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Elwood suburb profile

Elwood is a picturesque bayside suburb located just 8km south of Melbourne's CBD, known for its charming tree-lined streets and relaxed coastal vibe. With its sandy beaches, vibrant cafe culture, and Art Deco architecture, Elwood attracts a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees. The suburb offers a variety of recreational activities, from beachside walks to cycling along the scenic foreshore. Elwood's proximity to St Kilda and easy access to public transport make it a convenient and desirable location for those seeking a blend of urban living and seaside tranquility.

Elwood property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,378,500Past 3 months

Property growth-4.0%Past 12 months

Elwood’s property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in median values for both houses and units. The median house price stands at $2.13 million, while units are priced at $681,000, indicating consistent demand in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 41 houses and 83 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster, with a median of 30 days on the market, compared to 42 days for houses, suggesting a stronger demand for units.

The rental market in Elwood has seen moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 6.1% and unit rents by 5.5% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $1,050, while units average $580, reflecting a healthy rental demand.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.09M$667K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-12.0%3.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
4485
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4429
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1060$590
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.2%7.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Elwood demographics

Elwood, a charming bayside suburb of Melbourne, is renowned for its picturesque beaches, leafy streets, and vibrant community atmosphere. With a population of 15,153, Elwood offers a blend of urban convenience and coastal tranquility, making it a desirable location for families, professionals, and retirees alike. The median age of 38 reflects a mature community that values both the serenity of its natural surroundings and the proximity to Melbourne's bustling city life.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being rented, accounting for 52.2% of the market. This high rental rate indicates Elwood's appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, including young professionals and transient residents. Meanwhile, 21.2% of properties are owned outright, and 26.6% are owned with a mortgage, highlighting a stable base of long-term residents who have invested in the area.

Family dynamics in Elwood are varied, with couple families without children making up 48.4% of the population, while couple families with children account for 36.1%. This mix underscores the suburb's appeal to both young couples and established families. The presence of one-parent families, at 13.5%, further adds to the suburb's diverse community fabric. Elwood's blend of beachside living, community spirit, and accessibility to Melbourne's amenities makes it a sought-after destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Elwood infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Elwood continues to benefit from its strong coastal amenity, established café and retail strips, and proximity to major employment hubs in nearby St Kilda Road and the CBD, which underpins ongoing buyer and renter demand.[3][4][7] The suburb’s extensive parklands and foreshore paths remain a key drawcard for lifestyle-focused purchasers, supporting values for homes within easy walking distance of the beach and green spaces.[2][3]

There are currently no widely publicised new transport corridors, school openings, or major commercial redevelopments specific to Elwood that are expected to materially alter the local property market in the short term.[3][4] Instead, incremental improvements within the broader City of Port Phillip—such as ongoing streetscape upgrades, foreshore maintenance and council planning focused on medium-density infill—are likely to sustain Elwood’s appeal rather than radically change its character or housing supply profile.[4][7]

Elwood rental market trends

The rental market in Elwood has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 6.1% over the past year to $1,050 per week, while unit rents have risen by 5.5% to $580 per week. Elwood continues to attract renters and investors alike, offering a desirable coastal lifestyle with convenient access to Melbourne's amenities.

Suburbs near Elwood

Some popular suburbs near Elwood include:

How does Elwood compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Elwood’s median house price is 59.5% higher than St Kilda’s.
  • Median unit prices: Elwood’s median unit price is 28.3% higher than St Kilda’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Elwood have grown 3.3% higher than in Ripponlea.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Elwood have grown 5.2% higher than in St Kilda.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Elwood are selling 4.3% faster than in St Kilda.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Elwood are selling 3.3% faster than in Ripponlea.
  • Investment considerations: In Elwood, the rental yield for house is 68.3% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 0.7% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Elwood have grown 86.1% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Elwood have grown 13.2% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Elwood

  • Is Elwood a nice place to live?

    Elwood is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of coastal charm and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Elwood is a haven for those who appreciate the beauty of tree-lined streets and the allure of sandy beaches. The suburb's vibrant cafe culture and Art Deco architecture add to its appeal, creating a lively yet laid-back vibe that attracts a diverse mix of residents. Families, in particular, will find Elwood appealing due to its community-oriented environment and access to recreational activities, such as beachside walks and cycling along the scenic foreshore.

    Living in Elwood comes with the advantage of being close to Melbourne's CBD while enjoying the tranquility of a bayside lifestyle. The suburb's proximity to St Kilda and excellent public transport options make commuting a breeze, providing easy access to the city's amenities and employment hubs. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly reputation. However, the popularity of Elwood does mean that property prices can be on the higher side, and the rental market is competitive, reflecting the suburb's desirability.

    For families, Elwood offers a supportive community with a variety of housing options, though the high demand can sometimes limit availability. While the suburb may not have the nightlife of inner-city areas, its focus on outdoor living and community events provides plenty of opportunities for socializing and leisure. Overall, Elwood is a charming and vibrant suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to call home for those who value both coastal beauty and urban convenience.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Elwood?

    Living in Elwood, a charming bayside suburb of Melbourne, can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price is currently a hefty $2,125,000, which places it well above the average for many other Melbourne suburbs. Even units, which are typically more affordable, have a median price of $681,000. Renting isn't much easier on the wallet, with houses averaging $1,050 per week and units around $580 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average annual wage in Melbourne, which is about $77,000, it's clear that a significant portion of one's income would be needed to cover housing costs in Elwood. The median total household income in Elwood is $2,096 per week, which is higher than the average wage, but still, the high property prices and rents mean that living here could stretch the budget for many.

    Overall, Elwood offers a desirable lifestyle with its proximity to the beach and vibrant community vibe, but these perks come at a premium. If you're thinking of living in Elwood, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation to ensure it can accommodate the costs associated with this picturesque 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 Elwood a good place to invest?

    Elwood presents a unique investment opportunity, especially for those interested in rental income. While the median house and unit values have remained stable over the past year, the suburb has experienced a notable increase in rental prices, with house rents rising by 6.1% and unit rents by 5.5%. This indicates a strong demand for rental properties, making Elwood an attractive option for investors seeking reliable rental returns.

    Elwood's charm lies in its vibrant community atmosphere and proximity to the beach, which continues to draw in both renters and potential buyers. The suburb's lifestyle appeal, with its trendy cafes, parks, and easy access to public transport, ensures a steady flow of interest from young professionals and families alike. While capital growth has been stagnant recently, the consistent rental demand suggests a resilient market that could offer stable returns in the long run.

    Overall, Elwood's appeal as a lifestyle destination, combined with its strong rental market, makes it a worthwhile consideration for investors. While immediate capital gains might not be on the horizon, the suburb's enduring popularity and rental growth potential provide a solid foundation for those looking to invest in a stable and desirable location.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Elwood

There are 195 real estate agents in Elwood, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 28.2% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Elwood typically range from 1.71% to 2.57%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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