Unley SA Property Investment

Unley has compounded at 5.2%/yr over 5 years — a house that cost $1,296,874 in 2021 is worth $1,671,000 today. Properties are sitting on market for 22 days (sellers have the leverage). At the same growth rate, today's median reaches $2,153,055 by 2031.

• Median house: $1,671,000 | Units: $841,402
• Gross yield: 2.4% | Net yield: 0.9%
• 5yr price CAGR: 5.2%/yr | 3yr forecast: 13.5%/yr
• Population: 3,997 | Owner-occupier rate: 70% | Affluence: Very High

• Supply pipeline: Low — Price growth outpacing new supply, limited development pipeline

• Vacancy: 0.7% (improving) | Rental demand: Very High
• Median weekly rent: $770/wk | Days on market: 22 (improving)
• Landlord market — rents likely to keep rising.

• Median nightly rate: $458/night | Occupancy: 42%
• Estimated annual STR gross: ~$70,270/yr
• vs long-term rent: $40,040/yr (+75% STR premium — factor in higher management costs)

• North South Corridor (South Australia) (Under Construction)
• Adelaide Metro Train Services Franchise (Under Delivery)
• Transport: Wayville (Stop 2) station 0.6km away

If Unley maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 0.8%, median prices could reach $1,921,650 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.

A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Unley pull back 10-15% from $1,671,000, with vacancy rising to 1.3% and rental yields softening as tenants gain leverage.

• Bushfire risk: HIGH (planning_overlay) — confirm BAL rating and any bushfire overlay obligations for the property

• Mitchell Park (SA): $1,170,500 median, 2.9% yield, 12.5% 1yr growth
• Croydon (SA): $1,560,000 median, 2.0% yield, 5.8% 1yr growth
• West Croydon (SA): $1,290,000 median, 2.6% yield, 15.1% 1yr growth

Unley presents a compelling investment opportunity. The combination of solid fundamentals and very high rental demand supports entry at current price levels. Proceed with due diligence on specific properties. Target gross yields above 2.4% and prioritise properties with value-add potential. Consider timing entry around the current stable phase of the market cycle.

• Entry range: $1,503,900 – $1,838,100
• Minimum gross yield to target: 4.5%
• Watch signal: vacancy staying below 2% and days on market holding under 35

This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.