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Carrum suburb profile

Carrum is a picturesque suburb located in Melbourne's southeast, renowned for its stunning beach and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Situated along Port Phillip Bay, Carrum offers residents and visitors a serene environment with beautiful sandy shores and a vibrant community atmosphere. The suburb is well-serviced by public transport, including the Carrum railway station, providing easy access to Melbourne's CBD. With a mix of modern developments and traditional homes, Carrum appeals to families, retirees, and professionals seeking a balance of convenience and tranquility. Its local amenities, parks, and recreational facilities enhance its appeal as a desirable coastal destination.

Carrum property market performance

Current median dwelling price$914,500Past 3 months

Property growth+2.4%Past 12 months

Carrum’s property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 3.4%, with the median house price now at $1.11 million. In contrast, unit values have seen a significant rise of 10.4%, although the median unit price is currently unavailable.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 16 houses and 4 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 57 days on the market, compared to 41 days for units, indicating a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Carrum has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 10.1% and unit rents by 6.5% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $675, while units average $575, reflecting strong demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.6%3.2%
Sold
Past 3 months
81
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5941
Average rent
Past 12 months
$675$570
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.7%4.6%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Carrum demographics

Carrum, a charming suburb located in Melbourne's southeast, is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle. With a population of 4,239, Carrum offers a close-knit community feel, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a peaceful yet connected environment. The median age of 40 suggests a mature community, with a mix of families and long-term residents who appreciate the suburb's serene atmosphere and proximity to the coast.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant proportion of properties owned outright (31.6%) and owned with a mortgage (37.2%). This indicates a stable community with a mix of established homeowners and newer families entering the market. Rental properties make up 31.2% of the housing, providing options for those seeking flexibility or temporary residence in this picturesque area.

Family life is a prominent feature of Carrum, with 39.5% of households being couple families with children and 38.1% being couple families without children. One-parent families account for 21.0% of the community, reflecting a supportive environment for diverse family structures. The suburb's median total household income of $1,732 per week aligns with its appeal to middle-income families and professionals who value a balanced lifestyle with access to both urban amenities and natural beauty.

Carrum infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Carrum continues to benefit from its strategic location near the beach and the Patterson River, with recent upgrades to public spaces and improved access to waterfront amenities enhancing the suburb’s appeal. The area is well-serviced by public transport, including the Carrum railway station and frequent bus routes, which offer convenient connectivity to Melbourne CBD and local employment hubs, supporting ongoing buyer demand.

Education remains a drawcard with established schools such as Patterson River Secondary College and Carrum Primary School recently maintaining strong enrolment numbers. No significant new infrastructure or council planning changes impacting the property market have been publicly announced at this time. The suburb’s walkability, access to parks, and family-friendly atmosphere continue to underpin its desirability among home buyers and renters.

Carrum rental market trends

The rental market in Carrum has experienced steady growth, with house rents increasing by 10.1% over the past year to $675 per week, while unit rents have risen 6.5% to $575 per week. With its appealing coastal lifestyle and ongoing development, Carrum continues to attract both renters and investors seeking a vibrant community with promising returns.

Suburbs near Carrum

Some popular suburbs near Carrum include:

How does Carrum compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Carrum’s median house price is 8.1% higher than Chelsea’s.
  • Median unit prices: Carrum’s median unit price is 12.9% higher than Chelsea’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Carrum have grown 5.3% higher than in Seaford.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Carrum have grown 6.9% higher than in Chelsea.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Chelsea are selling 15.3% faster than in Carrum.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Carrum are selling 32.8% faster than in Chelsea.
  • Investment considerations: In Carrum, the rental yield for house is 9.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 1.6% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Carrum have grown 5.1% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Carrum have grown 29.7% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Carrum

  • Is Carrum a nice place to live?

    Carrum is a delightful suburb that offers a wonderful blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience. Nestled along the shores of Port Phillip Bay, it boasts a serene and picturesque setting that is perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed lifestyle. The suburb is known for its beautiful beaches, providing a stunning backdrop for residents who enjoy outdoor activities and a vibrant community atmosphere. With its well-connected public transport options, including the Carrum railway station, commuting to Melbourne's CBD is a breeze, making it an attractive choice for professionals seeking a peaceful retreat without sacrificing accessibility.

    Families will find Carrum particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The suburb offers a range of amenities, including parks, recreational facilities, and reputable schools, which cater to the needs of growing families. The local vibe is one of tranquility and friendliness, with a mix of modern developments and traditional homes that accommodate diverse family structures. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a secure and welcoming place to raise children.

    While Carrum offers a fantastic lifestyle, there are some trade-offs to consider. The popularity of the area, driven by its coastal allure and convenient location, can lead to competitive property markets and potentially higher housing costs. Additionally, while the suburb provides a peaceful atmosphere, those seeking a bustling nightlife or extensive shopping options may need to venture to nearby areas for more variety. Nonetheless, for those who prioritize a balanced lifestyle with access to natural beauty and urban amenities, Carrum stands out as a charming and desirable place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Carrum?

    Living in Carrum can be quite expensive, especially when considering the housing market. The current median house price is a hefty $1,111,000, which is significantly higher than what you might expect in some other suburbs further from Melbourne's CBD. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is $675 per week, and although there is no current data for units, the average rent for units over the last 12 months was $575 per week.

    When you compare these housing costs with the median total household income in Carrum, which is $1,732 per week, it becomes clear that a substantial portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing. This is particularly notable when you consider the average annual wage in Victoria is around $93,000. The high property prices and rental costs in Carrum suggest that living here could be challenging for those earning an average wage in the state.

    Overall, while Carrum offers the appeal of a beachside lifestyle and a sense of community away from the hustle and bustle of central Melbourne, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you are thinking of living in Carrum, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this picturesque 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 Carrum a good place to invest?

    Carrum is shaping up to be an attractive suburb for investment, particularly for those interested in units. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in Carrum has increased by an impressive 10.4%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This is complemented by a solid 6.5% increase in rent for units, suggesting a healthy rental market that can provide steady income for investors.

    While the median house value has seen a more modest increase of 3.4%, the rental market for houses is thriving, with a notable 10.1% rise in rent over the past year. This suggests that houses in Carrum are in demand among renters, offering investors the opportunity for reliable rental returns. The suburb's coastal charm and accessibility to Melbourne's CBD make it appealing to both renters and buyers, ensuring continued interest in the area.

    Overall, Carrum presents a balanced investment opportunity with strong growth in unit values and a robust rental market for both houses and units. Its coastal lifestyle, combined with proximity to essential amenities and transport links, makes it a desirable location for a wide range of tenants and buyers. Investors looking for a mix of capital growth and rental income potential will find Carrum to be a promising choice.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Carrum

There are 53 real estate agents working in Carrum, 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 31.4% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Carrum typically range from 1.55% to 2.61%. 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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