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Donvale suburb profile

Donvale is a picturesque suburb located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, approximately 19km from the CBD. Known for its leafy environment and spacious properties, Donvale offers a tranquil lifestyle while still being conveniently connected to the city. The suburb is characterized by its blend of modern homes and established residences, catering to families and professionals seeking a peaceful retreat. Donvale boasts excellent educational facilities, parks, and recreational areas, making it an attractive choice for families. With its close proximity to shopping centers and major transport routes, Donvale provides a harmonious balance of suburban serenity and urban accessibility.

Donvale property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,192,000Past 3 months

Property growth-8.2%Past 12 months

Donvale's property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in the median house value, which currently stands at $1.51 million. The unit market also saw no change in value, reflecting a consistent demand for both property types in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 28 houses and 5 units sold over the last 12 months. Houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 61 days on the market, compared to 49 days for units, indicating a slightly quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Donvale has seen some movement, with house rents increasing by 2.7% and unit rents experiencing a significant rise of 13% over the last 12 months. This suggests a growing demand for rental units in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.54MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
-6.9%-9.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
143
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5939
Average rent
Past 12 months
$778$615
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.7%15.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Donvale demographics

Donvale, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its leafy streets and spacious homes. With a population of 12,644, it offers a serene suburban lifestyle while still being within reach of the city's amenities. The median age of 45 suggests a mature community, with many long-term residents and families who appreciate the suburb's peaceful environment and strong sense of community.

The suburb is predominantly composed of couple families, with 52% having children and 35.5% without, indicating a balanced mix of family dynamics. One-parent families make up 11.8% of the population, while other family types are relatively rare at 0.6%. This demographic composition highlights Donvale's appeal to families seeking a stable and supportive environment to raise children.

Property ownership in Donvale is notably high, with 45.6% of homes owned outright and 38.3% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a community with a strong sense of investment in their homes and a commitment to the area. Only 16.1% of properties are rented, which is lower than many other Melbourne suburbs, further emphasizing the suburb's appeal to homeowners. The median total household income of $2,100 per week supports the area's reputation as a comfortable and affluent suburb, offering a high quality of life for its residents.

Donvale infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Donvale continues to attract attention for its blend of bushland character and accessible amenities, with proximity to Tunstall Square, Eastland, and other major retail centres supporting convenience and lifestyle appeal. Public and private schools like Whitefriars College and Donvale Christian College remain strong drawcards for families, but there have been no significant announcements about new or upgraded educational facilities in the area recently.

Transport remains car-centric, centred on Springvale Road and with straightforward access to the Eastern Freeway, but there have been no newly completed public transport projects or extensions directly impacting Donvale. There are currently no major infrastructure or redevelopment projects underway that are likely to reshape the local property market in the immediate future. Donvale’s desirability continues to rest on its established, leafy environment, large family homes, and proximity to key amenities, rather than new development activity.

Donvale rental market trends

The rental market in Donvale has shown varied growth, with house rents experiencing a modest increase of 2.7% over the past year to $770 per week, while unit rents have surged 13% to $610 per week. This indicates a strong demand for units, making Donvale an attractive option for renters and investors focusing on unit properties.

Suburbs near Donvale

Some popular suburbs near Donvale include:

How does Donvale compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Donvale’s median house price is 9.1% higher than Blackburn North’s.
  • Median unit prices: Donvale’s median unit price is 20.4% higher than Doncaster East’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Donvale have grown 0.7% higher than in Nunawading.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Donvale have grown 11.8% higher than in Blackburn North.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Donvale are selling 32.2% faster than in Nunawading.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Donvale are selling 37.1% faster than in Doncaster East.
  • Investment considerations: In Donvale, the rental yield for house is 25.9% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 9.6% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Donvale have grown 49.7% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Donvale have grown 28.5% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Donvale

  • Is Donvale a nice place to live?

    Donvale is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a charming place to call home. Nestled in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, it is renowned for its leafy streets and spacious homes, providing a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb's strong sense of community and peaceful environment make it particularly appealing to families and professionals who value a harmonious lifestyle. With excellent educational facilities and a variety of parks and recreational areas, Donvale is well-suited for families looking to raise children in a supportive and nurturing environment.

    Living in Donvale comes with the advantage of being close to essential amenities, including shopping centers like Tunstall Square and Eastland, which offer a range of retail and dining options. While the suburb is primarily car-centric, with easy access to major transport routes such as the Eastern Freeway, it remains well-connected to the city, allowing residents to enjoy both suburban serenity and urban convenience. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a secure place to live.

    However, potential residents should consider the trade-offs of living in Donvale. The lack of recent public transport developments means that reliance on cars is necessary for commuting and accessing some amenities. Additionally, while the suburb offers a peaceful lifestyle, it may not suit those seeking the vibrant nightlife or trendiness of inner-city areas. Despite these trade-offs, Donvale's established environment, spacious properties, and proximity to key amenities make it a highly desirable suburb for families and those seeking a tranquil yet connected lifestyle.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Donvale?

    Living in Donvale can be quite an investment, especially if you're looking to buy a home. The current median house price is about $1,508,000, which is on the higher end for Melbourne's eastern suburbs. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is around $770 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $610 per week. However, it's important to note that there are no current median unit prices available, which might indicate fewer options for unit living.

    When we look at the income side of things, the average wage in Donvale is approximately $80,000 per year. This is in line with Melbourne's average wage, but when you compare it to the high property prices and rental costs, it becomes clear that a significant portion of one's income would need to be allocated towards housing. The median total household income weekly is $2,100, which suggests that dual-income households might find it more manageable to afford living here.

    Overall, Donvale offers a suburban lifestyle with the benefits of being close to Melbourne, but the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can be steep. If you're thinking of living in Donvale, it's essential to consider your financial situation and whether it aligns with the expenses associated with this desirable 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 Donvale a good place to invest?

    Donvale presents a unique opportunity for investors looking for stability and potential rental income growth. Over the past year, the median house and unit values have remained steady, indicating a stable market without the volatility seen in some other areas. This stability can be appealing for investors who prefer a low-risk environment.

    One of the standout features of Donvale is the significant increase in rental demand, particularly for units, which have seen a 13.0% rise in rent over the last year. This suggests a growing interest from renters, possibly due to the suburb's appealing lifestyle and amenities. Houses have also experienced a modest rental increase of 2.7%, which further supports the suburb's potential for generating rental income.

    Overall, Donvale offers a balanced investment opportunity with its stable property values and promising rental growth, especially in the unit market. For investors seeking a reliable and potentially lucrative rental market, Donvale could be a wise choice.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Donvale

In Donvale, 89 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 34.2% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.71% and 2.57%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

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