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Blackburn suburb profile

Blackburn is a picturesque suburb located 17km east of Melbourne's CBD, known for its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere. The suburb is characterized by its beautiful parks, including Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, which offers a serene escape for nature lovers and families. With a strong sense of community, Blackburn boasts excellent schools, a variety of local shops, and convenient public transport options, including a train station on the Lilydale and Belgrave lines. Its blend of charming period homes and modern developments makes Blackburn an attractive choice for families and professionals seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Blackburn property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,047,500Past 3 months

Property growth-5.0%Past 12 months

Blackburn's property market has shown resilience over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 6.8%, bringing the median house price to $1.45 million. In contrast, unit values have remained stable, with the median unit price at $654,000, indicating a steady demand for units.

Sales activity has been robust, with 47 houses and 32 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 28 days on the market compared to 48 days for houses, suggesting stronger demand in the unit market.

The rental market in Blackburn has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 9.0% and unit rents by 8.0% over the last 12 months, reflecting a healthy demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.46M$640K
Change in value
Past 12 months
6.8%-16.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
4540
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5328
Average rent
Past 12 months
$738$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.1%10.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Blackburn demographics

Blackburn, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is a charming and well-established community known for its leafy streets and family-friendly atmosphere. With a population of 14,478 and a median age of 41, Blackburn attracts a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The suburb's proximity to parks, schools, and public transport options makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The housing landscape in Blackburn is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 40.3% of properties owned outright and 33.2% owned with a mortgage. This stability reflects the suburb's appeal to long-term residents and families, with 48.3% of households being couple families with children. The presence of 37.7% of couple families without children also highlights Blackburn's suitability for empty nesters and those enjoying a quieter phase of life.

Rental properties account for 26.5% of the housing market, offering opportunities for those seeking flexibility or entry into this desirable suburb. The median total household income of $2,065 per week indicates a relatively affluent community, supported by a range of local amenities and services. Blackburn's blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and accessibility makes it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy the best of suburban living.

Blackburn infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Blackburn continues to benefit from broader investment within the City of Whitehorse, with incremental upgrades to local shopping strips and community facilities around the train station and village precinct improving walkability and amenity for residents.[5][7] Ongoing attention to the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and surrounding parklands maintains the suburb’s appeal for buyers prioritising green space and lifestyle, supporting steady demand for family homes.[7][8]

There are no widely publicised major new infrastructure or transport projects specific to Blackburn at this time, beyond routine road maintenance and minor public transport timetable and service adjustments. However, Blackburn’s established rail access to the CBD, proximity to major employment corridors, and access to well-regarded schools in the wider area continue to underpin its long-term desirability and property values.[5][7][8]

Blackburn rental market trends

The rental market in Blackburn has experienced steady growth, with house rents increasing 9% over the past year to $730 per week, while unit rents have risen 8% to $540 per week. With its appealing suburban lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne, Blackburn continues to attract both renters and investors seeking stable returns and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Suburbs near Blackburn

Some popular suburbs near Blackburn include:

How does Blackburn compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Blackburn’s median house price is 10.2% higher than Blackburn North’s.
  • Median unit prices: Blackburn’s median unit price is 36.2% higher than Box Hill’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Blackburn have grown 4.0% higher than in Nunawading.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Blackburn North have risen 36.7% more than in Blackburn over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Blackburn are selling 24.3% faster than in Box Hill.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Blackburn are selling 3.4% faster than in Nunawading.
  • Investment considerations: In Blackburn, the rental yield for house is 17.1% 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 Blackburn have grown 45.7% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Blackburn have grown 11.8% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Blackburn

  • Is Blackburn a nice place to live?

    Blackburn is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, it is renowned for its lush greenery and tranquil streets, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb's strong sense of community is evident in its welcoming atmosphere, where families, professionals, and retirees coexist harmoniously. With its charming mix of period homes and modern developments, Blackburn caters to a diverse range of residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.

    Living in Blackburn means enjoying the convenience of excellent amenities and easy access to public transport, which connects residents to Melbourne's CBD and beyond. The suburb is well-equipped with local shops, cafes, and schools, making it particularly appealing to families who value education and community engagement. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's reputation as a secure and pleasant place to live. While Blackburn may not offer the vibrant nightlife of inner-city areas, it compensates with its abundance of parks and green spaces, perfect for leisurely strolls and family outings.

    However, living in Blackburn does come with some trade-offs. The peaceful atmosphere and desirable location mean that property prices can be higher compared to other suburbs further from the city. Additionally, while the suburb is well-serviced by public transport, those seeking major new infrastructure projects may find the current offerings sufficient but not expansive. Despite these considerations, Blackburn remains a highly sought-after suburb for those prioritizing a tranquil lifestyle with the convenience of urban amenities. Its blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and accessibility makes it a charming choice for anyone looking to enjoy the best of suburban living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Blackburn?

    Living in Blackburn, an eastern suburb of Melbourne, can be quite costly, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price in Blackburn is around $1,450,000, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in the area. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is approximately $730 per week, while units are a bit more affordable at $540 per week.

    When comparing these figures with the average full-time wage in Melbourne, which is about $95,000 per year, it's clear that a substantial portion of one's income would need to be allocated to housing costs in Blackburn. The median total household income in Blackburn is $2,065 per week, which suggests that while some households may comfortably afford these costs, others might find it challenging, especially if they are earning closer to the average wage.

    Overall, Blackburn offers a desirable location with its proximity to Melbourne and a range of amenities, but the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you're thinking of living in Blackburn, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this 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 Blackburn a good place to invest?

    Blackburn is shaping up to be a promising suburb for investment, especially if you're looking at the housing market. Over the past year, the median house value in Blackburn has increased by 6.8%, which indicates a healthy growth trend. This kind of steady appreciation is appealing for investors who are interested in capital growth. On the rental side, houses have seen a significant 9.0% increase in rent, which suggests strong demand from tenants and the potential for solid rental returns.

    While the median unit value hasn't changed over the last 12 months, the rental market for units has experienced an 8.0% rise. This could mean that while unit prices are stable, there's a growing demand for rental units, making them an attractive option for investors seeking consistent rental income. Blackburn's appeal lies in its balance of growth and stability, offering opportunities for both capital appreciation and rental yield. With its family-friendly environment and convenient location, Blackburn remains a solid choice for those looking to invest in real estate.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Blackburn

There are 113 real estate agents in Blackburn, 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 29.3% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Blackburn typically range from 1.71% to 2.57%. 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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