Blair Scott
7 O'Connell Street, Little Grove, WA 6330
Offers above $770,000
3 1 2
Open Saturday 10 October 2:00 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Little Grove — Menang Noongar Country
Traditionally part of the Menang Noongar people's seasonal lands, the area was later used for small-scale agriculture and timber. It transitioned into a residential enclave in the late 20th century as Albany expanded southward.
A tranquil, high-socioeconomic pocket characterized by large residential blocks, abundant birdlife, and a strong sense of community centered around the local school.
Overall Score
8
A premium lifestyle suburb with high demand but significant environmental risks.
Aboriginal Name
Kinjarling— "Place of rain"
Name Origin
Descriptive name referring to the small groves of native peppermint trees along the harbour shoreline.
Established
Gazetted 1977
Harbour Access
Nature Border
School Hub
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7
Steady growth driven by sea-change buyers and local families upgrading.
Amenity
5
Limited local retail; residents rely on Albany CBD for most services.
Schools
9
Little Grove Primary School is a major drawcard for young families.
Transport
4
Highly car-dependent with limited public transport frequency.
Risk Profile
5
Bushfire and coastal inundation risks require careful due diligence.
Liveability
9
Exceptional natural beauty and quiet, safe streets.
Demographics
8
High proportion of established families and professional couples.
Rental Demand
7
Strong demand for family homes but very low supply of rental stock.
Growth Potential
7
Limited new land supply supports long-term capital appreciation.
Affordability
5
One of Albany's more expensive suburbs relative to local incomes.
Crime & Safety
9
Very low crime rates compared to the state average.
Walkability
3
Large blocks and lack of footpaths make walking to services difficult.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$785,000
Estimated March 2026
1yr Growth
6.2%
Steady upward trend
Family Ratio
78%
High family density
Bushfire Zone
High
BAL assessment required
Waterfront
Harbour
Princess Royal Harbour
CBD Drive
12 mins
To Albany Town Centre
✅ Key Advantages
- Highly regarded Little Grove Primary School within walking distance for most.
- Large residential allotments providing privacy and space for sheds/boats.
- Direct proximity to Torndirrup National Park and pristine beaches.
- Quiet, safe environment with minimal through-traffic.
- Strong community spirit and active local residents association.
- Stunning views of Princess Royal Harbour from elevated positions.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- High Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings can significantly increase building costs.
- Many properties rely on septic systems rather than deep sewerage.
- Limited local shopping; a car is essential for all daily needs.
- Coastal erosion and inundation risks for properties on the harbour fringe.
- Strict clearing regulations for native vegetation on private blocks.
- Limited rental availability makes it difficult for 'try-before-you-buy' scenarios.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Coastal Semi-Rural
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Large detached houses on 1,000sqm+ blocks, some rural-residential lots.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$680k – $1.6m
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Little Grove represents the 'Albany Dream' for families—space, safety, and nature. It is a tightly held market where supply rarely meets demand, ensuring price resilience even in broader market downturns.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$785,000
$700k – $1.5m
🏢 Unit Median
—
N/A - Minimal unit stock
📈 Price Trend
+6.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $620pw - $750pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The lack of medium-density housing keeps the median high and the character consistent. Buyers are paying a premium for the school catchment and the larger-than-average block sizes.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
15% below Perth metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
7.8x annual income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
4.2% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While cheaper than Perth's premium suburbs, Little Grove is expensive for the Great Southern region. High insurance premiums due to fire risk impact ongoing affordability.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.5%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
High
👤 Tenant Profile
Professional families and government employees (health/education) relocating to Albany.
💼 Investor Outlook
Low vacancy rates provide security, but high entry prices and maintenance of large blocks/septic systems can eat into net returns. Capital growth is the primary play here.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+6.2%
1-Year Growth
+22%
3-Year Growth
+48%
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Continued 'lifestyle' migration from metropolitan Perth.
- Completion of the Albany Ring Road improving regional connectivity.
- Expansion of health services at Albany Health Campus attracting professionals.
- Strict zoning limits preventing oversupply of new housing.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising insurance costs in bushfire-prone areas.
- Higher interest rates impacting the 'trade-up' buyer segment.
- Cost of building/renovating in regional locations.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady growth of 4-6% per annum. The suburb's reputation as a safe haven for families will maintain its status as a top-tier Albany performer.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
9
Safety Score
Excellent
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
60% below Perth metro crime average
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Personal Safety: Very Low
Traffic Issues: Low
📋 What to Check Locally
Standard home security is sufficient; the primary safety concern is wildlife on roads during dawn and dusk.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental risks dominate the profile, specifically bushfire threat and the management of aging on-site wastewater systems.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low risk for most, but harbour-front properties must check City of Albany coastal inundation maps.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
High risk. Most of the suburb is within a designated Bushfire Prone Area. BAL assessments are mandatory for new works.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Expect higher-than-average premiums. Some insurers may have strict requirements for gutter guards and vegetation setbacks.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
R5 - Low Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Bushfire Prone Area, Special Control Area (Coastal)
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Very limited; mostly infill of remaining large vacant lots.
Low-density zoning protects the suburb's character but limits the potential for subdivision, supporting long-term value for existing houses.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Poor. Car dependence is near 100%. Limited bus service to Albany CBD.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Moderate. Local general store provides basics; major shopping 10-15 mins away.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Exceptional. Access to Torndirrup National Park, local reserves, and harbour walks.
🏫 Schools
Excellent. Little Grove Primary is highly rated; secondary students bus to Albany.
🏥 Healthcare
Good. 12-minute drive to Albany Health Campus (Regional Hospital).
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
An affluent, family-centric demographic with high rates of home ownership and professional employment.
💵 Median Income
$88,400 pa
🏠 Ownership
82% owner-occupied, 18% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 44
🎓 Education
High percentage of tertiary-educated residents compared to regional average.
📊 Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy rate contributes to well-maintained properties and a stable, quiet community atmosphere.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Infrastructure improvements in the wider Albany area are the primary drivers rather than local suburb developments.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Albany Ring Road completion reducing heavy vehicle traffic on local feeder roads.
- Upgrades to the Albany Waterfront precinct enhancing regional tourism.
- Ongoing investment in the Albany Health Campus.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased tourist traffic on Frenchman Bay Road during peak seasons.
- Potential for stricter environmental clearing regulations.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Goode Beach
Position
South
Price
More expensive
Lifestyle
Holiday-home feel, closer to beaches, further from town.
Best for
Retirees and premium holiday makers.
📍Robinson
Position
West
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
More rural/equestrian focus, larger acreage.
Best for
Lifestyle farmers and horse owners.
📍Mount Clarence
Position
North (CBD)
Price
Higher
Lifestyle
Urban, historic, walk to shops/cafes.
Best for
Downsizers and urban professionals.
📍Big Grove
Position
East
Price
Slightly lower
Lifestyle
More secluded, less infrastructure, no school.
Best for
Privacy seekers.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Gelorup
WA
7/10
Semi-rural family enclave near a major regional hub (Bunbury).
Margaret River
WA
8/10
High lifestyle value, strong primary school, nature-focused.
Bridgewater
SA
8/10
Leafy, family-oriented, bushfire-prone but high demand.
Mount Nelson
TAS
7/10
Elevated bushland setting near a regional capital with strong schools.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents are fiercely protective of the suburb's quiet character and natural beauty, with the primary school cited as the number one reason for moving here.
★★★★★
Family Life
The best place to raise kids in Albany. They can ride their bikes to school and explore the bush safely.
Safety
Community
★★★★☆
Building Costs
Love the block size, but be prepared for the BAL rating costs if you plan to renovate or build.
Space
Expenses
★★★★★
Nature
The birdlife is incredible. It's like living in a national park but with a nice coffee shop 10 minutes away.
Environment
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties with an existing BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) certificate.
- Check the age and condition of the septic system; replacement can be costly.
- Look for elevated blocks that offer harbour views to maximize future resale.
- Verify school catchment boundaries, as the primary school is at capacity.
- Factor in the cost of a ride-on mower for larger allotments.
- Inspect for 'Dieback' (Phytophthora) if the property has significant native bush.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- What is the current BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating for this property?
- Is the property connected to deep sewerage or a septic system?
- Are there any restrictive covenants regarding tree removal or building materials?
- Has the septic system been serviced or inspected in the last two years?
- What are the average annual water and council rates for this block size?
- Are there any known coastal inundation overlays affecting the harbour side of the block?
- Is the property within the guaranteed catchment for Little Grove Primary School?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight any bushfire mitigation work (firebreaks, clearing) in marketing.
- Ensure the septic system is pumped and inspected prior to listing.
- Showcase the lifestyle: include photos of nearby beaches and the school.
- Target Perth-based buyers looking for a regional sea-change.
- Ensure gardens are tidy but retain the 'natural' bush feel buyers want.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'forever family home' that balances nature with the convenience of Albany's best school. Focus on the rarity of large blocks so close to the harbour.
💼 Investment Case
A low-risk, long-term capital growth play with high-quality tenants.
⚠️ Investment Risks
High entry price and maintenance costs of large gardens/septic systems.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 4-bedroom homes to appeal to the dominant family demographic.
- Ensure the property has a large shed, as this is a high-priority for local tenants.
- Budget for higher insurance premiums.
- Consider professional garden maintenance as part of the lease.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Be ready to act fast; family homes here lease within days.
- Ask about the water heating system (many are electric or gas bottle).
- Check mobile reception, as some pockets near the hills have dead zones.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Unbeatable safety and access to nature for children.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Lack of public transport means you must have a reliable car.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Maintain firebreaks to council standards annually.
- Install high-quality gutter guards to reduce fire risk and maintenance.
- Allow pets, as most families in this area have them.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure smoke alarms and RCDs are compliant, and septic systems meet health department standards.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The 'Little Grove Primary' factor is the strongest selling point.
- Buyers are often locals moving from smaller blocks in Albany CBD.
- Out-of-area buyers often underestimate the bushfire requirements.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The Ultimate Family Sanctuary; Coastal Living Meets Bushland Peace.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Professional families (35-50) with primary-school-aged children.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Obtain a formal Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment.
✓
Check the City of Albany's Local Planning Scheme for any special control areas.
✓
Inspect the condition of the septic tank and leach drains.
✓
Verify the property boundaries, especially on larger bush blocks.
✓
Check for any 'Notice of Classification' regarding contaminated sites (rare but possible).
✓
Assess the condition of any large native trees near the dwelling.
✓
Review the City of Albany's firebreak notice requirements.
✓
Confirm internet connectivity options (NBN Fixed Wireless vs Satellite).
✓
Check for any easements related to drainage or power.
✓
Inquire about the history of any coastal erosion if near the harbour.
✓
Evaluate the driveway access for emergency vehicles (fire trucks).
✓
Check for signs of Dieback in the native vegetation.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on historical data and projected market trends as of March 2026. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct independent inspections and seek professional advice regarding bushfire risks and environmental constraints.
