LEADING real estate agents have labelled Manhattan-like high-rise development in Footscray “overkill”, saying they would talk investors out of buying the units.

Up to 7000 apartments are planned for Footscray’s activity centre but agents fear the influx of people could put a big strain on infrastructure.

Agents also questioned whether the properties would sell, saying demand in the suburb was geared more towards weatherboard houses and townhouses than apartments.

Sweeney estate agency director Dean Johnson said developers were missing the mark when it came to high-density unit developments.

The agent, who is based in Yarraville and has sold in Footscray for the past 35 years, said the developments outpaced demand.

“It’s just so much overkill,” he said.

“We don’t sell those type of apartments, they are bloody hard to sell because there’s not a huge demand for them.”

Footscray estate agent Trimson Partners has been based in Footscray for 50 years. Partner John Verduci said he would advise investors against buying the apartments.

“I don’t think there’s the value in those apartments, they’re not going to appreciate,” he said.

“If an investor came to me about one, I would be trying to talk them out of buying it.”

Footscray was approved as an Activity Centre Zone in March 2015 as part of the Footscray Structure Plan.

The zoning plan encourages “intensive development” of a centre including up to 7000 new dwellings and 100,000sq m of commercial space.

The Joseph Rd precinct by the Maribyrnong River will house 4000 of these homes.

Maribyrnong Council planning services director Nigel Higgins said planning controls focused on preferred heights of 12 storeys rather than the number of dwellings or towers on a site.

However, towers of more than double that height have been put forward.

Planning Minister spokesman Patrick Lane said activity centres were one way to cater to population growth but “not at the expense of livability or amenity”.

Growlands chief executive Ronald Chan said its Victoria Square development at 8 Hopkins St was attractive to young professionals who prefer apartment living and believed its apartments would grow in value.

Leader also attempted to contact developers FJP and Australian Property & Business Group but did not receive a response by deadline.