Murray Caine and Kathryn Thomas at home in West Hobart.
When it comes to lifestyle, one Tasmanian suburb reigns supreme: West Hobart.
In new research commissioned by MCG Quantity Surveyors using SuburbTrends data, this inner city hotspot received a perfect score of 20 out of 20.
The research sought to uncover areas with the best long-term growth potential and lifestyle offerings.
MCG Quantity Surveyors director Mike Mortlock said the report considered a range of metrics that had long-term, positive influences on property values, but were factors unlikely to be changed by short-term forces.
“We looked at factors that are always in demand,” he said. “They’re attributes that help markets outperform over the long haul. We know buyers will pay a premium to have them.”
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Features deemed the most desirable and sought out by homeseekers year after year include easy access to beaches, urban amenities, jobs hubs, top schools, the natural environment and family-friendliness.
“All the pillars we looked at were attributes that real estate agents have historically highlighted as the most pertinent points for home buyers, what they consider the most suitable for them,” Mr Mortlock said.
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Mike Mortlock.
Peterswald agent Phoebe Nothling described West Hobart as having its own pulse.
“There’s a creative energy that runs through it, it’s tangible, you feel it in the local cafes, the beautiful architecture, and the people who choose to live here,” she said.
“Buyers are drawn to it not because it’s flashy, but because it’s authentic.
“It offers that rare combination of lifestyle, culture, and proximity to the city and that’s what makes it quietly coveted.
“People want to live in West Hobart because it aligns with who they are, not who they’re trying to be.
“Over the past week, I’ve had the privilege of visiting two homes built around the mid-1800s. Each one holds a story, has a heartbeat and such soul.”
Peterswald agent Phoebe Nothling.
Mrs Nothling said school zoning also plays its part in the area’s popularity.
“A sought-after school zone like Lansdowne Crescent can be a huge drawcard,” she said.
“I know many families with children at Lansdowne Primary, and while they might not be in their forever home just yet, I wouldn’t be surprised if they remained in the area for decades.”
In real estate, Mr Mortlock said it was important to consider the long-term factors that push a market, because most people stay in the same homes for at least 10 to 15 years.
“When we buy a home, we’re looking at it from an investment point of view and trying to consider what it will be worth in future,” he said.
“The key question to ask yourself is who will buy this down the track?
“Who will it appeal to in 20 years? What you don’t want is a property or location that will only appeal to an investor. For buyers like that, it’s all about numbers.
“Owner-occupiers, on the other hand, buy with emotion and that’s who you need to appeal to.
“The markets that have proved to have more consistent growth have lifestyle components baked in.”
The report’s top Tassie Statistical Area Level 2 neighbourhoods were all in Hobart, led by West Hobart, and including South Hobart-Fern Tree, Sandy Bay, Lenah Valley-Mount Stuart and in fifth place Howrah-Tranmere.
The report said West Hobart’s median value is $1.12m.
PropTrack statistics show West Hobart’s median house price is 2.7 per cent higher now than it was a year ago, and 28 per cent higher than five years ago.
In the past year, houses in this suburb have typically sold in 36 days on the market.
BEST LIFESTYLE SUBURB AREAS JULY 2025
Rank, SA2, Median
1. West Hobart $1.12m
2. South Hobart-Fern Tree $945,000
3. Sandy Bay $1.62m
4. Lenah Valley-Mount Stuart $850,000
5. Howrah-Tranmere $930,000
6. Bellerive-Rosny $987,000
7. Lindisfarne-Rose Bay $725,000
8. Kingston Beach-Blackmans Bay $779,000
9. Taroona-Bonnet Hill $1.15m
10. Grindelwald-Lanena $782,000
Source: SuburbTrends, MCG Quantity Surveyors
WEST HOBART CHARMS BRISBANE ESCAPEES
For homebuyers Murray Caine and Kathryn Thomas, West Hobart offers everything they can dream of.
The couple, originally from Tassie’s northwest, recently moved from Brisbane to Hobart to escape the crowds and the noise — and they couldn’t be happier.
“Up there, it was quite full-on,” Mr Caine said.
“West Hobart grabbed our attention for a number of reasons. It is walking distance to restaurants, the city, and the housing here is stunning.
“You can drive to the beach in 10 minutes. Everything is at your doorstep.
“We have been here six weeks, and it has blown me away.
“We have had a great time exploring the area.”
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Homebuyers Murray Caine and Kathryn Thomas at their West Hobart property. Picture: Jarrad Bevan
Mrs Thomas said just near their home is a butcher, Hill St Grocer, pubs, a farmer’s market, a fantastic coffee shop, and a farmer’s market on weekends.
“All the lifestyle convenience that we had there was available here, too,” she said. “But without the busyness of a big city.”
The 59-year-olds — a nurse and retired police sergeant — bought an early 1900s home with “a wonderful feel”.
“We could not afford a house like this in Brisbane” Mrs Thomas said.
“The value for money is much better here.”
Inside Murray Caine and Kathryn Thomas’ 1900s home.
Inside Murray Caine and Kathryn Thomas’ 1900s home.
Peterswald agent Phoebe Nothling said West Hobart properties are always popular and she “doubts that will ever change”.
She said Mr Caine and Mrs Thomas’ house is a prime example of this as it sold within one week with four competing offers.
“West Hobart has a real charm, there’s such an eclectic mix of homes, and no two are the same,” she said.
“That uniqueness attracts buyers from all over. It’s not a suburb of cookie-cutter houses there is a mix of heritage, a wide array of Federation and then some very architectural wow homes.”
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