Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Maidstone

Maidstone is an inner-west Melbourne suburb just west of Footscray, with a quietly residential setting close to the Maribyrnong River parklands. Its streets mix post-war weatherboard and brick cottages with pockets of low-rise townhouses and apartments, creating a compact, established neighbourhood. Maidstone is home to 9,389 people; the median age is 34 and the median total household income is $1,916 a week, roughly $99,600 a year.

Families are the dominant household type, with couple families with children the largest group, and homes are more often owner-occupied than rented (55.8% owner-occupiers versus 44.2% renters). Local life centres on modest shopping strips, parks and community sporting clubs, and buses plus road links connect residents to Footscray's train hub and inner-city amenities. The council has planned upgrades to the river trail, playgrounds and reserve facilities, and the Maidstone Child and Family Centre and Maidstone Community Centre provide early-years, health and community programs. That mix tends to suit families and professionals seeking an inner-west base without high-rise density; whether it suits you depends on what you want.

Buying in Maidstone looks mixed against what a typical local household earned at the last Census. The median house price of $818,750 is about 8.2 times a typical local annual household income at the last Census (weekly income $1,916, annualised $99,632), which sits well above local incomes. By contrast, the median unit price of $385,000 is about 3.9 times that annual income, which is relatively affordable against local incomes.

For renters, an average house rent of $650 a week would take about 33.9% of a typical local household's weekly income at the last Census, a sizeable share, while an average unit rent of $500 a week would take about 26.1% of that income, a moderate share. On these figures, renting a house looks more stretched against local incomes than renting a unit, and buying a house sits notably above local incomes while buying a unit is closer to local income levels.

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

In Maidstone the past year showed a clear split between prices and rents. House rents rose 8.3% while median house values rose a moderate 4.6%, so rental income for houses increased faster than their capital value. Units moved the other way: unit rents climbed 6.8% over the year while median unit values fell 3.2%.

If rental income is your main priority, these rent movements are the figures that matter; if you are focused on capital growth, pay attention to the value changes. Whether that pattern makes Maidstone the right investment for you depends on your own goals and 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.