The Singapore-based developers of the proposed Tower Melbourne have raised concerns after they started selling apartment units, even though they have not yet obtained final building approval from the government. Tower Melbourne is a 220-meter tall tower destined for Melbourne's fast growing CBD.

''I would say it's very cheeky - and that's very much an understatement - of someone to be selling off the plan to people on a tower that isn't approved,'' Planning Minister Matthew Guy told local media.

The planning permit for the Elenburg Fraser-designed Melbourne Tower application features 581 apartments, 12 stories of office space and food services on the lower levels.

Selling off-the-plan without a permit is not illegal in either Melbourne or Singapore.