A suburb that’s been seeing significant growth since the GFC, St Kilda West occupies a relatively small area north of Fitzroy Street, and is sandwiched between Middle Park and the main St Kilda suburb.
Its location provides easy access to the entertainment hub of St Kilda – Fitzroy Street, cafe central Acland Street, St Kilda pier, the esplanade area and Luna Park – and as such attracts an affluent, cosmopolitan type of resident, as well as the beach and Albert Park.
It’s performed well in recent years, escaping the worst of the GFC. Admittedly, St Kilda West has been the premium end of St Kilda for many years, and largely escaped the problems that beset the main part of St Kilda as a result of post-war redevelopment. It also has a lower concentration of 1950s and 1960s apartments compared to its more famous neighbour, and like nearby suburbs still retains a Victorian character – which only adds to the desirability. Dannie Corr, director of Professionals Whiting & Co in St Kilda, calls it ‘a nice little nook’.
“There are some very nice leafy streets”, he says, “and you're not far from the beach wherever you are in the suburb.”
One trend that's been noticed in the area – which may be of interest for investors and developers alike – is an increase in downsizers, though.
“We’re seeing people selling out of the more expensive suburbs further down the bay, such as Brighton and Blackrock. Typically, they’re downsizing because the children have moved out, but they still want to stay bayside. They also want properties that have less maintenance requirements – ‘lock up and leave’ – so we’re finding that townhouses and apartments are popular. “Ten years ago, these people looking to buy wouldn't have considered an apartment, but now it’s what they’re looking for.”
Selling points:
Infrastructure, transport parks & gardens and tree lined streets, Middle is located on a flat plane.
Most sought after properties:
$1.5m- $2.5m - 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom properties with 6 principal rooms. Double-fronted period homes create high interest. Apartments along Beaconsfield Parade and Park Street offer good investment options and give those wishing to live in Port Phillip the ability and affordable step into the district.
Most common properties:
Edwardian homes and Victorian homes, some of the most stunning properties in Melbourne are to be found in this pocket of tree-lined avenues. Apartments from art-deco thru to 70s smaller solid brick developments are also available in small numbers.
Top amenities:
Walking distance to Fitzroy Street and vibrant cafes, restaurants bars and shopping. Light rail, tram and buses make Fitzroy Street the transport hub for the city and southern suburbs. The St Kilda West Bathers Pavilion is the perfect place to spend lazy summer days on the deck, watching the kite surfers that have made St Kilda West Beach their home.
Local industry and business:
St Kilda brings many tourists therefore full of great shopping, budget eating places, through to award winning restaurants such as Circa, music venues including the legendary Espy and the famous Luna Park for small and big kids alike.
Recent changes:
Port Phillip is creating a new suburb with school and amenities called “Montague”. Beautification of streets; a light rail has replaced the 2nd oldest train line in Victoria (1857. The first train line was to Port Melbourne, the second to St Kilda, stopping at Armstrong Street)
Best streets:
Canterbury Road, Beaconsfield Parade, Park Road, York Street. Park Street offers low-rise apartments and flats one block back from the strand. Canterbury Road offers homes of grand proportions.
Public transport:
Light rail, buses, trams and cycling lanes
Main arteries:
Beaconsfield Parade, Canterbury Road, Fitzroy Street