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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 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$977,500Past 3 months

Property growth-3.8%Past 12 months

Forest Hill's property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in median house or unit values. The median house price currently stands at $1.27 million. Sales activity has been moderate, with 29 houses and 6 units sold over the past three months. Houses are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 36 days on the market, while units are taking longer at 52 days, indicating a slower unit market.

The rental market in Forest Hill has seen significant growth, with house rents increasing by 13.3% and unit rents by 11.6% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $640, while units average $550, reflecting strong demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
3.5%-11.1%
Sold
Past 3 months
93
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3449
Average rent
Past 12 months
$635$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.4%4.8%

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 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 notable growth, with house rents increasing by 13.3% over the past year to $640 per week, while unit rents have risen by 11.6% to $550 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, thanks to its appealing blend of suburban charm and proximity to essential 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 9.2% higher than Nunawading’s.
  • Median unit prices: Forest Hill’s median unit price is 6.9% higher than Blackburn’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forest Hill have grown 11.1% higher than in Nunawading.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 3.8% higher than in Burwood East.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forest Hill are selling 2.9% faster than in Burwood East.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Forest Hill are selling 45.6% faster than in Burwood East.
  • Investment considerations: In Forest Hill, the rental yield for house is 2.8% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 2.0% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forest Hill have grown 17.7% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forest Hill have grown 17.9% 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 delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of suburban tranquility and modern convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. Known for its leafy streets and community-oriented vibe, it provides a welcoming environment for families, professionals, and retirees alike. The suburb is well-regarded for its excellent schools and abundant parks, which contribute to its family-friendly atmosphere. The presence of the Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre ensures residents have easy access to a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment options, enhancing the overall livability of the area.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Forest Hill, as it boasts a stable and well-established community. The suburb's proximity to public transport options, including nearby train stations and bus routes, makes commuting convenient for those working in Melbourne's CBD. While Forest Hill may not offer the bustling nightlife of inner-city areas, it compensates with a peaceful lifestyle and a strong sense of community. Families will find the suburb particularly appealing due to its supportive environment and access to quality amenities.

    However, living in Forest Hill does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's established nature means there are fewer opportunities for new infrastructure projects or significant redevelopments, which might limit future growth in property values. Additionally, while the suburb offers a comfortable standard of living, those seeking a more vibrant cultural scene may need to venture closer to the city. Nonetheless, for those who value a balanced suburban lifestyle with modern conveniences and a strong community feel, Forest Hill is a wonderful place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Forest Hill?

    Living in Forest Hill can be quite costly, especially when considering the housing market. The median house price is around $1,270,000, which is significant compared to many other Melbourne suburbs. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is about $640 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $550 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average annual wage in Melbourne, which is approximately $100,000, it becomes clear that a substantial portion of income would be needed to cover housing expenses in Forest Hill. The median total household income in Forest Hill is $1,658 per week, which suggests that residents might need to allocate a large part of their earnings towards housing costs.

    Overall, while Forest Hill offers a pleasant living environment with its leafy streets and family-friendly amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you're thinking of living in Forest Hill, it's important to consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this suburb.

    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 presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those focused on rental income. While the median house and unit values have remained stable over the past year, the suburb has experienced significant growth in rental returns, with house rents increasing by 13.3% and unit rents by 11.6%. This suggests a strong demand for rental properties, making it an attractive option for investors seeking consistent rental income.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its balanced lifestyle offerings, combining suburban tranquility with convenient access to amenities and transport links. Forest Hill's family-friendly environment and proximity to schools, parks, and shopping centers make it a desirable location for renters, ensuring a steady demand for rental properties. This demand is likely to continue, providing investors with reliable rental yields.

    While Forest Hill may not currently offer rapid capital growth, its stable property values and strong rental market make it a low-risk investment choice. For those looking to capitalize on rental income and potential future appreciation, Forest Hill offers a promising opportunity. The suburb's consistent rental demand and appealing lifestyle make it a solid option for investors seeking a reliable and steady investment.

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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 107 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 25.8% 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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