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 streets. The suburb offers a mix of residential options, from classic mid-century homes to modern townhouses, catering to diverse lifestyles. Forest Hill is home to the popular Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre, providing a range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The area is well-serviced by public transport, with easy access to major roads and bus routes. With its excellent schools, parks, and community facilities, Forest Hill remains a sought-after location for families and professionals seeking a balanced suburban lifestyle.
Forest Hill property market performance
Current median dwelling price$1,017,500Past 3 months
Property growth+4.4%Past 12 months
Forest Hill’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 3.7% and unit values rising by 5.1%. The median house price has averaged $1.24 million, while units have averaged $795,000, indicating a healthy demand for both property types.
Sales activity has been robust, with 48 houses and 16 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 38 days on the market, compared to 51 days for units, suggesting a stronger demand for houses.
The rental market in Forest Hill has also seen growth, with average rents for houses increasing by 6.6% and units by 6.0% over the last 12 months, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties in the area.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $1.24M | $795K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 3.7% | 5.1% |
Sold Past 3 months | 48 | 16 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 38 | 51 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $650 | $530 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 6.6% | 6.0% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Forest Hill demographics
Forest Hill, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its leafy streets and community-oriented lifestyle. With a population of 10,780 and a median age of 42, it attracts a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its suburban charm and proximity to essential amenities. The suburb's median total household income of $1,658 per week reflects a comfortable standard of living, appealing to those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The family structure in Forest Hill is predominantly composed of couple families with children, making up 47.7% of the households. This highlights the suburb's appeal to families looking for a supportive environment with access to quality schools and parks. Additionally, 34.3% of households are couple families without children, indicating a significant presence of empty nesters and young couples. One-parent families account for 15.8% of the community, adding to the suburb's diverse family dynamics.
In terms of property ownership, Forest Hill exhibits a strong sense of stability, with 39.5% of homes owned outright and 33.9% owned with a mortgage. This suggests a well-established community with long-term residents. The rental market, comprising 26.6% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility or transitioning into homeownership. Overall, Forest Hill offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and modern convenience, making it a desirable location for a wide range of residents.
Forest Hill infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Forest Hill continues to attract strong buyer interest due to its established amenities and family-friendly setting. The presence of several well-regarded schools, extensive parks, and the popular Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre enhances the suburb’s appeal for families and professionals. There have not been any major new infrastructure projects or significant redevelopments announced recently that are likely to impact property prices in the short term.
Public transport options remain stable, with good access to nearby train stations and bus routes supporting commuter convenience. The suburb’s proximity to large retail centres and ongoing investment in local public spaces is expected to sustain desirability. At this time, there are no notable council planning changes or infrastructure projects that are anticipated to affect the property market outlook for Forest Hill.
Forest Hill rental market trends
The rental market in Forest Hill has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 6.6% over the past year to $650 per week, while unit rents have risen by 6.0% to $530 per week. This steady growth reflects the suburb's appeal, offering a balanced lifestyle with access to amenities and a strong community atmosphere, making it an attractive option for both renters and investors.
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 1.6% higher than Nunawading’s.
- Median unit prices: Forest Hill’s median unit price is 10.1% higher than Nunawading’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forest Hill have grown 0.1% higher than in Burwood East.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 5.5% higher than in Nunawading.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forest Hill are selling 15.6% faster than in Burwood East.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in Forest Hill are selling 10.5% faster than in Vermont South.
- Investment considerations: In Forest Hill, the rental yield for house is 4.5% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 8.0% lower.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forest Hill have grown 17.1% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 18.9% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

