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Forest Hill suburb profile

Forest Hill is a well-established suburb located 18km east of Melbourne's CBD, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and leafy surroundings. The suburb offers a mix of residential options, from classic homes to modern townhouses, catering to diverse lifestyles. Forest Hill is home to the popular Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre, providing a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment options. With numerous parks, schools, and recreational facilities, it is an attractive choice for families and professionals seeking a balanced suburban lifestyle. Its convenient access to public transport and major roads ensures easy connectivity to the city and surrounding areas.

Forest Hill property market performance

Current median dwelling price$968,500Past 3 months

Property growth+9.8%Past 12 months

Forest Hill's property market has experienced notable growth over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 6.1%, with the median house price now at $1.27 million. Meanwhile, unit values have surged by 17.2%, although the current median unit price is not available. This indicates a strong demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been active, with 36 houses and 9 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 31 days on the market compared to 39 days for houses, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Forest Hill has shown moderate changes, with house rents increasing by 6.9% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have remained stable. The average rent for houses is $663, and for units, it is $535, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.21MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
3.6%16.0%
Sold
Past 3 months
409
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4143
Average rent
Past 12 months
$650$540
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.3%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Forest Hill demographics

Forest Hill, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its leafy streets and community-oriented atmosphere. With a population of 10,780 and a median age of 42, it is a suburb that appeals to both families and older residents seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. The suburb's proximity to shopping centers, parks, and schools makes it an attractive choice for those looking to settle in a well-established community.

The housing landscape in Forest Hill is characterized by a significant proportion of home ownership, with 39.5% of properties owned outright and 33.9% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable community with long-term residents who value the security and investment of home ownership. The rental market, comprising 26.6% of properties, offers options for those seeking flexibility, including young families and professionals.

Family life is a central aspect of Forest Hill, with 47.7% of households being couple families with children, and 34.3% being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights the suburb's appeal to families who appreciate the balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The presence of one-parent families, making up 15.8% of households, adds to the diversity and inclusivity of the community.

Forest Hill infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Forest Hill continues to benefit from its established retail hub at Forest Hill Chase, where ongoing upgrades to dining, entertainment and community spaces are helping to reinforce the suburb’s role as a key activity centre and support steady demand for nearby residential property.[5][8] The suburb sits within the City of Whitehorse, whose planning strategy focuses on moderate residential densification around shopping centres and main roads, which is likely to encourage more townhouse and apartment developments over time and may gradually increase housing supply.[5]

Local schools and parks remain a drawcard, with Forest Hill’s family-friendly character and access to employment centres via nearby major roads and public transport underpinning its appeal to owner-occupiers and renters.[5] At present there are no widely publicised major new transport lines, hospitals or large-scale infrastructure projects specific to Forest Hill beyond incremental upgrades, so any impacts on property values are expected to flow mainly from ongoing retail improvements, infill development and broader metropolitan growth trends.[5]

Forest Hill rental market trends

The rental market in Forest Hill has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 6.9% over the past year to $663 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $535 per week. This stability in unit rents, combined with the rise in house rents, highlights Forest Hill as a balanced market for both renters and investors seeking steady returns in a well-established suburb.

Suburbs near Forest Hill

Some popular suburbs near Forest Hill include:

How does Forest Hill compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Forest Hill’s median house price is 11.5% higher than Nunawading’s.
  • Median unit prices: Forest Hill’s median unit price is 17.1% higher than Burwood East’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forest Hill have grown 0.6% higher than in Blackburn South.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 1.5% higher than in Blackburn South.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forest Hill are selling 16.3% faster than in Blackburn South.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Blackburn South are selling 32.6% faster than in Forest Hill.
  • Investment considerations: In Forest Hill, the rental yield for house is 3.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 7.8% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forest Hill have grown 19.2% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 32.1% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Forest Hill

  • Is Forest Hill a nice place to live?

    Forest Hill is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Its leafy streets and community-oriented atmosphere provide a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike. The suburb is well-known for its peaceful vibe, with a strong sense of community that is evident in its well-maintained parks and local events. Forest Hill's proximity to the bustling Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre ensures residents have easy access to a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment options, adding to the suburb's livability.

    Families will find Forest Hill particularly appealing due to its abundance of schools and recreational facilities. The suburb's safety and family-friendly nature make it an ideal location for raising children. While Forest Hill offers a serene lifestyle, it also provides excellent connectivity to Melbourne's CBD and surrounding areas through public transport and major roads, making commuting a breeze for professionals. However, the trade-off for this convenience is that the suburb may not offer the same level of nightlife or cultural activities as inner-city areas.

    For those who appreciate a balanced lifestyle, Forest Hill presents a unique opportunity. The suburb's housing options range from classic homes to modern townhouses, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring a stable community with long-term residents. While the suburb continues to evolve with moderate residential densification, it maintains its charm and appeal. Overall, Forest Hill is a delightful suburb that offers a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, making it a nice place to live for families and individuals seeking a harmonious blend of nature and convenience.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Forest Hill?

    Living in Forest Hill can be quite pricey, especially when you consider the current property market. The median house price in this suburb is about $1,272,500, which is on the higher side compared to many other areas in Melbourne. If you're looking to rent, the average rent for houses is around $663 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $535 per week. This means that a significant portion of your income might go towards housing costs if you choose to live here.

    When you compare the average wage in Forest Hill, which is approximately $69,000 per year, to the median total household income of $1,658 per week, it becomes clear that the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a strain. The average wage in Victoria is around $90,000, making Forest Hill's average wages lower than the state average. This disparity suggests that living in Forest Hill could be challenging for those earning the average local salary, as housing costs are relatively high.

    Overall, while Forest Hill offers a pleasant suburban lifestyle with good amenities and access to Melbourne's city center, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation. The cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is significant, and you'll need to ensure that your income can comfortably cover these expenses if you're thinking of making Forest Hill your home.

    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 Forest Hill a good place to invest?

    Forest Hill is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot, particularly for those interested in units. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced a significant 17.2% increase in median unit values, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth in this segment. This surge in unit prices suggests that Forest Hill is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers and investors looking for more affordable options compared to houses.

    While the change in median house values is a respectable 6.1%, it's the unit market that stands out in Forest Hill. The rental market for houses has also seen a healthy 6.9% increase, which is encouraging for investors seeking rental income. However, the rental prices for units have remained stable, which might appeal to renters looking for consistent and predictable living costs.

    Overall, Forest Hill offers a balanced investment opportunity with its strong unit market growth and steady rental returns for houses. The suburb's appeal lies in its potential for capital appreciation, especially in the unit sector, making it a worthwhile consideration for investors aiming to tap into a growing market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Forest Hill

Choosing the right real estate agent in Forest Hill can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 100 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 30.0% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.71% to 2.57%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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