16 Oct 2025 Smarter Home Loans for Upsizers in St Kilda VIC: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking of moving to a bigger home in St Kilda, Victoria, welcome to the world of upsizers. Upsizers are typically home buyers who are trading in their current place for a more spacious property, often due to growing families, lifestyle upgrades, or simply wanting more room. With property prices shifting and the St Kilda market continuing to evolve, choosing the right home loan for upsizers is more crucial than ever.

That’s where EverLend’s mortgage brokers come in. Whether you’re buying in St Kilda West, along St Kilda Road, or even stretching towards Albert Park, their team offers tailored advice, wide lender panel access, and expert negotiation to help you sell and buy with confidence.

Let’s dive into the key things every upsizer should know before making their next move.

Understanding the Upsizer Market in St Kilda

St Kilda is a sought-after bayside suburb with a mix of luxurious apartment living, villa units, and heritage homes. It’s surrounded by top-notch schools, parks like Albert Park Lake and Fawkner Park, and excellent public transport connections such as Anzac Station and the Sunbury-Cranbourne/Pakenham line.

The median house price in St Kilda has seen a steady rise, driven by architectural scarcity, lifestyle appeal, and high auction clearance rates. According to Domain, this area attracts upsizers from nearby suburbs like South Yarra, Port Melbourne, and Glen Eira looking to take advantage of St Kilda’s scarcity value and long-term capital growth potential.

With rising property prices and changing interest rates, knowing your borrowing capacity is vital before making an offer, especially in a competitive market with frequent post-auction negotiations and vendor bids.

Why Home Loans for Upsizers Need a Different Strategy

Upsizers often face more complex loan application scenarios than first home buyers. You’re likely juggling an existing mortgage, trying to sell your current home, and working around timelines.

That’s why a tailored home loan solution makes all the difference. Here’s what to look for:

• Bridging loans: Useful if you buy before you sell, but come with risks and higher interest rates.

• Offset accounts and redraw features: Can help with cash flow while managing two properties temporarily.

• Split loans: Combine fixed and variable rates for flexibility and stability. Learn more in EverLend’s guide to split loans.

Upsizers should also factor in Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), especially if the loan limit exceeds 80% of the property’s value. Check out this guide to LMI for a better understanding of potential costs.

Ready to upgrade your lifestyle in St Kilda?

Our expert St Kilda mortgage brokers at EverLend specialise in helping upsizers secure the right loan solution that fits your current financial picture and future goals. Whether you’re buying a villa unit or a luxury apartment, we’ll handle the paperwork and streamline your entire home loan process, from assessing borrowing capacity to final approval. Call us today at 03 7036 3356 to get started.

 

Key Property Trends Impacting St Kilda Upsizers

Several property trends in St Kilda could impact your decision to upsize:

• Interest rate cuts and monetary policy from the RBA continue to shift the property market landscape.

• Developers like Tim Gurner and Newmark Capital are transforming St Kilda with projects like Saint Moritz, offering Hamptons-inspired homes and Build-to-Sell fund investments backed by Singapore’s GIC.

• The rise in strata title living and high-end commercial property developments (e.g., Sky Manor, Marriott Executive Serviced Apartments) are shaping buyer expectations.

Understanding the tax implications, potential for rental yield, and future capital growth is essential for a well-informed upsizing decision, especially if you’re also considering property investment.

What to Consider Before You Upsize in St Kilda

Before making your move, consider the following:

• Loan features: Does your chosen loan offer flexibility, like redraw or offset accounts?

• Loan application timeline: Coordinating settlement dates between selling and buying is critical.

• Property type: Think long-term — whether it’s a strata title villa unit or a Hamptons-inspired home, will it suit your needs in 5–10 years?

• Neighbourhood amenities: St Kilda boasts access to electric bikes, Sandy dog beach, Railway Wine Bar, and reputable agents like Marshalls White Port Phillip and Green Street News.

• School zones and commute: Consider access to nearby employment hubs like Melbourne CBD, via Queens Road and Kings Way.

Want to reduce your repayments faster? Here are some smart tips to pay off your mortgage quicker.

How EverLend Mortgage Brokers Help Upsizers in St Kilda

EverLend’s mortgage broker team brings local expertise and tailored advice to St Kilda upsizers. Here’s how they can support you:

• Compare a wide range of loan products across their lender panel to match your financial goals.

• Offer insights into loan features such as offset accounts, interest-only periods, and refinancing options.

• Help you refinance & restructure your existing mortgage — see this refinancing guide for more details.

• Navigate niche loans such as low-doc and non-conforming loans, ideal for time-poor professionals, the self-employed, or those in an admin role.

Plus, EverLend simplifies the home loan process with helpful tools, calculators, and transparency every step of the way.

FAQs 

What is an upsizer in real estate?

An upsizer is someone moving from a smaller to a larger home, often to meet lifestyle or family needs.

Do upsizers have to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance?

Yes, if borrowing more than 80% of the property’s value, upsizers may need to pay LMI.

Can I buy a new home before selling my current one?

Yes, with bridging loans. However, they come with risks and higher interest rates.

How do I calculate my borrowing capacity?

Your income, expenses, existing loans, and credit score all affect borrowing capacity. Use EverLend’s tools and calculators or speak to our broker.

What suburbs are good alternatives to St Kilda for upsizing?

Look into Albert Park, Port Melbourne, and South Yarra for similar amenities and lifestyle appeal.

Are there government incentives for upsizers?

Most government grants focus on first-home buyers, but upsizers may benefit from stamp duty concessions in specific cases.

How can EverLend help upsizers specifically?

EverLend offers personalised loan comparisons, access to flexible loan products, and assistance through the entire loan application process.

Ready to Make a Rewarding Property Decision?

Upsizing in St Kilda isn’t just about finding a bigger house; it’s about aligning with your lifestyle, financial goals, and future aspirations. Whether you’re eyeing a home near Albert Park Lake, a luxurious apartment on St Kilda Road, or a character-filled Welsh Terrace, the right home loan for upsizers can make all the difference.

EverLend’s St Kilda mortgage brokers bring local know-how, expert finance expertise, and a commitment to rewarding property decisions. Visit www.everlend.com.au or call 03 7036 3356 today to get started with a personalised strategy that matches your goals.