The Block star Adrian Portelli is the new owner of Melbourne's most expensive apartment

The Block’s star buyer Adrian Portelli has made waves in real estate again, smashing a Melbourne price record as the new owner a $39 million penthouse.

The property crowning Sapphire By The Gardens, a sparkling new dual-tower hotel and residence in the city, is a shell, and Adrian will customise it – including a showpiece supercar he owns which will be craned into the 57th floor residence.

The Sapphire pad, which Adrian will fit out to his specifications, has broken the previous Melbourne apartment price record of $38 million, which was set by the sale of Southbank sub-penthouse.

There are no apartments still available to buy in Sapphire By The Gardens, opposite the world-heritage listed Carlton Gardens, agent Tim Storey of Colliers International confirmed. However, some are on the market for rent right now on Domain, including entry-level, one-bedroom properties and larger, lavish residences.

Tim, the managing director of Colliers for Victoria, told Nine the penthouse achieved the stunning sum because of its location – at the “Paris end” of Melbourne’s CBD, occupying the top of Exhibition Street – and the inclusion in the building of the Shangri-La Hotel.

The five-star hotel will be the international brand’s Aussie flagship, and will include guest suites, a ballroom, restaurants, bar, indoor pool, day spa and the skybridge, which has become a signature of the construction.

The skybridge connects the towers and Adrian will have his own access to it, Tim explained. He can walk from his penthouse, across the bridge – which has panoramic views of Melbourne – and into one of the hotel bars for an evening whisky or martini.

Tim said Adrian will have a supercar craned into the penthouse, which will become part of the bespoke decor. Cox Architects and Fender Katsalidis, with developer SP Setia, are behind the design which has reshaped Melbourne’s skyline.

Adrian, a property investor who founded a rewards club venture for business named LMCT Plus, is working with Cox Architecture on a bespoke interior for his penthouse, Tim said.

Adrian was the star of The Block auctions in Gisborne late last year. He made an entrance at the televised auctions, arriving in a yellow Lamborghini, and launched the bidding for Omar and Oz’s house at a bullish $4.5 million, which was already over reserve.

He did not win the keys to Omar and Oz’s house, but instead later bought Sharon and Ankur’s home for $4.25 million and gave it away. He raffled it off through his company, announcing the winners in February this year.

Check out apartments for rent in Melbourne’s new Sapphire building

4702/308 Exhibition Street
See photos of the listing here

$3,500 per week

4702/308 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Melbourne VIC 3000

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2505/63 La Trobe Street
See photos of the listing here

$680/w with study

2505/63 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

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4301/63 La Trobe Street
See photos of the listing here

$2350 per week

4301/63 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

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