With its buzzing café strips and easy accessibility to the city centre, it is little wonder why Adelaide's Eastern Suburbs property market is booming.
Long regarded for its beautiful tree-lined wide streets, bluestone cottages, and sandstone villas, its chic and convenient lifestyle is now proving a huge drawcard for buyers.
Adding to the appeal are some of South Australia's top-performing schools, while it also boasts some of the finest restaurants and shopping precincts to be found in Adelaide. It is easy to see why this glamorous part of the 'City of Churches' is also one of its most tightly held.
Locally it is a market that appeals to middle-to-high income earners looking for easy access into the city as well as easy access to the fabulous wineries and restaurants in the Adelaide Hills.
Nick Ploubidis, principal and auctioneer for LJ Hooker Kensington and Unley, said while there has always been a high demand for homes in the city's east, an influx of interstate buyers moving from Sydney and Melbourne since the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in strong price growth.
In highly desirable areas such as Norwood, located within walking distance of the CBD, it is not uncommon to see as many as 50 people register for auctions.
The Adelaide Eastern Suburbs have it all
"We are now seeing families who have established themselves on the eastern seaboard coming back because they can work from home. This has pushed up prices," Mr Ploubidis said. "Whenever a property comes up in Adelaide's Eastern Suburbs, the competition is fierce. There are high prices at auction, and days on market have been reduced."
With the area known for its stunning character homes, new development is emerging in some pockets of the east. Dated 1960s style homes on blocks larger than 600sqm are being snapped up for subdivision, while 1,000sqm blocks or larger are fetching a premium.
"You don't need to travel into the CBD because everything you need is right here in the east," said Mr Ploubidis, a previous winner of LJ Hooker's Franchise Owner of the Year." We also have The Norwood Parade and King William Road offering fantastic shopping and really cool bars and restaurants, plus several other emerging boutique strips. There is always something new to discover."
If you are thinking about buying a new home or investing in the Adelaide Eastern Suburbs, we've compiled a list to help you get an insight into this popular market.
Norwood
If you love being central to everything, then this cosmopolitan hub is your destination. Think cafes, pubs, restaurants, movies and amazing fashion boutiques all located within The Norwood Parade. This popular inner-east suburb, situated 3.4km to the city centre, offers an eclectic mix of housing catering for a range of buyers: sleek contemporary homes, delightful bluestone cottages and new building projects.
Norwood's proximity to some of Adelaide's most prestigious schools adds to its appeal to families. The median house price is $952,500, while apartments are fetching $550,000.
Kensington, Kensington Gardens and Kensington Park
Perfect for those who like to be close to the action, Kensington also caters for anyone craving a little relaxation. Its quiet streets and character-filled bungalows are within walking distance of bustling The Parade, but also surrounded by tranquil parks and playgrounds. Zoned for the highly sought-after Marryatville High School and Pembroke School, this is a popular spot for families and young professionals.
The historic Rising Sun Inn hotel and the popular Kensi Hotel are hidden backstreet gems nestled in these suburbs.
Expect to pay from $770,000 for a house, while the median unit price is about $578,000. Prepare to be quick - there are few listings, and most don't spend a lot of time on the market.
Unley
If you're lucky enough to buy into this cosmopolitan hub, then you will never want to move again. A favourite spot within Adelaide's Eastern Suburbs, Unley offers classic Edwardian stone-fronted residences set on sprawling, leafy blocks. The sandstone villa defines Unley. It is just moments from the vibrant King William Road shopping and café district. This enviable location is also a mere five-minute drive to the CBD.
Unley Road has recently become a top destination for foodies and boutique shoppers. New restaurants are popping up quite regularly along this road. Scattered with small parks and new residential developments, living in the Suburb of Unley gives you direct access to King William Road and Unley Road as your shopping and entertainment hubs.
Those within the Glenunga International High School precinct commands a premium. Older style apartments or larger units offer a more affordable entry point into this market but expect to pay around $508,400.
Hyde Park
This affluent hotspot is also amongst Adelaide's most expensive suburbs, where homes can sell for around $3m. Bordering the exclusive King William Road boutique shopping strip, it is a convenient five minute trip into the CBD. Hyde Park is known for tree-lined wide streets and renovated cottages.
Apartments and units offer a more affordable entry point, but these listings are rare and popular with investors. Expect to pay up to $550k for an older style two-bedroom unit.
Parkside
Character abounds through Parklands with its quaint villas and two-bedroom workers cottages. This city fringe suburb, which neighbours Unley, has come into its own during the past year recording substantial growth. Walkthrough the parklands and straight into the CBD. Be sure to order a famous schnitzel at the local Earl of Leicester Hotel or the recently revamped Parkside Hotel.
Parkside's homes range in price from $800,000 to more than $2m. Those zoned for Glenunga International School fetch a premium. There's potential for buyers looking for unrenovated homes in Adelaide's Eastern Suburbs.
Goodwood
This sought after spot has a slight bohemian feel with cool boutiques and some delicious new-age eateries. Goodwood offers something a little different from other parts of the east. Neighbouring the Adelaide Showgrounds and home to the vintage Capri Theatre, there is always something happening in this part of town.
When it comes to property, think of charming stone cottages behind picket fences. The median house price is just under $1m, while units are more affordable with a median of $340,000.
Magill
Browsing through Magill Road’s antique stores has become a favourite weekend past-time in Adelaide's east. One of the city's larger suburbs and with the UniSA Magill Campus, it offers a diversity of housing. It has become a popular spot for investors due to high rental demand and strong yields. A desirable neighbourhood for families is called 'Poet's Corner', renowned for its wide tree-lined streets and period residences. Wine connoisseurs will be familiar with this suburb which borders Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door.
If you are after something more contemporary, you will find it here too with a wave of new construction. Expect to pay around $723,000 for a house and $395,000 for apartments.
Glenside and Glenuga
If you are looking for a top-performing State school - then you will ace the class in this part of Adelaide's eastern suburbs. Living within the catchment area for Glenunga High School drives prices up by as much 20 per cent. Still, such is its reputation that families are happy to pay for it. A new master-planned community on the site of the former Glenside Hospital is nearing completion.
Expect to pay a premium for character bungalows which can achieve as much as $2m. A favourite local haunt is the Burnside Village, with more than 100 speciality stores.
Burnside
One of the city's oldest residential areas, Burnside is just a 20-minute drive from the heart of the Adelaide Hills. It is also less than a 10-minute drive to the scenic Mt Osmond Golf Club overlooking the city.
Popular with established families because of its large block sizes and close proximity to the Burnside Village Shopping Center, some high-end stock is coming onto the market. The current median house price is $890,500 and $388,500 for units.
Mitcham
If you love the outdoors, then this could be your haven. Its famous Brownhill Recreation Park is a favourite escape for Adelaideans, offering bushwalking, mountain biking and horse riding. Popular with older families, it is just a two-minute drive to the prestigious Scotch College. An older suburb on Adelaide's foothills, this location is popular for families looking for character and mid-century homes on big blocks.
‘The Ed’ or Edinburgh Hotel and Cellars is a popular gastro pub located in the backstreets of Mitcham. The cellars here stock hard to find wine and spirits. The beer garden and restaurant here is a great Sunday hangout for families and friends.
Expect to pay around $837,500 for a house, while two-bedroom units are priced around $345,000.
Be spoilt for choice and value when it comes to housing in Adelaide's Eastern Suburbs. Comparatively more affordable than other capital cities, its eclectic demographic and vibrant lifestyle makes it an interesting market to watch.
