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Kensington suburb profile

Kensington is a charming suburb located just 5km south-east of Perth's CBD, known for its peaceful residential atmosphere and community-oriented lifestyle. This suburb offers a mix of character homes and modern residences, attracting families and professionals alike. Kensington is well-served by public transport and is in close proximity to educational institutions, including Curtin University. The area boasts several parks and recreational facilities, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. With its tree-lined streets and convenient access to the city, Kensington remains a desirable location for those seeking a balanced urban-suburban living experience.

Kensington property market performance

Kensington’s property market has shown notable growth in house values over the past 12 months, with an impressive increase of 15.6%. However, unit values have remained stable, showing no change. Despite the lack of recent sales data for units, the market for houses has been active, with 6 houses sold in the past year and a quick median time on market of just 15 days, indicating strong demand.

The rental market in Kensington has also experienced growth, with house rents increasing by 7.6% and unit rents by 9.2% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $850, while units command an average of $655, reflecting a healthy rental demand in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
15.6%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
61
Median days on market
Past 12 months
15N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$850$655
Change in rent
Past 12 months
7.6%9.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Kensington demographics

Kensington, located in the heart of Perth, is a charming suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient access to the city. With a population of 4,627, it offers a close-knit community feel while being just a stone's throw away from the bustling city center. The median age of 38 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.

The suburb is particularly appealing to families, with over half of the households being couple families with children, accounting for 52.8% of the population. This is complemented by a significant proportion of couple families without children, making up 33.1%. The presence of one-parent families, at 12.1%, and other family types, at 2.1%, adds to the diversity of the community.

In terms of property ownership, Kensington showcases a stable housing market. A notable 29.7% of properties are owned outright, while 42% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a strong sense of homeownership among residents. The rental market is also present, with 28.2% of properties being rented, offering flexibility for those not ready to buy. With a median total household income of $2,496 per week, Kensington is an attractive option for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle with easy access to Perth's amenities and employment opportunities.

Kensington infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Kensington continues to benefit from its proximity to key employment and education hubs, including Perth’s CBD, Technology Park and Curtin University, which supports steady housing demand from professionals, students and staff.[5] Local green spaces and reserves remain a core drawcard, with the suburb’s established parks and walkable streetscape enhancing overall livability and family appeal.[5] Retail and dining needs are largely met in nearby precincts such as South Perth and Victoria Park, where ongoing main-street upgrades and small-scale commercial renewals are incrementally improving amenity and lifestyle options for Kensington residents.[5]

Education infrastructure is anchored by Kensington Primary School and nearby Kent Street Senior High School, maintaining strong catchment appeal for families and underpinning demand for established homes.[4][8] There are currently no widely publicised large-scale transport or town centre redevelopments specific to Kensington, but its existing access to Canning Highway and city-bound bus routes continues to provide convenient connectivity, supporting its position as a quiet, inner-urban residential enclave.[5][8]

Kensington rental market trends

The rental market in Kensington has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 7.6% over the past year to $850 per week, while unit rents have risen by 9.2% to $655 per week. This steady demand, coupled with the suburb's appealing lifestyle and proximity to amenities, makes Kensington an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking stable returns.

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 27.6% higher than East Victoria Park’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kensington have grown 3.0% higher than in Lathlain.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Kensington are selling 25.0% faster than in Burswood.
  • Investment considerations: In Kensington, the rental yield for house is 11.8% higher than the Perth average, while the rental yield for units is 1.0% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kensington have grown 50.2% higher than the average rate of growth across Perth.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kensington have grown 7.0% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Perth.

Common questions about Kensington

  • Is Kensington a nice place to live?

    Kensington is a delightful suburb that offers a peaceful and community-oriented lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Its charming character is complemented by a mix of both character homes and modern residences, which attract a diverse range of residents, from families to professionals. The suburb's proximity to Perth's CBD ensures that residents enjoy the convenience of urban amenities while maintaining a serene suburban atmosphere. With tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community, Kensington provides a welcoming environment for families looking to settle down.

    Families will find Kensington particularly appealing due to its excellent educational facilities and family-friendly vibe. The presence of local schools and nearby educational institutions, such as Curtin University, adds to the suburb's allure for those with children. Kensington's parks and recreational facilities offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it easy for families to enjoy quality time together in a safe and pleasant environment. The suburb's safety and community spirit further enhance its appeal, providing peace of mind for residents.

    While Kensington offers a fantastic lifestyle, there are some trade-offs to consider. The suburb's popularity and proximity to the city can mean higher property prices compared to more distant suburbs. Additionally, while Kensington itself is a quiet enclave, residents may need to venture to nearby areas like South Perth and Victoria Park for a wider range of shopping and dining options. However, the suburb's excellent public transport links and access to major roads ensure that these amenities are easily accessible.

    Overall, Kensington is a charming and desirable suburb that offers a balanced urban-suburban living experience. Its strong community feel, excellent amenities, and proximity to the city make it an ideal choice for families and professionals seeking a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Kensington?

    Kensington, a suburb of Perth, presents an interesting scenario when it comes to assessing living expenses. With the median total household income sitting at $2,496 per week, it appears that residents enjoy a relatively comfortable earning capacity compared to the Western Australia state average annual wage of approximately $99,000. This suggests that households in Kensington may have a bit more financial flexibility than the average across the state.

    However, when it comes to housing costs, Kensington presents a mixed picture. While the median house and unit prices are not specified, the rental market provides some insight. The average rent for houses is $850 per week, and for units, it's $655 per week. These rental prices are significant and could consume a substantial portion of the average household income, especially for those opting for house rentals. This indicates that while earning levels are relatively high, the cost of renting could still be a notable expense for those considering living in Kensington.

    In conclusion, living in Kensington can be expensive, particularly if you're looking to rent a house. The relatively high household incomes may help offset these costs, but it's important to carefully consider your budget to ensure it aligns with the living expenses in this Perth 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 showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot, especially for those interested in the housing market. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a significant 15.6% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and a healthy growth trajectory. This kind of capital appreciation is attractive for investors looking to benefit from rising property values. Additionally, the rental market for houses has seen a 7.6% increase, suggesting that rental demand is also on the rise, which is a positive indicator for those seeking rental income.

    While the median unit values have remained stable over the past year, the rental market for units has experienced a notable 9.2% increase. This suggests that while capital growth for units might be slower, there is still a strong demand for rental properties, making it a viable option for investors focused on rental yields. Kensington's balanced mix of capital growth in houses and rental demand in both houses and units makes it an appealing choice for a diverse range of investment strategies. Overall, Kensington offers a compelling opportunity for investors looking for both capital growth and rental income potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Kensington

Currently, there are 29 real estate agents working in Kensington—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 29 agents sold 44.7% of all properties in Kensington over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Kensington typically charge a commission of 2.15% to 3.25%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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