Question 1

Is Malvern a nice place to live?

Accepted Answer

Malvern is an established, leafy inner suburb in Melbourne’s inner east, known for wide, tree-lined streets and a strong stock of well preserved period homes including Victorian and Edwardian villas, interwar bungalows and a smattering of contemporary apartments. The suburb centres on a village-style shopping strip with cafés, boutiques and everyday services, while quieter residential pockets back onto parks and playing fields. It has straightforward commuter links into the city and easy access to main roads for regional travel.

The area tends to attract professionals, families and downsizers who value home character and convenient schooling. Malvern is home to 9,929 people with a median age of 44, and the median total household income is $2,606 a week (roughly $135,512 a year). Most homes are owner-occupied, with an owner-occupied share of 72.4% and 27.6% rented. Significant local projects include Cabrini Health’s Next Era redevelopment at the Malvern hospital campus, which expands cancer, cardiac and surgical facilities and includes a new east building and a public pedestrian link, and active planning for station precinct upgrades and improved pedestrian connections around Malvern station.

Question 2

Is it expensive to live in Malvern?

Accepted Answer

Housing costs in Malvern sit well above what local households were earning at the last Census. A typical local household earned about $2,606 a week at the last Census, which annualises to $135,512. On that benchmark, the median house price of $2,660,000 is about 19.6 times a typical local annual household income at the last Census, and the median unit price of $877,500 is about 6.5 times. For renters, a house at $1,100 a week would take roughly 42.2% of a typical local household's weekly income (a large share), while a unit at $600 a week would take about 23.0% (a moderate share). Whether that feels expensive depends on your own income and circumstances.

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 Malvern a good place to invest?

Accepted Answer

Malvern’s market was split over the past year. Median house values fell 8.6% over the 12 months, a notable decline in house capital value, while median unit values rose 5.7%, a solid increase.

On the rental side, unit rents climbed 9.1% over the year, a solid rise that outpaced unit value growth, so the unit side has been the stronger performer for rental income this year. Whether that balance of falling house values but rising unit values and rents suits you depends on your investment 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.

	Houses	Units
Median price Past 3 months	$2.66M	$878K
Change in value Past 12 months	-8.6%	5.7%
Sold Past 3 months	34	22
Median days on market Past 12 months	38	45
Average rent Past 12 months	$1100	$600
Change in rent Past 12 months	N/A	9.1%

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