Selling points: The Brunswick market has been very active for the last 10 years. It has four tram routes that go directly into the CBD, via universities, schools and hospitals. These tram routes are on Nicholson St, Lygon Street, Sydney Road & Melville road. Sydney Road is the longest shopping strip in the Southern hemisphere and has a large range of cafes, restaurants, fashion boutiques, small bars and pubs. Brunswick is become the wedding dress hub of Melbourne, with some of Australia’s best designers setting up retail outlets on Sydney Road. Investors love Brunswick because it’s just 6km from the CBD and cheaper to live in than places like Carlton North or Fitzroy. For young people, Brunswick is the place to be seen. Its cultural diversity, public transport and surrounding amenities set it apart from other inner city suburbs.
Most sought after properties: Two or three-bedroom period homes are the number one pick, as they seem to get better capital growth over a five to 10 year period. I recommend two or three bedrooms, with a central bathroom and open plan living, as well as secure parking and on good land. You will pay between $550k and 800k, depending on the size and style of the property.
Most common properties: Victorian, Edwardian and Californian bungalows
Top amenities: Public transport, local schools, cafes, restaurants and RMIT University
Local industry and business: Melbourne University, Moreland City Council, the four major banks and a number of professional city firms. A large number of residents, who work for these employers, live in Brunswick.
Recent changes: Brunswick has gone through a development boom in the last six years. At any one time there are just under 1,000 new dwellings being built in the Brunswick area, varying from four to nine-level apartment blocks with 50 to 120 apartments in each. Boutique blocks of 15 to 21 apartments are popular as well. This style of building will continue for years to come.
Best streets: Those in walking distance to public transport and shops.. Buyers want to be able to either walk or ride a bike to these attractions. Some of my best streets are Weston St, Barkly St, Edward St, Sutherland St, Lydia St and Laura St.
Public transport: It’s the best in Melbourne, with four tram routes and one train line.
Main arteries: Nicholson St, Lygon St, Sydney Rd and Melville Rd all offer direct access into the CBD and beyond. The other great thing is City Link; it only takes 12 minutes to the airport from Brunswick.