SA Property Spotlight
Rostrevor property and home loan guide
Rostrevor runs from Adelaide's eastern suburbs up to the edge of Morialta Conservation Park, about 10 km from the city. It's a family suburb of 8,452 people. In the 2021 Census 78.8% of homes were separate houses and 34.7% had four or more bedrooms. Most homes are owned rather than rented. Being close to the hills brings bushland views and also hazard overlays. For buyers the overlays and the loan size tend to matter most. Time Home Loans is Brisbane-based and works with Rostrevor buyers by phone and video.
Information last updated 3 November 2026
Market snapshot
| Houses | Units | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of homes | 78.8% separate houses, 15.2% terraces and townhouses | 5.9% flats and apartments | ABS Census 2021 (Rostrevor) |
In the 2021 Census, 78.0% of Rostrevor homes were owned outright or with a mortgage and 19.1% were rented. The median weekly rent across all homes was $380 (ABS). Rents by bedroom aren't shown for this area. Sale prices will be added once licensed figures are available.
Figures are a guide only and change over time. Past movements in values and rents don't predict future results.
Living in Rostrevor
Rostrevor takes its name from Rostrevor Hall, the mansion Ross Thompson Reid built here in 1878. Reid named it after the village in County Down, Ireland, where he grew up. In 1922 the Christian Brothers bought the Rostrevor Estate and opened Rostrevor College the following year. The college grounds are now in neighbouring Woodforde.
The suburb sits mostly within Campbelltown City Council, with a small eastern part in Adelaide Hills Council. Fourth Creek runs through Rostrevor on its way from Morialta to the River Torrens. Morialta Secondary College opened here in 2023.
Transport
- Rostrevor has no train line. Adelaide Metro buses connect the suburb with the city.
- In the 2021 Census 5.6% of working residents took the bus to work.
- Plan trips on the Adelaide Metro journey planner.
Schools
Morialta Secondary College opened in Rostrevor in 2023 as a government secondary school. Stradbroke School is the suburb's government primary school. Rostrevor College, a Catholic boys' school, is next door in Woodforde.
Many South Australian government schools have defined zones. Zones change, so check with the SA Department for Education for any address before you buy.
Shopping and dining
Rostrevor has a Foodland supermarket for everyday shopping. For more choice, most locals head to the larger centres in nearby suburbs such as Newton and Campbelltown.
Parks and recreation
- Morialta Conservation Park borders the suburb, with walking trails to its three waterfalls on Fourth Creek and a nature playground.
- The Fourth Creek Trail follows the creek through the suburb.
- Reserves and sports grounds are spread through the local streets.
Lifestyle
Rostrevor suits families who want space and quick access to the hills. Family households made up 76.0% of homes in 2021 and the median age was 41. Most homes are owned (78.0%), with 19.1% rented. Expect quiet streets and larger blocks closer to the hills.
Rostrevor
Did you know?
Named after an Irish village
Ross Thompson Reid completed the first part of his mansion in 1878 and named it Rostrevor Hall, after the village in County Down where he grew up. The suburb took the name.
Source: Wikipedia: Rostrevor College
A college from 1923
The Christian Brothers bought the Rostrevor Estate in December 1922. Rostrevor College was officially founded on 6 May 1923 and classes began on 29 May. Rostrevor House became the main residence.
Source: Wikipedia: Rostrevor College
Waterfalls next door
Morialta was declared a National Pleasure Resort on 15 July 1915 and became Morialta Conservation Park in 1972. It's bounded on the west by Rostrevor and has three waterfalls on Fourth Creek.
A new high school
Morialta Secondary College opened in 2023 on the site of the former Norwood Morialta High School's Middle Campus.
Property types
Rostrevor's housing is mostly family homes.
- Houses make up 78.8% of homes, from post-war brick homes to modern rebuilds on the hillside.
- Semi-detached homes, terraces and townhouses make up 15.2%, often on subdivided blocks.
- Flats are uncommon at 5.9%.
- Size: 53.3% of homes have three bedrooms and 34.7% have four or more.
Check bushfire, heritage and other overlays on the SA Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA) or through PlanSA.
What lenders look at in Rostrevor
Rostrevor is a foothills suburb of family homes. Here's what tends to come up with lenders.
Bushfire and hazard overlays
Streets near Morialta Conservation Park may sit in bushfire or other hazard overlays under the Planning and Design Code. Overlays can add building requirements and affect insurance costs. Check the address on SAPPA and get an insurance quote before you sign.
Townhouses on subdivided blocks
15.2% of homes are semi-detached homes, terraces or townhouses. Lenders look at the title type, any shared driveways and strata or community records. Very small units can be harder to finance: one LMI provider's public guidelines need at least 30 m2 of living area, excluding balconies and car space.
Sloping blocks and older homes
Hillside blocks can mean retaining walls, split levels and drainage work. Valuers look at the condition of the home and any unapproved structures. A building inspection helps you understand what the valuer may see.
Larger loan amounts
Larger loans get closer scrutiny of income, expenses and existing debts. Some lenders cap their maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) on bigger loans, so check how much deposit you'll need early.
Postcode 5073
Rostrevor's postcode 5073 isn't on one LMI provider's lists of excluded or single-industry postcodes.
Lender and LMI policies differ between lenders and change often. This is a general guide based on public lender and LMI information checked 3 November 2026. We can check current policy for the property you're looking at before you apply.
Buying in Rostrevor
In Rostrevor the overlays and the type of title shape most purchases. Streets near Morialta can sit in bushfire or hazard overlays, which affect building rules and insurance. Townhouses on split blocks need their title and any shared driveway checked. Getting both looked at before you make an offer saves time.
First home buyers
Most first home buyers in Rostrevor look at townhouses, units or smaller older houses. Houses usually need a larger deposit or help from family. A family guarantee may help some buyers.
Getting pre-approval before you look tells you your range. For government schemes, price caps and grants, see our first home buyer page for current details.
Upgraders
Many Rostrevor buyers are moving up to a bigger house or a block closer to the hills. If you're buying before you sell, ask about bridging finance early. Older homes often need work, so budget for a building and pest inspection and any renovation you have in mind.
Deposit and costs
On top of your deposit, allow for:
- stamp duty (transfer duty) under South Australia rules, with concessions for some first home buyers (see RevenueSA)
- conveyancing and legal fees
- building and pest inspections
- strata or body corporate searches for units and townhouses
- lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) if you borrow more than 80% of the property's value
Our calculators give you a starting figure. Stamp duty rules differ between states, so check the South Australia rules for your purchase.
Thinking about buying in Rostrevor?
Talk it through with a Brisbane broker before you sign a contract. We can check the property you're looking at against lender policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rostrevor mostly houses?
Mostly. In the 2021 Census 78.8% of homes were separate houses and 15.2% were semi-detached homes or townhouses. 34.7% had four or more bedrooms.
Is Rostrevor in a bushfire area?
Some streets near Morialta Conservation Park may be in a bushfire or hazard overlay. Check the address on the SA Property and Planning Atlas and get an insurance quote before you sign.
Are there schools in Rostrevor?
Yes. Morialta Secondary College opened in 2023 and Stradbroke School is a government primary school. Check school zones with the SA Department for Education for any address.
Can I buy in Rostrevor with a small deposit?
Possibly, depending on your income, the price and the lender. Some buyers use a family guarantee. Lenders mortgage insurance usually applies if you borrow more than 80% of the value.
Can a Brisbane mortgage broker help me buy in Rostrevor?
Yes. Time Home Loans is based in Brisbane and works with clients across Australia by phone and video. Lender policy is national, so the same lenders and products are available to Rostrevor buyers. Stamp duty, grants and first home buyer concessions follow South Australian rules, so we check those for your purchase. We don't have an office in Rostrevor or South Australia.
What costs should I budget for besides the deposit?
Stamp duty under South Australian rules, conveyancing, building and pest inspections and lenders mortgage insurance if you borrow more than 80% of the value. Strata or community title searches apply to units and many townhouses. The calculators on our site give you a starting figure.
General information only. This page provides general information and doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether it's appropriate for you and seek advice before making a decision. Market figures are a guide only and change over time. Past movements in values and rents don't predict future results.
Time Home Loans Pty Ltd ACN 161 695 012, Credit Representative 529395 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 384324.