Originally a small agricultural village centered around St Matthew's Church, Rokeby underwent massive expansion in the 1970s as a major public housing initiative. In the last decade, it has transitioned through significant gentrification and the development of large-scale private estates like Glebe Hill.
A suburb of two halves: the established northern pocket with a history of social housing, and the southern 'Glebe Hill' area characterized by modern family homes and new retail infrastructure.
- Relative affordability compared to Howrah and Tranmere
- Modern retail infrastructure at Glebe Hill Village
- Large block sizes in established areas (600sqm+)
- Strong rental yields for defensive investors
- Proximity to the South Arm peninsula beaches
- Significant recent private capital investment in housing
- Concentrated pockets of former social housing
- Bushfire risk overlays on eastern boundary properties
- Limited secondary school options within the suburb
- Traffic congestion at the South Arm Highway merge during peak
- Higher than average property crime in specific northern streets
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
Dominant dwelling stock.
Typical entry to ceiling.
Rokeby is the primary 'release valve' for Hobart's Eastern Shore. It offers the lifestyle benefits of the region at a 20-30% discount compared to neighboring Howrah, making it the critical entry point for first-home buyers.
$540k – $820k
$440k – $560k
12-month movement
Current asking rents
The median is heavily influenced by the 'two-tier' market: older 1970s builds (lower end) vs. 2020s Glebe Hill builds (upper end).
Price comparison
Median price ÷ median income
Estimated rental yield
Rokeby remains one of the most accessible suburbs within a 20-minute radius of the CBD, though prices in new estates are rising quickly.
Lower = tighter market
Avg time on market
Annual rental increase
Young families and essential workers seeking modern amenities.
Strong. Low vacancy rates and the 'Glebe Hill effect' provide both yield and capital growth prospects. Focus on 3-bedroom homes with secure yards.
- Continued development of the Glebe Hill precinct
- Gentrification of older housing stock
- Spillover demand from overpriced neighboring suburbs
- Improved retail and medical services locally
- Interest rate sensitivity for first-home buyer demographic
- Perception issues related to historical social housing
- Infrastructure lag (roads and schools)
Expect steady growth as the suburb completes its transition. The gap between Rokeby and Howrah is likely to narrow further as amenity improves.
vs last 12 months
Relative comparison
Check specific street data via Tasmania Police; safety varies significantly between the new estates and older cul-de-sacs.
Primary risks involve localized socio-economic issues and environmental factors on the suburb's fringe.
Low risk; generally well-drained undulating land.
High risk for properties backing onto Knopwood Hill or the eastern bushland corridors.
Standard premiums apply, though bushfire overlays may increase costs for fringe properties.
Bushfire-Prone Area, Landslide Hazard (select areas)
Glebe Hill extensions and infill sites near Tollard Drive.
Zoning allows for moderate densification, making some older large blocks suitable for dual-occupancy (STCA).
Bus services connect to Rosny Park and Hobart; car-dependent for most.
Excellent new shopping centre (Coles, McDonalds, specialty shops).
Good access to Clarence Plains Rivulet tracks and local playgrounds.
Rokeby Primary and Bayview Secondary serve the area; Emmanuel Christian School offers a private alternative.
New medical suites within the Glebe Hill Village.
A diversifying population with a significant increase in young families and mortgage-holders.
The lowering median age and rising ownership rates indicate a suburb in the middle of a successful gentrification cycle.
Recent years were dominated by Glebe Hill Village; future focus is on residential infill and road upgrades.
- Increased local employment
- Higher commercial convenience
- Improved property values suburb-wide
- Increased traffic on Rokeby Road
- Loss of some semi-rural character
Residents are generally positive about the 'new' Rokeby, citing the convenience of Glebe Hill, while acknowledging that some older areas still feel 'rough around the edges'.
Moving to the Glebe Hill side was the best decision. The new shops mean I rarely have to drive to Rosny anymore.
I couldn't afford Howrah, but I got a 4-bedroom house here with a view for under $700k. The value is unbeatable.
It's getting very busy and the traffic on the highway is a nightmare now compared to ten years ago.
- Prioritize properties in the Glebe Hill estate for the best long-term capital growth.
- Check the 'Housing Tasmania' status of neighboring properties in older streets.
- Look for homes with views of the Derwent River or Mount Wellington to add 'scarcity' value.
- Verify bushfire BAL ratings if buying on the fringe of the Knopwood Hill area.
- Consider older 1970s brick homes for renovation potential; they often have superior block sizes.
- Is this property part of a former social housing precinct?
- What is the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating for this specific lot?
- Are there any planned developments for the vacant land nearby?
- What is the ratio of owner-occupiers to renters in this specific street?
- Has the property been tested for meth/clandestine activity (if it was a former rental)?
- What are the current council rates and land tax implications?
- Highlight proximity to Glebe Hill Village in all marketing materials.
- Ensure gardens are well-presented to differentiate from lower-quality rentals.
- Address any security concerns by installing visible sensor lights or cameras before sale.
- Target young families from the Western Shore looking for more space for their money.
- Use professional photography to showcase the 'modern lifestyle' aspect of the suburb.
Position the property as a 'lifestyle upgrade at an entry-level price point', focusing on the modern amenities and family-friendly community.
High-yield defensive play with gentrification upside.
Potential for higher management intensity in older pockets; lower capital growth if buying in stagnant streets.
- Target 3-4 bedroom houses in the $550k-$650k range.
- Focus on properties within walking distance of the new shopping centre.
- Screen tenants rigorously to ensure stability.
- Consider minor cosmetic renos to older stock to jump the rental bracket.
- Apply quickly; well-priced homes in the new estates lease within days.
- Check bus routes if you don't have a car, as some streets are isolated.
Modern housing options and great local shopping.
Some older areas can be noisy; check the street at night before signing.
- Maintain the property to a high standard to attract professional couples.
- Install heat pumps (reverse cycle air con) as they are highly sought after in Hobart.
Ensure all smoke alarms and minimum rental standards (heating/insulation) meet TAS state legislation.
- The market is splitting: new builds are holding value while unrenovated older stock is softening.
- Buyers are increasingly wary of 'pockets'—street-level reputation matters here more than most suburbs.
The 'Glebe Hill Lifestyle' and 'Hobart's Best Value Eastern Shore Suburb'.
First home buyers, young families, and interstate yield-chasers.
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-06. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Property values and market conditions are subject to change.
