24 Balston Street BALACLAVA

Comments on 24 Balston Street BALACLAVA

Behind the modest facade of 24 Balsten Street lies a home with flexibility. The floor plan may work for families with younger children, professional couples, downsizers who want a bit of extra space (for grandkids to come over and stay) and investors looking for a property that requires no immediate further capital expenditure.

The property's location is the key here as you are only a short walk to the tram and train on Carlisle Street and the bus on Hotham Street. Also in close proximity are schools of all denomination, (both government and private) shops and cafes further adding to buyer appeal.

Streets in Balaclava/East St Kilda can be eclectic as you often see a variety of property styles and flats are common, however, this is not the case with Balsten as the property styles are reasonably consistent, which is a bonus.

The rear lane access is both a plus and minus - a plus because it offers easy rear car access and a concern that gravel dust may create issues particularly during summer when you might be having a BBQ, have washing on the line or windows and doors open trying to catch a cooling summer breeze. And with a number of flats to the rear all with rear car access the lane will carry reasonable traffic particularly during peak hours.

Internally the property benefits from its high ceilings and the sliding doors to the north improves natural light. A couple of concerns for family buyers may be the small food preparation area available in the kitchen and the lack of any grassed playing areas for children and for that reason this home offers only 5 year plus flexibility before another move may be necessary.

There is also evidence that nearby property owners are undertaking significant renovation works, which further underpins value. Inner city living generally comes at a cost due to its density and yes there are some minor tweaks that would further improve this property's appeal however, on an agent quote of sub $1m for a property that is period, renovated, close to schools, public transport, shops and cafes it will surely attract interest come auction day.