Choosing the right property isn’t just about bedrooms and price — it’s about lifestyle, maintenance, and long-term goals. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, investor, or planning for future flexibility, understanding the differences between units, apartments and townhouses helps you make the best decision.
At Lewin Real Estate, we currently have a range of properties for sale across these categories, giving buyers real choices in Melbourne’s Bayside and surrounding suburbs.
Which Option is Right for You?
Units: Easy Living with a Touch of Outdoor Space
What is a Unit?
A unit is a self-contained home, usually single-level, located within a small group of dwellings on the same block of land. Units often share a driveway or common property but have their own private entrance and courtyard or small garden.
Unlike apartments, units are typically not stacked above or below one another, offering a more house-like feel. If there are more than three properties in the complex, there is usually an Owners Corporation that manages shared areas such as driveways, insurance and external maintenance.
Units provide a balance between a standalone home and apartment living — offering privacy, practicality and lower maintenance.
Why Buyers Choose Apartments
Apartments are a popular choice for buyers seeking convenience, affordability, and lifestyle-focused living. Typically located close to shops, cafés, public transport and employment hubs, apartments suit people who value location and ease over space and upkeep.
With building maintenance, insurance and common areas managed by an Owners Corporation, apartments offer a low-maintenance lifestyle, making them particularly attractive to busy professionals and investors.
Apartments also tend to have strong rental demand, especially in well-connected suburbs, which adds to their appeal for those looking to build or diversify an investment portfolio.
Key benefits include:
- Generally more affordable entry point into the market
- Minimal maintenance and external upkeep
- Strong appeal to first-home buyers and investors
- Excellent access to transport, dining and lifestyle amenities
- Often include security features such as intercoms and secure parking
Best suited for: first-home buyers, investors, professionals, and buyers prioritising location and low maintenance over space.
Example Lewin Real Estate units-style listing:
- 3/6 York Street Bonbeach VIC – Light and bright close to the bay
- 5/42 Barkly Street, Mordialloc VIC – A compact and convenient one-bed unit.
Apartments: Affordable, Convenient, and Low Maintenance
What is an apartment?
An apartment is a self-contained home located within a multi-unit residential building, where individual owners own their private lot and share common property such as hallways, lifts, gardens, car parks and building exteriors.
These shared areas are maintained through an Owners Corporation, which collects fees (often called strata or body corporate fees) to cover insurance, maintenance, cleaning and long-term building upkeep. This structure significantly reduces the day-to-day responsibilities for individual owners compared to standalone houses.
Apartments can range from compact one-bedroom residences to larger, family-sized homes, and may include features such as balconies, secure entry, lifts, basement parking and communal facilities depending on the building.
Why Buyers Choose Apartments
Apartments continue to be a popular choice for a wide range of buyers due to their affordability, convenience and lifestyle benefits.
Apartments are often more affordable than houses and townhouses, making them an excellent option for first-home buyers entering the market or investors seeking a lower purchase price with solid rental demand.
With external maintenance and common areas managed by the Owners Corporation, apartment living requires minimal personal upkeep. This appeals to busy professionals, downsizers and buyers who prefer a “lock-up-and-leave” lifestyle.
Key Benefits
- Affordable entry into well-located suburbs
- Lower ongoing maintenance with building upkeep managed by an Owners Corporation
- Strong rental demand, supporting consistent returns for investors
- Convenient access to transport, shopping and lifestyle amenities
Best Suited For: Apartments are ideal for first-home buyers looking to enter the market, investors seeking reliable rental returns, and buyers who want to minimise ongoing maintenance while enjoying a convenient lifestyle.
Current Lewin Real Estate apartment examples:
- 114/278 Charman Road, Cheltenham VIC – Modern apartment living, great for first-home buyers or smart investors.
- 205/336 South Road, Hampton East VIC – Spacious unit with a desirable address close to cafes and transport.
- 14/3-5 Alvena Street, Mentone VIC – Stylish 2-bedroom apartment with desirable finishes.
These apartments are perfect for buyers prioritizing affordability, convenience and a lifestyle with low upkeep.
Townhouses: Space + Flexibility
What Is a Townhouse?
A townhouse is typically a multi-level home with its own private entrance and, in most cases, a small courtyard or outdoor area. Townhouses offer more internal space and privacy than apartments, while still requiring less maintenance than a standalone house.
They are often part of a small group or development and may include shared driveways or common areas, sometimes managed by an owners corporation. Townhouses strike a balance between low-maintenance living and the comfort of a more traditional home layout, making them a popular choice in established suburbs and growing communities.
Key Benefits
- More internal space than apartments
- Often include private outdoor areas
- Great layouts for families
- Strong long-term resale appeal
Best Suited For: Downsizers, young families, couples seeking space with low maintenance, or buyers wanting a balance between apartment convenience and house comfort.
Current Lewin Real Estate townhouse examples:
- 11B Leith Crescent, Cheltenham VIC – Multi-level townhouse with generous living space and modern design.
- 2a & 2b Eagland Road, Cheltenham VIC – Larger, premium townhomes with room for families and lifestyle flexibility.
These townhomes are well-suited to buyers who want space, privacy and a practical layout without the full maintenance of a house.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prioritise cost, outdoor space, lifestyle convenience or future growth, there’s a home type that suits your goals. From affordable apartments to spacious townhouses and unit living, Lewin Real Estate has options worth exploring.
Want personalised advice? The Lewin team can help you refine your search and compare opportunities across property types to find the best match for your goals and budget.