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Fairfield suburb profile

Fairfield is a charming suburb located approximately 6km northeast of Melbourne's CBD, known for its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. It offers a vibrant community atmosphere with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The suburb is home to the popular Fairfield Park and the iconic Fairfield Boathouse, providing picturesque settings along the Yarra River. Fairfield's Station Street is a bustling hub with diverse cafes, shops, and eateries, reflecting the suburb's multicultural vibe. With excellent public transport options and a strong sense of community, Fairfield is a sought-after location for families, professionals, and creatives.

Fairfield property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,140,000Past 3 months

Property growth-10.6%Past 12 months

Fairfield’s property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in the median values for both houses and units. The median house price stands at $1.79 million, while the median unit price is $490,000, indicating a balanced demand across property types.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 17 houses and 22 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 61 days on the market, compared to just 24 days for units, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Fairfield has seen a slight increase in house rents by 0.3%, while unit rents have risen more significantly by 8.1% over the last 12 months, reflecting a stronger demand for rental units in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.79M$490K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.3%-19.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
1722
Median days on market
Past 12 months
6124
Average rent
Past 12 months
$800$465
Change in rent
Past 12 months
0.3%8.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Fairfield demographics

Fairfield, located in Melbourne's inner north, is a suburb that offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. With a population of 6,535 and a median age of 37, it attracts a diverse mix of families, professionals, and long-term residents. The suburb's proximity to the city, combined with its leafy streets and community-oriented atmosphere, makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The family-friendly nature of Fairfield is evident, with 44.9% of households being couple families with children, and 41% being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those who appreciate a quieter, community-focused environment. Additionally, 12.1% of households are one-parent families, reflecting a supportive and inclusive community.

In terms of housing, Fairfield offers a mix of ownership and rental opportunities. Approximately 29.2% of properties are owned outright, while 28.5% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable property market with opportunities for both established homeowners and new buyers. The rental market is also significant, with 42.3% of properties being rented, catering to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area.

Fairfield's median total household income of $1,967 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, with residents enjoying access to local amenities, parks, and a vibrant café culture. The suburb's blend of convenience, community spirit, and lifestyle options makes it a desirable location for a wide range of residents.

Fairfield infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Fairfield continues to benefit from its established village-style retail strip along Station Street and strong café culture, which support steady buyer demand and underpin local property values.[2] Ongoing transformation of nearby former industrial land, including large mixed-use projects along the Yarra corridor such as the broader Yarra Bend-style redevelopments, is adding new housing, hospitality and public spaces, which is expected to increase local amenity and attract more residents over time.[2] Easy access to the CBD via train services and major arterial roads, combined with extensive parkland and Yarra River walking and cycling trails, enhances Fairfield’s appeal for professionals and families seeking a well-connected yet green inner suburb.[2][4]

Local schools and community facilities are already well regarded, and incremental upgrades rather than major new campuses are the current focus, supporting stable family demand rather than sudden shifts in population.[2] Council planning in the area continues to concentrate higher-density housing around existing transport and commercial nodes, while protecting riverfront and residential streetscapes, which should moderate supply increases and help support medium- to long-term price growth.[4] Overall, there are no single headline infrastructure projects dominating the outlook, but the combination of infill development, amenity upgrades and strong connectivity continues to gently strengthen Fairfield’s livability and property market fundamentals.

Fairfield rental market trends

The rental market in Fairfield has shown mixed trends, with house rents experiencing a slight increase of 0.3% over the past year to $800 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 8.1% to $465 per week. This indicates a growing demand for units, making Fairfield an attractive option for renters seeking affordability and convenience in a vibrant suburb.

Suburbs near Fairfield

Some popular suburbs near Fairfield include:

How does Fairfield compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Fairfield’s median house price is 28.3% higher than Alphington’s.
  • Median unit prices: Fairfield’s median unit price is 36.4% lower than Alphington’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Fairfield have grown 1.4% higher than in Alphington.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Alphington have risen 16.8% more than in Fairfield over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Alphington are selling 3.3% faster than in Fairfield.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Fairfield are selling 52.9% faster than in Alphington.
  • Investment considerations: In Fairfield, the rental yield for house is 27.4% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 20.4% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Fairfield have grown 56.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Fairfield have grown 13.2% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Fairfield

  • Is Fairfield a nice place to live?

    Fairfield is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled just a short distance from Melbourne's bustling CBD, Fairfield is known for its vibrant community spirit and charming atmosphere. The suburb is a haven for families, with its leafy streets, excellent schools, and a welcoming environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging. The multicultural vibe is palpable, with Station Street serving as a lively hub filled with diverse cafes, shops, and eateries that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

    For those who appreciate the outdoors, Fairfield provides ample opportunities to enjoy nature, with the picturesque Fairfield Park and the iconic Fairfield Boathouse offering serene settings along the Yarra River. The suburb's extensive parklands and walking trails make it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and family outings. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a family-friendly locale. The excellent public transport options and proximity to major arterial roads ensure that residents can easily access the city and surrounding areas, making it a convenient choice for professionals and commuters.

    However, living in Fairfield does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's popularity and proximity to the city mean that property prices can be on the higher side, and the demand for housing is strong. While this may pose a challenge for some, the investment in Fairfield is often seen as worthwhile due to its enduring appeal and stable property market. The ongoing development in nearby areas is gradually enhancing local amenities, adding to the suburb's allure without overwhelming its charming character.

    Overall, Fairfield is a fantastic place to call home, offering a balanced lifestyle with its mix of urban amenities, green spaces, and a strong community feel. Whether you're a family looking for a supportive environment, a professional seeking convenience, or someone who simply enjoys a vibrant and diverse suburb, Fairfield has much to offer.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Fairfield?

    Living in Fairfield, Melbourne, can be quite pricey, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price in Fairfield is around $1,790,000, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in the area. If you're looking to rent, houses average about $800 per week, while units are more affordable at approximately $465 per week. This indicates that housing, whether buying or renting, takes up a substantial portion of income, particularly when compared to the average wage in Greater Melbourne, which is about $96,000 per year.

    The median total household income in Fairfield is $1,967 per week, which is relatively high, but the cost of housing still makes it a challenge for many. When you compare this to the average wage in Melbourne, it becomes clear that living in Fairfield requires careful budgeting and financial planning. While the suburb offers a vibrant lifestyle with its proximity to the city and local amenities, the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you're thinking of living in Fairfield, it's important to consider whether your financial situation aligns with the expenses associated with this desirable 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 Fairfield a good place to invest?

    Fairfield presents an interesting opportunity for investors, particularly those looking at the rental market. While the median house and unit values have remained stable over the past year, the rental market tells a different story. Rent for units has seen a significant increase of 8.1%, indicating a strong demand for rental properties in this category. This could be appealing for investors seeking steady rental income, especially with units.

    The stability in property values suggests that Fairfield is a low-risk investment area, which can be attractive for those who prefer a more conservative approach. The slight increase in house rents also points to a steady demand, making it a reliable option for long-term investment. Fairfield's appeal lies in its balance of stability and rental growth potential, particularly for units, making it a suburb worth considering for investors focused on rental yield.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Fairfield

Currently, there are 67 real estate agents working in Fairfield—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 67 agents sold 42.9% of all properties in Fairfield over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Fairfield typically charge a commission of 1.54% to 2.94%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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