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Canterbury suburb profile

Canterbury is an affluent suburb located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, approximately 10km from the CBD. Known for its tree-lined streets and grand period homes, Canterbury exudes a sense of elegance and prestige. The suburb is home to some of Melbourne's most prestigious schools, making it a popular choice for families. Canterbury Gardens and the historic Maling Road shopping precinct offer charming local attractions, while excellent public transport links provide easy access to the city. With its blend of heritage architecture and modern amenities, Canterbury remains a highly sought-after location for discerning homeowners.

Canterbury property market performance

Property growth-1.1%Past 12 months

Canterbury's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with house values remaining unchanged, maintaining a median price of $3.09 million. In contrast, unit values have seen a modest increase of 3.1%, although the median unit price is currently not available. Over the past three months, 39 houses and 10 units have been sold, indicating a steady level of sales activity.

Houses in Canterbury are taking longer to sell, with a median of 50 days on the market, compared to 41 days for units, suggesting a slightly quicker turnover in the unit market. The rental market has remained relatively stable, with house rents unchanged at an average of $1,100 per week, while unit rents have increased by 3.8%, averaging $623 per week.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.08MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
-5.3%3.1%
Sold
Past 3 months
369
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5048
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1100$650
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-4.3%8.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Canterbury demographics

Canterbury, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is renowned for its leafy streets, heritage homes, and family-friendly atmosphere. With a population of 7,800, it offers a serene and affluent lifestyle, attracting families and established professionals. The median age of 46 reflects a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's tranquil environment and proximity to quality schools and parks.

The suburb's housing market is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 49.2% of properties owned outright and 31.1% owned with a mortgage. This stability is indicative of a well-established community, where long-term residents value the suburb's charm and convenience. Rental properties account for only 19.7% of the housing market, suggesting a preference for home ownership among residents.

Family life is central to Canterbury, with 49% of households comprising couple families with children, and 37.8% being couple families without children. The presence of one-parent families at 12.1% and other family types at 1% further highlights the suburb's family-oriented nature. With a median total household income of $2,877 per week, Canterbury is a prosperous area, offering a high standard of living and a strong sense of community.

Canterbury infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Canterbury remains a highly sought-after inner-east suburb, supported by its established village feel, strong school access and convenient rail connections, all of which continue to underpin buyer demand. The suburb’s proximity to Maling Road, leafy streets and nearby parks also adds to its long-term livability and appeal for family buyers.

No major new redevelopments or transport projects are evident in the available local sources at this time, so Canterbury’s property outlook is being driven more by its existing amenities and blue-chip reputation than by fresh infrastructure change. Ongoing demand is likely to stay firm because of its location close to the CBD, quality education options and established local character.

Canterbury rental market trends

The rental market in Canterbury has remained stable, with house rents holding steady at $1,100 per week over the past year. Unit rents have seen a modest increase of 3.8%, reaching $623 per week. This stability, combined with Canterbury's desirable location and amenities, continues to attract both renters and investors seeking a reliable market.

Suburbs near Canterbury

Some popular suburbs near Canterbury include:

How does Canterbury compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Canterbury’s median house price is 26.9% higher than Balwyn’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Canterbury have grown 7.3% higher than in Balwyn.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Canterbury have grown 1.3% higher than in Surrey Hills.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Canterbury are selling 3.8% faster than in Balwyn.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Balwyn are selling 29.2% faster than in Canterbury.
  • Investment considerations: In Canterbury, the rental yield for house is 74.6% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 10.9% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Canterbury have grown 211.8% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Canterbury have grown 62.7% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Canterbury

  • Is Canterbury a nice place to live?

    Canterbury is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and affluent lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to call home. Known for its charming tree-lined streets and grand period homes, the suburb exudes a sense of elegance and prestige. Families are particularly drawn to Canterbury due to its proximity to some of Melbourne's most prestigious schools, ensuring quality education is within easy reach. The suburb's tranquil environment, coupled with its strong sense of community, makes it an ideal location for families seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

    The suburb is well-equipped with amenities that cater to a variety of interests. Residents can enjoy leisurely strolls in the beautiful Canterbury Gardens or explore the historic Maling Road shopping precinct, which offers a range of boutique shops and cafes. The suburb's excellent public transport links provide easy access to the city, making it convenient for professionals commuting to the CBD. Safety is generally not a concern in Canterbury, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly area.

    While Canterbury offers a high standard of living, it does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's affluence is reflected in its property market, which may be a consideration for those looking to buy or rent. Additionally, while the suburb offers a peaceful lifestyle, it may lack the vibrant nightlife and entertainment options found in more central areas. However, for those who value a quiet, community-focused environment with access to quality amenities and education, Canterbury is a fantastic choice.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Canterbury?

    Living in Canterbury can be quite expensive, particularly when it comes to housing. The current median house price is a hefty $3,087,500, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in Melbourne. If you're looking to rent, the average rent for houses is about $1,100 per week, while units are more affordable at $623 per week. However, it's important to note that there are no current median unit prices available, which might indicate limited availability or a focus on larger homes in the area.

    When comparing incomes, the median total household income in Canterbury is $2,877 per week. This is relatively high, reflecting the affluent nature of the suburb, but when you consider the Greater Melbourne average full-time wage of approximately $90,000 per year, it becomes clear that the cost of living in Canterbury is on the higher side. The high property prices and rents mean that a significant portion of income would be needed to cover housing expenses.

    Overall, while Canterbury offers a prestigious lifestyle with its beautiful tree-lined streets and proximity to Melbourne's amenities, the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is substantial. If you are thinking of living in Canterbury, it's crucial to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it can accommodate the expenses associated with residing in 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 Canterbury a good place to invest?

    Canterbury is a suburb that offers a stable and promising investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in units. Over the past year, the median unit value has increased by 3.1%, and rental prices for units have risen by 3.8%. This indicates a growing demand for units, which could be attributed to the suburb's appeal to young professionals and small families looking for a convenient and attractive place to live.

    While the median house values and rents have remained steady, this stability can be seen as a positive aspect for investors seeking a low-risk environment. Canterbury's charm lies in its leafy streets, excellent schools, and proximity to the city, making it a desirable location for long-term residents. The suburb's established reputation and limited new developments help maintain property values, ensuring a consistent market demand.

    Overall, Canterbury presents a balanced investment opportunity. The steady growth in the unit market suggests potential for capital appreciation, while the stable house market offers a reliable investment for those prioritizing long-term security. With its strong community feel and convenient location, Canterbury remains an attractive choice for investors looking to tap into a stable and desirable suburb.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Canterbury

There are 79 real estate agents in Canterbury, 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 24.2% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Canterbury 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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