For passionate footy fans, living within walking distance of a home ground is the ultimate lifestyle benefit and one worth paying a premium for.
But buying property near two of the AFL’s most iconic venues – the home of the Carlton Football Club at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Sydney Swans’ base at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) – comes with many pros and cons.
Stadium areas are rarely peripheral locations; they are usually close to CBDs, entertainment centers and established shopping areas. This often supports long-term capital growth and rental demand, especially from professionals and short-term visitors.
As the AFL season prepares to kick off next Thursday with a season opener between the Blues and the Swannies, we take a look at some of the top entries within punting distance.
Kicking goals
One of the benefits of living close to the MCG is the vibrant energy of the surrounding suburbs. On game days, Richmond, East Melbourne and Jolimont hum with excitement.
Around the site, residents have access to extensive parkland, including Yarra Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens, plus multiple tram and train options to Melbourne’s CBD.
In Sydney’s eastern suburbs, around the SCG and Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter, leafy suburbs such as Paddington, Centennial Park and Bondi Junction are a short walk from the Swans’ home turf and offer easy access, rather than having to rely on busy public transport on big match days.
Other benefits of living near the SCG include light rail links, Centennial Parklands and close proximity to popular beaches.
Property Fines
On the bad side, the proximity to a large stadium is not for everyone. Game days bring traffic, busy public transportation and parking restrictions. The noise level temporarily increases, especially in homes directly adjacent to the site or on the main pedestrian routes to and from the site.
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The Grand Paddington terraces are located a very short distance from the SCG and Allianz Stadium. Image: realestate.com.au
Although most AFL matches do not go into the night, stadiums also host concerts and other major events can drag on.
Home near the MCG
Here are five of the best homes on the market right now that are just steps away from the action.
1. Elegant terrace with appreciated corner location
146 George St, East Melbourne
Price indication: $3 million to $3.3 million
The house is just a stone’s throw from the CBD, the MCG and Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens. Image: realestate.com.au
A three-bedroom house on a tight street in East Melbourne, this two-storey end-of-row terrace is on the corner of George and Powlett Sts, close to the MCG.
2. Uninterrupted prospects for the MCG
110 Vale St, East Melbourne
Price indication: $5.25 million to $5.75 million
A historic building with a contemporary interior behind the stately facade. This three-bedroom residence with a designer renovation is almost within easy reach of the stadium.
3. Walk to the game
15 Berry St, East Melbourne
Price indication: $4.8 million to $5.2 million
The 400 sq ft townhome is serviced by an elevator to each level. Image: realestate.com.au
This modern four-bedroom, four-storey terrace, complete with a private lift to all levels, is within walking distance of Carlton’s home base and the CBD.
4. East Melbourne’s ‘best penthouse’
Penthouse 124-126 Jolimont Rd, East Melbourne
Price guide: $11.995 million
Located on top of the exclusive Dayton building, this premium penthouse has a property area of 464 m², including a 14.5 m long living room with beautiful views of the MCG.
5. Stadium-like proportions
50 Hotham St, East Melbourne
Price indication: $18 million to $19.5 million
The Grade II listed estate covers 1,090 m² and is the largest residential plot in East Melbourne. Image: realestate.com.au
A Grade II listed building on a large 1090 sqm block, this 1880s complex is filled with 19th century heritage with modern updates. It is also just two blocks from the stadium and parks.
On the sidelines at the SCG
1. Business in the front, party in the back
64 Lang Road, Centennial Park
Just imagine the post-match celebrations here. Image: realestate.com.au
This modernized six-bedroom heritage mansion, designed by architect Reg Lark, is located on one of Sydney’s most coveted streets, just moments from the SCG and Centennial Parklands.
2. Large terrace with access to the back street
18 Cook Road, Centennial Park
That is now a bathroom. Image: realestate.com.au
A classic Arts and Crafts era building at the Paddington end of Cook Rd in Centennial Park. This 5.1 meter wide terrace is packed with historical details and is located just a few blocks from the stadium.
3. Attractive terrace ‘convenient for the sports and entertainment area’
13 Underwood Street, Paddington
Price guide: $3 million
The house is also a stone’s throw from the boutiques and cafes of Oxford Street. Image: realestate.com.au
Close enough to walk, but far enough from the SCG to avoid the game day crowds, this traditional Paddington terrace has been updated with plenty of character still intact.
4. Sandstone entertainer close to the action
45 Queen Street, Woollahra
Price guide: $6.5 million
This Woollahra home is located near the gates of Centennial Park, an easy stroll down Oxford St to the bright lights of the stadium and Entertainment Quarter.
5. Penthouse ‘Paddington Green’
38/42 Flinton Street, Paddington
The penthouse is located on top of the former Royal Hospital for Women. Image: realestate.com.au
The penthouse atop the 1901 Dods and Zuccon transformation of the former Royal Hospital for Women, just a short walk from the Sydney Cricket Ground and Entertainment Quarter.
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