Question 1

Is Herne Hill a nice place to live?

Accepted Answer

Herne Hill is a quiet residential suburb on Geelong's northern fringe with a relaxed, suburban character. Streets mix older weatherboard and brick homes with newer single-storey houses, and pockets of larger semi-rural lots give the area a sense of space. Local primary schools, sports ovals and small shopping nodes are within easy reach, while broader retail and services in Geelong are a short drive away. Good road links support commuting, and tree cover and nearby parkland keep the neighbourhood leafy and tranquil.

The community of 3,507 people has a median age of 36 and a typical household income of $1,420 a week. Couples with and without children make up just over four in five families, and most homes are owner-occupied—about three in five dwellings are owned by their occupants while 38.9% are rented. A council master plan for Herne Hill Reserve, a cycling corridor linking towards Herne Hill, an upgrade at Western Heights Secondary College and nearby Barwon Health North for urgent care and allied health add to everyday convenience; whether Herne Hill suits you depends on what you want in a suburb.

Question 2

Is it expensive to live in Herne Hill?

Accepted Answer

Housing in Herne Hill sits unevenly against what a typical local household earned at the last Census. A median house price of $861,000 is about 11.7 times a typical local annual household income at the last Census, while the median unit price of $376,000 is about 5.1 times that annual income.

On the rental side, a house renting for $550 a week would take about 38.7% of a typical local household's weekly income at the last Census, a sizeable share, and a unit at $360 a week would take about 25.4%, a moderate share. For renters the rent share is the most relevant figure; for buyers the price multiples show how costs sit against local incomes at the last Census.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

Question 3

Is Herne Hill a good place to invest?

Accepted Answer

Unit values in Herne Hill climbed 21.2% over the past 12 months, a strong rise, while house values also increased strongly, up 16.4%. On the income side, house rents rose 15.8% over the year, a strong increase, whereas unit rents recorded a more modest 2.9% gain. The picture over the year is therefore split: units led on capital growth, while houses led on rental income growth.

Whether that pattern suits your plans depends on what you prioritise — capital growth or rental income — and on your own circumstances.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

	Houses	Units
Median price Past 3 months	$861K	$376K
Change in value Past 12 months	16.4%	21.2%
Sold Past 3 months	17	10
Median days on market Past 12 months	16	25
Average rent Past 12 months	$550	$360
Change in rent Past 12 months	15.8%	2.9%

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