Melrose
Affordable character homes on the hill, many with water views
Overview
Set on steep, east facing land between the larger centres of Newtown and Kilbirnie, affordable character bungalows clinging to the hillsides are the mainstay of Melrose. The steep contour is rewarded with panoramic views over Lyall Bay and Kilbirnie. Melrose lacks services of its own but is handily placed, bordering the larger centre of Kilbirnie. It’s an easy walk down but a vigorous walk there and back. The zoo is nearby too.
Best Suited To
Fit couples or families, those wanting character housing with views.
Population Profile
Those in their thirties and forties dominate here, and there are an above average number of pre-schoolers, indicating that the area is popular among young families. European ethnicity (84%) stands out, the area being significantly less diverse than nearby Kilbirnie.
Many Melrose streets are carved into the surrounding hillsides. Houses can be set either above or below the road, often necessitating a walk-up or walk-down to the entry point. This type of topography can deter those a little older or not so able bodied.
Typical of an established family area, Melrose has a below average number of tertiary age and young professionals, these age groups tending to congregate closer to central Wellington.
Typical Homes
Bungalows from the 1920s and 1930s are dominant here. Many homes are set into the hillside, necessitating a basement level with the main living areas above. Opportunities still exist in Melrose to purchase an older dwelling that requires renovation. These are keenly sought after by first home buyers when they hit the market.
There are modern homes here too, often set on sites which have been subdivided off once-larger allotments. Modern housing is most prevalent at the top of Lerwick Terrace, where a group of hilltop homes enjoy panoramic views over Lyall Bay.
Amenities
There are no shopping services within Melrose. The suburb borders Kilbirnie, where a full range of services are available.
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There are no schools in Melrose. The nearest primary schools are Lyall Bay School and Houghton Valley School. The nearest secondary schools are Rongotai College (boys), St Patrick’s (boys) and St Catherine’s (girls).
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Melrose adjoins the Wellington Town Belt, an area of green space sectioned off in the 1800s for recreational activity. Melrose Park, forming part of the Town Belt, is situated at the end of Sutherland Crescent and provides sunny, level playing fields, changing rooms, toilets and a children’s playground.
The Southern Walkway extends through the park, rising to Mt Albert where you get stupendous views over all Wellington. Wellington Zoo is nearby too. Residents in Sutherland Crescent are often treated to the sounds (and possibly smells) of zoo animals
Real Estate Trends
Typical three bedroom bungalows set on hillside sites, often with views over Lyall Bay or Kilbirnie, sell in the $900,000 to $1.3 million range. Where they sell in this range is dependent on their condition and the extent of views available.
Small cottages which are very run down or which have difficult access can be picked up for closer to $750,000 – if you’re lucky enough to win the bidding war.
Larger homes, four bedrooms or more, renovated and with attractive views, tend to attract prices of $1.2 million to $1.5 million. The highest sale recorded here in the last 12 months was $1.4 million for a four bedroom, 1990s home with garaging and a panoramic view over Lyall Bay.
Best Streets
Anywhere with a water view will be popular here. The area does not get significant traffic, so even on through roads to neighbouring suburbs, traffic levels are generally quite light.
House Prices
Small cottage needing work, walk-on access, from $750,000.
Three bedroom bungalow, partly renovated, some views, from $950,000.
Renovated bungalow, good character intact, wide water views, from $1.2 million
Large executive standard home, unrestricted views, from $1.4 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 10 minutes non-peak, up to 30 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, 10 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 25 minutes non-peak.
Weather
The west and north facing streets above Wellington Zoo (i.e. Sutherland Crescent) get the best sun. However, they also get the vigorous Wellington northerly. Homes facing south over Lyall Bay are sheltered from northerly winds but will bear the brunt of an occasional southerly storm.