Lots of tree-lined streets with consistent heritage architect – effectively neighbouring the CBD – with the Yarra River in between – it is easy to understand why South Melbourne is a highly desirable and expensive suburb (median house price 2022 – $1.58m*).
The housing stock is however quite diverse with mid and high-rise apartment towers becoming more common, albeit in former commercial localities where they generally aren’t impacting the existing residential heritage dwellings. There is a 31 level 1960s Housing Commission tower on Park Street.
Incredibly convenient lifestyle with good access to the CBD (tram, light rail or possibly walk), the beach, St Vincent Gardens (Albert Park) and walking distance to the Botanical Gardens and tan track, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC), Albert Park and the lake.
There is no excuse for not eating and drinking well in South Melbourne. South Melbourne Market is arguably the best food market in Melbourne and still reasonably priced (I am there nearly every week) and nearby are Woolworths, Aldi and Coles supermarkets.
Lots of very good and diverse cafes, restaurants, pubs and takeaway options – particularly on the main shopping strip – Clarendon Street and the streets running off it for example Coventry and Bank Streets. Neighbouring Albert Park also offers high quality cafes, restaurants and other dining options.
Some of the best addresses to buy a property in South Melbourne, in my opinion, include the group of streets on the “Albert Park side of Ferrars St/Canterbury Rd (for example Nelson Road, Iffla Street) where you are effectively living in Albert Park but with a South Melbourne post code.
Howe Crescent, overlooking Howe Crescent Reserve, is another good option which has beautiful grand Victorian houses and Victorian churches which have been converted to residential.
* Note that the primary type of house in South Melbourne is a single fronted terrace on a circa 200 sqm block.
Last update: 11 Feb 2023
