and around Asia.
