<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION 
According to the theme tune of a popular TV programme, ‘everybody needs good neighbours’, and it seems some streets in Melbourne’s bay side suburbs have got this just right.
Throughout December, several streets in St Kilda and Elwood closed for neighbourhood Christmas parties. In addition to creating a strong community atmosphere, these types of events can also make a location more desirable and have a positive impact on property values over time.
In the City of Port Phillip, Glenmark Avenue and Moodie Place in St Kilda, Leslie Street in St Kilda East and Cyril Street and Heaton Avenue in Elwood are home to close-knit communities that hold street parties over the Christmas period and open houses during Halloween. Properties on these streets command premium prices and attract larger numbers of bidders than surrounding streets, as people look to purchase a slice of this lifestyle. Families in particular are drawn to these types of streets and neighbourhoods.
In addition to offering strong community relations, the presence of many like-minded residents often also results in better quality local resources and facilities, such as neighbourhood houses, schools and community groups. These amenities also act to increase property price, ensuring a sound investment for the future. Not to mention that surrounding yourself with like-minded people often results in long-term friendships.
When buying a property it is crucial to research the local area. Drive through the street at different times of the day and visit the local council to check any building developments or restrictions that are in the planning stages in the area. Speaking to a well-informed local real estate agent can also be beneficial, as they can share their extensive knowledge of the local streets and market.
In addition to researching the local area it is also necessary to hone your research down to the actual street you wish to purchase on. Streets where community pride is valued tend to be more desirable places to live, so the value of property in such streets tends to remain steady or increase, making them a great return on investment.
By investing the time and energy initially by researching a local area and its community, this not only increases your quality of life, but can also pay significant dividends on the resale price of your property.
Michael Townsend is director of <a href="https://www.hodges.com.au/" target="_blank">Hodges St Kilda</a>.
</body></html>

MichaelTownsend-fvzusRr7mo

You can’t choose your neighbours – or can you? 

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
With an abundance of gourmet eateries and a popular nightlife scene, St Kilda is often described as Melbourne’s playground by the beach.
Located just six kilometres from the CBD, the area attracts an eclectic mix of residents - from young families to bohemian artists and musicians, as well as tourists and young professionals. St Kilda is bordered by six kilometres of coastline and its beach is possibly Melbourne’s most famous.  Today, the population of the area stands at around 17,795.
The suburb offers residents and tourists a cosmopolitan lifestyle; boasting trendy cafes and bars as well as award winning restaurants and quirky independent stores. The area has numerous shopping strips, each unique in what they offer to visitors. Acland Street is arguably the most popular of them all; renowned for its European inspired cake stores – some of which date back to the 1940s. Fashion boutiques, trendy cafes and local institutions like Cicciolina’s restaurant, are also dotted along the strip.
Acland Street is linked to equally iconic Fitzroy Street and the Esplanade, which is home to a vibrant Sunday market where local artists congregate and sell their wares.  Over the past few years, Fitzroy Street has started to lose its grungy image and now houses upmarket restaurants owned by celebrity chefs. A case in point is Andrew McConnell’s restaurant Luxemburg.
Carlisle Street has also experienced a recent gentrification - with new cafes and restaurants opening up of late. The popular Radio Mexico restaurant, Galleon café and Italico, continue to attract long diners waiting to get their fix. These eateries sit alongside more traditional cake stores and coffee shops, which gives the street an eclectic feel.  Carlisle Street’s recent facelift and affordability, is attracting young people keen to get a foothold on St Kilda’s property ladder.
St Kilda has a well-connected public transport system. A number of trams head directly into the CBD and trains from recently renovated Balaclava station transport commuters to Flinders Street in just 15 minutes.
With a median property price of $875,500 for a house and $480,000 for a unit, the area is generally more affordable than surrounding suburbs Middle Park, Albert Park and Elwood. Over half of the home owners in the area are unmarried and the largest percentage of residents fall into the 25-34 year old age bracket.  This is reflected in the housing options available in the area - with over 70% of residents residing in a flat, unit or apartment.  
The types of property in the area can be categorised as follows:
<ul>
<li>A significant number of art deco apartment blocks</li>
<li>Victorian terraces and cottages</li>
<li>Spanish mission style buildings</li>
<li>Edwardian homes</li>
<li>1970’s style apartment blocks</li>
<li>New apartment developments</li>
</ul>
Property prices in St Kilda have risen steadily over the past 10 years and this is likely to continue given the strong demand for property in the area.
With an average of 55 people showing interest per property – higher than the state average - it pays to do your research and be selective when it comes to a property’s position, style and type. 
Selecting a property within smaller blocks as well as identifying something unique will pay dividends in your future investment.
Michael Townsend is director of <a href="https://www.hodges.com.au/st-kilda-real-estate" target="_blank">Hodges Real Estate St Kilda</a> and a local St Kilda resident.
</body></html>

Michael Townsend

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News