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.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $1.43M | $595K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 6.6% | -5.2% |
Sold Past 3 months | 14 | 32 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 36 | 23 |
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
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.

