Mornington
Well priced character homes, just south of the city
Overview
Often overlooked, Mornington is close to the central city and has a good number of character homes at prices that won’t make your eyes water. The area is mostly east-facing hillside with limited flat land, but sections can be a generous size. The easterly aspect means less afternoon sunlight than other neighbouring suburbs. However, this help to keep prices down. The area is popular amongst first home buyers looking to get on the property ladder, in a location not too distant from the central city.
Best Suited To
​First home buyers wanting to remain close to the city. Gardeners wanting extra outdoor space.
Population Profile
Mornington locals are predominantly of European ethnicity but with a good mix of other cultures. Housing here is cheaper than in nearby Mt Cook and Brooklyn, and this ensures that those on tighter budgets, including young first home buyers, see it as a viable base. The area is also attractive to young renters, because of its proximity to the city. To balance things out, there are older residents here, those that have lived in the area most of their lives.
Typical Homes
Californian Bungalows erected in the 1920s are the dominant property style here. The area is hilly and undulating, and sites can be quite steep. But sites can also be quite large in comparison to alternative, near-city locations, and it therefore suits those who want a bit more outdoor space.
Mornington is set on east-facing hillside and homes are often set slightly above or below road level. This can mean a walk up or down to the house entry point. Interspersed between the bungalows are weatherboard dwellings from the 1950s and 1960s.
Modern, infill townhouses have been developed , often on sites that were subdivided off once larger allotments.
Amenities
There are no shopping services in Mornington. There is a small convenience store in nearby Vogeltown. Most locals will shop in Brooklyn, Newtown, Island Bay, or in the central city.
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Ridgeway School is situated on the corner of The Ridgeway and Mornington Road, catering for girls and boys in years 1 to 8. The nearest high schools are Wellington High School (mixed), Wellington College (boys), or Wellington East Girls College (girls).
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MacAllister Park provides a large, level grass area on the eastern fringe of the suburb. The park is used for cricket and touch rugby tournaments at various times of the year. The City to Sea Walkway passes through MacAllister Park on its way south toward the coast. Vogelmorn Park is located alongside Ridgeway School, providing a level grass surface for outdoor games. There is also a grass park and play area in Krull Street.
Real Estate Trends
Mornington is a small suburb, and hence there are never many sales here. The highest recorded sale in the last 12 months was $1.55 million for a five bedroom, two bathroom renovated villa, located close to Ridgeway School. Most bungalows will sell in the $850,000 to $1.2 million price range. Above this level buyers will often look in the more preferred localities of Brooklyn, Mt Cook, or Island Bay.
Mornington values have risen steadily over the years, thanks in part to an influx of first home buyers who have been priced out of preferred localities like Brooklyn and Mt Cook.
Best Streets
The Ridgeway gets all day sun, homes have easy access from the street, and it’s on the bus route to the central city.
House Prices
Three bedroom bungalow, partly renovated, walk up or down from $800,000
Renovated bungalow, good character, from $1 million
Larger character home, from $1.2 million
Travel Times
Central city – driving 5 minutes non-peak, up to 20 minutes peak.
Airport – driving 15 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving 20 minutes non-peak.
Weather
​Much of Mornington is east-facing hillside. Many homes on the lower slopes lose sun from mid-afternoon, particularly in winter. The Ridgeway gets much better sunlight but is more exposed to wind from both the north and south.