Character+Houses

=The future of Australia's Character Houses=

[Previous Post: Rilworth, Darling Point .... Next Post: Annesley, Mt Lawley] toc

Heritage and character buildings are valued by many city residents, and are an important component of defining neighbourhood identity and character.

"Our Brisbane housing stock from the 1910's and 20's represents a high point of Queensland vernacular architecture, and its cultural (and monetary) value will only increase as the years go by." - //[|House Histories]//

> >
 * "From the 1930's we have inherited a collection of very distinct styles - Spanish Californian, Functionalist, Art Deco, Old English etc."
 * "All of these buildings are irreplaceable and add great character to our suburban landscape." - //[|House Histories]//
 * **Neighbourhood character** refers to the 'look and feel of an area', in particular a residential area. ...- //Wikipedia//
 * In Victoria this neighbourhood character is protected by **Neighbourhood Residential Zoning** (see below)

Character Homes
A character home is defined as a home that:
 * Was built before WW2 (in Canada), or built by the end of WW2 (in Brisbane), ie before the period ending 1940 to 1946.
 * - Read more about the historical post WW1 building boom: [|How the Great War changed the face of Australian suburbs]
 * Meets established criteria for original features (see below)*
 * Is //not// listed on a Heritage Register

eg for Brisbane, QLD, "Houses built in or before 1946 are to be retained, and any extensions or alterations are to complement the traditional building style."

"New houses are to be designed to fit in with the character of the street."

"In October of 1995, Council introduced a blanket layer of protection over suburbs where the majority of homes had been built before the end of World War II." (DCP overlay)
 * "After World Expo 88, Brisbane boomed and land values increased. This extra protection was needed to stop the demolition of large numbers of older homes, many of which were on two blocks of land."

For example, In Melbourne:
 * South-eastern councils including Boroondara, Bayside, Glen Eira and Whitehorse are avoiding development by locking up large swaths of their suburbs with a restrictive "neighbourhood" zone which bans medium-density housing. - //The Age//
 * eg. The implementation of these new **Boroondara residential zones** ... offer the type of controls residents have been calling for over a long period, including mandatory building heights and, in most areas, stricter standards for the //look and feel// of an area.
 * The protection of the established character of Boroondara’s residential areas is highly valued by the local community, (and) is the guiding principle that Council is seeking to achieve.

Saving Brisbane's Character Homes

 * "The most significant and stately of our older Brisbane homes, mostly Queenslanders, are heritage-listed."
 * "But not all Queenslanders are suitable for a place in the Heritage Register because they are just too numerous."

"Many people think that Brisbane’s old-style timber homes with their shady verandahs and tin roofs, which line the hilly streets of inner suburbs like Paddington, are the //essence of ‘Brisbane//’. (for example, the beauty and quirkiness of Brisbane and its people)
 * "You won’t see suburbs like this in Paris or Shanghai. You won’t even find them in Melbourne or Sydney."
 * "Queensland is the only place in Australia where building homes from timber was a strong tradition, right up until World War II."

"Character homes are an important component of neighbourhood identity and vibrancy and retaining them also helps meet greenest city goals." "From churches and worker’s cottages, Queenslanders and traditional corner stores, to Californian bungalows and pre-federation houses, Brisbane’s heritage and character buildings reflect the best of Australian architecture and the city’s local history. > You cannot demolish or remove a building built before 1947 in a Demolition Control Precinct without approval. There are also rules about renovating or building in a DCP."
 * In order to protect Brisbane’s past and maintain the architectural heritage and character of our city and suburbs, the Brisbane City Plan outlines requirements for appropriate development in Brisbane’s older suburbs, and for renovating, demolishing or removing some buildings."
 * ‘**Demolition Control Precinct** (DCP)’.

Secretary of the Beaumaris Conservation Society, Chris Sutton has been fighting local inappropriate development for years. He is delighted his south-eastern suburb has been given the protection of the **Neighbourhood Residential Zone** (NRZ) and that battles at VCAT over future developments may be over.

*Original features of character homes
======
 * Character buildings can be defined by a number of criteria.
 * Your home is most likely a character building if it was constructed before 1940 and has character features such as authentic or period...
 * 1) massing (grouping of windows, or of filigree timberwork),
 * 2) period roof form,
 * 3) period front porch,
 * 4) authentic exterior wall materials,
 * 5) authentic window openings, frames and details.

Character Merit Checklist
>>
 * as used by City of Vancouver, Canada
 * Original roof form
 * Original open front porch or verandah
 * Original (timber) cladding
 * Period windows (50% or more), original location, size and shape
 * Original window casings or trim (50% or more)
 * Period details or decorative elements (e.g. two or more brackets, beams, joist ends)
 * Other period features (e.g. porch, roof, foundation)
 * Not all pre-1940 homes have Character Merit
 * However it is estimated that 80% of pre-1940 homes retain sufficient features to be considered as having Character Merit.

Character Housing and the New Brisbane City Plan
To illustrate the application of the DCP codes, let's look at some examples. 
 * //from [|House Histories]//
 * The two houses below are within the DCP but only the cottage to the right is protected, based on a pre-1946 construction date.
 * The house to the left, a typical post-war conventional, may be removed by the owner.
 * The Council refers mainly to the comprehensive set of 1946 aerial photos to identify buildings that existed as of that year.


 * However, pre-1946 houses within the DCP can be demolished or substantially modified under certain circumstances.

 In the below pictures, the fabulous little 1800's worker's cottage to the left has been deemed structurally unsound and irreparable, and therefore approved for demolition.  New construction in DCPs is assessed under the **Residential Character Code** to ensure that designs are compatibile with the surrounding streetscape. The tragedy/travesty to the right is from Windsor, and illustrates a case where distinguishing features of the original building have been ordered to be preserved.
 * A complete demolition by any reasonable definition but apparently still compliant with code.
 * This was many months ago and the house still stands - thankfully, but its fate may be sealed.
 * And there it is - a single gable facade, high in the air, waiting for a new box to be tucked to the back.
 * A complete demolition by any reasonable definition but apparently still compliant with code.

The Difference between Heritage and Character
Brisbane City defines four groups of Heritage and Character building types:

Brisbane Overlay maps
(known as the Demolition control precinct in Brisbane City Plan 2000) || Maintain traditional character in streets where there are houses built in or before 1946. Examples are traditional timber and tin Queenslanders and 1920’s masonry art deco buildings. || Houses built in or before 1946 are to be retained and any extensions or alterations are to complement the traditional building style.
 * ~  ||~ Overlay ||~ What is the intent? ||~ What are the rules? ||
 * 1. || **Traditional building character** overlay

New houses are to be designed to fit in with the character of the street. || (known as the Commercial character building area classification in Brisbane City Plan 2000) || Allow a range of compatible uses to take place in traditional corner shops. || Commercial character buildings are to be retained and any extensions or alterations are to complement the traditional building style.
 * 2. || **Commercial character building** overlay

Compatible uses such as small shops, offices and services may be located in Commercial character buildings even when in zones where these uses would not otherwise be allowed, such as residential zones. ||
 * 3. || **Pre-1911 building** overlay || Retain houses built before 1911. In some cases they may be relocated to another suitable location. || Houses built before 1911 are to be retained and any extensions should not alter the original parts of the house.

Where a pre-1911 house is located in a zone that is not intended for houses, for example an Industrial zone or the High density residential zone, the house may be relocated to another house lot that is in the Traditional building character overlay. || (known as //Heritage places// in Brisbane City Plan 2000) || Protect specific buildings and places of heritage significance. Heritage places can be of local, state, national or world heritage significance. || Heritage places are to be retained and restored to preserve their heritage value. Development on sites next to heritage places should not impact the values of the heritage place. - Reference Source ||
 * 4. || **Heritage** overlay

Why is pre-1940 or even pre-1946 a Criterion?
The Second World War (1939-1945) stopped most housing construction (by 1940) until military operations ceased, since all available resources were re-directed for the war effort. In 1945-1946 the remaining members of the armed forces were demobilised and returned to their home towns. Refugees also flowed into the newer population centres such as Canada and Australia. > eg in Brisbane, (the Dutch built housing at Coopers Plainsand the French built at Zillmere, both outer suburbs of Brisbane) to cater for the chronic Queensland housing shortage after WW2.
 * Brisbane Council has aerial maps of Brisbane in 1946, so that explains why Brisbane's date criterion is later than normal.
 * Western cities grew rapidly in the late 1940s and 1950s as a result of post-war immigration and the baby boom.
 * Housing contractors began to mass-produce houses

Character Homes are valuable

 * Scarcity of character houses will continue to increase their value, according to buyers' agents (independent consultants acting for property purchasers).

Doing more with Character Homes
=There are a lot of older properties in great locations packed with potential.= If you look at all these old beauties with fresh eyes, it’s amazing what opportunities you’ll really see.  Capitalising on a character home doesn’t necessarily mean major costly renovations. > - Read more
 * There are a number of things you can do to breathe new life into an older house without extensive remodelling.
 * You don’t need to be a master builder, or even a tradesman to make simple, quality changes.
 * With a sound structure and an eye for detail, you can turn a tired house into a fresh new home filled with character.

A record 800 'historic' houses being demolished every week in Australia
by Duncan Hughes May 5 2016 at 6:30 AM Australian Financial Review 

 by [|Duncan Hughes] A record 800 heritage and "character" houses are falling under demolition hammers each week, destroying miles of unique streetscapes and slicing billions off their value.
 * The number of demolitions is almost one-third higher than previous estimates because it takes into account more suburbs in every capital, according to Phillip Almeida, director of Acquisitions Performance Advisory, which monitors national property markets. Read more:

A record 800 heritage and "character" houses are falling under demolition hammers each week, destroying miles of unique streetscapes and slicing billions off their value.

 <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Original houses remaining in a streetscape transformed by a "McMansion" (a house or apartment considered to be ostentatious or lacking in architectural integrity) can lose between 10 and 25 per cent of their value from the loss of street appeal, say property specialists. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">A bewildering mix of local and state agencies, councils, government bodies, local planning instruments and environmental controls mean determined developers can drive a wide-shovelled bulldozer through preservation laws.
 * The number of demolitions is almost one-third higher than previous estimates because it takes into account more suburbs in every capital, according to Phillip Almeida, director of Acquisitions Performance Advisory, which monitors national property markets.
 * It could also be a short-sighted strategy for owner-developers because scarcity of character houses, which in many cases can be adapted to modern living requirements, will continue to increase their value, according to buyers' agents (independent consultants acting for property purchasers).
 * "Profit-driven developers and Asian buyers in search of 'trophy' homes are responsible for the rapid disappearance of these dwellings," says Almeida.

Most Vulnerable Homes
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Most vulnerable periods are Victorian, Edwardian, Queenslander, Californian bungalow, Spanish mission and art deco, says Almeida. Property styles include homes, terraces and smaller apartments with under 12 dwellings, he says.
 * He estimates the nation's stock has shrunk by more than 2 per cent to about 8 per cent in the past 30 months, reflecting local and overseas demand for prime locations in popular Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane postcodes

Unique streetscapes
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Melbourne and Sydney have unique urban streetscapes from the building booms of the late 19th century when they were transit points for the gold fields and among the world's richest cities.
 * A lot of damage was done to their character during the 1960s thanks to misguided attempts at modernization, developer greed, lax councils and a failure by state and federal government to protect their heritage.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Read more: http://www.afr.com/real-estate/a-record-800-historic-houses-being-demolished-every-week-20160502-goklne#ixzz4emvnLpA0

Council protection for city's historic 'character homes'
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tony Moore Brisbane Times, NOVEMBER 5 2011

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">More than 2400 pre-1900 Brisbane character homes that could have been demolished have been identified after a five-month aerial survey by Brisbane City Council.
 * Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said that aerial survey work identified houses that could have been demolished.
 * From next Tuesday Brisbane City Council will start to apply temporary local plans to protect the first two (groups) of the properties.
 * At Tuesday’s council meeting ‘‘temporary local planning instruments’’ will be put in place to guard homes in Baines Street, Kangaroo Point and in Manchester Terrace, Taringa.
 * To date, 2475 older Brisbane homes have been identified which have effectively slipped through the cracks of local planning controls.
 * Under the changes, any application to demolish the home must be assessed before the full council.
 * Read more

"<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Playing By The Rules "
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Character Home protection in Brisbane, QLD:

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> "It’s difficult to get approval to demolish a home built before 1947, or even part of an older home, within a Demolition Control Permit overlay. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">All of this takes time and money.
 * Generally, if you want to demolish all or part of a pre-1947 building in a DCP, you have to[[image:http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/9834338623db5f913860726b2ff158b5?width=1024 width="398" height="225" align="right" caption="A character home at Roy St Ashgrove."]]
 * submit a development application (including forms and fees),
 * provide a town planning report and
 * perhaps other reports from a structural engineer and an architect.
 * If a character house contributes to the look of the street, has not been substantially altered and is capable of repair, Council will probably say ‘no’ to your application.
 * You’ll also need approval to demolish any free standing buildings built prior to 1947 such as sheds and garages on the property, unless they are at the rear of your property."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">**QLD News:**

More Brisbane character homes under threat
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tom Snowdon, The Courier-Mail October 28, 2016 1:00am

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The city’s planning chief called on the State Government to make urgent changes to planning legislation that would hand council more enforcement powers while extending the notification period for approvals. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The call comes amid a bitter legal stoush that has been raging since 2010 between the council and the private certifier about the right to conduct building work on homes.... > <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Read more <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
 * Outside court, the certifier refused to comment on whether he had plans to approve the demolition of other character homes.
 * He said the council was ignoring the earlier court rulings in pursuing his clients for lawful alterations to character properties.

Demolition by Deconstruction vs. Conventional Demolition
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Conventional demolition involves rapidly knocking-down and removing a house using heavy equipment. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Deconstruction means taking apart the house more carefully and systematically instead of knocking it down rapidly with heavy equipment.
 * It usually takes a couple of days and produces tonnes of mixed demolition waste.
 * Mixed demolition waste generally ends up in the landfill because it is difficult to separate various materials for recycling.
 * By using deconstruction techniques, wood and other materials can be separated, sorted, and can be more easily reused and recycled - much like the way you separate your household waste for recycling.
 * Deconstruction requires a small increase in time and typically involves a crew with additional personnel.
 * Deconstruction techniques are one way to achieve the reuse and recycling requirements

=<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">** Where are Australia's Character Homes? ** = <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
 * 1) Brisbane's Character suburbs
 * 2) Sydney's Character suburbs
 * 3) Canberra's Character suburbs
 * 4) Melbourne's Character suburbs
 * 5) Hobart's Character suburbs
 * 6) Adelaide's Character suburbs
 * 7) Perth's Character suburbs

1. Brisbane's Character Homes
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Most of the typical 19th century houses around inner Brisbane date from the 1880s.
 * Examples of this period houses can be seen in**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Paddington, Red Hill, Highgate Hill **<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">East Brisbane **<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">.

Porch-and-Gable, Multi-gable Bungalows
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The interwar building boom saw the construction of the porch-and-gable and multi-gable bungalows that characterise much of Brisbane’s timber-and-tin housing, particularly in suburbs such as **Ashgrove**.
 * Many houses from this era were built through the <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Queensland Government Workers’ Dwelling Scheme <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and have since been renovated with extensions.

Art Nouveau & Californian bungalows
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">To a lesser extent, the 1920s and 1930s also gave rise to more derivative domestic architecture – Californian bungalows as well as Spanish Mission, Old English, Functionalist and Art Deco style houses and flats.
 * These houses were often constructed in masonry and there are examples in suburbs such as **New Farm**, **Bardon**, **Spring Hill**, **Coorparoo** & **Chelmer**.

Queensland Heritage House History
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">

Workers Cottages / Dwellings
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Queensland Government Workers’ Dwelling Scheme <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Tens of thousands of workers’ homes were funded by the Corporation across the state, for a range of pre-approved designs and in accordance with strict eligibility criteria for for applicants. >
 * The catalogue includes high-set bungalow and transverse gabled patterns and also introduces the multi-gable designs that came to predominate later in the decade.
 * In many ways the collection represents the golden age of timber architecture in Queensland with an incredible variety of ornate and often fairly spacious designs, a testament to the prosperous “roaring twenties” and the resources invested by contemporary society in humble workers’ houses.
 * The designs are found throughout our character neighbourhoods and inner suburbs.
 * ===Federation period 1890s-1910s===
 * 4. Bungalow-roofed house
 * 5. Asymmetrical bungalow-roofed house
 * 6. Queen Anne style house

Interwar period 1920s-1930s
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> For the South-east suburbs of **Coorparoo, Greenslopes, Camp Hill,** **Holland Park** and **Holland Park West.**
 * 7. Porch-and-gable house
 * 8. Multi-gable house
 * 9. Californian Bungalow style house
 * 10. Spanish Mission style house
 * 11. Old English style house || [[image:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a7y0um2vn50gTIjfJOiJIfqcEIx_MDvQzEwrnXK9R-gXxJGNmw8FpatYuFZLAjXKgJliILxiMRGb-4aVVOr8A2VfNb52g1rDNu1llIlQx0QwCsRVK2VMHQAVjDcgkKPnewU2xFZSmfXKNdDL7_IyExXWwZUWOgjbvga1Gxg78_jk7eMPihTBhDkfwrhfECUXt02U5Kr1pNB9JuxDemLzvVXZVYxcs5HelZaGt4Uc_WHMxdFYw-zkDLP3tJR3wFIlSSxyOzPyuaDrrZ-GN_IYMCt2xpNU8FprvOUsa4vsi8ugI9RNlp0eWdKAi4zLeDoJWIHwA7OIVebh8CZD31aPrmHp8w0QS20wqPa5UvyG-3Cbf3A1V7e7TAEtpxNclZ7rY4jZxuwGU0DcP3uP1699D1e-d9NR3M3Gem5lwGPTWuhdiokCWO1ydg-KsT87s8fkZm3LEUmcr_Gnpk7ISHciv79oC2sQSDsyZiEt2xJBKLbpZnWJBsjVanDfmLRBPe7lmFNQRZ7Ivgymy8TjojUeEJ68pUew7xX-8iFSoaZuawefMAgs7ldajWvsZTp8Nn2g6ZcDrUVEtRLLavMlH4kOh4FtiruVDK--fMSpR4G4e3hHxknv9rNkIQ=w859-h358-no width="628" height="265" caption="Brisbane's Housing Types"]] ||
 * Any development on such a site must protect the existing dwelling built in 1946 or before while allowing new one- or two-storey dwellings to be built in the character zone precinct.
 * Not proceeding with medium density proposals in some areas in **Greenslopes** and **Holland Park**, including //Denman Street//
 * Increasing the number of properties to be included in the character residential zone, particularly in **Camp Hill** and **Greenslopes**

My Brisbane suburb picks
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">- Peter Switzer

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">My favourite suburbs where I think there are great buying opportunities available now for future capital growth.

Kelvin Gove

 * Kelvin Grove is just 4km north west of Brisbane CBD.
 * A central hub for university students, hospital staff and city workers, it’s home to the Queensland University of Technology campus with The Royal Brisbane Hospital just next door in Herston.
 * Due to its convenience, Kelvin Grove is gaining in popularity so demand for property is strengthening.
 * Most of the homes are renovated post-war workers' cottages and Queenslander-style homes.
 * Many hip young buyers are particularly attracted to Kelvin Grove’s urban village, with its trendy apartments, shops, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes.

Bulimba

 * Bulimba is one of Brisbane's most prosperous leafy riverside suburbs.
 * It’s highly desirable among family buyers due to its close proximity to well-known schools and its beautiful local parks including Bulimba Memorial Park and Vic Lucas Park.
 * It’s also known for its thriving Oxford Street precinct with many cafés, restaurants and a cinema complex.
 * Bulimba has undergone a significant transformation since the 1990s with many of its residents choosing to buy and renovate. This has had a very positive impact as the suburb continues to experience high demand.

Hamilton

 * Hamilton is without doubt one of Brisbane's most prestigious suburbs, catering for owner-occupiers and investors alike with its admired views of the Brisbane River.
 * It is located approximately 6km from Brisbane CBD and is within walking distance of landmarks including the Eagle Farm Racecourse and Breakfast Creek Wharf.
 * Hamilton has experienced strong growth in median house prices over the past five years, however, the median house price does not reflect the diversity of properties and prices points available within the suburb.

New Farm

 * New Farm has seen an influx of professionals and trendsetters who have transformed the area into one of Brisbane's most desirable suburbs.
 * Despite its increasing popularity with young singles and couples, there is still a wide variety of houses available, ranging from historical workers' cottages and colonials through to art deco blocks of flats and modern contemporary homes and apartments.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em;">**2. Where to find Sydney's affordable character homes**

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> These days, it can be hard to find a character home in Sydney for less than $1 million that's not falling down. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> If you add the term "partially renovated", the task gets even harder. > But all is not lost for those looking to capture a piece of Sydney's rich architectural history. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">A surprising number of suburbs have little-known gems that successfully combine original features, modern conveniences and an affordable price tag. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
 * Michelle Singer 31/10/2007
 * For those on a budget, classic period pockets such as **Mosman**, **Haberfield**, **Strathfield** and **Queens Park** are out of the question.

Arncliffe
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Off the Princes Highway, about eight kilometres south of the city, Arncliffe is rich Federation country. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">McGrath agent Nigel McAllister (0413 001 121) says "I just don't think Arncliffe has reached its full potential yet, It will get there one day, but you can still buy some affordable character homes."
 * First subdivided in the early 1800s, the area was dominated by farmers' markets, tradespeople and pioneers.
 * Many of the homes have been saved, restored or renovated and while it may be too far south for some or too close to the airport for others, this area takes pride in its period homes.
 * Rockdale City Council has completed a heritage study of the area to identify buildings and houses that are worth preserving and has taken an active stance on heritage listings and how they can benefit owners.
 * McAllister says a high percentage of homes have often been changed inside, with original features such as fireplaces taken out.
 * However, he says there's an overwhelming desire from buyers to find something with character as well as potential to have a modern liveable home. See also **Bexley** and **Banksia**
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">View houses to buy in <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">[|Arncliffe] <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and surrounds.

Canterbury
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Budget-conscious buyers with an appetite for detailed facades, marble fireplaces and ornate ceilings should consider Canterbury. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
 * While the suburb is not considered as hip as some areas, LJ Hooker Marrickville agent Jonathan Ford (0416 226 760) says it's a forgotten gem.
 * A two-bedroom Federation freestanding house renovated in the past few years, still has original features such as high ceilings and timber floors on a 500 sq m block.
 * "There's a steady supply and people are looking at it as a sleeping suburb ... I think in three to five years it will get a good following," Ford says.
 * "There's a good public school here, it's a quiet pocket, there's a 10-minute walk to the station, there's a lot of good things going for it.
 * It's a question of affordability without compromising on location. Families and couples can get a nice-sized block and grow into the home. They don't have to shift - they can extend and grow into it."

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hurlstone Park

 * In nearby Hurlstone Park, a renovated two-bedroom 1910 Federation semi, was expected to go to auction on November 17 (2007) through Harris Tripp First National.
 * A Duntroon Street home, on 266 sq m is one example of affordable character homes available in the area.
 * Close to Marrickville Golf Course and the Cooks River, its original features include formal living areas, ornate ceilings and fireplaces. A new kitchen, bathroom and rear entertainment deck have been added.
 * See also **Marrickville**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Ashfield
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Away from the bustle of Ashfield's main street - with its dumpling restaurants, fruit and vegetable barns and other Asian delicacies - are myriad eye-catching period homes. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Harris Tripp First National principal Virginia Nicoll says Ashfield, particularly on the Summer Hill side, has many quality period homes.
 * While less than 30 per cent of the properties are houses, it is possible to find a two- or three-bedroom Federation house or semi, renovated.
 * Buyers are looking for their first home and Nicoll says most are professional young couples with no kids.
 * "There's good value in Ashfield - it's a bit cheaper than **Summer Hill** and you get more for your money, bigger blocks, bigger homes," she says.
 * "You get a lot of people coming here upgrading from units or rental properties in Summer Hill and Marrickville. A lot of them still want original features, the classical features and you pay for that.
 * "The majority, however, want a blend of both worlds.
 * Buyers want absolutely original features like ornate ceilings but want the comforts of today's homes with a modern bathroom and kitchen."
 * See also **Summer Hill** and **Lewisham**
 * View houses to buy in <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">[|Ashfield] <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and surrounds.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Annandale **
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> There's a village atmosphere, wide, tree-lined streets and a short hop to the city. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Last week, Ray White Annandale agent Rob Clarke sold a freestanding two-bedroom house on 106 sq m,
 * It's little wonder that Annandale is a sought-after suburb for buyers of all ages.
 * But if you thought it was out of reach, think again. For every home that sells for $1 million-plus there's something on the market for less.
 * The Victorian home was fully renovated and attracted five registered bidders.
 * You can get a small home in Annandale that was once a worker's cottage, single level on a small block," Clarke says.
 * "A lot of young buyers are coming in and doing a nice renovation on them. They're freestanding or a semi, usually without parking and with two bedrooms, but it's a good entry level in the market."
 * See also **Leichhardt**
 * View houses to buy in <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">[|Annandale] <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and surrounds.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Eastwood **
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The entry price for a period home in Sydney's northern suburbs is rarely low. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> In addition, they rarely come on the market because people buy them for life. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Australian buyers love character homes because they are so hard to find in such good condition," he says. However he sold a renovated three-bedroom period home, on 900 sq m, at 50 Carlingford Road, Epping.
 * A four-bedroom renovated Federation home sold at auction in Stewart Street, Eastwood.
 * Jackson says the home was on a relatively small block (553 sq m), but it was beautifully presented and had ornate ceilings and intricate fretwork.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> In **Epping**, it's hard to find something affordable.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Character homes are often in the best locations close to schools, shops and transport, and those with their original, features command the strongest prices.
 * "**Epping**, **Eastwood** and **Denistone** have been undervalued for a long time," Vaughan says.
 * "People are starting to work out that not much more than half an hour out of the city they can get great property at an affordable price."
 * See also EPPING, CARLINGFORD and BEECROFT
 * View houses to buy in <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">[|Eastwood] <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and surrounds.

Heritage-listed character homes charm buyers
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Character homes, some of them ripe for renovation, have buyers queueing up, writes Rachel Packham.
 * Sep 27, 2014 <span class="domain-article-author-name" style="color: #0ea800; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;">Rachel Packham

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">There’s something about classic homes that has Canberrans lining up for heritage-listed properties. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">
 * It’s a distinctive character that makes these homes stand out from their modern counterparts and a certain charm that attracts buyers through their doors.
 * “We find there is very strong demand for beautiful character-filled homes in the heritage areas,” Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Louise Harget says. “This is in part because they tend to be super close to the heart of the city and partly because they just have that gorgeous feel.”

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Canberra’s Garden City heritage precincts are in **Forrest**, **Griffith** and **Barton** in Canberra’s south and **Reid**, **Ainslie** and **Braddon** in the inner north. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The architecture of the homes reflects Walter Burley Griffin’s original vision for Canberra. The properties that were built to house Canberra’s first residents incorporate a mix of international architectural styles, large backyards and are usually set on a single storey – qualities that are a major drawcard for many buyers.
 * “These areas are so special because they have been protected and retain the uniformed idea that Burley Griffin sparked with gardens flowing into the street,” Harget says. “The gardens in these areas, particularly at this time of the year, are also just so beautiful. Big blocks and stunning street trees add to this.”

> -Nic Salter-Harding
 * “It’s got a bit of a cult following …There’s people who want nothing more than a nice heritage cottage.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**Ainslie** is one of Salter-Harding’s areas of specialty. > <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Architect Terry Ring of Architects Ring and Associates has worked on a number of remarkable heritage transformations in suburbs such as Griffith and Forrest. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Ring says the open-plan, sun-drenched spaces popular in modern builds weren’t considered in the 1920s, so renovations incorporate these features in the rear of the home. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The buyers of heritage-listed properties are varied but Salter-Harding says these older properties, particularly the smaller cottages in the inner north, are attracting a growing younger market.
 * It’s one of Canberra’s oldest suburbs and many of its original facades conceal a modern, luxurious interior.
 * The suburb is home to heritage-listed areas including Corroboree Park and Wakefield Gardens and restrictions guide all renovation projects in these precincts.
 * “In a nutshell, you have to keep the facade and the streetscape of the home and you have to keep with the spirit of the area,” Salter-Harding says.
 * “These older homes do have something,” he says.
 * “[Heritage transformations] are a matter of trying to get natural light back into the house and create a liveable home for 2014 while keeping the essence of the original home.”
 * “The heritage rules are quite strict and some people don’t want to go through that,” Ring says.
 * However the end result of these projects are worth the time and effort as they retain the home’s original character with all the features necessary for a comfortable, modern lifestyle.
 * “You can’t replicate original charm,” Harget says. “The heritage-significant properties can be fantastic renovation projects, respecting the facades yet upgrading internally to suit modern life.
 * They tend to be jam-packed with features such as high ceilings, fireplaces and picture rails.”
 * “[Young couples] comprise a lot of the people looking for this kind of thing. With a double income and no children the space suits them at this point in their lives and it’s a great way to get into the area and extend and renovate,” he says.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em;">**Heritage hot spots in the ACT**

Braddon

 * Braddon is one of Canberra’s oldest suburbs and construction began in 1921.
 * It was originally home to lower-income public servants and workers responsible for building the civic centre.

Ainslie

 * Construction of Ainslie’s Corroboree Park and Wakefield Gardens housing precincts began in 1925.
 * The precincts initially housed tradesmen involved in the construction of the city’s early commercial and residential areas.

Reid

 * Reid includes the heritage-listed St John the Baptist Church, consecrated in 1845. However, most of the suburb was constructed in 1926 and 1927.
 * The Reid Housing Precinct includes many examples of noted architect Kenneth H Oliphant’s work.[[image:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HNX2FseAUsgLgZWuCtgcNhHyZAZWXXRRYJ4QzyLZRMbGUB7iCvVv3DsaTpMsCl9KdwYCux6O2IXfnN4=w330-h220-rw align="right" caption="Nadine and Antolin's classic Canberra home"]]

Griffith

 * Construction of Griffith’s heritage-listed Blandfordia 5 Housing Precinct began in 1926.
 * Many of Canberra’s inner suburbs were constructed around this time to provide public-servant housing before the opening of Old Parliament House in 1927.

Barton

 * The Barton Housing Precinct includes many facets integral to Walter Burley Griffin’s original plan for Canberra including Telopea Park with residential areas on either side.

Forrest

 * Heritage-listed areas dominate the suburb of Forrest.
 * These areas include the Forrest Housing Precinct and the Blandfordia 4 Housing Precinct which exemplify Burley Griffin’s garden city vision.

4. Melbourne Character zones
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 1.4em;">**The small Melbourne houses surging in value**

Sep 3, 2016 [|Chris Tolhurst] <span class="domain-article-author-title" style="color: #979da7; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline;">Contributor <span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Small period homes are surging in value across inner Melbourne, according to new data compiled by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

Single-fronted and smaller double-fronted Victorian and Edwardian houses within 10 kilometres of the CBD have been selling for as much as $10,000 per square metre in the past three months as buyers focus on small, character homes in good locations.

The most sought after area for these smaller houses has been in Melbourne’s north and inner west, where many buyers look for value. <span style="color: #515b6d; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 70%; vertical-align: baseline;"> Photos: Jellis Craig. Northcote has seen a $200,000 rise in the past three months (from June 1 to August 20) compared to the same period last year, according to the REIV.

This growth, of close to 30 per cent, is just ahead of Footscray which has seen a $253,000 increase (25 per cent ahead of the same period last year).

REIV chief executive Geoff White said that with development growth in the inner suburbs, there were fewer character homes than there were in the past.

“Yet they seem to be just as popular as ever before – with the demand, and lower supply, leading to prices close to or above $1 million for these smaller homes,” he said.
 * ~ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">Suburb ||~ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">Jun-Aug 2016 median ||~ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">Jun-Aug 2016 median ||~ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">Change ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Northcote || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$1,097,500 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$847,500 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">29% ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Footscray || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$757,500 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$604,500 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">25% ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Williamstown || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$920,000 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$807,500 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">14% ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Richmond || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$1,027,500 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$980,000 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5% ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ascot Vale || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$843,000 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$805,000 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5% ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Moonee Ponds || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$857,500 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$823,000 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4% ||
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Preston || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$770,000 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">$745,000 || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3% ||

Neighbourhood Residential Zoning
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Many councils have asked to have at least three-quarters of their suburbs allocated to the NRZ, which limits development to single dwelling and dual occupancies, and has a mandatory height limit of eight metres, or two storeys. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Boroondara, which includes the leafy inner-eastern suburbs of <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Hansen says the initial idea of the plan was to unlock the middle-ring suburbs, which include not just the heritage-rich suburbs but also those such as <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The inner and middle suburbs are those most likely to be developed by smaller family operations, often subdividing their own suburban blocks into townhouse or unit developments, Andrew Spencer, a planner with SGS Economics and Consulting points out. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The NRZ in **Bayside** restricts development to two per lot, with a mandatory height limit of two storeys. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Chris Sutton, of **Beaumaris**, is pleased with how the suburb is being protected.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn** and **Glen Iris**, has allocated 80 per cent of its suburban area to the NRZ.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Glen Eira** has allocated 78 per cent, while **Moonee Valley** and **Kingston** have set aside over 75 per cent.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Boroondara** has also curbed even dual-occupancy developments from its suburb by stipulating a minimum land size of 400 square metres for development.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lots will thus need to be a minimum 800 square metres or more in order to be subdivided.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**Box Hill, Oakleigh,** **Reservoir** and **Sunshine**.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There's a lot of housing in those older middle suburbs coming to the end of its life, ripe and ready for suburban renewal, and job and infrastructure rich, and they are effectively closing [that] off to densification.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He says 45 per cent of new dwellings are carried out by these cottage construction developers who turn around properties relatively quickly and cheaply.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mr Sutton would also like to see minimum lot sizes restricted to 400 square metres, as well as supporting controls to ensure future dual occupancy development respects neighbourhood character. But it's a start, and the zones will evolve over time.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">His local council will be hoping this resident satisfaction is replicated across much of the electorate: the City of Bayside has requested 83 per cent of its suburbs be allocated to the highest protection NRZ, and is waiting to hear if the Planning Minister has approved.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The council has been working for years on a housing policy that would ensure that development would not destroy the neighbourhood character of this historic area of Melbourne.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We believe that the distinctive neighbourhoods of **Bayside** are worth protecting, not just for the people who live there but for all Melburnians, says Bayside mayor Laurence Evans.

My Melbourne suburb picks
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #292929; font-family: LiberationSerifBold,;"> Her tips for buying in Victoria are:
 * Monique Sasson, founder of independent property investment firm, Wakelin Property Advisory said suburbs and regions close to the CBD in Victoria could be good for investment.

Elwood

 * A Melbourne bayside suburb with easy access to the CBD that is especially good for older style apartments and single fronted cottages.

North Melbourne
======
 * An undervalued city-adjacent suburb that has retained a number of very consistent streetscapes of Victorian and Edwardian houses. contemporary home at 67 Melrose St, North Melbourne is priced between $680,000 and $720Source:Supplied

Brunswick

 * A cool, eclectic inner northern Melbourne suburb. Look for two-bedroom cottages and one or two-bedroom older-style apartments on quiet streets that are predominantly residential. three-bedroom sky terrace at 704/1 Lygon St, Brunswick Victoria.

Thornbury

 * Just seven kilometres northeast of the Melbourne CBD, Thornbury has good transport links to the city, a vibrant cafe scene and easy access to many parks.
 * Once again, good investment opportunity for older style two-bedroom houses and older-style one and two-bedroom apartments.

5. Hobart's Character Suburbs
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Character Homes Hold Appeal In Hobart ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Property owners in the south are tending to upgrade to areas where larger or character homes are available.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Among the more popular locations that offer these types of properties are the inner-city suburbs of **North Hobart, West Hobart, Sandy Bay, Hobart** and **Battery Point.**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Across these suburbs, older character homes and modern 4-bedroom homes are currently priced from $550,000 through to $2 million.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For upgraders seeking acreage properties in the Greater Hobart area, popular locations worth a look include **Acton Park,Cambridge, Richmond, Lesley Vale, Grove** and **Neika**.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">Launceston – Outer Suburbs May Hold Appeal

 * For upgraders considering Launceston, popular locations include **Prospect**, **Legana** and **Newnham**. These suburbs are further out from the city centre but they provide a good range of facilities and services; and 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes are priced from around $350,000 to $450,000.
 * By contrast, the same sort of homes in Launceston’s well-established suburbs of **East, West and South Launceston** typically range in price from $270,000 to $1.1 million.
 * Among upgraders seeking acreage properties in Launceston, the suburb of **Relbia** is a desirable location where established homes can be purchased from $625,000. Prestige homes are typically priced closer to $1 million.

<span style="color: #394041; font-family: Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">**<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sandy Bay **
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Battery Point ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hobart City ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;">**<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">South Hobart ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">North Hobart ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">West Hobart ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Mt Stuart **
 * **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sandy Bay **<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #75797a; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> i s widely regarded as one of Hobart’s most prestigious residential areas, boasting private schools and the University of Tasmania as well as an assortment of boutiques and cafés. The tree-lined streets of SandyBay course past both modern and heritage homes, all the way to its quiet beachfront.
 * **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Battery Point ** drips with historic charm. The renovated workman’s cottages and narrow streets and lanes of this former port and maritime village manage to hold its heritage character while also playing host to boutique stores, restaurants and café’s, as well as some of Hobart’s most luxurious modern homes.
 * ** Hobart City ** is a dynamic waterfront area where the past and the contemporary ebb and flow with casual perfection. Here sandstone buildings house plasma televisions. Steep hills meet the beautiful Derwent river. Museums adjoin café’s. An historic port welcomes the cutting-edge fleet of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Fishing boats moor behind fine seafood restaurants. Hobart, Australia’s second oldest capital, offers all the services and sights of city living minus the anxiety.
 * ** South Hobart ** runs from the CBD down to the historic Cascade Brewery. Beautiful period homes adjoining lush parks help make South Hobart one of the city’s most elegant suburbs. It’s an attractive area that can cater for various needs and budgets. South Hobart features easy CBD access and facilities like St JohnsCalvaryPrivateHospital.
 * ** North Hobart ** is where Hobart happens. This vibrant suburb is home to a restaurant and café strip that houses over twenty of Tasmania’s coolest places to snack, dine, drink and dance. Sprinkled with art galleries, North Hobart is a tasty location for those who enjoy the good life.
 * ** West Hobart ** has it all – city and river views, period homes, modern townhouses and easy access to the CBD. Yet despite its attractive features, West Hobart maintains affordable prices. Residents can stroll down to the North Hobart restaurant precinct or in to the CBD for shopping and entertainment.
 * ** Mt Stuart ** looks down on the harbour and hills of Hobart. Located 3km from the CBD, Mt Stuart offers a rare mix of convenience, quiet and spectacular vistas. So if horizon is what you’re after, take a look at MountStewart.

**<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">New Town **
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Dynnyrne ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Taroona ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Mount Nelson ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Tolmans Hill ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.18px;"> **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Glebe **
 * ** New Town ** is a popular inner-city residential suburb featuring many Federation period homes as well as two single-sex schools, a Catholic school and a primary school. This genteel suburb lies 4km north of the CBD. A shopping centre provides New Town residents with grocery, department and specialty stores. Despite its name, New Town is one of Hobart’s oldest areas, but as with most of the prestigious regions of Hobart, the classic homes are mixed with the new.
 * ** Dynnyrne ** enjoys stunning views of the DerwentRiver. This suburb shares many characteristics with its prestigious tree-lined neighbour, SandyBay – beaches, luxury homes, a sailing club, a university campus, and close proximity to the CBD. Dynnyrne is A-list Tasmania.
 * ** Taroona ** is an Aboriginal word meaning “Seashell”. The seaside suburb adjoins SandyBay to the south, and is bordered by the Truganini Reserve – an area criss-crossed by walking tracks leading an historic hill-top shot tower. Taroona is privy to panoramic views of the Derwent Estuary and is serviced by Taroona Primary and TaroonaHigh school.
 * **<span style="color: #252626; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Mount Nelson ** sits above picturesque SandyBay and The University of Tasmania. This esteemed residential suburb, affectionately known as “The Mountain”, provides panoramic views of the Derwent estuary and surrounding bushland. With the CBD just down the hill, MountNelson is perfect for those looking for a quiet area with a contemplative outlook as well as easy access to schools and facilities.
 * ** Tolmans Hill ** features prominently on the skyline of Hobart. This new residential development is bordered by native bushland and offers good views of the river and Hobart area as well as direct access to the university, CBD and various schools.
 * ** Glebe **, one of Hobart’s smaller suburbs, lies adjacent to the city in the same area as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. As such, Glebe is an intimate suburb boasting a green aspect and easy CBD access.

Charming character homes on the market
<span style="color: #6e6e6e; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline;"> APRIL 26, 2013 10:52AM <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;">

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">THE stuff of picture books, chocolate boxes and movies, character homes are full of family charm - and Adelaide has plenty of them.


 * The leafy eastern suburbs are particularly known for their character offerings but, if you love heritage style, there are plenty to choose from all around town and at very different price points if you know where to look.
 * Messenger Property Writers KASIA OZOG and ELEANOR MILLER sourced these charming homes on the market, ranging from a refurbished cottage in Gawler to a villa in Dulwich with perfect presentation.

NORTH
<span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Gawler East**, 32 Lyndoch Rd <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> **Gawler South,** 18 Twelfth St <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Salisbury**, 158 Salisbury Highway <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Sandy Creek,** 250 Pimpala Rd <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">4 beds, 2 baths, 4 cars <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Agent: Darren Pratt of LJ Hooker - Gawler on 0428 881 406 <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Set on 4.86ha, on the top of a hill overlooking tree tops, this 1895 return-veranda villa has been well maintained and has 360 degree views. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Features include polished timber floors, high ceilings, a timber kitchen and horse stables. <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">
 * 4 beds, 2 baths, 2 cars
 * Agent: Peter Souter of Ray White Gawler on 0404 046 710
 * Built circa 1918, this home has a landscaped yard with rose bushes, leafy trees and red brick edging.
 * Features include high ceilings, a wide hallway, polished timber flooors, a hall archway and modern kitchen. The house is set on a 1430sq m block.
 * 3 beds, 1 bath
 * Agent: Brendan Howard of LJ Hooker - Gawler on 0416 054 731
 * Recently refurbished, this bullnose veranda property is set on an 188sq m corner allotment.
 * It has high ceilings, ornate cornices and ceiling roses as well as a wood stove (plus electric oven) and floating timber floors. The established gardens include fruit trees.
 * No price listed
 * 3 beds, 1 baths
 * Agent: Mike Lao of Ray White - Elizabeth on 0410 390 250
 * Sitting on 1827sq m, this 1915-built homestead is in the heart of Salisbury. It is made of brick and stone and is in need of some restoration and repairs.

SOUTH
<span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small; vertical-align: baseline;"> **Flagstaff Hill**, 15 Glendale Ave <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">4bed 2bath 4car Agent: Scott Torney, of Harcourts Aberfoyle Park, on 0416 005 531 This property features a generous floorplan of more than 400sq m of living space comprising four bedrooms and a traditional den or home office. <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**McLaren Vale**, 187 Tatachilla Rd <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Old Noarlunga**, 4 Patapinda Rd 3bed 1bath 1car Agent: Ainsley Cahoon, of Timms Real Estate - Christies Beach/ Somerton Park, on 0404 798 658 A character home built circa 1900 with ambience and warmth created by the current owners, who have lovingly renovated it throughout. <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Willunga**, Lot 7 Coombe Rd
 * 3bed 1bath 6car
 * Agent: Mike Cross, of Southgate Real Estate McLaren Vale, on 0438 323 933
 * Sitting on 1.477ha of land is this original and historic bungalow built circa 1932 has all the character of yesteryear including ornate ceilings, polished floorboards and a cellar.
 * 6bed 2bath 2car
 * Agent: Jurgen Ollwitz, of Ollwitz & Partners Real Estate Willunga, on 0408 083 107
 * A solid stone two-storey house with wide verandas, high ceilings and use of solid timber doors and fittings to further enhance the character.

EAST
<span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small; vertical-align: baseline;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dulwich **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, 14 Albert St <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Kensington Gardens**, 20 South Tce <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">St Peters **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, 80 First Ave <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Millswood**, 8 Arundel Ave
 * 4 beds, 2 baths, 4 cars
 * Agent: Stephanie Williams of Harcourts - Brock Williams on 0413 874 888
 * A Queen Ann return sandstone villa, this home was built circa 1900 and is ready to move into and enjoy. It has both formal and casual living areas, high ceilings, and pretty gardens.
 * No price listed
 * 4 beds, 2 baths, 2 cars
 * Agent: Richard Thwaites of LJ Hooker - Kensington on 0418 820 545
 * Set opposite Kensington Gardens Reserve, this home has 10 main rooms and 2000sq m of private gardens, all on a corner location.
 * It has a modern kitchen and family room overlooking a pool and pergola.
 * 4 beds, 2 baths, 1 cars
 * Agents: Judy Morris and Penny Riggs of Klemich Real Estate on 0418 816 901 or 0439 669 965
 * This renovated villa of eight main rooms has front and rear access.
 * Features include a bay window sitting room, high ceilings, polished floors, open fireplaces, hallway arch, leadlight glass, picture rails and a cellar.
 * 4 beds, 2 baths, 4 cars
 * Agent: David Cocks of Cocks Auld Real Estate on 0418 812 181
 * Superbly renovated, this 1920's sandstone family home is on 975sqm (approx) with fabulous north facing extensions, a separate studio and pool

WEST
<span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small; vertical-align: baseline;"> **Glandore**, 23 Churchill Ave <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> 4bed 2bath 2car <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Agent: Craig Smith, of Gary J Smith We're Home Plympton, on 0417 979 694 <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> This character home blends tastefully renovated art deco and a modern extension that matches the architectural style of the original home. <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Glenelg East,** 101 Augusta St <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Thebarton**, 44 Kintore St <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">3bed 1bath 8car <span style="color: #292929; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">**Glenelg North**, 60 MacFarlane St
 * 3bed 3bath 2car
 * Agent: Richard Wedding, of Harcourts Glenelg, on 0418 351 007
 * Something a little bit different, this two-storey character bungalow has all the character and charm of yesteryear with the added benefits of a modern upstairs extension.
 * Agent: Peter Kiritsis, of Ray White Woodville, on 0411 501 520
 * This character bungalow has been restored and updated throughout and has a large garage/workshop.
 * 3bed 2bath 2car
 * Agent: John Christo, of LJ Hooker Glenelg, on 0417 800 018
 * The perfect combination of a character bungalow (built circa 1925 with modern touches) and the location.
 * This property offers a beachside lifestyle

=7. Heritage homes back in demand for Perth homebuyers=

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CHARACTER homes are continuing to demand big premiums from Perth buyers, despite a slowdown in the rest of the market. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Brookwood’s Patrick Harper said while he had seen a cooling in the wider premium market, unique character homes were in demand. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">“Quality brick or stone homes from the 1900s always get particularly strong interest. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">
 * [[image:https://i1.wp.com/pixel.tcog.cp1.news.com.au/track/component/article/68386d978ffbc6f39229ee322ebf58bf?esi=true&t_template=s3/chronicle-tg_tlc_storyheader/index&t_product=PerthNow&td_device=desktop]]ANNABEL HENNESSY, PerthNow, May 28, 2015 5:24pm[[image:https://i1.wp.com/pixel.tcog.cp1.news.com.au/track/component/article/68386d978ffbc6f39229ee322ebf58bf?esi=true&t_template=s3/chronicle-tg_tlc_storymeta/index&t_product=PerthNow&td_device=desktop link="@http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/heritage-homes-back-in-demand-for-perth-homebuyers/news-story/68386d978ffbc6f39229ee322ebf58bf"]]
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[[image:http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/ccd730135c463bdb479606aaf14e67bf?width=650 width="338" height="256" align="right" caption="Perth. 16-room Federation, two-storey home. > Sold: January 2015. $2.25m "]]From 1900s Victorian brick homes to classic weatherboard cottages, heritage homes are transfixing Perth buyers.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While the average house sits on the market for 77 days — the longest in the country — houses with quality character features are continuing to outperform, estate agents say.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“I’m often surprised by the range of buyers a character home will attract. Both young families and older couples will be interested and you can’t necessarily pick the typical buyer,” Mr Harper said.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And homes that are in good condition and have been renovated tend to attract a premium.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, there are also those that are a bit more knowledgeable who want to pay less for something they can renovate themselves.”

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Heron Todd White director Brendon Ptolomey said it was an “unusual quirk” of the Perth market that character homes continued to sell well in market downturns.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">“A heritage listing is something you consider when conducting a valuation,” Mr Ptolomey said. “However, that’s not to say a home being listed will magically add a premium to a home. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Mr Ptolomey said buyers should check what grading a home’s listing was before purchasing to ensure they knew what could be done. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">“There’s a widely held mistaken belief that if a home has a heritage listing you cannot change the light bulbs. However, that’s really not the case and, in fact, you can often do multiple extensions and renovations to a listed home, provided you work within the guidelines.”
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Generally, if the home is in good condition and has been well maintained, a heritage listing will add to the appeal. However, if buyers feel they have to do a lot of work, the listing may concern them.”
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heritage Perth executive director Richard Offen said there was a misconception that a heritage listing devalued a home.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Numerous studies, including those conducted on homes in Shenton Park and Mount Lawley, show that a heritage listing will add value the majority of the time or, at worst, have a neutral effect,” Mr Offen said.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em;">**Perth’s best-kept-secret neighbourhoods**

Nov 4, 2015 [|Maya Anderson] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Buying or renting in Perth and want to live somewhere a little special? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Here are some of Perth’s hidden gems – suburbs so lovely the locals never want to leave.

Plympton Ward precinct, East Fremantle
<span style="color: #515b6d; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tucked away beyond bustling Canning Highway, the Plympton Ward precinct around George Street is one that many Perthites drive past for years but never know is there. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The area is made up predominantly of 19th-century houses – the construction of the Plympton Ward precinct began in 1897 – with small lots and small houses – most only two bedrooms – that linked architecturally and socially to the gold rush and the development of Fremantle’s inner harbour.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You could almost be stepping back in time when you stroll down historic George Street.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now these little houses, many extended out the back, are highly desirable real estate. George Street locals love the area because of the strong community, family friendly feel and riverside location.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have kids? Every Friday after school, the local playground is where it’s at – neighbourhood parents grab a pizza from down the road, a bottle of wine from the Young George bottleshop across the road, and socialise while watching the kids play.

West Leederville
If Leederville is the brash, bold, popular older sister, **West Leederville** is her quiet, bookish, but just as charming sweet younger sister.
 * While West Leederville is often overlooked in favour of Leederville, it has many dedicated fans who praise it for its close proximity to the city, attractive heritage streetscapes and assortment of trendy cafes such as Hylin and Piccolo’s Corner.
 * It is most popular with professional couples, singles and small families.

​Menora​
Driving along on busy Walcott Street, it’s easy to whiz straight past **Menora** – not as easy to discover it. > >
 * Yet the locals like it that way. A small, quiet pocket of Perth tucked away alongside the more prominent suburbs of **Mount Lawley, Inglewood and North Perth**, **Menora** was an offshoot of Mount Lawley, given its name in 1954 in honour of an old theatre of the same name that was located within its borders.
 * The area’s large Jewish community also gave support for the name due to the significance of the menorah to them, and today Menora is home to one of Perth’s largest Jewish communities, making up 7.2 per cent of the population.
 * The houses are older, romantic character abodes, many gracious art deco residences from the 1930s mixed in with Californian bungalow, inter-war functional and Spanish Mission architecture.
 * Heritage protection in the area means very little development, renovation projects with good bones and lots of potential still there to be snapped up

South Fremantle
Its premier real estate is now hugely in demand, so it is hard to imagine that 30 to 40 years ago South Fremantle was thought of as something of a <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> less-than-desirable area.
 * Quieter than the cappuccino strip of Fremantle and with treed streets with small low-maintenance blocks, South Fremantle is loved by locals, who enjoy being moments from beautiful South Beach, public transport and popular dining options, including Manna Wholefoods, Ootong & Lincoln and Missy Moo’s.
 * Properties include renovated terrace houses as well as workers cottages, character houses and more modern dwellings.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">Gooseberry Hill
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Get away to the Perth hills in gorgeous Gooseberry Hill, half an hour east of Perth, nestled at the western base of the Darling Range. > >
 * Locals love the large blocks, the feeling of tranquillity, the views across to Perth city in the distance and the close-knit community.
 * Features include the Rose Garden in the grounds of the old Archbishop’s House, the Zig Zag scenic drive, historic village, arts and crafts galleries, wineries and patisseries such as Le Croissant du Moulin.
 * Most of its locals are older couples and families.