Question 1

Is Kensington a nice place to live?

Accepted Answer

Kensington has a leafy, village character close to the city and beside Norwood’s Parade shopping and cafe strip. Its streets of nineteenth and early twentieth century worker cottages and stone villas sit alongside low-rise units and contemporary infill, a mix that appeals to young professionals, growing families and downsizers after inner-city convenience. Kensington Road and nearby public transport provide straightforward links to the centre, while local parks, sporting grounds and a compact retail strip make day-to-day errands walkable.

The suburb is home to 1,808 people with a median age of 43 and a typical household income of $1,355 a week (about $70,460 a year). Family life is prominent: couple families with children are the largest group at 40.7%, and together with couple families without children they make up 76.9% of families. Homes are a near even split between renters (50.8%) and owner-occupiers (49.2%). The area is also subject to a precinct review and proposed on-street parking changes, and the council has consulted on adjusting Borthwick Park’s management to formalise Heanes Lane as a public road.

Question 2

Is it expensive to live in Kensington?

Accepted Answer

Renting in Kensington sits high against local incomes recorded at the last Census. An average house rent of $695 a week would take about 51.3% of a typical local household's weekly income at the last Census ($1,355 a week), which is a large share of income. Average unit rent of $518 a week would take about 38.2% of that same income, a sizeable share. If you are looking to rent rather than buy, those rent shares are the key numbers to weigh; whether they feel expensive depends on your own income and circumstances.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

Question 3

Is Kensington a good place to invest?

Accepted Answer

Over the past 12 months in Kensington, house values climbed 13.6%, a strong rise. House rents increased 6.9% over the same period, a solid gain, while unit rents edged up 3.6%, a modest rise. In that span house values outpaced the rent growth for houses, and house rents grew faster than unit rents.

If you are weighing Kensington as an investment, the house side has been the stronger performer for capital growth this year, while the rent numbers show where rental income has moved. Whether that pattern fits your goals and circumstances is for you to decide.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

	Houses	Units
Median price Past 3 months	N/A	N/A
Change in value Past 12 months	13.6%	N/A
Sold Past 3 months	5	3
Median days on market Past 12 months	71	N/A
Average rent Past 12 months	$695	$518
Change in rent Past 12 months	6.9%	3.6%

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