Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Clayton

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Clayton suburb profile

Clayton is a bustling suburb located 19km southeast of Melbourne's CBD, known for its vibrant multicultural community and strong educational presence. Home to Monash University, one of Australia's leading universities, Clayton attracts students and academics from around the world. The suburb offers a diverse range of dining options, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry, and features a variety of shopping facilities, including the Clayton Road shopping strip. With excellent public transport links, including a train station and bus services, Clayton provides easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Its blend of educational opportunities, cultural diversity, and convenient amenities make it a dynamic and appealing place to live.

Clayton property market performance

Current median dwelling price$877,500Past 3 months

Property growth+3.0%Past 12 months

Clayton's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 8.9%, bringing the median house price to approximately $1.19 million. In contrast, unit values have remained stable, with the median unit price holding steady at $570,000, indicating a balanced demand for units.

Sales activity has been robust, with 41 houses and 44 units sold in the past year. Units are selling slightly faster, with a median of 40 days on the market compared to 47 days for houses, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Clayton has seen modest growth, with house rents increasing by 2.9% and unit rents by 1.5% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $700, while units average $558, reflecting steady demand in the rental sector.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.19M$570K
Change in value
Past 12 months
8.9%-2.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
4144
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4740
Average rent
Past 12 months
$700$558
Change in rent
Past 12 months
2.9%1.5%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Clayton demographics

Clayton, located in Melbourne's southeastern suburbs, is a bustling area known for its vibrant community and proximity to Monash University, one of Australia's leading educational institutions. With a population of 18,988 and a median age of 28, Clayton is a youthful suburb, attracting students and young professionals who are drawn to its educational opportunities and dynamic lifestyle. The suburb's median total household income of $1,494 per week reflects a diverse economic demographic, with many residents balancing study and work commitments.

Housing in Clayton is predominantly rental-based, with 63% of properties being rented, highlighting its appeal to students and those seeking flexible living arrangements. The suburb's family composition is varied, with 35.3% of families being couples with children and 44.1% being couples without children. This diversity is complemented by 14.3% of one-parent families and 6.4% of other family types, contributing to a rich community tapestry.

Clayton's property market is characterized by a mix of ownership types, with 19.4% of properties owned outright and 17.6% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable yet dynamic housing market, appealing to both long-term residents and new buyers. The suburb's strategic location, combined with its educational and employment opportunities, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced urban lifestyle with access to Melbourne's broader amenities.

Clayton infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Clayton continues to benefit from its position as a major education and health hub, anchored by the Monash University Clayton campus and the Monash Medical Centre precinct, which underpin steady rental demand and long-term buyer interest.[5][8] The mixed-use M-City development on Blackburn and Dandenong Roads has recently added retail, commercial space and apartments, enhancing local amenities and reinforcing Clayton’s appeal as a self-contained activity centre.[8] Upgrades around Clayton Station on the Pakenham/Cranbourne corridor, including level crossing removals and improved rail services, have strengthened connectivity to the CBD and employment hubs, supporting price growth along key transport routes.[5][8]

Council planning continues to focus on higher-density residential and mixed-use infill near the university, hospital and station, which is gradually increasing apartment supply while sustaining strong demand from students, hospital staff and young professionals.[5][8] Proximity to large employment nodes, local shopping strips and community facilities such as the Clayton Community Centre enhances walkability and day-to-day convenience, factors that typically support both investor interest and owner-occupier demand.[6][8] Overall, these education, health, transport and retail investments position Clayton as a growth-focused suburb with solid medium- to long-term property market fundamentals.

Clayton rental market trends

The rental market in Clayton has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing by 2.9% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have seen a 1.5% rise to $558 per week. As a suburb with a strong community and proximity to educational institutions, Clayton continues to attract renters seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Suburbs near Clayton

Some popular suburbs near Clayton include:

How does Clayton compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Clayton’s median house price is 24.7% higher than Clayton South’s.
  • Median unit prices: Clayton’s median unit price is 5.6% higher than Clayton South’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Clayton have grown 5.5% higher than in Clayton South.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Clayton South have risen 7.9% more than in Clayton over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Clayton South are selling 17.0% faster than in Clayton.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Clayton are selling 14.9% faster than in Oakleigh South.
  • Investment considerations: In Clayton, the rental yield for house is 11.5% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 4.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Clayton have grown 13.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Clayton have grown 0.7% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Clayton

  • Is Clayton a nice place to live?

    Clayton is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of livability and vibrancy, making it a fantastic place to call home. Known for its multicultural atmosphere, Clayton is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its diverse dining options and community events. The suburb is well-equipped with amenities, including shopping facilities and the Clayton Community Centre, ensuring residents have everything they need close by. The presence of Monash University adds a youthful and dynamic vibe to the area, attracting students and academics from around the globe.

    Families will find Clayton appealing due to its strong sense of community and access to educational opportunities. The suburb is well-served by public transport, with a train station and bus services providing easy connectivity to Melbourne's CBD and surrounding areas. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to a comfortable living environment for families and individuals alike. However, the bustling nature of the suburb, driven by its educational and employment hubs, means it can be quite busy, particularly around the university and shopping precincts.

    While Clayton offers a vibrant lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The high demand for rental properties, driven by the student population, means that housing is predominantly rental-based, which might not suit those looking for long-term home ownership. Additionally, the ongoing development and infrastructure upgrades can lead to occasional disruptions. Despite these minor drawbacks, Clayton's strategic location, cultural richness, and convenient amenities make it a highly desirable suburb for those seeking a balanced urban lifestyle with a touch of community warmth.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Clayton?

    Living in Clayton can be a bit pricey, especially when considering the property market. The median house price in Clayton is currently around $1,185,000, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in Melbourne. If you're looking at units, the median price is more affordable at $570,000. Renting is also on the higher side, with houses averaging $700 per week and units at $558 per week.

    When comparing these figures to the average wage in Melbourne, which is about $105,000 per year, the cost of housing in Clayton can take up a substantial portion of one's income. The median total household income weekly in Clayton is $1,494, which suggests that many residents may find it challenging to comfortably afford the high property prices and rents without a significant income.

    Overall, while Clayton offers the benefits of being an inner suburb with access to amenities and services, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you are thinking of living in Clayton, it's essential to consider your financial situation and whether it aligns with the expenses associated with this 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.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Clayton a good place to invest?

    Clayton is an intriguing suburb for investment, especially if you're looking for a mix of stability and growth potential. Over the past year, the median house value in Clayton has increased by 8.9%, which is quite impressive and suggests a strong demand for housing in the area. This growth indicates that Clayton is a desirable location for buyers, which can be attributed to its proximity to Monash University and various research and technology precincts, making it an attractive spot for both students and professionals.

    While the median unit value has remained stable over the last 12 months, this could present an opportunity for investors to enter the market at a relatively steady price point. The rental market in Clayton has also shown positive trends, with house rents increasing by 2.9% and unit rents by 1.5%. This steady rental growth suggests a consistent demand for rental properties, likely driven by the suburb's vibrant student population and its appeal to young professionals.

    Overall, Clayton offers a balanced investment opportunity with its strong house price growth and stable rental market. The suburb's strategic location and ongoing development projects continue to enhance its appeal, making it a solid choice for investors seeking both capital growth and rental income potential.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Clayton

Choosing the right real estate agent in Clayton can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 143 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 41.2% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.71% to 2.57%, 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.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.