Gentrified Villawood - Australia's heart of hope and determination

Villawood has become Australia's heart of hope and determination thanks to the extraordinary lives of many who arrived in this country 50 years ago fleeing war and persecution, committed to making a fresh start and giving this nation a go.

Jonathan Phong is the proud owner of Hawker Eight, an Asian fusion restaurant located on the ground floor of the Parklane Residences in Villawood, and he is proud to be part of a local community that is evolving and becoming a highly sought after place to live.

"I grew up in the area and it has changed so much over the years. I'm really proud to see what Villawood has become.  It is a thriving community of like-minded people determined to live their best life," Phong said.

"My mum was born in Vietnam and my father in Cambodia.  They arrived in Australia 50 years ago as young kids with their families fleeing war and persecution. They arrived with nothing except a dream of finding happiness and the ability to work hard and build a life for themselves.

"They were placed here in Villawood and this is where it all started. From a housing commission home where my parents toiled to bring up their family and build a life for us, after all these years, we all still live in the area. In fact, we now all live at Parklane Residences and I have a business here."

Phong completed a degree in social work at the University of Western Sydney. He likes food and people so much he decided to start his own restaurant business.

"I was looking at apartments with my mum at Parklane Residences and noticed a commercial space for lease downstairs.  Mum bought an apartment upstairs and then my cousin bought one as well. Family friends have also bought apartments in the area too.  

"I thought with so much of my family now in Parklane Residences that it would be the perfect place to open my restaurant.

"I love the area. It has such a great feeling to it. Everyone is so friendly and family oriented. There is such a strong sense of community here. This area is rich in spirit, history, hope and determination. So many people who helped found this great community arrived with nothing and have contributed so much to this city, and this country. The country has wrapped its arms around them. There is a feeling of great pride here. We are Aussies and love the place!"

Ahmad Diab, managing director of the ABA Group, the construction group responsible for the development of the area and Parklane Residences is not surprised that Villawood is attracting so many families and young couples.

"Villawood offers so many benefits and exudes a sense of family and safety. It is the perfect option, sitting at the intersection between two large Western Sydney centres, Parramatta and Bankstown, which are already experiencing enormous economic growth and job generation from mega infrastructural investments like the Western Sydney Airport due in 2026," Diab said.

"Within close proximity to public transportation, local schools, university campuses, and health and retail precincts, it is the perfect family-friendly neighbourhood."

According to Diab, the area is not only providing the ideal location for young couples, families and retirees, it is also proving a healthy investment opportunity as well.

"The key reason for this is that Villawood has gone through an incredible process of gentrification and is now highly sought after. Prices have followed and the market is continuing to go up regardless of what is happening in the economy," Diab added.

"It is also an area that offers attractive growth for investors. The population has grown quite a bit over the last years.  The area is also very attractive for renters due to its good infrastructure and job market. The median listing price for houses is $921,200. The median listing price for units has increased by 17.1 percent over the last 12 months.  

"The median rent in Villawood for a one bedroom unit is up to $500 per week and for a two bedroom unit, up to $620 per week, producing rental yields that are better than many other parts of Sydney. The asking price for unit rentals has increased by up to 28.3 percent in the last 12 months. Overall, Villawood is proving to be a highly desirable area that is continuing to grow due to an increase in the number of people that want to live and invest in the region."

About St Trinity Property Group

St Trinity Property Group is a diversified property group that has successfully brought to market more than $1 billion worth of sustainable residential communities. The group prides itself on its intricate knowledge and deep entrenchment in the communities it services, playing an integral role in the local market. Its experienced team of dedicated professionals has a substantial depth of knowledge and great passion. A multi-disciplinary background allows them to successfully deliver an exceptional, highly-tailored service to clients and provide the perfect synergy with their requirements.

https://www.sttrinity.com.au/project/parklane-residences-villawood/