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Eltham suburb profile

Eltham is a picturesque suburb located 20km northeast of Melbourne's CBD, renowned for its lush greenery and artistic community. Known for its natural beauty, Eltham offers residents a tranquil lifestyle with its abundance of parks, reserves, and walking trails. The suburb is home to a vibrant arts scene, with galleries and cultural events that reflect its creative spirit. Eltham's charming village atmosphere is complemented by a range of cafes, shops, and local markets, making it a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a peaceful yet connected environment. Its blend of natural allure and community vibe continues to attract those looking for a serene suburban retreat.

Eltham property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,034,250Past 3 months

Property growth+6.9%Past 12 months

Eltham’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 4.2% and unit values rising by 9.2%. The median house price has averaged $1.22 million, while units have averaged $750,000, indicating a healthy demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, with 57 houses and 19 units sold in the past 12 months. Both houses and units are selling quickly, with a median time on market of just 26 days, reflecting strong buyer interest in the area.

Eltham’s rental market has also experienced significant growth, with house rents increasing by 9.8% and unit rents by 8.7% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $725, while units command $565, suggesting a competitive rental market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.29M$782K
Change in value
Past 12 months
5.3%8.6%
Sold
Past 3 months
6416
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2625
Average rent
Past 12 months
$750$565
Change in rent
Past 12 months
13.6%10.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Eltham demographics

Eltham, located in Melbourne's northeastern suburbs, is a picturesque area known for its leafy streets, artistic community, and family-friendly environment. With a population of 18,847, Eltham offers a serene lifestyle while still being within commuting distance to the city. The median age of 43 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience.

The suburb is predominantly composed of family households, with 51.8% being couple families with children and 35% being couple families without children. This highlights Eltham's appeal to families seeking a supportive community with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The presence of one-parent families at 12.6% also indicates a diverse family structure within the suburb.

Property ownership in Eltham is notably high, with 43.1% of homes owned outright and 44.8% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable and established community, with many long-term residents. The rental market is relatively small, with only 12.2% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those looking for a more permanent residence. Eltham's combination of natural surroundings, community spirit, and proximity to Melbourne makes it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Eltham infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Eltham continues to benefit from its established rail station and adjoining bus interchange, which provide strong public transport links to the city and neighbouring employment hubs, supporting buyer demand from commuters and families seeking accessible living.[4][8] The suburb’s green character, with extensive parks, walking and bike trails, remains a key drawcard, and ongoing council emphasis on preserving leafy streetscapes and public open space helps underpin long-term desirability and values.[3][4]

Local amenities, including a well-serviced village-style retail strip, restaurants, gyms and community facilities, give residents convenient access to daily needs without leaving the area, which typically enhances both rental and owner-occupier appeal.[3] There are no widely publicised major new infrastructure projects or school redevelopments in the immediate pipeline, so near-term market performance is more likely to be driven by Eltham’s existing transport, education options and lifestyle appeal rather than large-scale change at this time.[3][4]

Eltham rental market trends

The rental market in Eltham has experienced steady growth, with house rents increasing 9.8% over the past year to $725 per week, while unit rents have risen 8.7% to $565 per week. With its appealing suburban lifestyle and proximity to natural attractions, Eltham continues to attract renters and investors seeking a balance of tranquility and convenience.

Suburbs near Eltham

Some popular suburbs near Eltham include:

How does Eltham compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Eltham’s median house price is 5.1% higher than Eltham North’s.
  • Median unit prices: Eltham’s median unit price is 4.2% higher than Montmorency’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Eltham have grown 7.0% higher than in Eltham North.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Eltham have grown 13.2% higher than in Montmorency.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Eltham are selling 10.3% faster than in Eltham North.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Eltham are selling 10.7% faster than in Montmorency.
  • Investment considerations: In Eltham, the rental yield for house is 19.0% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 3.6% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Eltham have grown 23.1% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Eltham have grown 34.7% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Eltham

  • Is Eltham a nice place to live?

    Eltham is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and picturesque lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its lush greenery and artistic community, Eltham provides a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for families and individuals seeking a tranquil environment. The suburb's leafy streets and abundance of parks and walking trails create a natural haven for residents who appreciate outdoor living. The vibrant arts scene, with galleries and cultural events, adds a creative flair to the community, making it an inspiring place to call home.

    Families will find Eltham particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and excellent schools. The suburb's village-like atmosphere is complemented by a variety of cafes, shops, and local markets, offering convenient access to daily amenities. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly reputation. While Eltham may not have the bustling nightlife of inner-city areas, it compensates with its peaceful charm and community spirit.

    One trade-off of living in Eltham is its distance from Melbourne's CBD, which may require a longer commute for those working in the city. However, the suburb is well-connected by public transport, with a rail station and bus interchange providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas. This connectivity, combined with Eltham's natural beauty and community vibe, makes it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Whether you're a family looking for a supportive environment or a professional seeking a serene retreat, Eltham offers a unique blend of tranquility and convenience.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Eltham?

    Living in Eltham can be considered moderately expensive when compared to other suburbs in Melbourne. The current median house price in Eltham is $1,216,875, which is quite significant, especially when compared to the average wages in Greater Melbourne, where the average taxable income is around $93,000 per year. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is $725 per week, while units are slightly more affordable with an average rent of $565 per week.

    With a median total household income of $2,391 per week, Eltham residents may find that a significant portion of their earnings goes towards housing costs. This can make it challenging for individuals or families earning the average wage to comfortably afford living in this suburb without careful financial planning. However, Eltham offers a unique blend of natural beauty and suburban charm, which may justify the higher costs for those who value a peaceful lifestyle with access to Melbourne's amenities.

    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 Eltham a good place to invest?

    Eltham is shaping up to be a promising suburb for investment, particularly for those interested in both houses and units. Over the past year, the median house value in Eltham has increased by 4.2%, while units have seen an impressive 9.2% rise. This suggests a strong demand for properties in the area, with units showing particularly robust growth. The rental market is also thriving, with house rents climbing by 9.8% and unit rents by 8.7% over the same period, indicating a healthy demand from renters.

    Eltham's appeal lies in its blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience. Known for its leafy streets and community-focused atmosphere, it attracts families and young professionals alike. The suburb offers a range of amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centers, which enhance its livability and desirability. The steady increase in property values and rental returns suggests that Eltham is not only a great place to live but also a solid choice for investors looking for a balanced mix of capital growth and rental income potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Eltham

In Eltham ,81 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 35.6% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.54% and 2.94%. 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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