How character-rich Hawthorn is retaining its property value

By
Pauline Morrissey
November 20, 2024
Hawthorn is loved for its family-friendly appeal and urban lifestyle. Photo: Greg Briggs

Watching life go by on Hawthorn’s lively Glenferrie and Burwood roads, it’s clear that Melbourne’s love affair with the main street is alive and well. Just over seven kilometres from the city’s heart, the skyline offers a friendly wink – as if to say, “Here if you need me!”

And yet, this enclave offers everything close to home. Coveted for its grand Victorian and Edwardian houses, this storied suburb draws the city’s most discerning residents – a magnet for design-minded locals who value elegance and exclusivity. With design studios, boutiques, and creative suppliers on its doorstep, it’s where interior designers come to play – and happily stay.

Fairview Park has walking paths, a playground and an off-leash area for Hawthorn’s pooches. Photo: Greg Briggs
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Family life meets design dreams

Take Larissa Davis, owner of Lewisham Interiors, who has spent 15 years bringing Hawthorn’s distinct architectural beauty to life. Her early projects in the area ignited a love for the suburb’s character-rich homes.

“From a business angle, Hawthorn is perfect. My clients truly appreciate high-quality design, and being so close to Melbourne makes collaborating with suppliers and partners effortless,” Davis shares. “On a personal level, I adore the community vibe – leafy streets, charming cafes, the Yarra River, and the city’s cultural and dining spots, all conveniently nearby.”

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping thoroughfare that runs through Hawthorn. Photo: Greg Briggs

Likewise, Elisa Failla of Storia Interiors relishes the suburb’s innate creativity. A resident of 11 years, she moved here for its family-friendly appeal and urban lifestyle. Now, she channels the area’s time-honoured roots into her bespoke, meaningful designs.

“Hawthorn’s been a joy for our family,” says Failla. “Over the years, I’ve loved volunteering with the local kinder, primary school, and the junior football club, all while enjoying some of Melbourne’s best schools, parks, and easy city access by bike, car, or train.”

Hawthorn’s heritage heirlooms

Even amid broader downturns in Melbourne’s property market, Hawthorn’s median house price stands resilient at $2.53 million, marking a 33.2 per cent rise over five years and a steady 4.3 per cent gain this past year alone, as reported in Domain’s latest House Price Report.

“Heritage homes and notable neighbourhoods tend to retain their value, as they’re harder to replicate, giving stability and growth to Hawthorn’s market,” explains Simon Curtain of Abercrombys. “Kinvonvie, circa 1879, located at 42 Lisson Grove, is a prime example – a luxurious Victorian residence with an iconic street presence, a true once-in-a-generation home.”

Heritage homes in blue-chip Hawthorn are passed down by some families and coveted by others.

As one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs, this locale radiates timeless elegance, where historic homes are cherished like precious heirlooms, lovingly passed down through generations.

“With only four owners in its 145-year history, properties like Kinvonvie are more than investments, they’re legacies,” adds Curtain. “Homes like these capture the beauty of family life, the joy of entertaining, and the enduring charm of living in Hawthorn.”

For sale in Hawthorn

Contact Agent
42 Lisson Grove, Hawthorn VIC 3122
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Sophistication reigns at Kinvonvie, where Victorian charm meets modern luxury. Spectacular scale, period details, and refined touches define the interiors, while lush gardens surround a tennis court, pool, and pool house, making this revitalised home a true Hawthorn treasure.

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