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Chelsea suburb profile

Chelsea is a picturesque bayside suburb located approximately 30km southeast of Melbourne's CBD, known for its stunning beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle. With its sandy shores and vibrant foreshore, Chelsea is a popular destination for beachgoers and families seeking a seaside escape. The suburb offers a mix of residential options, from charming beachside cottages to modern apartments, catering to diverse lifestyles. Chelsea's bustling shopping strip, local cafes, and community facilities provide a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Its excellent public transport links and proximity to major roadways make it a convenient yet tranquil place to call home.

Chelsea property market performance

Current median dwelling price$913,750Past 3 months

Property growth+7.4%Past 12 months

Chelsea’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 9.9% and unit values rising by 5.1%. The median house price has averaged $1.25 million, while units have averaged $700,000, indicating a healthy demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, with 23 houses and 35 units sold in the past three months. Units are selling significantly faster than houses, with a median time on market of just 18 days compared to 51 days for houses, suggesting stronger demand in the unit market.

The rental market in Chelsea has remained relatively stable over the last 12 months, with no change in house rents and a modest increase of 3.3% in unit rents, reflecting steady demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.06M$765K
Change in value
Past 12 months
10.4%4.4%
Sold
Past 3 months
1831
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3718
Average rent
Past 12 months
$660$530
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-4.1%1.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Chelsea demographics

Chelsea, a charming suburb located in Melbourne's south-east, offers a serene coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly environment, Chelsea attracts a diverse range of residents, from young families to retirees. The median age of 41 reflects a mature community that values both the tranquility of suburban life and the convenience of nearby urban amenities.

The suburb's housing landscape is varied, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (29.7%) or with a mortgage (37.6%), indicating a stable and established community. Renting is also a viable option, with 32.7% of properties available for rent, catering to those seeking flexibility or a temporary seaside retreat. The family-oriented nature of Chelsea is evident, with 41.1% of households being couple families with children, complemented by 39.3% of couple families without children, and 17.9% of one-parent families.

Chelsea's appeal lies in its balance of natural beauty and practical living. The suburb's proximity to the beach provides residents with ample recreational opportunities, while local shops, schools, and public transport ensure convenience and connectivity. With a median household income of $1683 per week, Chelsea offers a comfortable lifestyle for its residents, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a peaceful yet connected community.

Chelsea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Chelsea continues to benefit from its status as a key bayside activity centre within the City of Kingston, with ongoing mixed-use and retail upgrades around the main shopping strip and beach precinct enhancing local amenity and supporting buyer demand. Incremental improvements to foreshore facilities, walking paths and open space, together with nearby lifestyle destinations such as Market 3196 in Chelsea Heights, are reinforcing the area’s appeal to both downsizers and young families by improving leisure options and walkability.

Local schools, including Chelsea Primary School and nearby secondary and specialist campuses, remain an important driver of family interest, with stable education infrastructure underpinning consistent demand for established homes and townhouses.[5] Transport connectivity via the existing train line and arterial roads continues to make Chelsea a convenient commuting base to major employment hubs, which is expected to support long-term property values even in softer market conditions. There are currently no widely publicised major new infrastructure or planning changes specific to Chelsea that are likely to significantly alter the property market in the short term.

Chelsea rental market trends

The rental market in Chelsea has remained stable, with house rents holding steady over the past year at $653 per week, while unit rents have seen a modest increase of 3.3% to $530 per week. This stability, combined with Chelsea's coastal charm and community amenities, makes it an attractive option for renters seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Suburbs near Chelsea

Some popular suburbs near Chelsea include:

How does Chelsea compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Chelsea’s median house price is 11.8% higher than Chelsea Heights’s.
  • Median unit prices: Chelsea’s median unit price is 13.3% higher than Bonbeach’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Chelsea have grown 1.2% higher than in Bonbeach.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Chelsea have grown 6.3% higher than in Edithvale.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Chelsea are selling 11.9% faster than in Bonbeach.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Chelsea are selling 47.1% faster than in Edithvale.
  • Investment considerations: In Chelsea, the rental yield for house is 4.8% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 9.6% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Chelsea have grown 8.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Chelsea have grown 18.1% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Chelsea

  • Is Chelsea a nice place to live?

    Chelsea is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and picturesque coastal lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Chelsea provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and community spirit. The suburb's vibe is characterized by its laid-back coastal charm, attracting a diverse mix of residents, including families who appreciate the safe and welcoming environment. With a variety of housing options, from charming beachside cottages to modern apartments, Chelsea caters to different lifestyles and preferences.

    Families will find Chelsea particularly appealing due to its family-friendly amenities and community-oriented atmosphere. The suburb boasts excellent local schools, making it an ideal place for raising children. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the peace of mind for residents. The vibrant shopping strip and local cafes add to the suburb's charm, providing plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls and socializing. Additionally, the suburb's proximity to Melbourne's CBD and excellent public transport links ensure that residents can enjoy the tranquility of coastal living without sacrificing convenience.

    However, living in Chelsea does come with some trade-offs. While the suburb offers a peaceful lifestyle, it may lack the bustling nightlife and cultural attractions found in more urban areas. Those seeking a more dynamic social scene might find the suburb's quiet evenings a bit too subdued. Nonetheless, the suburb's natural beauty, strong sense of community, and convenient amenities make it a highly desirable place to call home, especially for families and those seeking a balanced lifestyle by the sea.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Chelsea?

    Living in Chelsea can be quite an investment, particularly when it comes to housing. The median house price in Chelsea is currently $1,250,000, which is substantial when compared to the average wage in Melbourne, which is about $105,000 per year. If you're considering buying a unit, the median price is $700,000, which is still a hefty sum but more accessible than purchasing a house. Renting in Chelsea also reflects these higher costs, with the average rent for houses over the last year being $653 per week, and units averaging $530 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the median total household income in Chelsea, which is $1,683 per week, it's clear that a significant portion of income would be dedicated to housing costs. This suggests that living in Chelsea can be expensive, especially for those earning around the average wage in Melbourne. However, Chelsea offers a coastal lifestyle with the benefits of proximity to the beach and a relaxed community atmosphere, which can be appealing for those who can afford it.

    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 Chelsea a good place to invest?

    Chelsea is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced a notable 9.9% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and a healthy property market. While the growth in median unit values has been slightly more modest at 5.1%, it still reflects a positive trend, suggesting that both houses and units are in demand among buyers.

    In terms of rental returns, Chelsea presents a mixed picture. While house rents have remained stable over the past year, unit rents have seen a 3.3% increase, which could appeal to investors seeking rental income. This growth in unit rents suggests a rising interest in more affordable housing options, which could be driven by the suburb's attractive coastal lifestyle and proximity to essential amenities.

    Overall, Chelsea offers a balanced investment opportunity with its strong capital growth in house values and steady rental demand for units. Its coastal charm and convenient location make it an appealing choice for both investors and residents, providing a solid foundation for future growth and investment potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Chelsea

Choosing the right real estate agent in Chelsea can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 71 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 37.6% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.55% to 2.61%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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