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Balwyn suburb profile

Balwyn is a prestigious suburb located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, approximately 10km from the CBD. Known for its tree-lined streets, elegant period homes, and top-tier schools, Balwyn is a highly sought-after area for families and professionals. The suburb boasts a vibrant shopping precinct along Whitehorse Road, featuring a mix of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. With its excellent public transport options, including trams and buses, Balwyn offers convenient access to the city while maintaining a peaceful, suburban atmosphere. Its blend of heritage charm and modern amenities makes Balwyn a desirable place to live.

Balwyn property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,649,500Past 3 months

Property growth+0.6%Past 12 months

Balwyn's property market has shown stability and growth over the past 12 months. The median house price has remained steady at $2.46 million, while unit values have surged by 14.9%, reaching a median price of $811,500. This indicates a strong demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been active, with 46 houses and 23 units sold over the last 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 36 days on the market compared to 52 days for houses, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Balwyn has seen moderate changes, with house rents increasing by 4.9% to an average of $965, while unit rents have experienced a slight rise of 0.8%, averaging $600 over the past year.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.42M$875K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-12.6%13.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
5029
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5234
Average rent
Past 12 months
$990$600
Change in rent
Past 12 months
7.6%0.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Balwyn demographics

Balwyn, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is renowned for its leafy streets, excellent schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. With a population of 13,495, the suburb is characterized by a mature demographic, reflected in its median age of 43. This suggests a community of established families and long-term residents who appreciate the suburb's tranquil environment and proximity to the city.

The suburb's housing market is predominantly owner-occupied, with 44% of properties owned outright and 28.2% owned with a mortgage. This high rate of home ownership indicates a stable community with a strong sense of belonging. Rental properties make up 27.8% of the housing market, catering to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area.

Family life is a significant aspect of Balwyn, with 49.4% of households being couple families with children, and 32.9% being couples without children. The presence of reputable schools and parks makes it an ideal location for raising a family. Additionally, the suburb's median total household income of $1975 per week reflects a relatively affluent community, attracted by Balwyn's blend of suburban charm and urban convenience.

Balwyn infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Balwyn continues to benefit from its position within the City of Boroondara, where the council is prioritising steady residential densification around established retail strips and transport corridors, supporting ongoing townhouse and apartment redevelopment along key roads and near the village centre.[3][4] This planning emphasis, combined with Balwyn’s reputation for prestigious schools and large family homes, is encouraging the replacement of older dwellings with higher-end contemporary residences, which may underpin premium pricing and attract upgrade buyers.[4][5][6]

Local amenity remains a major drawcard, with tree-lined streets, multiple parks and easy access to the Eastern Freeway providing strong connectivity to major employment hubs and the CBD, factors that typically support long-term demand from professionals and families.[3][5][6] While there are no headline new hospitals or rail lines announced specifically for Balwyn at this time, broader transport and community upgrades across Boroondara and adjoining suburbs are gradually improving accessibility and liveability, helping to sustain Balwyn’s status as one of Melbourne’s more affluent and tightly held residential markets.[4][5][6][8]

Balwyn rental market trends

The rental market in Balwyn has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing by 4.9% over the past year to $965 per week, while unit rents have seen a slight rise of 0.8% to $600 per week. Balwyn continues to attract renters and investors with its prestigious schools and family-friendly environment, maintaining steady demand in the rental sector.

Suburbs near Balwyn

Some popular suburbs near Balwyn include:

How does Balwyn compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Balwyn’s median house price is 36.2% higher than Surrey Hills’s.
  • Median unit prices: Balwyn’s median unit price is 8.4% higher than Surrey Hills’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Deepdene have risen 7.6% more than in Balwyn over the past year.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Balwyn have grown 10.7% higher than in Canterbury.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Balwyn are selling 10.3% faster than in Surrey Hills.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Balwyn are selling 29.2% faster than in Canterbury.
  • Investment considerations: In Balwyn, the rental yield for house is 57.1% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 2.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Balwyn have grown 133.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Balwyn have grown 37.3% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Balwyn

  • Is Balwyn a nice place to live?

    Balwyn is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. Known for its leafy streets and elegant homes, Balwyn exudes a serene and welcoming vibe that is perfect for families and professionals alike. The suburb is well-regarded for its strong sense of community, with many families choosing to settle here due to the excellent schools and safe environment. The presence of parks and green spaces adds to the suburb's appeal, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

    One of Balwyn's standout features is its vibrant shopping precinct along Whitehorse Road, where residents can enjoy a variety of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. This lively area contributes to the suburb's energetic yet relaxed atmosphere, offering plenty of options for dining and leisure. Additionally, Balwyn's excellent public transport options, including trams and buses, ensure easy access to Melbourne's CBD, making it a convenient choice for those who work in the city but prefer a quieter home environment.

    While Balwyn offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. The suburb's prestigious reputation and desirable location mean that property prices can be on the higher side, which may be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. Furthermore, while the suburb is generally safe, the peaceful atmosphere might not appeal to those seeking a more bustling nightlife or cultural scene. However, for families and individuals who value a stable, community-focused environment with excellent amenities and connectivity, Balwyn is a truly wonderful place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Balwyn?

    Living in Balwyn can be quite expensive, especially when you consider the property market. The current median house price is a whopping $2,460,000, which is significantly higher compared to many other suburbs in Melbourne. If you're looking at units, the median price is more affordable at $811,500, but still on the higher end of the spectrum. Renting isn't exactly cheap either, with the average rent for houses over the past year at $965 per week, and units at $600 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average wage in Balwyn, which is about $98,000 per year, it becomes evident that a large portion of one's income would need to be allocated towards housing costs. The median total household income in Balwyn is $1,975 per week, which is relatively high. However, given the steep property prices and rental costs, living in Balwyn could still stretch the budget for many. If you're thinking of living in Balwyn, it's essential to consider whether your financial situation can comfortably accommodate the costs associated with this desirable suburb.

    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 Balwyn a good place to invest?

    Balwyn is an intriguing suburb for investment, particularly if you're considering units. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in Balwyn has surged by 14.9%, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth in this segment. While the median house value has remained stable, the rental market for houses has seen a healthy increase of 4.9%, suggesting a steady demand for family homes in the area.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its established reputation as a family-friendly area with excellent schools, parks, and amenities, making it a desirable location for both renters and buyers. Although the rental growth for units has been modest at 0.8%, the significant increase in unit values reflects a growing interest in more affordable housing options within this prestigious suburb.

    Overall, Balwyn presents a balanced investment opportunity. While houses offer stable rental returns and long-term appeal, units are currently showing strong capital growth potential. This makes Balwyn an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio with a mix of property types in a sought-after location.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Balwyn

Choosing the right real estate agent in Balwyn can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 149 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 22.6% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.71% to 2.57%, 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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