SA Property Spotlight
Unley property and home loan guide
Unley sits about 2 km south of the Adelaide CBD, between King William Road and Unley Road. It's a busy inner suburb of 3,997 people. In the 2021 Census 52.0% of homes were separate houses and 27.1% were flats or apartments. Renting is common at 35.6% of homes. Older character houses sit beside units and townhouses, so the property type and any overlays tend to matter most. Time Home Loans is Brisbane-based and works with Unley buyers by phone and video.
Information last updated 3 November 2026
Market snapshot
| Houses | Units | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of homes | 52.0% separate houses, 20.2% terraces and townhouses | 27.1% flats and apartments | ABS Census 2021 (Unley) |
In the 2021 Census, 61.9% of Unley homes were owned outright or with a mortgage and 35.6% were rented. The median weekly rent across all homes was $372 (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 Unley
The Kaurna people lived here before British colonisation. Settlers cleared the land for sheep, cattle, vineyards and orchards. Unley is named after the family of the wife of Thomas Whistler, whose land was laid out around 1857. Unley Post Office opened on 17 January 1850.
The corporate town of Unley was created in 1871 and became a city in 1906. Today the suburb runs from Greenhill Road in the north to Cremorne Street and Opey Avenue in the south, with the shops and cafes of King William Road and Unley Road on either side.
Transport
- The Glenelg tram line passes the north-west corner of the suburb.
- Adelaide Metro buses run along Unley Road and King William Road into the city.
- In the 2021 Census 7.2% of working residents used public transport to get to work.
- Plan trips on the Adelaide Metro journey planner.
Schools
Unley High School is in neighbouring Netherby and several government primary schools serve the surrounding streets. Private schools are also close by in the inner south.
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
Unley is a shopping and dining strip. King William Road and Unley Road are lined with cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Supermarkets and everyday services are close by.
Parks and recreation
- The Adelaide Park Lands border the suburb to the north.
- Unley Oval on Trimmer Terrace is home to the Sturt Football Club.
- Small reserves are dotted through the side streets.
Lifestyle
Unley suits buyers who want to walk to cafes and be close to the city. It's a mix of families, couples and renters: family households made up 61.0% of homes in 2021 and 35.6% of homes were rented. The median age was 41. Expect character houses, units on busier roads and plenty to do on foot.
Unley
Did you know?
A post office from 1850
Unley Post Office opened on 17 January 1850, years before Thomas Whistler's land was laid out around 1857.
Town to city
The corporate town of Unley was created in 1871 after a petition from residents. It gained city status in 1906.
Source: Wikipedia: City of Unley
A record crowd
On 9 June 1924 an estimated 24,000 people watched Sturt play Norwood at Unley Oval. The ground was renamed Peter Motley Oval in 2015.
Source: Wikipedia: Unley Oval
Cricketing brothers
Test cricketers Ian and Greg Chappell were both born in Unley.
Property types
Unley's housing is a mix of character homes and units.
- Houses make up 52.0% of homes, many of them older villas and cottages.
- Semi-detached homes, terraces and townhouses make up 20.2%.
- Flats and apartments make up 27.1%.
- Size: 33.9% of homes have two bedrooms and 19.4% have four or more.
Check heritage, character and other overlays on the SA Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA) or through PlanSA.
What lenders look at in Unley
Unley is a mixed inner-city market. Here's what tends to come up with lenders.
Unit size
Flats make up 27.1% of homes. Some lenders restrict very small units: one LMI provider's public guidelines need at least 30 m2 of living area, excluding balconies and car space. Check the floor plan before you sign.
Strata and community title
Units and townhouses usually come with strata or community title. Lenders and valuers look at the corporation's records, levies and any major repairs planned. A strata search is worth ordering early.
Heritage and character homes
Many older villas and cottages sit under heritage or character overlays, which can limit what you change. Valuers look closely at the condition of older homes.
Larger loan amounts
Character houses close to the city can mean larger loans, which get closer scrutiny of income, expenses and existing debts. Some lenders cap their maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) on bigger loans.
Postcode 5061
Unley's postcode 5061 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 Unley
In Unley the property type shapes most purchases. Character houses can carry heritage or character overlays. Units and townhouses need their title, strata records and size checked. Getting these looked at before you make an offer saves time.
First home buyers
Units and townhouses are a common first step in Unley, with 33.9% of homes having two bedrooms. Check the unit's size and strata records early. 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 Unley buyers are moving from a unit into a character house. 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.
Investing in Unley
In 2021, 35.6% of Unley's homes were rented and the median weekly rent was $372. Lenders assess rental income at a discount. Investment loans can have different deposit requirements. Strata levies, land tax and vacancy all affect the numbers. See our property investment page.
Lender considerations
Unley purchases range from small units to large character houses. Lenders look at your income, the property type and its condition. Checking those before you sign a contract is one of the simplest ways to avoid a surprise at valuation. Time Home Loans is Brisbane-based and works with Unley buyers by phone and video.
Thinking about buying in Unley?
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 Unley mostly houses or units?
A mix. In the 2021 Census 52.0% of homes were separate houses, 20.2% were semi-detached homes or townhouses and 27.1% were flats or apartments.
How far is Unley from the city?
About 2 km south of the Adelaide CBD. Buses run along Unley Road and King William Road and the Glenelg tram passes the north-west corner of the suburb.
Is Unley good for investors?
That depends on your goals. In 2021, 35.6% of homes were rented and the median weekly rent was $372. Lenders assess rental income at a discount, so talk to us about how a purchase fits your borrowing.
Can I buy in Unley 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 Unley?
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 Unley 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 Unley 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.
Nearby suburbs
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.