Hills, heritage and affordable homes: Perth suburb tipped to grow 500 percent

Located in the vibrant City of Armadale, about 31 kilometres south-east of the Perth CBD, Hilbert is a place of parks, hills and a rich heritage set against the backdrop of the Darling Ranges. It has become a magnet for first-home buyers and families looking for a place with a sense of community in which to settle.

Hilbert is named after one of the area’s first families, who were dairy farmers in the late 1800s. It’s come a long way since those early days, and is now one of Armadale’s fastest-growing suburbs.

From 2018 to 2036, Hilbert’s community is expected to grow by 500 per cent, with the suburb particularly appealing to 25 to 49-year-olds. About a quarter of Hilbert residents have a tertiary education and just over a third are born overseas, according to City of Armadale statistics.

Almost 90 per cent of people deciding to move to Hilbert are home buyers, rather than renters, who are keen to make the most of the wide range of residential choices on offer. While three and four-bedroom single-storey homes are popular, smaller two-bedroom double-storey homes are increasingly in demand because of their smaller footprint and reduced land costs.

One residential development attracting attention in Hilbert is Sienna Wood, a joint venture between DevelopmentWA and Stockland. Once completed, it is expected to include about 3800 lots, with a third of those sold already.

It is home to Shipwreck Park, which cost about $4.8 million to build, has a double flying fox, in-ground trampolines and an oversized shipwreck, and attracts families from all over Perth. There’s a dog adventure playground, free fitness classes, outdoor movie nights, regular food trucks and a range of nearby schools for all ages.

In addition, around 39 per cent of Sienna Wood is open space made up of parkland and natural conservation areas. That’s almost four times more than the minimum requirement for new developments.

The community is conveniently located near main roads, including the Tonkin Highway and Armadale Road. Plus, there’s a choice of train stations nearby.

Col Dutton, general manager – WA development for Stockland, says Hilbert stands out because of its location, the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the existing and proposed future amenities. 

“Stockland has had much success in this corridor of Perth and the opportunity to work with DevelopmentWA on this venture – that is specifically aimed at providing affordable and diverse housing – aligns perfectly with the fundamentals of liveability that drive our communities,” Dutton says.

“We spend a lot of time consulting with residents and the local community to be sure that what we create adds value and is what residents truly want. We create our communities to give people the opportunity to thrive no matter what their life stage or lifestyle. Variety is the spice of life, and you can certainly feel that in Sienna Wood.” 

The Hilbert and wider City of Armadale area has a range of entertainment and lifestyle choices to encourage residents to meet, mingle and make the most of everything the area has to offer. The Haynes and Armadale shopping centres are ideal for everyday needs or a special gift, and local restaurants and cafes are the perfect setting for a formal dinner or a more relaxed weekend brunch.

Dutton describes Hilbert as offering convenience, community and the prospect of future growth as proposals for a new town centre and new schools are underway.

“The growth potential of the area is undeniable,” he says. “We anticipate that property prices will increase significantly and Hilbert will really be put on the map.

“Hilbert really has to be seen to be believed – it’s one of Perth’s best well-kept secrets.”