Lara suburb profile
Lara is a charming suburb located in Victoria, approximately 18km north-east of Geelong and 60km south-west of Melbourne. Known for its semi-rural atmosphere, Lara offers a peaceful lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The suburb is surrounded by natural attractions, including the You Yangs Regional Park, which provides opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. Lara's local amenities include schools, shopping centres, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal location for families and retirees. With convenient access to major transport routes, Lara combines the tranquility of country living with the convenience of city proximity.
Lara property market performance
Current median dwelling price$609,500Past 3 months
Property growth+9.8%Past 12 months
Lara’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 3.7%. The current median house price stands at $740,000. Although unit sales are minimal, with only 3 units sold, their values have surged by 15.9%, indicating a potential rise in demand for units.
Sales activity for houses has been robust, with 138 houses sold in the past year. Houses are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 32 days on the market, while units are moving even faster at 26 days, despite the limited number of sales.
The rental market in Lara has also seen growth, with house rents increasing by 3.6% and unit rents by 7.1% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $570, while units average $450, reflecting a healthy demand for rental properties in the area.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $740K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 3.7% | 15.9% |
Sold Past 3 months | 138 | 3 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 32 | 26 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $570 | $450 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 3.6% | 7.1% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Lara demographics
Lara, a suburb located in Victoria, is known for its family-friendly environment and growing community. With a population of 19,014, Lara offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities, making it an attractive choice for families and professionals alike. The median age of 37 suggests a mature community with a mix of young families and established residents who appreciate the suburb's balance of lifestyle and convenience.
The suburb's housing market is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 31.2% of properties owned outright and 46.7% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable community with a significant number of long-term residents. The rental market, comprising 22.1% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including young professionals and families transitioning into home ownership.
Family life is a central aspect of Lara, with 47.5% of households being couple families with children and 36.2% being couple families without children. The presence of one-parent families, making up 15.2% of the community, highlights the suburb's inclusive nature. Lara's proximity to Geelong and Melbourne, combined with its local amenities, parks, and schools, makes it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with easy access to both city and country experiences.
Lara infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Lara continues to benefit from its strategic location between Geelong and Melbourne, with the Princes Freeway and rail access supporting commuting appeal and long-term demand. Its proximity to the You Yangs and other open-space amenities also helps underpin lifestyle-driven buyer interest.
No major new redevelopments or transport projects were identified in the available results that would materially change Lara’s property outlook at this time. The suburb’s established school, local services, and family-friendly character remain key supports for steady housing demand.
Lara rental market trends
The rental market in Lara has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 3.6% over the past year to $570 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 7.1% to $450 per week. With its strategic location and ongoing development, Lara continues to attract renters and investors seeking a balance of affordability and growth potential.
Suburbs near Lara
Some popular suburbs near Lara include:
How does Lara compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Lara’s median house price is 23.3% higher than Corio’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Lara have grown 10.6% higher than in Lovely Banks.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Lara have grown 4.4% higher than in Norlane.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Lara are selling 54.3% faster than in North Shore.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Corio are selling 42.3% faster than in Lara.
- Investment considerations: In Lara, the rental yield for house is 9.2% lower than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 22.9% lower.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Lara have grown 31.8% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Lara have grown 13.1% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

