About Kensington
Kensington sits within the City of South Perth, bordered by Victoria Park to the north, Como to the south and Karawara to the south-west, about 5km from the Perth CBD. Unlike its river-facing neighbours South Perth and Como, Kensington has no Swan River frontage — it's a quieter, largely residential pocket built around established streets rather than a foreshore strip. The Kensington Bushland Reserve, a remnant patch of native woodland, is one of the suburb's defining features, and Curtin University in neighbouring Bentley is a short trip away. For day-to-day shops and cafes, most residents head to the Albany Highway strip in Victoria Park rather than a retail strip within the suburb itself.
Buying in Kensington
Kensington is dominated by established post-war brick-and-tile homes on standard residential blocks, with far less of the apartment development that's reshaped South Perth and Como in recent years. That, combined with the lack of river frontage, generally makes it a more affordable entry point into the City of South Perth area for buyers who still want the location.
- Older homes: check for asbestos in pre-1990 construction and factor renovation costs into your offer, since much of the stock here hasn't been updated.
- Block size and orientation matter more here than view or river proximity — Kensington's value proposition is land and location, not outlook.
- Proximity to Curtin University makes some pockets attractive to buyers planning to rent the property out to students or staff.
- Bus routes connect through to Victoria Park and the CBD, though Kensington doesn't have its own train station — check commute times against your other suburb options.
Selling in Kensington
Kensington doesn't sell on the same drawcards as South Perth or Como — there's no view or ferry to market. What it does offer is a quieter, established residential setting close to the city, Curtin University and the Victoria Park strip, at a price point below its river-facing neighbours. Campaigns here tend to work best when they lean into block size, street appeal and renovation upside rather than trying to compete on lifestyle features the suburb doesn't have.
Buyer interest typically comes from owner-occupiers after affordability within the City of South Perth area, and investors targeting rental demand from Curtin University. Get in touch with our sales team for a current appraisal on your Kensington property.
Renting in Kensington
Kensington's rental market leans heavily on Curtin University, with students and staff after an easy commute into Bentley making up a large share of demand, alongside professionals wanting a quieter alternative to South Perth or Victoria Park at a lower price point. Established homes with a yard suit longer-term family tenancies, while smaller or shared properties tend to move fastest with the student market.
- Curtin University proximity is the main driver of rental demand in Kensington, similar to neighbouring Karawara.
- Tenants relying on public transport should check bus routes into Victoria Park and the CBD, since Kensington has no train station of its own.
- Register for rental alerts or browse current listings if you're after a property in Kensington specifically.
Managing a Rental Property in Kensington
Most rental stock in Kensington is an established house rather than a strata apartment, so managing an investment here is largely about staying ahead of maintenance on an older property — roofing, plumbing and electrical work in particular — rather than navigating body corporate rules. Proximity to Curtin University also means a higher share of share-house tenancies, which changes what property managers need to watch for around wear and tear and lease turnover.
What our property management service covers
- Tenant selection and reference checks
- Routine and entry/exit inspections
- Maintenance coordination, including trades experienced with older housing stock
- Rent reviews benchmarked against current Kensington demand
Rental demand in Kensington has stayed steady given its proximity to Curtin University and the CBD — contact us for a rental appraisal on your property.