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Barwon Heads suburb profile

Barwon Heads is a picturesque coastal town located on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, renowned for its stunning beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Just a short drive from Geelong, this charming suburb offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Barwon Heads is famous for its iconic bridge, scenic river views, and vibrant local community. The area is popular with holidaymakers and residents alike, offering a range of outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, and golfing. With its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, Barwon Heads provides a delightful coastal lifestyle for families and retirees.

Barwon Heads property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,238,750Past 3 months

Property growth-0.7%Past 12 months

Barwon Heads' property market has shown stability in house values over the past 12 months, with no change in the median house price, which remains at $1.33 million. The unit market, however, has seen a slight increase of 1.9% in value, although the median unit price is not available due to limited sales activity.

Sales activity has been modest, with 23 houses sold in the past 12 months, while only one unit was sold, indicating a limited unit market. Houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 76 days on the market, reflecting a more cautious buyer sentiment.

The rental market in Barwon Heads has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 7.7% and unit rents by 12.7% over the last 12 months, suggesting a strong demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.33MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
-3.4%1.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
231
Median days on market
Past 12 months
76N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$700$620
Change in rent
Past 12 months
7.7%12.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Barwon Heads demographics

Barwon Heads, a picturesque coastal town in Victoria, is renowned for its stunning beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant community. With a population of 4,353, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still providing ample amenities and a strong sense of community. The median age of 46 suggests a mature population, with many residents enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty that the area has to offer.

The suburb's family-friendly atmosphere is evident, with 43.8% of households being couple families with children and 43.6% being couple families without children. This balance highlights Barwon Heads as an ideal location for both growing families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The presence of one-parent families, making up 11.4% of the community, further underscores the suburb's inclusive and supportive environment.

Property ownership in Barwon Heads is predominantly outright, with 49% of homes owned outright and 35% owned with a mortgage. This high level of ownership reflects the suburb's appeal as a long-term residence for many. With only 16% of properties being rented, Barwon Heads attracts those looking for stability and a strong sense of belonging. The median total household income of $2,226 per week indicates a relatively affluent community, drawn to the area's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and close-knit community feel.

Barwon Heads infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Barwon Heads remains a highly desirable coastal market, with its established village feel, strong lifestyle appeal and proximity to Geelong supporting steady buyer interest. Its location near beaches, river access and golf facilities continues to underpin demand from both owner-occupiers and holiday-home buyers.

No major new redevelopment, transport or schooling projects are currently evident in the available local information that would materially change the suburb’s market outlook. As a result, Barwon Heads’ property performance is likely to continue being driven more by lifestyle demand, limited coastal housing supply and its amenity-rich setting than by large-scale infrastructure change.

Barwon Heads rental market trends

The rental market in Barwon Heads has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 7.7% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have surged 12.7% to $620 per week. This picturesque coastal suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, offering a desirable lifestyle and strong rental demand.

Suburbs near Barwon Heads

Some popular suburbs near Barwon Heads include:

How does Barwon Heads compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Barwon Heads’s median house price is 31.4% higher than Ocean Grove’s.
  • Median unit prices: Barwon Heads’s median unit price is 47.2% higher than Ocean Grove’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Barwon Heads have grown 1.0% higher than in Connewarre.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Ocean Grove have risen 15.9% more than in Barwon Heads over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Barwon Heads are selling 43.7% faster than in Connewarre.
  • Investment considerations: In Barwon Heads, the rental yield for house is 11.5% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 6.2% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Barwon Heads have grown 34.5% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Barwon Heads have grown 70.3% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Barwon Heads

  • Is Barwon Heads a nice place to live?

    Barwon Heads is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and picturesque lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its charming village atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, Barwon Heads provides a peaceful retreat with a strong sense of community. The suburb's proximity to the ocean and the scenic Barwon River makes it a haven for those who love outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities for surfing, fishing, and enjoying the beach. The local vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with a vibrant mix of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to both residents and visitors.

    Families will find Barwon Heads particularly appealing due to its family-friendly environment and the abundance of green spaces and recreational facilities. The suburb offers a safe and supportive community where children can thrive, and parents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle. While Barwon Heads may not have the bustling nightlife of a city, it compensates with its tranquil setting and the convenience of being just a short drive from Geelong, where more extensive amenities and entertainment options are available.

    One trade-off of living in Barwon Heads is the limited availability of large-scale infrastructure projects, which means that while the suburb maintains its charming character, it may not experience rapid growth or development. However, this also ensures that the area retains its unique appeal and continues to attract those seeking a stable and close-knit community. Overall, Barwon Heads is a fantastic choice for those looking for a coastal lifestyle with a strong community spirit and easy access to natural beauty.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Barwon Heads?

    Living in Barwon Heads can be quite expensive, especially when considering the current property market. The median house price in this coastal suburb is approximately $1,327,500, which is significantly higher than many other areas in Victoria. This reflects the desirability of Barwon Heads as a lifestyle destination, with its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

    When it comes to renting, the average rent for houses is around $700 per week, while units average $620 per week. These rental prices are relatively high, especially when compared to the Victorian state average wage of about $105,000 per year. The median total household income in Barwon Heads is $2,226 per week, which suggests that residents generally earn above the state average. However, the high property prices and rents mean that a substantial portion of income would go towards housing costs.

    Overall, if you are thinking of living in Barwon Heads, it's important to consider the financial commitment required. While the suburb offers a fantastic lifestyle with its scenic beauty and community vibe, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. It's essential to evaluate your budget to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this charming coastal town.

    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 Barwon Heads a good place to invest?

    Barwon Heads presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in rental income. While the median house value has remained stable over the past year, the rental market tells a different story. With a notable 7.7% increase in house rents and an impressive 12.7% rise in unit rents, the suburb is clearly experiencing strong demand from renters. This trend suggests that Barwon Heads is becoming increasingly popular, likely due to its coastal charm and lifestyle appeal.

    Although capital growth in property values has been modest, with a slight 1.9% increase in unit values, the rental market's performance indicates a robust demand that could lead to future capital appreciation. The suburb's picturesque setting and relaxed vibe make it a desirable location for both permanent residents and holidaymakers, which bodes well for investors seeking consistent rental returns. Overall, Barwon Heads offers a promising investment landscape, particularly for those focusing on rental yield and long-term growth potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Barwon Heads

There are 16 real estate agents in Barwon Heads, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 85.7% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Barwon Heads typically range from 2% to 2.5%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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