Question 1

Is West Hobart a nice place to live?

Accepted Answer

West Hobart sits on the western slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and feels quietly residential while being close to the city's action. Streets of Victorian and federation cottages, terraces and sympathetic modern infill give it an established character, with many properties enjoying leafy outlooks and harbour views. The suburb attracts long-term residents, families and professionals who value a village atmosphere, small local cafes and shops, and easy pedestrian access to mountain trails and reserves. Regular bus routes and the proximity of North Hobart and the CBD make daily errands and dining straightforward.

About 6,525 people live in West Hobart; the median age is 38 and the median household income is $1,996 a week (around $103,792 a year). Families are predominantly couple families, and roughly two in three homes are owner-occupied while about one third are rented. Local plans identify walking and cycling improvements, targeted intersection upgrades and safer school crossing treatments; the primary school has received capital funding and the recreation ground is in a public lighting upgrade planning process. Metro Tasmania buses serve the suburb.

Question 2

Is it expensive to live in West Hobart?

Accepted Answer

Buying a house in West Hobart works out to about 10.9 times a typical local household's annual income at the last Census, which sits well above local incomes. On the rental side, a house at $650 a week would take roughly 32.6% of a typical local household's weekly income at the last Census, a sizeable share, while a unit at $475 a week would take about 23.8%, a moderate share. On these figures, buying looks considerably more stretched against local incomes at the last Census than renting; whether that feels expensive depends on your own 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 West Hobart a good place to invest?

Accepted Answer

Unit values in West Hobart climbed 25.2% over the past year, a strong rise in what units are worth. House values also increased, by a solid 7.0%. On the income side, house rents rose 8.3% while unit rents increased 5.6% over the same period.

Put simply, the year split capital growth and rental moves differently: unit owners saw much larger capital gains (25.2% v 7.0%), whereas house rents rose a little faster than unit rents (8.3% v 5.6%). If rental income is your priority, the house rent figure is the most relevant; if capital growth matters more, the unit value jump is the standout. 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	$1.13M	N/A
Change in value Past 12 months	7.0%	25.2%
Sold Past 3 months	24	3
Median days on market Past 12 months	23	31
Average rent Past 12 months	$650	$475
Change in rent Past 12 months	8.3%	5.6%

Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in West Hobart

West Hobart suburb profile

West Hobart property market performance

5 year median price trend for houses and units

West Hobart demographics

Suburbs near West Hobart

How does West Hobart compare to nearby suburbs?

Choose the right real estate agents in West Hobart

Get a head start and compare top local agents in West Hobart

Not quite ready to sell?

Suburb and property report

Digital estimate for your property

Navigate the market