Richmond homes, and why they change the job
Single-fronted and old
Wikipedia says the majority of Richmond's houses are single-fronted Victorian style homes built from the 1850s to the 1930s. With a single front there may be no side path at all, so plan on the outdoor unit going out the back.
Rooflines meant to stay hidden
Victorian-era Melbourne terrace designers deliberately hid roof elements behind a decorative parapet. That front facade is exactly what a heritage street is trying to protect.
More flats than houses
In 2021, 53.0% of Richmond's 13,301 occupied homes were flats or apartments, 30.7% were semi-detached, terrace or townhouses and only 15.6% were separate houses. The mix runs from converted warehouses to public housing towers.
A renters' suburb
54.7% of Richmond homes were rented at the 2021 Census, against 18.8% owned outright.
Splits, multi-heads and long narrow houses
Solar Victoria says split systems are great for heating and cooling single rooms or small apartments, which covers a lot of Richmond. In a flat, one well-sized split in the living area often does the job.
A single-fronted house is different. The rooms run in a line from the front door, and a split in the front room won't do much for the bedroom at the back. A multi-head system, one outdoor unit with several indoor units, can heat specific rooms or the whole house, and saves finding space for three outdoor units in a small courtyard. See multi-split systems.
Wherever it goes, the outdoor unit needs fresh air and room to be serviced. In a terrace row, think about the neighbours as well: their bedroom may sit just over your back fence.
Heritage streets and owners corporations
Victoria's rental regulations list heritage permit refusal and owners corporation rules among the grounds for not installing a new heater. That tells you both can block an outdoor unit. If your street is under a heritage overlay, ask Yarra City Council whether your planned spot needs a permit before you sign a quote.
In an apartment, get the owners corporation's answer in writing first. It saves paying for quotes on a position that gets refused. Our apartments and strata page goes through the usual sticking points.
What we'd do
Our take for a Richmond home
Sort out where the outdoor unit can sensibly and legally go before you choose a brand or a size. In a flat, that means the owners corporation. In a heritage street, it means asking the council first. Then pick a reverse cycle split, or a multi-head for a long house, sized for winter heating.
When you're ready, tell us the job and your postcode. Local installers with checked licences who take on inner-city work see it, and the one who takes the job is the only one who gets your details. If no one near Richmond takes it within 48 hours, it may be opened up to installers elsewhere in Victoria.
