Guildford: The character-filled suburb prized for its heritage homes

Just 12 kilometres from Perth’s CBD and the gateway to the renowned Swan Valley region, Guildford is a picturesque village dotted with heritage buildings, antique stores, and character-filled pubs and cafes.

Along its streets lie charming homes with fanciful facades, most of which reveal loving renovations and extensions behind classic white picket fences.

These homes are tightly held, with residents keen to continue living in glorious Guildford, flanked by the Swan and Helena rivers.

According to Heidi McAtee of Elders Real Estate WA Rural & Metro, Guildford is experiencing a dynamic sellers’ market with an extraordinarily accelerated upward trend and an influx of eastern states and overseas buyers.

She notes that nearly all sales are exceeding market expectations, reaching record-high prices that set the direction for other properties.

“People are drawn to Guildford’s typically large block sizes – a general R5 zoning was introduced many years ago to preserve block sizes and discourage dense subdivision,” McAtee says.

“The suburb has a proven track record of return on investment, with savvy buyers immediately seeing potential in an original home.

“Lifting carpets, polishing original boards or extending the floor plan’s size can open properties to a much wider buyer pool of those eager to secure a home in Guildford.”

McAtee and her family have lived in the suburb for over 30 years, and have undertaken their third period-house renovation.

She says buyers want to be close to the river and obtain river wetland views, and are lovers of fine home restorations.

“[Guildford is] also on the doorstep of Western Australia’s magnificent Swan Valley winery region and river, where kids still spend lazy summer afternoons climbing the beams under the bridges to dive, jump or swim across the river.”

Alan Crocker, the chief executive of Black Swan Tours, has guided visitors through the region for four years, and says there’s no better base than Guildford for exploring the valley and its wineries, breweries, distilleries, market gardens, golf courses, and walking and cycling tracks.

“We love the history, stories and people that make this such an amazing multicultural region,” Crocker says.

“It’s a beautiful place year-round, particularly during November when the majestic jacarandas are blooming. January through to March is when the whole region comes alive with wineries preparing their vintages and roadside market gardens selling an abundance of fresh local produce. Winter is the perfect time to find an open fireplace with a glass of red wine.”

One to watch

From $1.79 mill

2 Turton Street, Guildford WA 6055

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