409/50 Barry Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Studio studio in Carlton | student-oriented building | lift access level 4 | walk to UniMelb and RMIT This studio presents a rare entry point into Carlton’s tightly held market, where sub-$170,000 freehold units are scarce. Its configuration as a self-contained studio with a galley kitchen, modern bathroom, and lift access to level four offers a functional, low-maintenance floorplan that suits first-home buyers, downsizers, or investors targeting the student rental pool. The building’s student-oriented amenities—common room, rooftop terrace, secure entry, and bills-included structure—reinforce its competitive edge for consistent tenant demand, given the three-minute walk to the University of Melbourne and RMIT. The property sits in a residential zone with no bushfire, flood, or heritage overlays, and 5G coverage supports digital connectivity for occupants. The primary risk is the building’s orientation toward student accommodation, which may limit capital growth compared to broader Carlton apartments, and the studio’s single-bed layout restricts appeal to owner-occupiers seeking space. The recent rental increase from $325 to $380 per week signals upward momentum, but the $161,000 estimated value leaves limited room for immediate resale profit. For an investor, the $380 weekly rent yields a gross return near 12.3%, which is strong for inner Melbourne. The property is best held as a long-term rental, capitalising on student demand, with a view to selling when the market cycle lifts values above $175,000.