Build-to-rent developments and what they offer tenants

Two build-to-rent complexes scheduled to open in Alfredton before December 2026 will offer tenants five-year leases at weekly rents starting from $450 for two-bedroom units.

Ballarat house prices have climbed steadily since 2024 as Melbourne buyers move into the Alfredton growth corridor and heritage streets around Lake Wendouree, pushing the median to $510,000 and leaving many households priced out of ownership.

Lease terms and added services

Residents at the forthcoming Alfredton site will receive bundled maintenance, a shared gym and secure parking without separate fees, features that differ from standard private rentals listed through local agents on Sturt Street.

The second project, planned on the western edge of Lake Wendouree, will include a tenant lounge and electric vehicle charging points, with the Ballarat City Council confirming in its March 2026 planning report that both developments must allocate at least 20 per cent of units to households earning under $80,000 a year.

Cost comparison with ownership

A four-bedroom house in Alfredton currently lists for $620,000, requiring a 20 per cent deposit plus stamp duty that totals more than $140,000 upfront, while the same sized unit in the new build-to-rent scheme carries no entry costs beyond a standard bond.

CoreLogic data released on 1 July 2026 showed Ballarat rents rose 7.4 per cent over the past twelve months, yet the fixed-term agreements in these projects cap annual increases at 3 per cent for the full lease period.

Prospective tenants can review availability through the developers' websites or visit the Ballarat Property Expo held at the Town Hall on 22 July 2026 to compare weekly outgoings against mortgage repayments on comparable homes in the same suburbs.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.