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.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $1.09M | $455K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 7.6% | -3.9% |
Sold Past 3 months | 47 | 39 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 40 | 28 |
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
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.

