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Essendon suburb profile

Essendon is a well-established suburb located approximately 10km northwest of Melbourne's CBD, known for its rich history and vibrant community. The area is characterized by its blend of heritage homes, modern apartments, and tree-lined streets, offering a picturesque setting for residents. Essendon is home to a variety of amenities, including quality schools, parks, and shopping precincts, making it a popular choice for families and professionals. The suburb boasts excellent public transport options, with train and tram services providing easy access to the city. Its strong sporting culture, highlighted by the Essendon Football Club, adds to the suburb's dynamic appeal.

Essendon property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,069,000Past 3 months

Property growth-1.3%Past 12 months

Essendon'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 $1.62 million, while the median unit price is $518,000, indicating a steady demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been consistent, with 47 houses and 38 units sold over the last 12 months. However, properties are taking longer to sell, with houses spending a median of 84 days on the market and units 76 days, suggesting a cautious approach from buyers.

In the rental market, house rents have remained unchanged, averaging $650 per week, while unit rents have seen an increase of 8.9%, reaching an average of $490 per week, highlighting a growing demand for rental units in Essendon.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.62M$518K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-2.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
4738
Median days on market
Past 12 months
8476
Average rent
Past 12 months
$650$490
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A8.9%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Essendon demographics

Essendon, located in Melbourne's north-west, is a suburb that beautifully balances urban convenience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Known for its leafy streets and strong community vibe, Essendon attracts a diverse range of residents, from young families to professionals and retirees. The median age of 39 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's blend of modern amenities and traditional charm.

The suburb's housing landscape is varied, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (33.2%) or with a mortgage (30.4%), indicating a stable and established community. However, with 36.5% of properties being rented, there is also a substantial rental market, appealing to those seeking flexibility, such as young professionals and students. The suburb's proximity to Melbourne's CBD, coupled with its excellent public transport links, makes it a convenient choice for commuters.

Family life is a cornerstone of Essendon, with nearly half of the families being couples with children (48.7%). This is complemented by a strong presence of couples without children (37.6%), reflecting the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those enjoying a quieter lifestyle. The local schools, parks, and community facilities further enhance its reputation as a family-friendly suburb. With a median household income of $2132 per week, Essendon offers a comfortable lifestyle, supported by a range of local shops, cafes, and recreational options.

Essendon infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Essendon is experiencing significant developments that are likely to impact its property market. The Essendon Fields precinct continues to expand, with new commercial and retail spaces enhancing local job opportunities and amenities. This ongoing development is expected to increase the suburb's appeal to both residents and businesses, potentially driving up property values in the surrounding areas.

Infrastructure improvements are also underway, with upgrades to public transport including the modernization of Essendon station and enhancements to bus services. These improvements are set to boost connectivity and could make Essendon more attractive to commuters. Additionally, the ongoing revitalization of the Moonee Ponds Creek corridor is creating new green spaces and recreational areas, which may increase the desirability of properties in proximity to these natural amenities.

Essendon rental market trends

The rental market in Essendon has shown stability for houses, with rents remaining unchanged at $650 per week over the past year. In contrast, unit rents have experienced an increase of 8.9%, reaching $490 per week. With its established community and convenient location, Essendon continues to attract renters seeking a balanced lifestyle with easy access to Melbourne's amenities.

Suburbs near Essendon

Some popular suburbs near Essendon include:

How does Essendon compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Essendon’s median house price is 6.2% higher than Strathmore’s.
  • Median unit prices: Essendon’s median unit price is 21.0% higher than Essendon North’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Essendon have grown 5.6% higher than in Essendon North.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Essendon have grown 4.6% higher than in Ascot Vale.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Essendon are selling 16.8% faster than in Strathmore.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Essendon are selling 40.6% faster than in Essendon North.
  • Investment considerations: In Essendon, the rental yield for house is 5.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 12.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Essendon have grown 54.5% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Essendon have grown 8.5% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Essendon

  • Is Essendon a nice place to live?

    Essendon is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of urban convenience and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. With its charming tree-lined streets and a vibrant community spirit, Essendon is a place where residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The suburb is well-known for its rich sporting culture, which adds a dynamic and engaging vibe to the area. Families are particularly drawn to Essendon due to its excellent schools, parks, and community facilities, making it an ideal place for raising children.

    Living in Essendon means having easy access to a variety of amenities, including local shops, cafes, and recreational options. The suburb's proximity to Melbourne's CBD, combined with its excellent public transport links, makes it a convenient choice for commuters. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal for families and retirees alike. However, the ongoing developments and infrastructure improvements in the area may lead to increased property values, which could be a consideration for those looking to buy or rent in the future.

    While Essendon offers a comfortable lifestyle with its modern amenities and traditional charm, it may not have the bustling nightlife of inner-city suburbs. This trade-off is often welcomed by those seeking a quieter, more relaxed environment. The suburb's ongoing revitalization projects, such as the enhancements to the Moonee Ponds Creek corridor, are creating new green spaces and recreational areas, further enhancing its appeal. Overall, Essendon is a fantastic place to live for those who value community, convenience, and a touch of suburban tranquility.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Essendon?

    Essendon, located in Melbourne's inner north-west, is known for its charming streets and family-friendly atmosphere. However, living in Essendon can be quite pricey, especially when it comes to housing. The current median house price is a hefty $1,765,000, which is significantly higher than the median house prices in many other Melbourne suburbs. For those considering units, the median price is more approachable at $569,444, yet still reflects the suburb's desirability.

    When it comes to renting, the average rent for houses is $650 per week, while units average $500 per week. These figures are relatively high and can take a substantial chunk out of one's income. The average wage in Essendon is around $90,000 per year, which is higher than the average wage in Melbourne. However, even with a higher income, the cost of living, particularly housing, can still feel steep.

    Overall, while Essendon offers a great lifestyle with its parks, schools, and cafes, the cost of living here is on the higher side. If you're thinking of living in Essendon, it's important to weigh your financial situation against the expenses associated with this attractive 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 Essendon a good place to invest?

    Essendon presents a unique investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in the rental market. While the median house values have remained stable over the past year, the suburb's rental market for units has experienced a significant uptick, with rents increasing by 11.1%. This suggests a growing demand for rental properties, especially units, which could be appealing for investors seeking rental income.

    The modest growth in median unit values by 1.5% also indicates a steady interest in the suburb, making it a potentially safe investment choice. Essendon's appeal lies in its established community, excellent transport links, and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, which continue to attract both renters and buyers. While the capital growth for houses has been flat, the strong rental demand for units suggests a vibrant rental market that could offer consistent returns.

    Overall, Essendon might not be the fastest-growing suburb in terms of capital appreciation, but its strong rental market, particularly for units, provides a compelling case for investment. The suburb's stability and demand for rental properties make it an attractive option for investors looking for reliable rental income and gradual property value growth.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Essendon

In Essendon, 155 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 16.5% 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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