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$1,001,250Past 3 months
Property growth+4.7%Past 12 months
Forest Hill's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have seen a modest increase of 3.0%, with the median house price now at approximately $1.26 million. In contrast, unit values have surged by 20.2%, bringing the median unit price to around $722,500, indicating a strong demand for units in the area.
Sales activity has been moderate, with 23 houses and 10 units sold in the past three months. Houses are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 35 days on the market, while units are taking slightly longer at 44 days, suggesting a more competitive market for houses.
The rental market in Forest Hill has also experienced changes, with house rents increasing by 7.4% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have seen a smaller rise of 1.9%, reflecting a stronger demand for rental houses.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $1.26M | $723K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 3.0% | 20.2% |
Sold Past 3 months | 23 | 10 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 35 | 44 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $650 | $530 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 7.4% | 1.9% |
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 7.4% over the past year to $650 per week, while unit rents have seen a smaller rise of 1.9% to $530 per week. This steady demand highlights Forest Hill as a stable and attractive option for both renters and investors seeking a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to Melbourne's amenities.
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 6.0% higher than Nunawading’s.
- Median unit prices: Forest Hill’s median unit price is 16.5% higher than Burwood East’s.
- House price growth: Property prices in nearby Burwood East have risen 0.1% more than in Forest Hill over the past year.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 19.2% higher than in Blackburn.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forest Hill are selling 7.3% faster than in Nunawading.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Burwood East are selling 13.5% faster than in Forest Hill.
- Investment considerations: In Forest Hill, the rental yield for house is 3.0% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 9.1% lower.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forest Hill have grown 14.4% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 26.2% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

