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Hawthorn suburb profile

Hawthorn is a prestigious suburb located just 6km east of Melbourne's CBD, known for its blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. With its tree-lined streets, elegant Victorian homes, and vibrant community atmosphere, Hawthorn attracts families, professionals, and students alike. The suburb is home to Swinburne University, adding a youthful energy to the area. Glenferrie Road serves as a bustling hub with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, while the Yarra River and nearby parks offer ample recreational opportunities. Excellent public transport links make Hawthorn a convenient and desirable place to live.

Hawthorn property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,470,000Past 3 months

Property growth-2.5%Past 12 months

Hawthorn's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with house values experiencing a modest increase of 1.1%, while unit values have remained unchanged. The median house price over the past three months has averaged $2.36 million, and units have averaged $580,000, indicating steady demand in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 50 houses and 98 units sold in the past three months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median time on market of 35 days compared to 42 days for houses, suggesting a slightly higher demand for units.

The rental market in Hawthorn has seen notable growth over the last 12 months, with house rents increasing by 8.8% and unit rents by 7.8%, reflecting strong demand for rental properties in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.36M$580K
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.1%-6.1%
Sold
Past 3 months
5098
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4235
Average rent
Past 12 months
$950$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.8%7.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Hawthorn demographics

Hawthorn, located in Melbourne's inner eastern suburbs, is a vibrant and affluent area known for its blend of historic charm and modern amenities. With a population of 22,322 and a median age of 34, it attracts a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and students. The suburb's proximity to the city centre and prestigious educational institutions like Swinburne University makes it a popular choice for those seeking a convenient and dynamic lifestyle.

The housing landscape in Hawthorn is varied, with a significant portion of properties being rented, accounting for 46.8% of the market. This high rental rate is indicative of the suburb's appeal to students and professionals who value flexibility. Meanwhile, 27.5% of properties are owned outright, and 25.6% are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a stable and established community. The suburb's architectural landscape is characterized by a mix of Victorian-era homes and contemporary apartments, catering to a wide range of preferences.

Family life in Hawthorn is well-supported, with 38.9% of households being couple families with children and 48.0% being couple families without children. This balance highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those enjoying a more independent lifestyle. The presence of parks, cafes, and shopping precincts adds to the suburb's allure, offering residents a rich tapestry of leisure and lifestyle options. Overall, Hawthorn's blend of heritage, convenience, and community makes it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy the best of Melbourne living.

Hawthorn infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Hawthorn continues to benefit from its established transport links, with multiple train stations on key commuter lines and frequent tram services along Glenferrie and Burwood Roads supporting strong demand from city workers and students.[1][3] Ongoing investment in Swinburne University’s main campus and surrounding student-focused amenities reinforces the suburb’s role as an education hub, underpinning steady rental demand and unit development activity.[1][3] Glenferrie Road remains a key retail and dining strip, with incremental upgrades and refurbishments to shopfronts and public spaces enhancing walkability and lifestyle appeal, which is important for both owner-occupiers and investors.[1]

Council planning in the broader area continues to encourage medium-density housing near transport and amenities, which may gradually increase local supply while preserving much of Hawthorn’s heritage streetscapes.[1][3] Proximity to established parks, Yarra River recreation areas and employment opportunities in nearby business districts continues to make the suburb highly desirable, supporting premium pricing for character homes and well-located apartments.[1][5] At this time there are no widely publicised, game-changing new infrastructure projects specific to Hawthorn, so market performance is likely to be driven more by its existing amenity, school catchments and broader metropolitan trends than by a single new development.

Hawthorn rental market trends

The rental market in Hawthorn has experienced steady growth, with house rents increasing by 8.8% over the past year to $950 per week, while unit rents have risen by 7.8% to $550 per week. With its vibrant community, excellent schools, and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, Hawthorn continues to attract both renters and investors seeking a desirable suburban lifestyle.

Suburbs near Hawthorn

Some popular suburbs near Hawthorn include:

How does Hawthorn compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Hawthorn’s median house price is 10.8% higher than Hawthorn East’s.
  • Median unit prices: Hawthorn’s median unit price is 0.9% lower than Hawthorn East’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Hawthorn have grown 6.7% higher than in Hawthorn East.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Hawthorn have grown 15.9% higher than in Toorak.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Hawthorn are selling 23.6% faster than in Hawthorn East.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Hawthorn are selling 14.6% faster than in Hawthorn East.
  • Investment considerations: In Hawthorn, the rental yield for house is 51.3% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 5.8% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Hawthorn have grown 146.4% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Hawthorn have grown 8.8% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Hawthorn

  • Is Hawthorn a nice place to live?

    Hawthorn is a delightful suburb that offers a fantastic blend of historic charm and modern living, making it a wonderful place to call home. Its tree-lined streets and elegant architecture create a picturesque setting that is both inviting and sophisticated. The suburb exudes a vibrant atmosphere, thanks to its diverse community of families, professionals, and students. With Swinburne University nearby, there's a youthful energy that permeates the area, adding to its dynamic vibe.

    Living in Hawthorn means having access to a wealth of amenities and recreational opportunities. The bustling Glenferrie Road is a hub of activity, offering a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to all tastes. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Yarra River and nearby parks provide ample green spaces for relaxation and leisure activities. Families will appreciate the suburb's strong sense of community and the availability of quality schools, making it an ideal environment for raising children.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Hawthorn, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly suburb. However, the trade-offs of living in such a desirable location include higher property prices and a competitive rental market, which can be a consideration for those on a budget. Despite these trade-offs, the excellent public transport links and proximity to Melbourne's CBD make Hawthorn a convenient and attractive choice for many. Overall, Hawthorn offers a unique blend of heritage, convenience, and community, making it a truly nice place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Hawthorn?

    Living in Hawthorn is generally considered expensive, especially given its status as an inner suburb of Melbourne. With the current median house price at approximately $2,360,000, buying a home in Hawthorn requires a significant financial commitment. Units are more affordable, with a median price of $580,000, which is still a considerable amount compared to other areas. Renting in Hawthorn is also on the pricier side, with houses averaging $950 per week and units around $550 per week.

    When comparing these costs to the average wage in Melbourne, which is about $100,000 per year, it's clear that a substantial portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing expenses in Hawthorn. The median total household income in the area is $2,145 per week, which suggests that many residents earn above the Melbourne average, enabling them to manage the higher living costs.

    Overall, if you are thinking of living in Hawthorn, it's important to consider the financial implications. While the suburb offers a desirable lifestyle with its proximity to the city and vibrant community, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is quite high. It's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this sought-after 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 Hawthorn a good place to invest?

    Hawthorn is a suburb that offers a promising investment landscape, particularly for those interested in rental income. While the change in median house and unit values over the past year has been modest, with house values increasing by 1.1% and unit values remaining stable, the rental market tells a different story. Rents for houses have surged by 8.8%, and units have seen a 7.8% increase, indicating strong demand from tenants. This could be particularly appealing for investors looking to capitalize on rental yields.

    The suburb's appeal is bolstered by its vibrant community, excellent schools, and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike. The steady rental growth suggests a robust demand for housing, which can provide a reliable income stream for investors. While capital growth has been moderate, the potential for strong rental returns makes Hawthorn an attractive option for those seeking a balanced investment with both income and growth potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Hawthorn

Choosing the right real estate agent in Hawthorn can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 264 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 16.5% 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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