Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Black Forest

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Black Forest suburb profile

Black Forest is a charming suburb located just 5km south of Adelaide's CBD, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Known for its tree-lined streets and character homes, Black Forest attracts families and professionals seeking a peaceful yet accessible lifestyle. The suburb boasts excellent public transport options, including the nearby tram and train services, making commuting to the city a breeze. With a strong sense of community, local parks, and proximity to shopping precincts, Black Forest provides a welcoming environment for residents. Its blend of heritage charm and modern amenities makes it a desirable location in Adelaide's inner south.

Black Forest property market performance

Property growth+9.1%Past 12 months

Black Forest’s property market has shown a significant increase in house values over the past 12 months, with a remarkable 21.7% growth. However, the median house price is currently unavailable, and unit values have remained stable with no change. Over the last three months, only 3 houses were sold, and no units were transacted, indicating limited sales activity in the area.

Houses in Black Forest are taking longer to sell, with a median of 64 days on the market, compared to 46 days for units, suggesting a quicker turnover for units despite the lack of sales. The rental market has seen moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 5.1% and unit rents rising by 9.1%, reflecting a healthy demand for rental properties in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
21.7%-3.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
3N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
6446
Average rent
Past 12 months
$660$480
Change in rent
Past 12 months
5.1%9.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Black Forest demographics

Black Forest, a charming suburb located in Adelaide, South Australia, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With a population of 1,982, it is a close-knit community that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. The median age of 39 suggests a mature population, with many residents enjoying the suburb's peaceful environment and proximity to the city center.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (34.4%), reflecting a stable and established community. Additionally, 25.5% of homes are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of long-term residents and newer homeowners. Renting is also a popular option, with 40.1% of properties being rented, catering to those seeking flexibility or temporary accommodation.

Family life is a prominent feature of Black Forest, with couple families with children making up 40.4% of the households, and couple families without children accounting for 43.7%. This balance highlights the suburb's appeal to both young families and older couples. The presence of one-parent families (13.4%) and other family types (2.6%) adds to the suburb's diverse demographic profile. With its leafy streets, local amenities, and strong sense of community, Black Forest is a desirable location for those seeking a harmonious blend of lifestyle and convenience.

Black Forest infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Black Forest benefits from excellent public transport, with both the Glenelg tram line and the Seaford railway line running through the suburb, providing quick access to the CBD and Glenelg, which supports strong appeal for commuters and families.[5][2] The area is also close to established shopping hubs such as Kurralta Park, Castle Plaza and Marion, ensuring convenient retail and services that underpin day-to-day livability and buyer demand.[1][3]

Local amenities including Black Forest Primary School, nearby Unley High School, community sports at Goodwood Oval and access to Unley Pool enhance the suburb’s reputation as a family-friendly location, likely supporting sustained demand for quality character homes.[1][2] Tree-lined streets, multiple parks and easy access to larger green spaces such as Belair National Park add to the suburb’s lifestyle appeal, though there are currently no widely reported major new infrastructure or redevelopment projects specific to Black Forest expected to significantly alter the property market in the near term.[1][3]

Black Forest rental market trends

The rental market in Black Forest has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing 5.1% over the past year to $660 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 9.1% to $480 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, offering a balanced mix of affordability and growth potential.

Suburbs near Black Forest

Some popular suburbs near Black Forest include:

How does Black Forest compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Black Forest’s median house price is 62.4% higher than Kurralta Park’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Black Forest have grown 14.3% higher than in Glandore.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Clarence Park have risen 1.8% more than in Black Forest over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Black Forest are selling 1.5% faster than in Clarence Park.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Clarence Park are selling 6.5% faster than in Black Forest.
  • Investment considerations: In Black Forest, the rental yield for house is 4.8% higher than the Adelaide average, while the rental yield for units is 2.2% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Black Forest have grown 13.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Adelaide.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Black Forest have grown 4.1% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Adelaide.

Common questions about Black Forest

  • Is Black Forest a nice place to live?

    Black Forest is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. Its charming tree-lined streets and character homes create a picturesque setting that appeals to families and professionals alike. The suburb is known for its strong sense of community, which is evident in the friendly interactions among residents and the various community events that take place throughout the year. The vibe in Black Forest is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

    Families will find Black Forest particularly appealing due to its proximity to quality educational institutions such as Black Forest Primary School and nearby Unley High School. The suburb's excellent public transport options, including the Glenelg tram line and Seaford railway line, make commuting to the city or the beach a breeze, enhancing its livability for those who work or study in Adelaide's CBD. Additionally, the area is close to established shopping hubs like Kurralta Park and Castle Plaza, ensuring residents have easy access to retail and essential services.

    While Black Forest offers a fantastic lifestyle, there are some trade-offs to consider. The suburb's popularity and desirable location mean that property prices can be higher compared to more distant suburbs, which might be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. However, the investment is often seen as worthwhile due to the suburb's enduring appeal and the quality of life it offers. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the presence of parks and green spaces, including access to larger areas like Belair National Park, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

    Overall, Black Forest is a charming and vibrant suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle with its mix of heritage charm and modern amenities. Whether you're a family looking for a supportive community, a professional seeking convenience, or someone who appreciates a peaceful environment with easy access to the city, Black Forest is a lovely place to call home.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Black Forest?

    Living in Black Forest, an inner suburb of Adelaide, can be seen as moderately expensive, especially when considering the rental market. While there is no current data on the median house or unit prices, the average rent for houses is around $660 per week, and for units, it's approximately $480 per week. These rental prices are significant when compared to the median total household income in the area, which is about $1,664 weekly.

    When you compare this to the Greater Adelaide average wage of approximately $85,000 per year, it becomes clear that a substantial portion of income would be required to cover rental costs in Black Forest. This might make it challenging for individuals or families with average earnings to comfortably afford living in this suburb without careful financial planning.

    Overall, while Black Forest offers the benefits of being close to Adelaide's amenities and attractions, the cost of renting could be a considerable factor for those thinking of living there. Balancing the desirable location with the financial commitment required is essential for anyone considering making Black Forest their home.

    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.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Black Forest a good place to invest?

    Black Forest presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in houses. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced a significant 21.7% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This surge suggests that Black Forest is becoming increasingly desirable, possibly due to its proximity to the city and appealing suburban lifestyle.

    While the median unit value has remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a notable 9.1% increase, suggesting strong rental demand. This could be appealing for investors looking for reliable rental income, especially since units typically offer a more affordable entry point compared to houses. Additionally, the 5.1% increase in house rents further highlights the suburb's growing appeal among renters.

    Overall, Black Forest offers a compelling mix of capital growth potential for houses and strong rental demand for units. Its stable market dynamics and attractive location make it a promising choice for investors seeking both appreciation and rental income. As the suburb continues to develop, it could offer even more opportunities for those looking to invest in the Adelaide property market.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Black Forest

In Black Forest ,15 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 52.4% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.19% and 3.25%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.