Adelaide’s steady housing market continues to perform strongly, with many suburbs experiencing huge growth in recent years.
When I decided to research this topic, naturally I thought Adelaide’s beachside suburbs of Glenelg and Henley Beach, or easterly blue-chip suburbs like Unley or Burnside would top the list of biggest growth suburbs in South Australia’s capital city – but that isn’t quite the case.
Using the latest State Government data, I’ve listed to top 10 Adelaide growth suburbs you should consider buying in.
Port Adelaide
2018 Q1 Median: $275,100 Sales: 4
2019 Q1 Median: $590,000 Sales: 5
Growth: 114.47%
Council area: Port Adelaide Enfield
Locality: Inner North West
When I saw Port Adelaide at the top of the list of growth suburbs in Adelaide, I could hardly believe my eyes.
Considered by some as one of Adelaide’s rougher suburbs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of stereotyping the area.
However, things are brewing in the Port, and the housing prices in the area are responding favourably as a result.
According to the SA Department for Environment, “Port Adelaide is South Australia’s first state heritage area and contains South Australia’s most substantial and continuous group of colonial buildings, many of which were directly associated with Port Adelaide’s function as the state’s major port”.
Similarly, in June 2019, Renewal SA released a 12-hectare pocket on land for development in Port Adelaide, at the corner of the Port River Expressway and Perkins Drive, called “Port Approach North” that will bring an additional 1500 homes into the region.
Well-positioned in Adelaide’s inner north west, with excellent access both to the north and south of the city via South Road and the Northern Connector/Northern Expressway link, it is with good reason that buyers are showing great interest in Port Adelaide.
Leabrook
2018 Q1 Median: $920,050 Sales: 2
2019 Q1 Median: $1,951,000 Sales: 3
Growth: 112.05%
Council area: Burnside
Locality: Inner East
Situated adjacent the blue-chip Adelaide suburb of Kensington, it’s no surprise Leabrook has more than doubled its median house price over the past 12 months.
A short 10-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, Leabrook is ideally situated a stone’s throw from a Woolworths and Foodland shopping centres, and just up the road from Burnside Hospital.
Similarly, the popular Marryatville Primary and High Schools are right around the corner, as is Mary MacKillop College.
In terms of dining, the classy Kensington Hotel is only a few streets over, while the Marryatville Hotel is even closer.
However, the biggest drawcard is Leabrook’s proximity to the iconic Norwood Parade shopping strip, which has an abundance of high-quality eateries, shopping facilities and pubs, plus a movie cinema for families.
People who invested in property in Leabrook at the beginning of 2018 will be very pleased indeed.
Auldana
2018 Q1 Median: $1,200,000 Sales: 5
2019 Q1 Median: 2,460,000 Sales: 1
Growth: 105%
Council area: Burnside
Locality: Inner East
When thinking of Adelaide’s ritziest suburbs, I must admit Auldana did not spring to mind – in fact, despite living in Adelaide for the best part of 10 years, I’d never even heard of it until I started my research for this article.
Maybe I’ve been unaware of it because it’s so far out of my price range…
According to the latest data, the median cost of housing has doubled to a staggering $2.46 million.
Based at the foot of the Adelaide Hills near Adelaide’s eastern entrance, Auldana really is the best of the country in the city, taking in the scenic Penfold Park.
In fact, it’s plonked right in the middle of some wonderful wineries, including Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door and Skye Cellars.
The University of South Australia’s Magill Campus is only a couple of minutes up the road, while Adelaide’s CBD is only a short 15-minutes by car also, making this one of Adelaide’s most enviable and best kept secret suburbs.
Kings Park
2018 Q1 Median: $769,500 Sales: 4
2019 Q1 Median: $1,537,500 Sales: 2
Growth: 99.81%
Council area: Unley
Locality: Inner South
With its median house price jumping up almost 100 per cent over the past year, Adelaide’s small southern suburb of Kings Park has quickly climbed to become some of the city’s hottest real estate.
Its access to public transport is one of the biggest drawcards – located within only a few minutes from either Unley Park or Millswood railway stations – while there are bus stops positioned right the way along the nearby Goodwood Road, which heads directly into Adelaide’s CBD.
Westbourne Park Primary School and Cabra Dominican College are the two main schools found close to the suburb, while there is a Big W located nearby that makes shopping easy and convenient for those living in the area.
Adelaide Vet is also only a short drive up Goodwood Road, adding some extra peace of mind for pet owners, while families can enjoy some regular weekend fun at the Zone Bowling centre at the Cross Road intersection.
Kingswood
2018 Q1 Median: $798,000 Sales: 6
2019 Q1 Median: $1,418,000 Sales: 6
Growth: 77.69%
Council area: Mitcham
Locality: Inner South
Not to be mistaken for the popular Australian rock band, Kingswood is another big market mover when it comes to Adelaide real estate.
Mixed with period and 1950s and ‘60s style homes, and with wide, tree-lined streets, the suburb’s amenity is excellent and exudes warmth.
Situated close to the prestigious Scotch College, other schools within a short commute for Kingswood residents include Mitcham Primary School, Mitcham Girls High School, and Unley High School.
For public transport, Mitcham Railway Station is right on the edge of Kingswood’s boundary, perfect for those wishing to commute into Adelaide’s CBD, while other key services such as Mitcham Memorial Library and Mitcham Shopping Centre add to the liveability of the area.
If you’re looking for a good meal, the Torrens Arms Hotel is just the place, and if you’re wanting to check out the latest movies then Mitcham Cinema will do just fine.
Kyre Avenue, which traverses right through the middle of Kingswood, has been described as one of the “loveliest streets in Adelaide”.
Mount Osmond
2018 Q1 Median: $707,500 Sales: 2
2019 Q1 Median: $1,250,000 Sales: 4
Growth: 76.68%
Council area: Burnside
Locality: South East
If you’re after scenic views, walking trails and peace and quiet, this blue-chip suburb in Adelaide’s south east, at the base of the Adelaide Hills, is the place to be – if you can afford it, of course.
There are some absolutely breathtaking tracks throughout Mount Osmond for those who love getting outdoors, while for keen golfers the Mount Osmond Golf Club is top class, affordable and close by.
According to southaustralia.com, Mount Osmond ranks number eight on the list of best locations in South Australia to enjoy watching the sunset.
“Cart your deck chairs, thermos and picnic blanket out onto these lush green hills and watch the curtain drop. Treat your eyes to the very-best views of Adelaide, just a short drive away from the CBD, and close to world-famous wineries, restaurants and wildlife parks,” the website says.
Similarly, research I conducted also found Mount Osmond the be the safest suburb in Adelaide, with only three crimes being committed there between July 2018 and March 2019.
If you’re after a safe, country feel close to the city, this suburb is perfect.
College Park
2018 Q1 Median: $1,383,000 Sales: 5
2019 Q1 Median: $2,255,525 Sales: 2
Growth: 63.09%
Council area: Norwood Payneham & St Peters
Locality: Inner North East
When a suburb’s median house prices rises above $2 million, you know you’re looking at an area in Adelaide that is 100 per cent blue-chip – and College Park is no exception.
Located adjacent North Adelaide, right near the iconic, expansive Botanic Park, this is inner city living at its absolute finest.
Within walking distance to North Terrace – a drawcard few suburbs in Adelaide can boast – people living in College Park also have the luxury of being within a short 15-minute walk to Adelaide Zoo, a short bus ride to Rundle Mall, Adelaide Oval and everything the CBD has to offer.
College Park is also within close proximity to North Adelaide’s lavish Melbourne Street, which is packed full of high-class restaurants and great pubs, such as The Lion Hotel.
I don’t really need to say much more about this suburb, and it’s no wonder the property in the area attracts a hefty price tag.
Alberton
2018 Q1 Median: $492,500 Sales: 8
2019 Q1 Median: $780,000 Sales: 5
Growth: 58.38%
Council area: Port Adelaide Enfield
Locality: Inner North West
Like its neighbouring suburb of Port Adelaide, Alberton – situated only 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD – really is beginning to take off, as reflected by a healthy rise in its median house price.
And to be honest, it’s surprising it has taken this long for buyers to catch-on to the huge potential Alberton has on offer.
It is well-serviced by public transport, with the Outer Harbor railway line dissecting the suburb, and is only a very short, eight-minute car ride to the magnificent Semaphore beach.
Like Port Adelaide, the heritage buildings in Alberton gives it a unique charm that will certainly appeal to many buyers.
Other key features include Alberton Primary School, the wonderful and affordable West Lakes Golf Club, a Goodlife Health 24/7 and a number of shopping centres including Coles and Drakes supermarkets.
And of course, Alberton is home to the Port Adelaide Football Club, which is perfect for both Power fans in the AFL, and Magpies supporters in the SANFL.
Peterhead
2018 Q1 Median: $390,000 Sales: 8
2019 Q1 Median: $612,500 Sales: 4
Growth: 57.05%
Council area: Port Adelaide Enfield
Locality: Inner North West
In terms of affordability for first home buyers, Peterhead is a suburb that is potentially attainable if you can keep your eye on the latest property listings and grab yourself a bargain.
Located further north than Alberton along the Outer Harbor railway line, Peterhead is nestled between the growing beachside suburbs of Exeter, Birkenhead and Semaphore and has endless opportunities.
With excellent public transport, courtesy of the Peterhead Railway Station, residents of Peterhead have the benefit of being only a short five-minute walk to Semaphore beach.
I don’t think too many capital cities in Australia can boast such close proximity to the coast at a median house price under $650,000.
The beachfront at nearby Semaphore is always buzzing during the summer months, with pop-up food trucks, show rides, and ice-creameries making it a paradise for families or couples, while the Glanville Par Three Golf Course is always a fun way to spend a few hours on the weekend.
Le Fevre High is the closest school in the area, and there are a number of great restaurants scattered through the area including The Palais, which also doubles as a great night spot for those looking to party.
Clarence Park
2018 Q1 Median: $662,500 Sales: 8
2019 Q1 Median: $1,020,500 Sales: 4
Growth: 54.04%
Council area: Unley
Locality: Inner South
Another suburb where the median price has climbed above the $1 million mark in 2019.
Situated right new door to Kings Park, which also made this list, it’s no surprise Clarence Park has also experienced a significant jump in house prices.
The suburb has fantastic access to public transport, with the Clarence Park, Emerson, Millswood and Unley Park train stations all within walking distance.
The streets are lined with leafy trees, and many of the homes have that cottage/heritage type feel prevalent in a lot of the blue chip, inner-city suburbs.
In terms of green space, the Dora Gild playground and the C.F. Page Memorial Park are perfect places to spend time outdoors with the kids, or walking your pets.
The Rise & Grind Café on East Avenue is highly rated and a great place to grab a coffee, as is Sublime Café further up the street.
The Clarence Gardens Kindergarten is located only one suburb over, as is Westbourne Park Primary School for those needing to enrol their children in pre-school or primary education.
For entertainment, Zone Bowling on Cross Road is a few minutes’ walk away, while Adelaide’s CBD is a short 10-minute drive and has everything you need in terms of shopping options and leisure activities.
