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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 and reserves, including Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, which offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and families. With a strong sense of community, Blackburn boasts excellent schools, making it a popular choice for families. The suburb also features a mix of charming period homes and modern developments, catering to diverse housing preferences. Its convenient access to public transport and local amenities enhances its appeal as a desirable residential area.

Blackburn property market performance

Current median dwelling price$986,500Past 3 months

Property growth+2.5%Past 12 months

Blackburn's property market has shown stability and growth over the past 12 months. The median house price has remained steady at $1.45 million, while unit values have increased by 6.3%, bringing the median unit price to $523,000. This indicates a growing interest in the unit market.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 36 houses and 20 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling faster than units, with a median of 63 days on the market compared to 79 days for units, suggesting a stronger demand for houses.

The rental market in Blackburn has seen little change for houses, with average rents holding steady at $650. However, unit rents have increased by 5.1%, reaching an average of $520, reflecting a rising demand for rental units in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.45M$523K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.4%6.3%
Sold
Past 3 months
3620
Median days on market
Past 12 months
6379
Average rent
Past 12 months
$650$520
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A5.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Blackburn demographics

Blackburn, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its leafy streets, parks, and strong sense of community. With a population of 14,478 and a median age of 41, Blackburn attracts a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its tranquil environment and convenient access to the city. The suburb's median total household income of $2,065 per week reflects a comfortable standard of living, appealing to 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 is indicative of a well-established community, with many residents choosing to settle long-term. Rental properties make up 26.5% of the housing market, providing options for those seeking flexibility or transitioning into home ownership.

Family life is a significant aspect of Blackburn, with 48.3% of households being couple families with children and 37.7% being couple families without children. The presence of quality schools, parks, and recreational facilities makes it an attractive location for families. Additionally, one-parent families account for 12.6% of the community, highlighting the suburb's inclusive nature. Overall, Blackburn offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a desirable place to call home.

Blackburn infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Blackburn continues to benefit from ongoing infrastructure upgrades and planning controls that aim to preserve its distinctive village character. The suburb remains highly sought after due to its proximity to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, extensive parklands, and established school catchments, enhancing walkability and overall desirability. Recent enhancements to local train and bus connectivity further support commuter access to nearby employment hubs, which is likely to sustain property demand. Local council planning policies in Blackburn restrict high-density development, maintaining the area’s leafy ambience and contributing to the stable growth of residential property values.

No significant new commercial redevelopments or major infrastructure projects have been announced in Blackburn over the past year. The limited new supply combined with strong amenities continues to underpin consistent buyer interest, particularly among families seeking quality schooling and access to natural reserves. As a result, property values in Blackburn are expected to remain resilient, with livability factors playing a central role in market stability.

Blackburn rental market trends

The rental market in Blackburn has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged over the past year at $650 per week, while unit rents have experienced a modest increase of 5.1% to $520 per week. This steady growth in unit rents reflects a consistent demand, making Blackburn an attractive option for renters seeking a balanced suburban lifestyle.

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 2.8% higher than Blackburn North’s.
  • Median unit prices: Blackburn’s median unit price is 31.2% lower than Nunawading’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Blackburn have grown 7.3% higher than in Nunawading.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Blackburn have grown 23.8% higher than in Blackburn North.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Blackburn are selling 18.2% faster than in Nunawading.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Blackburn are selling 13.2% faster than in Blackburn North.
  • Investment considerations: In Blackburn, the rental yield for house is 5.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 7.1% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Blackburn have grown 45.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Blackburn have grown 15.7% higher 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 live. Nestled in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, it is renowned for its leafy streets and a strong sense of community. The suburb's charm is enhanced by its lush greenery and the presence of beautiful parks and reserves, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Families are particularly drawn to Blackburn due to its excellent schools and safe, welcoming atmosphere. The suburb's blend of charming period homes and modern developments caters to a variety of housing preferences, ensuring that residents can find a home that suits their needs.

    Living in Blackburn comes with the advantage of convenient access to public transport and local amenities, making daily life comfortable and efficient. The suburb's proximity to the city allows for easy commuting, while still offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. While Blackburn may not have the vibrant nightlife of inner-city areas, it compensates with its tranquil environment and strong community ties. The suburb is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate a balanced lifestyle with the convenience of urban amenities nearby.

    However, living in Blackburn does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's popularity and limited new supply can lead to competitive property markets, which may pose challenges for potential buyers. Additionally, while the area is well-serviced by public transport, those seeking a bustling urban lifestyle with a wide array of entertainment options might find Blackburn's quieter pace a bit limiting. Nonetheless, for those who value a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, Blackburn remains a highly desirable place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Blackburn?

    Living in Blackburn can be quite costly, especially when you consider the current property market. The median house price is around $1,450,000, which is on the higher end compared to many other suburbs in Melbourne. Units are more affordable, with a median price of $523,000. If you're renting, houses average about $650 per week, while units are slightly cheaper at $520 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average wage in Blackburn, which is approximately $80,000 per year, it becomes clear that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing costs. This is particularly true for those looking to purchase a home. The median total household income in Blackburn is $2,065 per week, which is relatively high, but the cost of living, especially housing, still takes a substantial chunk out of that income.

    Overall, while Blackburn offers a pleasant lifestyle with its leafy streets and proximity to Melbourne's amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can be quite high. If you're thinking of living in Blackburn, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses 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 Blackburn a good place to invest?

    Blackburn presents an interesting investment opportunity, particularly for those considering units. Over the past year, the median unit value in Blackburn has increased by 6.3%, indicating a strong demand for this type of property. This growth in unit values suggests that the suburb is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers and renters alike, likely due to its appealing lifestyle and convenient location.

    While the median house value and rent for houses have remained stable over the past year, this stability can be seen as a positive for investors seeking a low-risk environment. The steady rental market for houses ensures a reliable income stream, which is appealing for those looking for consistent returns. On the other hand, the 5.1% increase in unit rent highlights the growing demand for rental properties, making units a particularly promising investment in Blackburn.

    Overall, Blackburn offers a balanced investment landscape. The suburb's appeal lies in its ability to provide both stability and growth, particularly in the unit market. For investors looking to capitalize on rental demand and potential capital appreciation, Blackburn's units present a compelling opportunity.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Blackburn

There are 119 real estate agents working 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 25.1% 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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