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

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

Geo Page

Doncaster suburb profile

Doncaster is a well-established suburb located 15km east of Melbourne's CBD, known for its elevated position and panoramic views. It offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, with Westfield Doncaster shopping centre serving as a major retail and entertainment hub. The suburb is characterized by its spacious homes, leafy streets, and excellent schools, making it popular among families and professionals. Doncaster also boasts easy access to the Eastern Freeway, providing a quick commute to the city. Its mix of modern amenities, green spaces, and community facilities contributes to its appeal as a desirable residential area.

Doncaster property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,047,500Past 3 months

Property growth-1.5%Past 12 months

Doncaster's property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in median house and unit values. The median house price has held steady at $1.51 million, while units have maintained a median price of $585,000. This stability reflects a balanced demand for both property types in the area.

Sales activity has been consistent, with 55 houses and 43 units sold over the past 12 months. However, properties are taking longer to sell, with houses spending a median of 62 days on the market and units taking 88 days, indicating a cautious buyer sentiment.

In the rental market, house rents have remained unchanged, averaging $750 per week, while unit rents have increased by 7.3%, reaching an average of $590 per week. This suggests a growing demand for rental units in Doncaster.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.51M$585K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.4%-1.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
5543
Median days on market
Past 12 months
6288
Average rent
Past 12 months
$750$590
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A7.3%

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

Doncaster demographics

Doncaster, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is a well-established area known for its family-friendly environment and convenient amenities. With a population of 25,020 and a median age of 40, Doncaster attracts a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its suburban charm and proximity to the city. The suburb is characterized by its leafy streets, spacious homes, and access to quality schools, making it an ideal location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The housing market in Doncaster is diverse, with a significant proportion of properties owned outright (39.5%) and a substantial number owned with a mortgage (28.5%). This indicates a stable community with long-term residents who have invested in the area. Additionally, 32.1% of properties are rented, providing options for those who prefer flexibility or are new to the suburb. The mix of housing options caters to a wide range of preferences and needs, from young families to downsizers.

Family life is a prominent feature of Doncaster, with 41% of households being couple families with children and 41.2% being couple families without children. The presence of one-parent families (15.5%) and other family types (2.2%) adds to the suburb's diversity. Doncaster's community is supported by a variety of local amenities, including shopping centers, parks, and recreational facilities, which contribute to its appeal as a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

Doncaster infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Doncaster is experiencing significant developments that are likely to impact its property market. The Westfield Doncaster Shopping Centre is undergoing a major $500 million expansion, set to add new retail spaces, dining options, and entertainment facilities, potentially increasing the area's appeal and property values. This project, expected to be completed in stages over the next few years, will create a more vibrant town center and enhance local amenities.

Additionally, the suburb is benefiting from improved public transport connectivity with the implementation of the Doncaster Bus Rapid Transit system, providing faster and more frequent services to the CBD. The local council is also focusing on creating more green spaces and improving existing parks, enhancing the suburb's livability. These developments, combined with Doncaster's strategic location and panoramic views, are likely to sustain strong demand for properties in the area.

Doncaster rental market trends

The rental market in Doncaster has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged at $750 per week over the past year, while unit rents have increased by 7.3% to $590 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters and investors due to its strategic location and ongoing development, making it a desirable area for both living and investment.

Suburbs near Doncaster

Some popular suburbs near Doncaster include:

How does Doncaster compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Doncaster’s median house price is 10.0% higher than Box Hill North’s.
  • Median unit prices: Doncaster’s median unit price is 3.5% lower than Doncaster East’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Doncaster have grown 0.2% higher than in Mont Albert North.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Doncaster have grown 8.0% higher than in Doncaster East.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Doncaster are selling 24.4% faster than in Templestowe Lower.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Doncaster are selling 20.7% faster than in Mont Albert North.
  • Investment considerations: In Doncaster, the rental yield for house is 21.4% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 5.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Doncaster have grown 41.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Doncaster have grown 0.0% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Doncaster

  • Is Doncaster a nice place to live?

    Doncaster is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to call home. Known for its elevated position, the suburb provides breathtaking panoramic views that add to its charm. Doncaster boasts a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, with a strong sense of community that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. The suburb's leafy streets and spacious homes create a serene environment, perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to the city.

    Families will find Doncaster particularly appealing due to its excellent schools and family-friendly amenities. The suburb is home to the expansive Westfield Doncaster shopping centre, a major retail and entertainment hub offering a plethora of shopping, dining, and leisure options. Additionally, the suburb's green spaces and parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, contributing to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Doncaster, with the suburb maintaining a reputation for being a secure and stable community. However, one trade-off of living in such a desirable area is the competitive property market, which can make finding the perfect home a challenge. The ongoing developments, including the expansion of Westfield Doncaster and improved public transport connectivity, are likely to enhance the suburb's appeal further, potentially impacting property values.

    Overall, Doncaster offers a wonderful living experience with its blend of modern amenities, green spaces, and community facilities. It is an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban conveniences. While the property market may be competitive, the suburb's livability and vibrant community make it a highly desirable place to live.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Doncaster?

    Living in Doncaster can be quite pricey, particularly when it comes to housing. The median house price is currently $1,415,000, which is on the higher end compared to many other suburbs in Melbourne. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is about $740 per week, while units go for around $600 weekly. These figures suggest that housing costs in Doncaster are significant and could take up a large chunk of your income.

    When we look at the income data, the average wage in Doncaster is approximately $101,000 per year. This is slightly above the average income for Victoria, which means residents here may have a bit more financial flexibility. However, the median total household income weekly is $1,592, which indicates that even with a higher-than-average wage, housing expenses could still pose a challenge.

    Overall, Doncaster offers a desirable lifestyle with its amenities and proximity to Melbourne, but it's important to weigh these benefits against the higher cost of living, especially in terms of property prices and rental costs. If you're thinking of living in Doncaster, it's crucial to consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this 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.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Doncaster a good place to invest?

    Doncaster presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in rental income. While the median house value has remained stable over the past year, the rental market has shown significant growth, with house rents increasing by 10.4% and unit rents by 9.1%. This suggests a strong demand for rental properties, making it an attractive option for investors seeking steady rental returns.

    The suburb's appeal is further enhanced by its strategic location and amenities. Doncaster is known for its excellent shopping facilities, including the popular Westfield Doncaster, and its proximity to major transport links, which makes it a convenient choice for both families and professionals. The increase in unit values by 2.5% over the past year also indicates a growing interest in more affordable housing options, which could lead to further capital growth in the future.

    Overall, Doncaster offers a balanced investment landscape. While the capital growth for houses has been flat, the strong rental demand and rising unit values suggest potential for both rental income and future appreciation. This makes Doncaster a suburb worth considering for investors looking for a mix of stability and growth potential.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Doncaster

Choosing the right real estate agent in Doncaster can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 237 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 20.4% 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.