East Melbourne suburb profile
East Melbourne is a prestigious and historic suburb located just 2km east of Melbourne's CBD, renowned for its elegant Victorian architecture and lush gardens. This suburb is home to some of Melbourne's most iconic landmarks, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Fitzroy Gardens. East Melbourne offers a tranquil residential atmosphere with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community, making it highly desirable for professionals and families. Its proximity to the city, coupled with excellent public transport options, ensures convenient access to Melbourne's cultural and commercial hubs. The suburb's blend of heritage charm and modern amenities continues to attract discerning residents.
East Melbourne property market performance
Property growth-13.6%Past 12 months
East Melbourne's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with no change in median house and unit values. The median unit price remains at $635,000, while house sales have been limited, with only 10 transactions in the past year. Units have seen more activity, with 38 sold over the same period.
Both houses and units have a median of 48 days on the market, indicating a balanced demand across property types. The rental market has seen a notable increase for units, with rents rising by 8.3% to an average of $650, while house rents have remained steady at $1,100.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | $635K |
Change in value Past 12 months | -26.3% | -0.9% |
Sold Past 3 months | 10 | 38 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 48 | 48 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $1100 | $650 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | N/A | 8.3% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
East Melbourne demographics
East Melbourne, a prestigious suburb located just a stone's throw from Melbourne's bustling CBD, is renowned for its historic charm, leafy streets, and proximity to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. With a population of 4,896, East Melbourne offers a serene residential environment while still being close to the vibrant city life. The median age of 42 suggests a mature community, likely attracted by the suburb's elegant architecture and tranquil parks.
The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a significant proportion of renters, with 54.1% of properties being rented. This indicates a demand for flexible living arrangements, appealing to professionals and those who appreciate the convenience of city living without the commitment of home ownership. Meanwhile, 27.6% of properties are owned outright, reflecting a stable base of long-term residents who value the suburb's heritage and lifestyle.
Family dynamics in East Melbourne are diverse, with 71.1% of couple families having no children, highlighting the suburb's appeal to empty nesters and professionals. Only 19.2% of families are couples with children, and 7% are one-parent families, suggesting a quieter, more adult-oriented community. The high median household income of $2,345 per week underscores the affluence of the area, making East Melbourne a desirable location for those seeking a blend of sophistication, convenience, and a touch of history.
East Melbourne infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
East Melbourne continues to benefit from its proximity to major medical, sporting and civic precincts, with ongoing upgrades around the MCG, Melbourne Park and the nearby hospital and biomedical precinct supporting strong demand from professionals and hospital staff.[2][4] The suburb’s established heritage streetscapes and well-maintained parks, including Fitzroy Gardens and Treasury Gardens on its doorstep, enhance livability and underpin long-term buyer interest.[2][4]
There are currently no standout new large-scale residential or retail redevelopments within East Melbourne itself that are set to materially alter the suburb’s character or housing supply in the short term.[4] However, continual incremental improvements to surrounding transport links and city-fringe infrastructure mean residents retain excellent access to the CBD, jobs and amenities, which is likely to support property values and rental demand over time.[2][4]
East Melbourne rental market trends
The rental market in East Melbourne has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged at $1,100 per week over the past year. In contrast, unit rents have experienced an increase of 8.3%, reaching $650 per week. This suburb continues to attract interest due to its prime location and vibrant community, making it a desirable choice for renters seeking a balance of urban convenience and residential charm.
Suburbs near East Melbourne
Some popular suburbs near East Melbourne include:
How does East Melbourne compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median unit prices: East Melbourne’s median unit price is 44.5% higher than Melbourne’s.
- House price growth: Property prices in nearby Collingwood have risen 37.7% more than in East Melbourne over the past year.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in East Melbourne have grown 16.1% higher than in Melbourne.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in East Melbourne are selling 14.3% faster than in Collingwood.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in East Melbourne are selling 7.7% faster than in Southbank.
- Investment considerations: In East Melbourne, the rental yield for house is 75.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 11.3% higher.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in East Melbourne have grown 180.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in East Melbourne have grown 11.2% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

