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.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $1.79M | $490K |
Change in value Past 12 months | -1.3% | -19.8% |
Sold Past 3 months | 17 | 22 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 61 | 24 |
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
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.

