Peace of the action
The Age
Saturday February 13, 2010
Abbotsford can hold its own against its flashier neighbours, writes Susannah Petty. IT'S a novelty when a new cafe opens in Abbotsford.In Collingwood and Fitzroy, Johnston Street hums with hospitality traders; by the time it slips into Abbotsford it dies down to a whisper, with only a handful of outlets dishing out coffees and lunchtime pides.It may be just a bike ride from the city but Abbotsford still has the feel of a small and forgotten outer suburb. Its streets are wide and quiet, many of the properties appear unrenovated and developers have barely dipped a toe into the area.Most of the housing stock consists of single-fronted terraces, with a few 1970s apartment blocks and converted warehouses dotted about.Some warehouses continue to be used for light industry.Lisa Draycott of Harrington Earl Estate Agents returned to work in Abbotsford about a year ago after a 10-year absence. She says Abbotsford "always seems to be a pocket that gets forgotten"."I think it's probably similar to what people used to think of Carlton at one stage, where that's become quite popular and trendy," she says. "And I'm sure Abbotsford will catch on."Leonie Thompson of Peter Markovic Real Estate says Abbotsford appeals largely for its proximity to other suburbs' facilities, such as the MCG and the shops of Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond."It's an up-and-coming suburb with the potential of being trendy," Ms Thompson says.Couples, singles and some students make a bigger showing on the agent's rental books than do families. This may be due partly to the modest size of many of the properties.Also, rental prices are affordable for solo renters.Both Ms Draycott and Ms Thompson say Abbotsford's rental entry point is about $220 a week. This would secure a small one-bedroom apartment."One-bedrooms in any area are rare so demand is good for those," Ms Draycott says.For an unrenovated two-bedroom terrace, Ms Draycott says prices pick up to about $350 a week, while a two-storey three-bedroom terrace will let for about $390 a week.Ms Thompson notes rental prices for premium townhouses can climb to $500 a week.Overall, Ms Draycott says, rental prices are cheaper than in Richmond or Collingwood.
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