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Kensington suburb profile

Kensington is a charming suburb located just 4km northwest of Melbourne's CBD, known for its village-like atmosphere and vibrant community. With a mix of Victorian-era homes and modern apartments, it offers a diverse living environment. Kensington is celebrated for its leafy streets, local cafes, and boutique shops, providing a relaxed yet lively lifestyle. The suburb is well-connected by public transport, including train and tram services, making it convenient for commuters. Its proximity to the city, coupled with a strong sense of community and local amenities, makes Kensington a popular choice for families, professionals, and students alike.

Kensington property market performance

Current median dwelling price$775,000Past 3 months

Property growth+1.9%Past 12 months

Kensington's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 7.6%, bringing the median house price to approximately $1.1 million. In contrast, unit values have remained stable, with the median unit price holding at $455,000. This indicates a stronger demand for houses compared to units in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 47 houses and 39 units sold over the past 12 months. Units are selling faster, with a median of 28 days on the market, compared to 40 days for houses, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Kensington has seen significant changes, particularly for units, which have experienced an 11.8% increase in rent over the last 12 months. House rents have risen more modestly by 2.9%, reflecting a stronger demand for rental units.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.09M$455K
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.6%-3.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
4739
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4028
Average rent
Past 12 months
$700$615
Change in rent
Past 12 months
2.9%11.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Kensington demographics

Kensington, located in Melbourne's inner suburbs, is a vibrant and diverse community known for its blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. With a population of 10,745 and a median age of 35, Kensington attracts a mix of young professionals, families, and long-term residents who appreciate its proximity to the city while enjoying a quieter lifestyle. The suburb's median total household income of $2,216 per week reflects a relatively affluent community, with many residents employed in professional sectors.

The family composition in Kensington is varied, with 35.6% of households being couple families with children, and 48.1% being couple families without children. This diversity is complemented by 13.3% of households being one-parent families, indicating a supportive environment for different family structures. The suburb's housing market is equally diverse, with 18.5% of properties owned outright, 31.3% owned with a mortgage, and a significant 50.2% of properties being rented. This high rental rate highlights Kensington's appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, including students and young professionals.

Kensington's charm lies in its blend of heritage architecture, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. The suburb offers a range of amenities, including cafes, parks, and local markets, making it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its well-connected public transport options provide easy access to Melbourne's CBD, enhancing its appeal to commuters. Overall, Kensington offers a unique mix of urban living with a community-oriented atmosphere, making it a sought-after suburb for a wide range of residents.

Kensington infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Kensington continues to benefit from its proximity to the CBD and strong public transport links, with multiple train stations providing quick city access and supporting ongoing demand from commuters and young professionals.[3][6] Local council planning in the broader inner-west, including urban renewal in nearby industrial and rail precincts, is gradually improving public spaces, walking and cycling connections, and general amenity, which is likely to enhance long-term livability and buyer appeal in the suburb.

Incremental upgrades to nearby retail strips, cafes, and community facilities are reinforcing Kensington’s village-style character and supporting steady interest from both owner-occupiers and renters.[6][8] At present there are no single, large-scale infrastructure or school redevelopment projects directly within the suburb that are expected to significantly alter the property market in the short term, but the combination of inner-city location, improving amenity and solid transport continues to underpin values.[3][6]

Kensington rental market trends

The rental market in Kensington has shown varied growth, with house rents experiencing a modest increase of 2.9% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have surged 11.8% to $615 per week. This dynamic suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, offering a blend of affordability and strong rental demand.

Suburbs near Kensington

Some popular suburbs near Kensington include:

How does Kensington compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Kensington’s median house price is 5.8% higher than Flemington’s.
  • Median unit prices: Kensington’s median unit price is 23.0% higher than Travancore’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kensington have grown 5.0% higher than in North Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kensington have grown 4.8% higher than in Flemington.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Kensington are selling 7.0% faster than in North Melbourne.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Kensington are selling 3.4% faster than in Flemington.
  • Investment considerations: In Kensington, the rental yield for house is 11.5% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 5.3% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kensington have grown 10.2% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kensington have grown 20.6% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Kensington

  • Is Kensington a nice place to live?

    Kensington is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban charm, making it a fantastic place to live. Its village-like atmosphere and vibrant community create a welcoming environment for residents. The suburb is known for its leafy streets and a mix of Victorian-era homes and modern apartments, providing a diverse living environment that caters to various tastes and preferences. With its proximity to Melbourne's CBD, Kensington is ideal for those who want easy access to the city while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.

    The suburb's strong sense of community is complemented by an array of local amenities, including charming cafes, boutique shops, and green spaces that contribute to a relaxed yet lively lifestyle. Families will find Kensington particularly appealing due to its supportive environment and the variety of family structures that thrive here. The suburb's excellent public transport options, including train and tram services, make commuting a breeze, further enhancing its appeal to professionals and students.

    While Kensington offers a vibrant and diverse community, there are some trade-offs to consider. The high rental rate reflects its popularity among those seeking flexible living arrangements, which can lead to competition in the housing market. Additionally, while the suburb enjoys a peaceful atmosphere, it may not have the same level of nightlife or entertainment options as more central areas. However, the ongoing improvements in public spaces and amenities continue to enhance its livability, making Kensington a sought-after suburb for a wide range of residents.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Kensington?

    Living in Kensington is relatively expensive, especially when you compare it to the broader Melbourne area. The median house price in Kensington is around $1,095,000, which is quite high compared to some other suburbs in Melbourne. For those considering renting, the average rent for a house is about $700 per week, while units average $615 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Kensington are on the higher side.

    When it comes to income, the average wage in Kensington is approximately $89,000 per year. While this is a decent salary, it is important to consider that the median total household income weekly is $2,216, which indicates that many households may have dual incomes to afford the cost of living comfortably. Compared to the average salary in Melbourne, Kensington's income levels are fairly competitive, but the high property prices and rents mean that a significant portion of income would be allocated to housing expenses.

    Overall, while Kensington offers a charming lifestyle with its proximity to the city and local amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you are thinking of living in Kensington, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the costs associated with this vibrant suburb.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Kensington a good place to invest?

    Kensington is an intriguing suburb for investment, particularly for those interested in rental properties. Over the last year, the median house value in Kensington has increased by 7.6%, indicating a healthy growth in property values. This suggests that the suburb is maintaining its appeal and demand among buyers. However, the median unit value has remained stable, which could present an opportunity for investors to enter the market at a more accessible price point.

    One of the standout features of Kensington is the significant increase in rental demand for units, with a remarkable 11.8% rise in rent over the past year. This surge suggests a strong rental market, likely driven by the suburb's proximity to the city and its vibrant community atmosphere. While the rental growth for houses has been more modest at 2.9%, it still reflects a positive trend for those considering long-term rental income.

    Overall, Kensington offers a balanced investment opportunity. The suburb's steady increase in house values and the booming rental market for units make it an attractive option for investors seeking both capital growth and rental yield. Its close proximity to the city and lively local culture further enhance its appeal, making Kensington a promising choice for property investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Kensington

In Kensington ,79 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 41.7% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.54% and 2.94%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

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