Anubis’ guide to Launceston Tas

Just thought I’d give everyone a quick view of Launceston. This covers the main suburbs in the West and West Tamar. Hope you find it interesting or get some value from it. Other areas to follow.

Legana – very much a growing area over the past few years. Situated on West Tamar, a few km past Riverside, but within 10-12km of the Launceston CBD. Has been a lot of development and now has local shopping with supermarket, service stations, bakery, and tavern/bottle shop. Closest government schools (Primary and High) are located in Riverside – a 5-7 minute drive. Prices are fairly high in comparison to other areas, and is semi-desirable address.

Expect to Pay – from 250,000 for established 3-bedroom house

Rental range – 180pw to 280pw (Not a huge renters area as it’s considered a fair way from the city)

Riverside – Situated on West Tamar, bordering Trevallyn, but within 5-8km of Launceston CBD. Riverside is mainly an older suburb with most expansion in the 1940’s to 1970’s. Has all amenities within close reach – such as supermarkets, shops, banking facilities, public transport. Has government primary and high schools within suburb. I understand that there is a new subdivision in the approvals process – between 60 and 100 blocks of which many should have views of city and water – expect to pay around 80-100k for a block.

Expect to Pay – from 150,000 for established 3-bedroom house

Rental range – 140pw to 240pw (expect newer places to rent higher)

Trevallyn – Borders the city, Riverside, and West Launceston, within 2-4 km of Launceston CBD. Trevallyn is an older suburb that is perched on a hill overlooking Launceston and surrounding areas, and majestic views are common. Being a mountain goat may help you get around Trevallyn. Easy access also to the Cataract Gorge and walking tracks. Some very old large houses in this area. There is a primary school within the suburb but no high school – Riverside High a 5-minute drive away. Has all amenities within close reach – such as supermarkets, shops, public transport.

Expect to Pay – from 160,000 for established 3-bedroom house

Rental range – 160pw to 280pw (most rentals would be in the middle, to higher end of this range)

West Launceston – Borders the city, Trevallyn, Summerhill and Prospect, – within 5km of the Launceston CBD. Similar to Trevallyn in that the suburb is partially built on hill and may have some city views depending on location. Easy access to the Cataract Gorge and walking paths. Has a primary school but no high school – nearest would be Prospect High School, 5-10 minutes away. Has all amenities within close reach – such as supermarkets, shops, public transport.

Expect to Pay – from 145,000 for established 3-bedroom house

Rental range – 160pw to 300pw (Some top end properties in this area, but the pool willing to pay this high is smaller)

Summerhill – Borders Prospect and West Launceston. Within 5-7km of the Launceston CBD. The majority of homes in Summerhill appear to have been built in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s in red brick and grey brick and can be quite unattractive. This however is a popular suburb with families and has a well regarded primary school within its borders. The nearest high school is Prospect High, around 5 minutes drive away. There is a small housing commission section within this suburb that so some careful checking can be required. Has all amenities within close reach – such as supermarkets, shops, public transport, banking facilities.

Expect to Pay – from 150,000 for established 3-bedroom house

Rental range – 130pw – 200pw (This is probably the key range for this area)

Prospect – Borders Summerhill. Within 7-9km of the Launceston CBD. Prospect is split into several sections – it has the 60,s and 70’s type houses common to Riverside or West Launceston, but it has sub divisions created in the 80’s, 90’s and still going now. Home to the Launceston Casino and a large supermarket based shopping mall, Prospect can be considered self-contained for facilities. Also home to Prospect High and St Patrick’s College (Launceston’s Catholic High School). Popular area for renters (Disclaimer: author owns property in this suburb)

Expect to Pay – from 135,000 for established 3-bedroom house

Rental range – 150pw – 220pw (above 220pw and you may find it difficult to find tenants)