45 Carlisle Street, Preston VIC 3072

I purchased 45 Carlisle Street, Preston in May of 2001. Since then it has been an excellent rental investment property.

Back then, my intention for this property was to subdivide the land and add another single fronted dwelling alongside the current one. The existing dwelling is structurally very sound, being constructed of solid double-brick; the previous owner had added on extra rooms by constructing a lean-to where the dining, kitchen and laundry are currently situated.

The plans I had drawn-up worked on taking full advantage of the building block with a basement and second level constructed at the rear of the property to take full advantage of the city skyline. Originally, before the rear neighbours built their second level there were uninterrupted views of the city from the landing at the rear door. That being said, those views would be easily regained by constructing the second level. An advantage of the land is that to construct the second dwelling only a building permit is required and not a planning permit because the block’s size exceeds the planning department guidelines which saves money and a load of headaches.

The house is situated in a very quiet, safe and friendly street abutting the Thornbury boundary. Even though I don’t live in the street I know most of the neighbours on a first-name basis. They are always looking out for one another, and if there was ever a need to contact me they would; which is very reassuring for me and tenants; current and past. A few doors down there is a book exchange cabinet so neighbours can share books. Pender Park, a lovely park, is a short stroll away as are major shopping centres, cafés, great night-life venues and restaurants. The High Street strip has so much to offer! Lastly, access to the airport is easy and no tolls!

On the property there is an array of plants; from the Bay Leaf Tree out front skirted by the Meyer Lemon Tree to the passionfruit vine the current tenants have planted that produced a sensational crop to the oasis out back which contain an olive tree and fig-tree surrounded by other leafy edibles.

It has been a great investment for me and I have only put 45 Carlisle Street on the market because I have made other future plans by purchasing a property interstate.