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Chelsea suburb profile

Chelsea is a picturesque coastal suburb located in Melbourne's southeast, renowned for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle. Situated approximately 30km from the CBD, Chelsea offers a perfect blend of seaside charm and urban convenience. The suburb is popular with families and retirees, thanks to its excellent schools, parks, and community facilities. Chelsea's vibrant shopping precinct, cafes, and restaurants add to its appeal, while the nearby train station provides easy access to Melbourne's city centre. With its beautiful coastline and welcoming atmosphere, Chelsea remains a sought-after destination for those seeking a tranquil yet connected lifestyle.

Chelsea property market performance

Current median dwelling price$890,500Past 3 months

Property growth+4.1%Past 12 months

Chelsea's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have seen a modest increase of 0.7%, with the median house price now at $1.10 million. In contrast, unit values have experienced a more significant rise of 7.5%, bringing the median unit price to $680,000, indicating a stronger demand for units.

Sales activity has been active, with 36 houses and 25 units sold over the past 12 months. Units are selling much faster than houses, with a median of 20 days on the market compared to 48 days for houses, suggesting a higher demand for units in the area.

The rental market in Chelsea has seen little change for houses, with average rents remaining stable over the last 12 months. However, unit rents have increased by 4.6%, reflecting a growing interest in the unit rental market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.10M$680K
Change in value
Past 12 months
0.7%7.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
3625
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4820
Average rent
Past 12 months
$675$523
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-2.6%4.6%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Chelsea demographics

Chelsea, a charming suburb located in Melbourne's southeast, offers a blend of coastal living and suburban convenience. With a population of 8,347, Chelsea is known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. The median age of 41 suggests a mature community, with many families and long-term residents enjoying the suburb's relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the coast.

The suburb's housing market is characterized by a mix of ownership and rental properties. Approximately 29.7% of homes are owned outright, while 37.6% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable community with a significant number of long-term homeowners. Additionally, 32.7% of properties are rented, providing options for those seeking flexibility or temporary residence in this picturesque area.

Family life is a significant aspect of Chelsea, with 41.1% of households being couple families with children and 39.3% being couple families without children. One-parent families make up 17.9% of the community, reflecting a diverse range of family structures. The suburb's amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centers, cater to the needs of its residents, making Chelsea an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle close to the beach.

Chelsea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Chelsea has recently benefited from enhancements to public spaces, with a notable redevelopment of Bicentennial Park introducing modern playgrounds and upgraded recreational facilities that improve family appeal and local livability[3]. The proximity to Chelsea Beach and its revitalised foreshore, along with easy access to Victory Park’s upgraded amenities, continues to strengthen the suburb’s attractiveness for home buyers seeking lifestyle-oriented locations[5].

The presence of Chelsea train station on the Frankston line supports strong commuter connectivity to Melbourne, which remains a key factor driving demand in the area[3]. There are no major new road or public transport infrastructure projects or significant school upgrades reported at this time, but Chelsea’s established amenities and recreation spaces are likely to underpin steady property values and ongoing buyer interest.

Chelsea rental market trends

The rental market in Chelsea has remained stable, with house rents holding steady at $675 per week over the past year, while unit rents have experienced a modest increase of 4.6% to $523 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 3.9% higher than Carrum’s.
  • Median unit prices: Chelsea’s median unit price is 11.5% higher than Carrum Downs’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Carrum have risen 5.8% more than in Chelsea over the past year.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Chelsea have grown 8.2% higher than in Carrum.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Chelsea are selling 4.0% faster than in Mordialloc.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Chelsea are selling 23.1% faster than in Carrum.
  • Investment considerations: In Chelsea, the rental yield for house is 8.5% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 9.2% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Chelsea have grown 2.0% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Chelsea have grown 17.5% 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 harmonious blend of coastal beauty and suburban convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Chelsea provides a serene environment that is perfect for families and individuals seeking a peaceful lifestyle. The suburb's vibrant community spirit is evident in its bustling shopping precinct, charming cafes, and inviting restaurants, which contribute to its lively yet laid-back vibe.

    Families will find Chelsea particularly appealing due to its excellent schools and abundance of parks, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family gatherings. The suburb's safety and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place for raising children. While Chelsea offers a tranquil lifestyle, it is not without its trade-offs. Being a coastal suburb, property prices can be higher compared to more inland areas, and the popularity of the beaches can lead to increased traffic during peak times.

    Despite these trade-offs, Chelsea's proximity to the city via the nearby train station ensures that residents can enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful coastal living with easy access to Melbourne's bustling city centre. The suburb's established amenities and recreational spaces, such as the recently upgraded Bicentennial Park, enhance the quality of life for its residents. Overall, Chelsea is a charming and picturesque suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it a desirable place to live for families and individuals alike.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Chelsea?

    Living in Chelsea can be considered relatively expensive, especially when you compare it to the average income levels in the area. The median house price in Chelsea is currently $1,028,000, which is quite significant. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is $650 per week, while units average around $540 per week.

    When you look at the average wage in Chelsea, which is approximately $80,000 per year, it becomes clear that a substantial portion of one's income would be needed to cover housing costs. This is in line with Melbourne's average salary, suggesting that Chelsea's housing market is on the higher end compared to some other suburbs.

    Overall, while Chelsea offers the charm of a bayside suburb with its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you're thinking of living in Chelsea, it's important to carefully consider 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 Chelsea a good place to invest?

    Chelsea presents an intriguing opportunity for investors, especially those interested in rental income. While the change in median house and unit values over the last 12 months has been modest, with houses seeing a slight increase of 1.1% and units remaining stable, the rental market tells a different story. Rents for houses have surged by 8.3%, and units have seen an even more impressive increase of 10.2%. This indicates a strong demand for rental properties, making Chelsea an attractive option for investors seeking reliable rental returns.

    The suburb's coastal charm and family-friendly atmosphere contribute to its appeal, drawing in both renters and potential buyers. Chelsea's proximity to the beach and local amenities enhances its desirability, ensuring a steady flow of interest from those looking to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while still being connected to the city. While capital growth may be moderate at present, the robust rental market suggests a solid foundation for long-term investment potential. Overall, Chelsea offers a balanced investment opportunity with promising rental yields and a stable property market.

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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 76 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 30.7% 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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