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Kew suburb profile

Kew is an affluent suburb located just 6km east of Melbourne's CBD, known for its prestigious schools, heritage homes, and lush green spaces. With its tree-lined streets and a mix of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, Kew exudes a timeless elegance that appeals to families and professionals alike. The suburb offers excellent amenities, including boutique shopping, cafes, and recreational facilities, while being well-connected by public transport. Kew's proximity to the Yarra River and its parklands provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a highly desirable location for those seeking a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility.

Kew property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,428,750Past 3 months

Property growth-1.2%Past 12 months

Kew’s property market has shown stability and modest growth over the past 12 months. The median house price has remained steady at $2.03 million, while unit values have seen a 3.2% increase, bringing the median unit price to $825,000. This indicates a slight shift in demand towards units in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 87 houses and 35 units sold over the past 12 months. Both houses and units have a median time on market of 43 days, suggesting a balanced demand across property types.

The rental market in Kew has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 8.6% and unit rents by 5.3% over the last year. The average rent for houses is now $1,075, while units average $600, reflecting strong rental demand in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.03M$825K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-5.7%3.2%
Sold
Past 3 months
8735
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4343
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1075$600
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.6%5.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Kew demographics

Kew, located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, is renowned for its leafy streets, prestigious schools, and a strong sense of community. With a population of 24,499, Kew is a well-established suburb that attracts families and professionals seeking a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The median age of 41 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's family-friendly amenities and proximity to the city.

The suburb's housing market reflects its appeal to families, with 46.7% of households being couple families with children. This is complemented by a significant proportion of couple families without children, making up 37.8% of the community. The presence of one-parent families at 13.6% and other family types at 1.9% adds to the suburb's diverse demographic profile.

Property ownership in Kew is notably high, with 40.7% of homes owned outright and 29.9% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable and affluent community, with many long-term residents. The rental market, comprising 29.4% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility or transitioning into homeownership. Kew's combination of excellent schools, parks, and transport links, along with its vibrant local culture, makes it a highly desirable location for families and professionals alike.

Kew infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Kew continues to benefit from its established reputation for prestigious schools, heritage housing and proximity to the CBD, with no single new mega-project currently redefining the suburb. Recent council focus within Boroondara has been on incremental upgrades to local parks, streetscapes and community facilities, which supports amenity and walkability and helps underpin steady buyer demand. Improvements to nearby shopping strips and ongoing investment around Kew Junction are maintaining strong retail and dining options, reinforcing the area’s appeal to affluent families and professionals.[1][3]

Transport in Kew remains a key strength, with multiple tram routes and arterial road links providing reliable access to major employment hubs, which is a consistent driver of property desirability.[1][3] The concentration of high-performing private and public schools in and around the suburb continues to attract family buyers, sustaining competition for homes close to key education and transport corridors.[1] Overall, Kew is in a phase of incremental enhancement rather than major change, supporting long-term stability in property values and demand.

Kew rental market trends

The rental market in Kew has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing 8.6% over the past year to $1,075 per week, while unit rents have risen 5.3% to $600 per week. With its prestigious schools, leafy streets, and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, Kew continues to attract both families and investors seeking a premium suburban lifestyle.

Suburbs near Kew

Some popular suburbs near Kew include:

How does Kew compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Kew’s median house price is 3.0% higher than Kew East’s.
  • Median unit prices: Kew’s median unit price is 42.2% higher than Hawthorn’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Hawthorn have risen 6.8% more than in Kew over the past year.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kew have grown 9.3% higher than in Hawthorn.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Kew are selling 2.3% faster than in Kew East.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Kew are selling 15.7% faster than in Alphington.
  • Investment considerations: In Kew, the rental yield for house is 71.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 2.7% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kew have grown 119.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kew have grown 30.6% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Kew

  • Is Kew a nice place to live?

    Kew is a charming and delightful suburb that offers a fantastic living experience for families and professionals alike. Its timeless elegance is evident in the tree-lined streets and beautiful architecture, creating a serene and picturesque environment. The suburb is known for its vibrant community spirit and offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to call home. Families are particularly drawn to Kew due to its excellent schools and family-friendly amenities, ensuring a supportive environment for raising children.

    Living in Kew means enjoying the best of both worlds: the tranquility of suburban life and the convenience of urban amenities. The suburb is well-equipped with boutique shopping, cafes, and recreational facilities, providing plenty of options for leisure and entertainment. Safety is generally not a concern, making it a secure place for families to settle down. The proximity to the Yarra River and its parklands offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, perfect for those who appreciate nature and green spaces.

    However, living in Kew does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's affluence and desirability mean that property prices can be high, which might be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. Additionally, while Kew offers excellent public transport options, the traffic on arterial roads can be busy during peak hours. Despite these minor drawbacks, Kew remains a highly sought-after location for those seeking a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a truly nice place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Kew?

    Living in Kew can be quite expensive, especially when you look at the current property market. The median house price in Kew is a hefty $2,032,500, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in Melbourne. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is around $1,075 per week, while units average $600 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Kew are on the higher end, reflecting its status as a desirable inner Melbourne suburb.

    When comparing the average wage data, the average weekly earnings in Kew are estimated to be around $2,000, which is in line with Victoria’s average for Melbourne. However, with the median total household income in Kew at $2,497 per week, it becomes clear that a significant portion of income would be allocated towards housing costs, whether you're buying or renting. This makes living in Kew a more expensive option, particularly for those earning an average wage.

    Overall, while Kew offers a prestigious lifestyle with its leafy streets and proximity to the city, the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is quite high. If you're thinking of living in Kew, it's important to consider your financial situation and ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this affluent 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 Kew a good place to invest?

    Kew presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, especially those looking for stability and rental income. Over the past year, the median house value in Kew has remained steady, showing no change, while units have experienced a modest increase of 3.2%. This suggests that the suburb is maintaining its value, which can be appealing for investors seeking a stable market.

    One of the standout features of Kew is its strong rental market. House rents have surged by 8.6% over the last 12 months, and unit rents have increased by 5.3%. This indicates a robust demand for rental properties, making Kew an attractive option for investors focused on generating rental income. The suburb's appeal is further enhanced by its proximity to Melbourne's CBD, prestigious schools, and lush green spaces, which continue to draw both families and professionals.

    While Kew may not offer rapid capital growth at the moment, its consistent rental demand and stable property values make it a reliable choice for investors. The suburb's established reputation and desirable location ensure that it remains a sought-after area, providing a solid foundation for long-term investment success.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Kew

Currently, there are 205 real estate agents working in Kew—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 205 agents sold 17.6% of all properties in Kew over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Kew typically charge a commission of 1.71% to 2.57%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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