Kelburn
Wealthy owners mix with students, walking distance to the city
Overview
On the edge of the city and with Victoria University at its epicenter, Kelburn is one of Wellington’s most sought-after suburbs. The wealthy occupy the grandest villas with views over the city and harbour, while students and young professionals often live in rundown houses that have been converted into flats. Kelburn village provides an excellent local hub and there are plenty of outdoor amenities on the doorstep. The city centre is a short distance to the east
Best Suited To
Well-off couples and families wanting to be close to the city. Victoria University students.
Population Profile
Surprisingly, for what is considered one of Wellington’s most sought after and most expensive suburbs, Kelburn has the lowest median age at just 26 years. This is of course directly linked to Victoria University’s presence here. The university plays a role in ensuring that there are a number of highly educated, middle aged and older people living in the area too.
There is a mixture of very high cost housing together with a good amount of student accommodation that is generally less well presented, but handy enough to draw plenty of tenant interest. Locals are perhaps the most educated in Wellington, with census statistics showing that over 98% have a formal qualification
Typical Homes
Kelburn housing typically dates from 1890 to 1930. Homes with views of the harbour and city tend to be the grandest, the vast majority of these renovated but retaining their original character styling. In less preferred streets, often where there is no outlook or sites are shaded, you find unrenovated, multi-flat dwellings, usually rented to young professionals or students. It is quite rare to find modern homes in Kelburn, although a few exist where a dilapidated house has been pulled down, or a large site has been subdivided.
Amenities
Kelburn shopping area on Upland Road is typically ‘village like’, with an eclectic grouping of mostly older, character buildings providing a good mix of amenities including a superette, pub, chemist, butcher, baker, delicatessen and gift shop. The central city is just five minutes’ drive from the village.
Kelburn Normal School is the only primary school located in the suburb, set just west of the shopping area. Secondary schools are located in the central city and include Wellington Girls College (girls), Wellington High School (mixed) or Wellington College (boys).
Underpinning its desirability, Kelburn is lucky to have a number of attractive leisure activities on its doorstep. Wellington’s Botanic Gardens are located on Kelburn’s northern edge, where you can easily lose yourself on the multitude of walkways that amble downhill to the city. The iconic cable car allows easy access into the city and is very popular, used by locals, tourists and Victoria University students.
The university campus has a number of attractive green spaces around its perimeter including the historic Mount Street cemetery, with wide views over the central city and harbour.
Carter Observatory is set within the Botanical Gardens and is open to the public for tours and lectures on astronomy and the night sky.
Real Estate Trends
Kelburn is one of Wellington’s most desirable, and therefore most expensive suburbs. Detached houses commence from about the $800,000 mark, but this will get you only a very modest bungalow or villa on a secondary street, likely to need full restoration. Those seeking greater comfort and space on a sought-after street, should be prepared to spend over $1.2 million. Large character homes with views of the city and harbour can easily fetch $2 million. Executive homes at the top end of the market, with five bedrooms, three or more bathrooms, wide views and spacious outdoor areas, will likely attract offers of $2.5 million to $4 million
Best Streets
Central Terrace, Rawhiti Terrace and the eastern side of Upland Road are keenly sought after for their proximity to the university and views over the city. Rimu Road, Glen Road and Ngaio Road are placed in a very desirable enclave known as “The Glen”, a sheltered but sunny, north-facing valley that adjoins the Botanical Gardens.
House Prices
Small flat or unit, attached to others, from $300,000.
Modest villa or bungalow, furthest from the university, from $850,000.
Family-sized home from $1.2 million.
Executive home, five or more bedrooms, city/harbour views, from $1.9 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 5 minutes non-peak, up to 20 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, 25 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 15 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Those properties on the hilltops get the best sun and views, but you should be prepared for plenty of wind! The Glen is known for its abundant sunlight and sheltered position. Homes on south facing sites including parts of Kelburn Parade, can suffer from a lack of sunlight, particularly in winter.