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Essendon suburb profile

Essendon is a well-established suburb located approximately 10km north-west of Melbourne's CBD, known for its rich history and vibrant community. The suburb is characterized by its tree-lined streets, heritage homes, and a strong sporting culture, being home to the Essendon Football Club. Essendon offers a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, with popular shopping precincts and cafes along Mount Alexander Road and Rose Street. The suburb is well-served by public transport, including trains, trams, and buses, providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Its blend of urban convenience and suburban charm makes Essendon a desirable location for families and professionals alike.

Essendon property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,037,500Past 3 months

Property growth+4.1%Past 12 months

Essendon’s property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 6.6%, bringing the median house price to $1.64 million, while unit values have remained stable with no change, maintaining a median price of $415,000.

Sales activity has been robust, with 92 houses and 67 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 35 days on the market compared to 49 days for houses, indicating stronger demand in the unit market.

The rental market in Essendon has seen moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 2.9% and unit rents rising by 5.3% over the last 12 months, suggesting a healthy demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.61M$460K
Change in value
Past 12 months
11.0%-2.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
9086
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5035
Average rent
Past 12 months
$700$495
Change in rent
Past 12 months
2.9%4.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Essendon demographics

Essendon, a well-established suburb in Melbourne's north-west, is renowned for its leafy streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and rich history. With a population of 21,240, it offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike. The median age of 39 reflects a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's parks, schools, and local amenities.

The suburb's housing market is characterized by a balanced mix of property ownership and rental opportunities. Approximately 33.2% of homes are owned outright, while 30.4% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable community with a significant number of long-term residents. Meanwhile, 36.5% of properties are rented, catering to those seeking flexibility, including young professionals and families.

Family life is a cornerstone of Essendon, with 48.7% of households being couple families with children, and 37.6% being couple families without children. This highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those enjoying a quieter lifestyle. The presence of quality schools, sporting clubs, and community facilities further enhances its attractiveness as a family-oriented suburb.

Essendon's proximity to Melbourne's CBD, combined with its strong sense of community and excellent transport links, makes it a sought-after location for those looking to balance work and leisure. Its vibrant local culture, coupled with a variety of dining and shopping options, ensures that residents enjoy a high quality of life in this charming suburb.

Essendon infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Essendon continues to benefit from strong local amenities, with established retail and dining precincts along Mount Alexander Road, Buckley Street and Keilor Road, as well as Essendon Fields, Essendon DFO and North Essendon Village supporting ongoing buyer demand and rental interest.[7] The suburb’s proximity to major employment hubs, including the airport and inner-city business districts, combined with easy access to Highpoint Shopping Centre and nearby parks such as Queens Park and Woodlands Park, underpins its appeal for professionals and families seeking both convenience and lifestyle.[7]

Transport infrastructure remains a key strength, with Essendon train station on the Craigieburn line and multiple tram and bus routes providing direct CBD connectivity and reinforcing the suburb’s attractiveness for commuters.[1][6][7] A concentration of highly regarded schools, including several independent and public secondary colleges, continues to draw family buyers and is likely to support long-term demand and price resilience in the area.[7] No major new infrastructure or planning changes have been publicly announced that would significantly alter Essendon’s property market trajectory at this time.

Essendon rental market trends

The rental market in Essendon has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 2.9% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have risen by 5.3% to $495 per week. With its appealing suburban lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, Essendon continues to attract both renters and investors seeking stable returns.

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 10.1% higher than Moonee Ponds’s.
  • Median unit prices: Essendon’s median unit price is 12.9% higher than Essendon North’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Essendon have grown 8.0% higher than in Moonee Ponds.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Moonee Ponds have risen 1.2% more than in Essendon over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Essendon are selling 35.1% faster than in Strathmore.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Essendon are selling 50.7% faster than in Strathmore.
  • Investment considerations: In Essendon, the rental yield for house is 11.1% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 15.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Essendon have grown 63.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Essendon have grown 15.7% 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 suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. Known for its charming tree-lined streets and a welcoming community, Essendon provides a vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of residents. The suburb is well-equipped with amenities, including a variety of shopping precincts, cafes, and parks, ensuring that there is always something to do. The presence of quality schools and sporting clubs makes it particularly attractive for families looking for a nurturing environment for their children.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Essendon, contributing to its reputation as a family-friendly suburb. The suburb's excellent transport links, including trains, trams, and buses, offer easy access to Melbourne's CBD and surrounding areas, making it an ideal location for professionals who commute to the city. While Essendon provides a high quality of life, one trade-off might be the competitive property market, which can be challenging for first-time buyers. However, the suburb's strong community feel and the balance of residential and commercial spaces make it a desirable place to settle down.

    For those who appreciate a strong sense of community and a rich local culture, Essendon is a wonderful choice. The suburb's proximity to major employment hubs and its vibrant local amenities ensure that residents enjoy both convenience and lifestyle. While it may not offer the nightlife of inner-city areas, Essendon more than compensates with its family-oriented atmosphere and the availability of green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Overall, Essendon is a charming suburb that offers a fulfilling lifestyle for families and professionals alike.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Essendon?

    Living in Essendon can be quite pricey, especially when you consider the real estate market. The median house price sits at a hefty $1,635,000, which is significantly higher than many other areas in Greater Melbourne. Units are more affordable, with a median price of $415,000, but still reflect the suburb's desirable location and amenities. Renting in Essendon isn't exactly cheap either, with houses averaging $700 per week and units around $495 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Essendon are on the higher side compared to other parts of Melbourne.

    When you compare the median total household income in Essendon, which is $2,132 per week, to the average full-time earnings in Greater Melbourne of $1,900 per week, residents in Essendon generally earn a bit more than the average Melburnian. However, the higher income doesn't necessarily offset the steep property prices and rental costs. If you're thinking of living in Essendon, it's essential to weigh these financial factors carefully. While the suburb offers a fantastic lifestyle with its proximity to the city and ample amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can be a significant consideration.

    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 promising opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in long-term growth. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 6.6% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy demand for houses. While unit values have remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a notable 5.3% increase, suggesting strong rental demand and potential for steady rental income.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its balanced lifestyle offerings, combining a family-friendly environment with convenient access to Melbourne's CBD. This makes it attractive to both families and young professionals, ensuring a diverse pool of potential tenants. The modest increase in house rents by 2.9% further supports the suburb's reputation as a stable investment choice, providing consistent rental returns.

    Overall, Essendon offers a mix of capital growth potential and reliable rental income, making it a solid investment option. Its strategic location, coupled with a steady increase in property values and rental demand, positions Essendon as a suburb worth considering for investors seeking a balanced and sustainable investment opportunity.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Essendon

In Essendon ,167 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 19.4% 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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