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Elwood suburb profile

Elwood is a picturesque bayside suburb located just 8km south of Melbourne's CBD, known for its relaxed beachside lifestyle and charming village atmosphere. With its tree-lined streets, Art Deco architecture, and proximity to Elwood Beach, the suburb attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees. Elwood offers a vibrant café culture, boutique shopping, and a strong sense of community, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking a blend of urban convenience and coastal tranquility. Its excellent public transport links and recreational facilities further enhance its appeal as a desirable place to live.

Elwood property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,339,000Past 3 months

Property growth-2.6%Past 12 months

Elwood’s property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in median house and unit values. The median house price stands at $1.96 million, while units are priced at $648,000. This stability reflects a balanced demand for both property types in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 26 houses and 67 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 77 days on the market, compared to 61 days for units, indicating a slightly quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Elwood has seen some movement, with house rents increasing by 8.8% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have risen by 1.9%. This suggests a stronger demand for rental houses compared to units in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.94M$738K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-0.2%-5.0%
Sold
Past 3 months
1132
Median days on market
Past 12 months
6862
Average rent
Past 12 months
$950$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
6.1%1.9%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Elwood demographics

Elwood, a picturesque bayside suburb of Melbourne, is renowned for its charming tree-lined streets, vibrant café culture, and proximity to the beach. With a population of 15,153 and a median age of 38, Elwood attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its relaxed yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. The suburb's median total household income of $2,096 per week reflects its appeal to those seeking a comfortable and affluent living environment.

Family life is a significant aspect of Elwood's community, with 36.1% of households being couple families with children and 48.4% being couple families without children. This balance of family types contributes to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, 13.5% of households are one-parent families, highlighting the suburb's support for diverse family structures. The presence of 2% other families further underscores Elwood's diverse demographic.

In terms of housing, Elwood offers a mix of ownership and rental options. 21.2% of properties are owned outright, while 26.6% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable property market with opportunities for both established homeowners and new buyers. The rental market is also robust, with 52.2% of properties being rented, appealing to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area. Elwood's blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and urban convenience makes it a highly sought-after suburb for a wide range of residents.

Elwood infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Elwood continues to benefit from its proximity to central Melbourne and its popular coastal amenities, with local parks, Elwood Beach, and bicycle paths enhancing the suburb’s walkability and appeal to homebuyers. While no major transport or infrastructure projects have been announced recently, the suburb remains well-connected through multiple bus routes, access to nearby tram lines, and close proximity to train stations at Elsternwick and Ripponlea, supporting convenient commuting for residents[1].

Schools in Elwood are well-established, and recent local planning focuses on maintaining the suburb’s leafy character and vibrant mix of period and contemporary homes rather than large-scale redevelopment. With lively cafes, recreational spaces, and family-friendly amenities, Elwood’s desirability and property demand remain strong, supported by ongoing quality-of-life improvements rather than headline new infrastructure projects at this time[9][1].

Elwood rental market trends

The rental market in Elwood has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 8.8% over the past year to $950 per week, while unit rents have seen a modest rise of 1.9% to $550 per week. Elwood continues to attract renters and investors alike, thanks to its charming coastal lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne's vibrant city center.

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 21.3% higher than Prahran’s.
  • Median unit prices: Elwood’s median unit price is 42.5% higher than St Kilda’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Elwood have grown 12.8% higher than in Balaclava.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Elwood have grown 2.7% higher than in Elsternwick.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Elwood are selling 11.7% faster than in St Kilda.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Elwood are selling 13.9% faster than in St Kilda.
  • Investment considerations: In Elwood, the rental yield for house is 53.7% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 2.0% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Elwood have grown 107.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Elwood have grown 12.0% 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 harmonious blend of urban convenience and coastal charm, making it a wonderful place to call home. Known for its relaxed beachside lifestyle, Elwood is perfect for those who appreciate a serene environment with the added benefit of being close to Melbourne's bustling city center. The suburb's tree-lined streets and Art Deco architecture provide a picturesque setting that appeals to a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees. The vibrant café culture and boutique shopping add to the suburb's lively yet laid-back vibe, creating a strong sense of community that is both welcoming and inclusive.

    For families, Elwood is particularly appealing due to its excellent schools and family-friendly amenities. The suburb's proximity to Elwood Beach and various recreational facilities offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, making it ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's reputation as a peaceful and secure place to live. While Elwood may not offer the nightlife of inner-city areas, its charm lies in its tranquil atmosphere and the convenience of nearby public transport options, which make commuting to the city a breeze.

    However, living in Elwood does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's desirability means that property prices can be on the higher side, and the demand for housing is strong. Additionally, while the area is well-connected, the lack of recent major transport or infrastructure projects might be a consideration for those looking for rapid urban development. Nonetheless, for those seeking a balance of coastal tranquility and urban accessibility, Elwood remains a highly attractive choice.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Elwood?

    Elwood, nestled along the picturesque coastline of Melbourne, is a desirable suburb known for its charming streets and vibrant community. However, living in Elwood comes with a hefty price tag. The current median house price is a significant $1,960,000, while units are more affordable at a median price of $648,000. Renting in Elwood is also on the higher end, with houses averaging $950 per week and units at $550 per week.

    When comparing these figures to the average annual wage in Melbourne, which is $104,000, it's clear that a substantial portion of one's income would need to be allocated to housing costs in Elwood. The median total household income in Elwood is $2,096 per week, which is higher than the state average, yet the cost of housing still represents a significant financial commitment.

    For those considering a move to Elwood, it's important to weigh the benefits of its beachside lifestyle and community atmosphere against the higher living costs. While Elwood offers a unique and appealing lifestyle, the expense of living there is undeniably high compared to other Melbourne suburbs. Careful financial planning is essential to ensure that living in this charming suburb aligns with your budget.

    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 an intriguing investment opportunity, especially for those interested in rental income. While the median house and unit values have remained stable over the past year, the rental market tells a different story. House rents have surged by 8.8%, indicating strong demand from tenants, which can be a significant draw for investors seeking reliable rental returns. The modest increase in unit rents, at 1.9%, also suggests a steady interest in this type of property, albeit at a slower pace.

    Elwood's appeal lies in its vibrant community atmosphere, proximity to the beach, and easy access to Melbourne's city center. These factors contribute to its desirability among renters, particularly young professionals and families who value lifestyle and convenience. While the capital growth in property values has been flat, the suburb's rental market dynamics offer a compelling case for investment, particularly for those prioritizing rental yield over immediate capital gains.

    Overall, Elwood is a solid choice for investors looking to capitalize on rental demand. Its stable property values and rising rental income potential make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced investment with a focus on generating steady cash flow.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Elwood

There are 182 real estate agents working 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 29.0% 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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