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Footscray suburb profile

Footscray is a vibrant and multicultural suburb located just 5km west of Melbourne's CBD. Known for its diverse community and rich cultural tapestry, Footscray offers a unique blend of culinary delights, bustling markets, and artistic flair. The suburb is home to a variety of international cuisines, reflecting its multicultural population, and features the popular Footscray Market. With excellent public transport links, including train and tram services, Footscray provides easy access to the city while maintaining its distinct local character. Its dynamic atmosphere and growing amenities make it an attractive destination for students, professionals, and families alike.

Footscray property market performance

Current median dwelling price$675,000Past 3 months

Property growth-6.5%Past 12 months

Footscray’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 $874,000, while the median unit price is $455,000, indicating a balanced demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, with 58 houses and 100 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling slightly faster than units, with a median of 40 days on the market compared to 44 days for units, suggesting a steady interest in both sectors.

The rental market in Footscray has seen moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.2% and unit rents by 5.0% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $620, while units average $525, reflecting a healthy rental demand in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$880K$470K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-4.9%-8.2%
Sold
Past 3 months
6695
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4144
Average rent
Past 12 months
$620$530
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.3%6.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Footscray demographics

Footscray, located just a few kilometers west of Melbourne's CBD, is a suburb known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant community life. With a population of 17,131 and a median age of 34, Footscray attracts a mix of young professionals, families, and students. The suburb's proximity to the city, coupled with its eclectic mix of eateries, markets, and cultural events, makes it a lively and appealing place to live.

The housing landscape in Footscray is predominantly rental-based, with 57.5% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects the suburb's appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, including students and young professionals. Meanwhile, 14.7% of properties are owned outright, and 27.7% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable base of long-term residents and new homeowners.

Family dynamics in Footscray are diverse, with 30.3% of households being couple families with children and 50.1% being couple families without children. One-parent families make up 15.4% of the community, while other family types account for 4.2%. This variety in household composition contributes to the suburb's inclusive and community-oriented atmosphere. Footscray's median total household income of $1,763 per week suggests a moderate economic standing, supporting a mix of working professionals and families who enjoy the suburb's unique blend of urban convenience and cultural richness.

Footscray infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Footscray is undergoing major change, with the new Footscray Hospital nearing completion; this $1.5 billion facility will deliver more than 500 beds and capacity to treat around 15,000 extra patients each year, strengthening the suburb’s position as a key health and employment hub and likely increasing demand for nearby housing.[3] Ongoing investment in health infrastructure complements Footscray’s established role as a regional services centre, and is expected to support local retail and hospitality businesses as worker and visitor numbers grow over time.[3][7]

The suburb also benefits from strong public transport links, including train, tram and multiple bus routes, supporting high walkability and reinforcing its appeal to renters and owner-occupiers who prioritise connectivity to the CBD and other employment centres.[5][6] Council-led urban renewal and medium-density development around activity corridors continues to gradually reshape Footscray’s streetscape, contributing to a more vibrant mixed-use environment that may underpin further capital growth and rental demand in coming years.[5]

Footscray rental market trends

The rental market in Footscray has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.2% over the past year to $620 per week, while unit rents have risen 5.0% to $525 per week. As a vibrant suburb with a diverse community and ongoing development, Footscray continues to attract both renters and investors seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.

Suburbs near Footscray

Some popular suburbs near Footscray include:

How does Footscray compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Footscray’s median house price is 3.5% higher than Maidstone’s.
  • Median unit prices: Footscray’s median unit price is 22.1% higher than Maidstone’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Footscray have grown 2.8% higher than in Kingsville.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Kingsville have risen 10.2% more than in Footscray over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Footscray are selling 6.8% faster than in Seddon.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Kingsville are selling 25.0% faster than in Footscray.
  • Investment considerations: In Footscray, the rental yield for house is 1.6% lower than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 9.6% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Footscray have grown 14.7% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Footscray have grown 23.5% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Footscray

  • Is Footscray a nice place to live?

    Footscray is a fantastic place to live, offering a lively and diverse atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of residents. This suburb is known for its vibrant community spirit and cultural richness, making it a delightful spot for families, young professionals, and students. The suburb's charm lies in its eclectic mix of local amenities, including a variety of shops, cafes, and green spaces, which provide plenty of opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Footscray's proximity to Melbourne's CBD, combined with its excellent public transport options, ensures that residents enjoy both the convenience of city living and the unique character of a close-knit community.

    Families will find Footscray particularly appealing due to its welcoming environment and access to good schools and parks. The suburb's dynamic vibe is complemented by a strong sense of safety, making it a comfortable place for raising children. However, living in Footscray does come with some trade-offs. The ongoing urban renewal and development projects may lead to increased noise and congestion, and the predominantly rental-based housing market might not suit those looking for long-term homeownership. Despite these considerations, Footscray's vibrant cultural scene, coupled with its strategic location and growing amenities, make it an attractive choice for those seeking a lively and diverse suburban lifestyle.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Footscray?

    Living in Footscray can be considered relatively affordable compared to some other inner suburbs of Melbourne. The median house price in Footscray is currently around $874,000, which is quite reasonable when you consider the proximity to the Melbourne CBD. Units are even more budget-friendly, with a median price of $455,000. This makes Footscray an attractive option for those looking to buy property without breaking the bank.

    When it comes to renting, the average rent for houses is $620 per week, while units average $525 per week. These rental prices are fairly competitive, especially given the amenities and vibrant lifestyle Footscray offers. However, it's important to note that the median total household income in Footscray is $1,763 per week, which is slightly below the Victorian average full-time earnings of $2,000 per week. This means that while housing costs are manageable, they could still take up a significant portion of an average household's income.

    Overall, Footscray provides a balance of affordability and convenience, making it a viable option for those considering living in an inner suburb of Melbourne. The cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is reasonable, but it's crucial to budget accordingly to ensure it fits within your financial means.

    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 Footscray a good place to invest?

    Footscray presents a unique investment opportunity, especially for those interested in rental income. While the median house and unit values have remained stable over the past year, the suburb has experienced a noticeable increase in rental prices, with house rents rising by 4.2% and unit rents by 5.0%. This suggests a strong rental demand, making it an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on rental yields.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its vibrant multicultural community, proximity to Melbourne's CBD, and excellent public transport links, which make it a desirable location for renters. Footscray's eclectic mix of cafes, markets, and cultural events adds to its charm, drawing in a diverse range of residents. This steady demand for rental properties can provide investors with a reliable income stream, even if property values have not seen significant growth recently.

    Overall, Footscray offers a compelling case for investment, particularly for those focused on rental returns. Its stable property values, combined with rising rental prices, create a balanced investment environment. While it may not promise rapid capital growth, the suburb's strong rental market and vibrant community make it a solid choice for investors seeking consistent rental income.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Footscray

In Footscray ,218 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 16.8% 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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