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Highett suburb profile

Highett is a vibrant suburb located in Melbourne's southeast, approximately 16km from the CBD. Known for its blend of residential charm and urban convenience, Highett offers a mix of modern apartments and traditional family homes. The suburb boasts a lively shopping precinct along Highett Road, featuring cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores. With excellent public transport options, including a train station on the Frankston line, Highett provides easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Its proximity to beaches and parks, such as Highett Reserve, makes it an attractive choice for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Highett property market performance

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

Property growth+7.0%Past 12 months

Highett’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 5.3% and unit values rising by 10.8%. The median house price has averaged $1.34 million, while units have averaged $690,000, indicating strong demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, with 57 houses and 29 units sold in the past three months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 32 days on the market compared to 44 days for houses, suggesting a higher demand for units.

The rental market in Highett has seen varied changes, with house rents increasing by 2.0% and unit rents experiencing a significant rise of 9.1% over the last 12 months, reflecting a strong demand for rental units in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.31M$690K
Change in value
Past 12 months
4.8%9.3%
Sold
Past 3 months
4831
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4830
Average rent
Past 12 months
$850$600
Change in rent
Past 12 months
0.2%9.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Highett demographics

Highett, located in Melbourne's southeastern suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With a population of 12,016 and a median age of 40, Highett attracts a diverse range of residents, from young families to established professionals. The suburb's proximity to the beach and the city makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The suburb's housing market is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 30.9% of properties owned outright and 41.1% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable community with many long-term residents. However, there is also a significant rental market, with 28% of properties rented, catering to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area.

Family life is a prominent feature of Highett, with 47.3% of households being couple families with children, and 36% being couple families without children. The presence of one-parent families, making up 15.6% of the community, adds to the suburb's diverse family dynamics. The median total household income of $2,119 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, supported by local amenities such as parks, schools, and shopping centers, which enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Highett infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Highett is undergoing ongoing transformation, with several former industrial and commercial sites along major corridors being converted into medium-density residential and mixed-use developments, adding new apartments, retail, and hospitality options that support higher local amenity and walkability.[2][9] The established Highett shopping village near the train station continues to attract improvement and refurbishments, and together with the larger supermarket offering, is helping to underpin demand from young professionals seeking a bayside-adjacent lifestyle at comparatively accessible price points.[2][6]

Excellent rail access via Highett station on the Frankston line and bus links to key employment and retail hubs remain a major drawcard, with improved public realm and streetscape works around the centre steadily enhancing the suburb’s appeal for both owner-occupiers and investors.[2][6] Significant nearby green spaces, including large reserves and the former CSIRO land earmarked for future public and residential use, are expected to further bolster long-term livability and support capital growth as these sites are progressively activated.[2]

Highett rental market trends

The rental market in Highett has shown moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 2.0% over the past year to $850 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 9.1% to $600 per week. This suburb continues to attract interest due to its appealing lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne, making it a desirable location for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Highett

Some popular suburbs near Highett include:

How does Highett compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Highett’s median house price is 9.2% higher than Cheltenham’s.
  • Median unit prices: Highett’s median unit price is 13.1% higher than Moorabbin’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Highett have grown 4.1% higher than in Hampton East.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Highett have grown 9.3% higher than in Moorabbin.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Highett are selling 37.7% faster than in Hampton East.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Highett are selling 50.8% faster than in Moorabbin.
  • Investment considerations: In Highett, the rental yield for house is 34.9% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 2.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Highett have grown 36.4% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Highett have grown 10.3% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Highett

  • Is Highett a nice place to live?

    Highett is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. With its charming residential streets and vibrant shopping precinct, Highett exudes a welcoming vibe that appeals to a diverse range of residents. The suburb is known for its strong sense of community, and its proximity to beautiful beaches and lush parks like Highett Reserve adds to its appeal, especially for families who enjoy outdoor activities and a balanced lifestyle.

    Families will find Highett particularly appealing due to its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent amenities. The suburb boasts a variety of schools, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal place for raising children. The presence of modern apartments and traditional family homes provides options for both young families and established professionals. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's reputation as a secure and peaceful place to live.

    While Highett offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. The ongoing transformation and development in the area mean that some parts of the suburb are experiencing construction and change, which might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, while the suburb offers a lively shopping precinct, it may not have the same level of nightlife and entertainment options as inner-city areas. However, the excellent public transport options, including the train station on the Frankston line, ensure easy access to the city and surrounding areas, making these trade-offs manageable for those who prioritize convenience and connectivity.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Highett?

    Living in Highett, a suburb of Melbourne, can be considered somewhat expensive, especially when compared to the average wage data for Melbourne and Victoria. The median house price in Highett is currently around $1,336,250, which is quite high, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. For those considering purchasing a unit, the median price is more affordable at $690,000, yet still significant.

    Renting in Highett also comes with a hefty price tag. The average rent for houses over the past year is approximately $850 per week, while units average around $600 per week. When you compare this to the median total household income in Highett, which is about $2,119 per week, it's clear that a considerable portion of income would be allocated to housing costs.

    While the average weekly income in Highett is slightly above the Melbourne/Victoria average of $2,000, the high property prices and rental costs suggest that living in this suburb may be challenging for those on an average income. If you're thinking of living in Highett, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this attractive inner 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 Highett a good place to invest?

    Highett is shaping up to be a promising suburb for investment, particularly for those interested in units. Over the past year, the median unit value in Highett has increased by a notable 10.8%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This is complemented by a significant 9.1% rise in rent for units, suggesting a healthy rental market and the potential for solid rental returns.

    While the median house value has seen a more modest increase of 5.3%, it still reflects steady growth, which is appealing for investors seeking stability. The rental market for houses has also experienced a slight uptick, with a 2.0% increase in rent, indicating consistent demand. Highett's appeal lies in its balanced mix of growth and rental yield, making it an attractive option for investors looking for both capital appreciation and rental income.

    Overall, Highett offers a compelling investment opportunity, especially for those focusing on units. The suburb's recent performance in both property values and rental yields suggests a vibrant market with potential for continued growth. Whether you're looking for a stable investment in houses or a high-growth opportunity in units, Highett presents a solid case for consideration.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Highett

There are 153 real estate agents in Highett, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 24.8% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Highett typically range from 1.55% to 2.61%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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