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Balaclava suburb profile

Balaclava is a vibrant suburb located in Melbourne's inner south-east, known for its eclectic mix of culture, cuisine, and community spirit. Situated just 7km from the CBD, it offers a lively urban lifestyle with a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Balaclava is renowned for its bustling Carlisle Street, lined with diverse eateries, boutique shops, and cafes, reflecting its multicultural vibe. The suburb's excellent public transport links, including trams and trains, provide easy access to the city and surrounding areas. With its welcoming atmosphere and dynamic character, Balaclava attracts a diverse range of residents, from young professionals to families.

Balaclava property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,009,750Past 3 months

Property growth+0.7%Past 12 months

Balaclava’s property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, particularly in the unit sector. While house values have increased by 2.8%, the median unit price has remained steady at $600,000. This reflects a consistent demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 11 houses and 28 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median time on market of 23 days compared to 37 days for houses, indicating a stronger demand for units.

The rental market in Balaclava has seen slight increases, with house rents rising by 3.1% and unit rents by 4.8% over the last 12 months. This suggests a steady demand for rental properties in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.43M$595K
Change in value
Past 12 months
6.6%-5.2%
Sold
Past 3 months
1432
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3623
Average rent
Past 12 months
$900$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
5.9%4.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Balaclava demographics

Balaclava, nestled in Melbourne's inner south, is a vibrant suburb known for its eclectic mix of culture, convenience, and community spirit. With a population of 5,392 and a median age of 35, it attracts a diverse range of residents, from young professionals to families and retirees. The suburb's proximity to the city and its lively atmosphere make it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced urban lifestyle.

The housing landscape in Balaclava is varied, with nearly half of the properties being rented, reflecting its appeal to those who prefer flexible living arrangements. This is complemented by a significant portion of homes owned outright (19.8%) and with a mortgage (30.6%), indicating a stable community with a mix of long-term residents and new buyers. The suburb's family dynamics are diverse, with couple families without children making up 50% of the households, while couple families with children account for 35%, and one-parent families represent 11.7%.

Balaclava's vibrant community is enriched by its cultural diversity and a strong sense of local identity. The suburb is well-served by public transport, making it easy for residents to commute to the city or explore the surrounding areas. With its blend of charming cafes, boutique shops, and community events, Balaclava offers a unique and engaging lifestyle that appeals to a wide range of people looking for a dynamic yet welcoming place to call home.

Balaclava infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Balaclava remains well placed for buyers seeking an established inner-city market, with strong access to Melbourne’s CBD, the Chapel Street retail and dining strip, and nearby St Kilda amenities. Its walkable character and proximity to public transport continue to support demand from both owner-occupiers and renters.

There are no major new local redevelopments or transport projects currently standing out as having a significant immediate impact on Balaclava’s property market. Demand is more likely to be shaped by the suburb’s established lifestyle appeal, existing school options, and limited housing supply than by any single new infrastructure change.

Balaclava rental market trends

The rental market in Balaclava has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 3.1% over the past year to $900 per week, while unit rents have risen by 4.8% to $550 per week. This steady growth reflects the suburb's appeal, offering a balanced mix of lifestyle and convenience for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Balaclava

Some popular suburbs near Balaclava include:

How does Balaclava compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Balaclava’s median house price is 3.2% higher than St Kilda East’s.
  • Median unit prices: Balaclava’s median unit price is 4.3% higher than St Kilda East’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Balaclava have grown 8.3% higher than in St Kilda East.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Balaclava have grown 3.2% higher than in St Kilda East.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Balaclava are selling 12.2% faster than in St Kilda East.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Balaclava are selling 34.3% faster than in St Kilda East.
  • Investment considerations: In Balaclava, the rental yield for house is 42.9% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 6.1% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Balaclava have grown 26.7% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Balaclava have grown 5.7% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Balaclava

  • Is Balaclava a nice place to live?

    Balaclava is a delightful suburb that offers a vibrant and engaging lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its charming blend of historic allure and modern conveniences, this suburb is perfect for those who appreciate a lively urban atmosphere. The area is renowned for its cultural diversity and welcoming community, which creates a warm and inclusive environment for residents. Families, in particular, will find Balaclava appealing due to its proximity to quality schools and family-friendly amenities.

    The suburb's location is a significant advantage, with excellent public transport links that make commuting to the city and exploring surrounding areas a breeze. Balaclava's bustling streets are lined with an array of cafes, boutique shops, and restaurants, offering plenty of options for dining and leisure. The vibrant community spirit is evident in the local events and activities that bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

    While Balaclava offers a fantastic lifestyle, there are some trade-offs to consider. The demand for housing in this desirable area means that property prices can be high, and the availability of larger homes with gardens may be limited. Additionally, the lively atmosphere, while appealing to many, might not suit those seeking a quieter, more suburban environment. However, for those who thrive in a dynamic setting with easy access to the city and a rich cultural scene, Balaclava is an exceptional choice.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Balaclava?

    Balaclava, nestled within Melbourne's inner-city, presents a unique blend of affordability and lifestyle. With the current median unit price at $600,000, it offers a more accessible entry point into the property market compared to many of Melbourne's pricier suburbs. However, it's important to note that there is no current median house price available, which suggests a focus on unit living in this area.

    Renting in Balaclava can be a mixed bag. The average rent for houses is quite steep at $900 per week, which might strain the budget of those earning the average Melbourne wage of $105,000 per year. On the other hand, renting a unit is more manageable at $550 per week, aligning more closely with the average earnings in the area.

    Overall, living in Balaclava can be considered moderately expensive, especially for those looking at house rentals. However, with a median household income of $2,026 per week, many residents might find the cost of living in this vibrant suburb to be within reach, particularly if they opt for unit living. It's a suburb that offers a lively lifestyle without the exorbitant price tag of some of Melbourne's other inner-city areas.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Balaclava a good place to invest?

    Balaclava is an intriguing suburb for investment, especially for those looking at the rental market. Over the past year, the median house value in Balaclava has seen a modest increase of 2.8%, while unit values have remained stable. This stability in property values can be appealing for investors seeking a less volatile market. The rental market, however, tells a more dynamic story, with house rents increasing by 3.1% and unit rents by an impressive 4.8%. This suggests a strong demand for rental properties, which can be attractive for investors focusing on rental income.

    The suburb's vibrant atmosphere and proximity to the city make it a popular choice for young professionals and students, contributing to its steady rental demand. Balaclava's unique blend of cultural diversity, trendy cafes, and convenient public transport options add to its appeal, ensuring a consistent flow of potential tenants. While the capital growth might not be skyrocketing, the reliable rental returns and the suburb's lively character make Balaclava a compelling choice for those looking to invest in a stable and culturally rich area.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Balaclava

Choosing the right real estate agent in Balaclava can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 83 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 20.1% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.55% to 2.61%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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