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Carlton suburb profile

Carlton is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere. Located just 2km north of the CBD, it is home to the iconic Lygon Street, famous for its Italian eateries and cafes. Carlton is also known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, leafy parks, and the University of Melbourne, which adds a youthful energy to the area. The suburb offers a mix of residential, educational, and cultural experiences, with attractions like the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum. Its dynamic blend of history, academia, and gastronomy makes Carlton a sought-after destination for residents and visitors alike.

Carlton property market performance

Current median dwelling price$776,250Past 3 months

Property growth-8.3%Past 12 months

Carlton's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with house values experiencing a modest increase of 1.1%, while unit values have remained unchanged. The median house price currently stands at approximately $1.22 million, and the median unit price is around $335,000, indicating a steady demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, with 22 houses and 115 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster, with a median of 36 days on the market, compared to 55 days for houses, suggesting a stronger demand for units in the area.

The rental market in Carlton has seen a significant increase in house rents, rising by 11.2% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have remained stable. This indicates a growing demand for rental houses in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.22M$335K
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.1%-17.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
22115
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5536
Average rent
Past 12 months
$890$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
11.3%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Carlton demographics

Carlton, located just north of Melbourne's CBD, is a vibrant suburb known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling student population. With a median age of 27, Carlton is a youthful and dynamic area, largely influenced by its proximity to the University of Melbourne and RMIT University. This makes it a popular choice for students and young professionals seeking a lively urban lifestyle with easy access to education and employment opportunities.

The suburb's housing market is predominantly rental-based, with 75.6% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects the transient nature of its population, with many students and young professionals opting for flexible living arrangements. Despite this, there is still a significant portion of the population that owns their homes outright (13.9%) or with a mortgage (10.5%), indicating a stable community of long-term residents as well.

Family structures in Carlton are diverse, with 59% of families being couples without children, and 18.9% being couples with children. One-parent families make up 13.8% of the community, while other family types account for 8.2%. This diversity contributes to the suburb's inclusive and multicultural atmosphere, enhanced by its famous Lygon Street, known for its Italian restaurants and cafes, and the iconic Carlton Gardens, offering a green retreat in the heart of the city.

Carlton infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Carlton continues to benefit from its proximity to major institutions such as the University of Melbourne and the medical and research precinct around Royal Melbourne Hospital, which underpin strong rental demand and buyer interest from students, academics, and health professionals.[2][5] Ongoing public realm upgrades and heritage streetscape improvements led by the City of Melbourne, particularly around Lygon Street and local parks, are enhancing walkability and street appeal, supporting the suburb’s desirability for both residents and investors.[5]

The suburb is well served by tram routes linking directly to the CBD and nearby employment hubs, and incremental improvements to cycling infrastructure are making car-free living more practical, which may continue to attract younger, urban-focused buyers and tenants.[5] While there are no widely publicised, large-scale new transport or school projects specific to Carlton at this time, its established cafes, retail strips, green spaces like Carlton Gardens, and ongoing council focus on community facilities and open space reinforce its position as a tightly held, high-demand inner-city market.[2][5]

Carlton rental market trends

The rental market in Carlton has experienced a notable increase, with house rents rising 11.2% over the past year to $890 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $550 per week. With its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to educational institutions, Carlton continues to attract both renters and investors seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.

Suburbs near Carlton

Some popular suburbs near Carlton include:

How does Carlton compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Carlton’s median house price is 30.8% lower than Fitzroy’s.
  • Median unit prices: Carlton’s median unit price is 54.1% lower than Fitzroy’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Carlton have grown 7.8% higher than in Fitzroy.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Fitzroy have risen 18.1% more than in Carlton over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Carlton are selling 1.8% faster than in Collingwood.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Carlton are selling 21.7% faster than in Fitzroy.
  • Investment considerations: In Carlton, the rental yield for house is 41.7% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 5.8% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Carlton have grown 32.1% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Carlton have grown 45.5% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Carlton

  • Is Carlton a nice place to live?

    Carlton is a delightful suburb to call home, offering a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle just a stone's throw from Melbourne's CBD. Known for its rich cultural tapestry, Carlton is a hub of activity, with its iconic Lygon Street providing a taste of Italy through its renowned eateries and cafes. The suburb's Victorian architecture and leafy parks add a charming aesthetic, while the presence of the University of Melbourne injects a youthful energy into the area. This blend of history, academia, and gastronomy creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to a diverse range of residents.

    For families, Carlton presents a lively yet convenient living environment. The suburb's proximity to educational institutions and employment opportunities makes it an attractive choice for young professionals and students. While the housing market is predominantly rental-based, there is a stable community of long-term residents who appreciate the suburb's multicultural and inclusive vibe. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the suburb offers a variety of amenities, including cafes, retail strips, and green spaces like the Carlton Gardens, which provide a peaceful retreat amidst the urban hustle.

    However, living in Carlton does come with some trade-offs. The high rental demand and transient population can make it challenging for families seeking long-term stability. Additionally, while Carlton boasts excellent public transport links and walkability, the lack of large-scale new transport or school projects may be a consideration for those prioritizing future growth and development. Despite these factors, Carlton remains a sought-after destination for those who value a vibrant, culturally rich lifestyle with easy access to the city's amenities.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Carlton?

    Living in Carlton can be quite pricey, especially when you consider its proximity to Melbourne's city center and the vibrant lifestyle it offers. The median house price in Carlton is currently $1,217,500, which is quite steep compared to many other areas. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is $890 per week, while units are a bit more affordable at $550 per week. These figures indicate that housing costs in Carlton are on the higher side.

    When we look at income, the median total household income in Carlton is $1,292 per week. This is slightly below the average annual salary in Melbourne, which is about $75,000 per year. This suggests that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing, making it a more expensive place to live for those earning an average wage.

    Overall, if you are thinking of living in Carlton, it's important to weigh the high cost of housing against the benefits of living in such a dynamic and centrally located suburb. The cultural richness and convenience of Carlton come at a premium, so it's crucial to ensure your financial situation can accommodate the expenses associated with living in this desirable area.

    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 Carlton a good place to invest?

    Carlton presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in rental income. While the change in median house and unit values over the last year has been modest, with house values increasing by 1.1% and unit values remaining stable, the rental market tells a different story. House rents have surged by 11.2%, indicating strong demand from tenants, which can be a significant draw for investors seeking steady rental returns.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its vibrant lifestyle and proximity to key amenities, including universities, cafes, and cultural attractions, making it a hotspot for students and young professionals. This demographic is often on the lookout for rental properties, which could explain the substantial increase in house rents. Although unit rents haven't seen the same growth, the stable property values suggest a balanced market with potential for future appreciation.

    Overall, Carlton offers a unique blend of rental income potential and stable property values. While it may not be the fastest-growing suburb in terms of capital appreciation, its strong rental demand and central location make it an attractive option for investors focused on generating rental income. As the area continues to develop and attract a diverse range of residents, Carlton remains a solid choice for those looking to invest in a dynamic and culturally rich suburb.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Carlton

There are 230 real estate agents in Carlton, 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 17.6% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Carlton typically range from 1.8% to 2.47%. 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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