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Brunswick East suburb profile

Brunswick East is a vibrant suburb located just 6km north of Melbourne's CBD, known for its eclectic mix of culture, creativity, and community spirit. The area is characterized by its blend of historic charm and modern living, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops lining Lygon Street. Brunswick East is a hub for artists and young professionals, offering a lively arts scene and numerous green spaces, including the popular Merri Creek Trail. With excellent public transport options and a strong sense of local identity, Brunswick East continues to be a sought-after destination for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.

Brunswick East property market performance

Current median dwelling price$920,625Past 3 months

Property growth-0.1%Past 12 months

Brunswick East's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have seen a modest increase of 0.8%, with the median house price now at $1.34 million. In contrast, unit values have experienced a more robust growth of 6%, bringing the median unit price to $548,000, indicating a stronger demand for units.

Sales activity has been active, with 38 houses and 79 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 28 days on the market compared to 34 days for houses, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Brunswick East has also seen positive changes, with house rents increasing by 5.1% and unit rents by 4.2% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is now $820, while units average $573, reflecting steady demand in the rental sector.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.30M$541K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-0.2%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
4579
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3530
Average rent
Past 12 months
$805$580
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.2%5.5%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Brunswick East demographics

Brunswick East, located in Melbourne's vibrant inner north, is a suburb that perfectly balances urban living with a community feel. Known for its eclectic mix of cafes, bars, and boutique shops, Brunswick East attracts a diverse population, including young professionals, families, and creatives. The median age of 33 reflects its youthful and dynamic demographic, with many residents drawn to the area's lively atmosphere and proximity to the city center.

The suburb's housing landscape is predominantly rental-based, with 54.5% of properties rented, indicating its popularity among those seeking flexible living arrangements. This high rental rate is complemented by a significant proportion of properties owned outright (18.4%) and those owned with a mortgage (27.1%), showcasing a stable yet diverse housing market. The community is largely composed of couple families without children (56.1%), followed by couple families with children (28.8%), and a smaller percentage of one-parent families (11.9%).

Brunswick East's appeal lies in its vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transport links, and a strong sense of community. The suburb's median total household income of $2088 per week reflects its relatively affluent population, who enjoy the area's blend of convenience and lifestyle. With its unique character and welcoming environment, Brunswick East continues to be a sought-after location for those looking to experience the best of Melbourne's inner-city living.

Brunswick East infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Brunswick East continues to evolve as a mixed-use inner-city hub, with medium and high-density projects like East Brunswick Village adding new apartments, retail and community spaces that increase local housing supply and enhance walkability along key corridors.[7][10] These redevelopments, combined with a growing café, restaurant and pub scene around Lygon Street and Nicholson Street, are reinforcing the suburb’s appeal to young professionals and renters, supporting demand for both owner-occupied and investment properties.[4][8][9]

The suburb benefits from two tram routes providing direct access to the CBD via Lygon Street and Nicholson Street, which underpins strong interest from commuters and reduces reliance on car travel.[4][7] Established primary schools and nearby secondary options, together with incremental upgrades to local streetscapes and public spaces under the Merri-bek council’s urban renewal and sustainability agenda, are likely to further support long-term desirability and price resilience in Brunswick East.[2][3][7]

Brunswick East rental market trends

The rental market in Brunswick East has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 5.1% over the past year to $820 per week, while unit rents have risen 4.2% to $573 per week. This steady demand reflects the suburb's appeal, offering a vibrant lifestyle with proximity to Melbourne's city center, making it an attractive option for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Brunswick East

Some popular suburbs near Brunswick East include:

How does Brunswick East compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Brunswick East’s median house price is 7.9% higher than Brunswick’s.
  • Median unit prices: Brunswick East’s median unit price is 4.1% higher than Brunswick’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Brunswick East have grown 0.4% higher than in Brunswick.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Brunswick East have grown 6.4% higher than in Northcote.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Brunswick East are selling 5.4% faster than in Fitzroy North.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Brunswick East are selling 38.8% faster than in Fitzroy North.
  • Investment considerations: In Brunswick East, the rental yield for house is 27.8% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 1.0% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Brunswick East have grown 26.9% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Brunswick East have grown 10.8% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Brunswick East

  • Is Brunswick East a nice place to live?

    Brunswick East is a delightful suburb that offers a fantastic blend of urban vibrancy and community warmth, making it a wonderful place to call home. Just a short distance from Melbourne's bustling CBD, this suburb is known for its lively atmosphere, characterized by a rich tapestry of culture and creativity. The area is brimming with charming cafes, unique restaurants, and boutique shops, providing residents with a plethora of options for dining and shopping. The suburb's artistic vibe and numerous green spaces, such as the Merri Creek Trail, make it a haven for those who appreciate both culture and nature.

    Families will find Brunswick East to be a welcoming environment, with established primary schools and nearby secondary options catering to educational needs. The suburb's strong sense of community is complemented by excellent public transport links, making commuting to the city a breeze. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the suburb's vibrant cultural scene ensures there's always something to do, whether it's exploring local art galleries or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the parks.

    However, living in Brunswick East does come with some trade-offs. The popularity of the area means that housing is predominantly rental-based, which might not suit those looking for long-term home ownership. Additionally, while the suburb's lively atmosphere is a draw for many, it may not appeal to those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Despite these considerations, Brunswick East remains a highly desirable location for families, young professionals, and creatives alike, offering a dynamic urban lifestyle with a strong community feel.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Brunswick East?

    Living in Brunswick East can be quite expensive, especially when compared to the average wage in Victoria. The median house price in this inner Melbourne suburb is a hefty $1,336,000, while units are more affordable at $548,000. If you're considering renting, houses average around $820 per week, and units are about $573 per week.

    When you look at the income side, the average household income in Brunswick East is approximately $2,088 per week, which is slightly above the Victorian average of $2,000 per week. While this might seem manageable, the high property prices and rents mean that a significant portion of income would go towards housing costs. This could make it challenging for those earning average wages to comfortably afford living in Brunswick East.

    Overall, Brunswick East offers a vibrant lifestyle with its proximity to Melbourne's amenities and cultural attractions, but the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you're thinking of living in Brunswick East, it's important to 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 Brunswick East a good place to invest?

    Brunswick East is an intriguing suburb for investment, especially if you're considering units. Over the past year, the median unit value has increased by 6.0%, which is quite impressive compared to the modest 0.8% rise in house values. This suggests a growing demand for units, likely driven by the suburb's vibrant lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne's city center. The rental market is also showing positive signs, with house rents increasing by 5.1% and unit rents by 4.2%, indicating a steady demand for rental properties.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its eclectic mix of cafes, parks, and cultural spots, making it a popular choice for young professionals and students. This demographic is often drawn to the convenience and affordability of unit living, which explains the strong performance in unit values and rents. While the growth in house values has been slower, the steady increase in rental prices suggests a stable rental market, providing a reliable income stream for investors.

    Overall, Brunswick East presents a promising opportunity for those looking to invest in units, with the potential for both capital growth and rental income. The suburb's dynamic atmosphere and strategic location continue to attract a diverse range of residents, ensuring ongoing demand and making it a worthwhile consideration for property investors.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Brunswick East

Currently, there are 197 real estate agents working in Brunswick East—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 197 agents sold 16.8% of all properties in Brunswick East over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Brunswick East typically charge a commission of 1.54% to 2.94%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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