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Malvern suburb profile

Malvern is a prestigious suburb located in Adelaide's inner south, known for its tree-lined streets and elegant character homes. Just 5km from the CBD, it offers a serene residential environment with easy access to urban amenities. Malvern is celebrated for its strong community spirit and proximity to quality schools, making it a popular choice for families. The suburb's charming streetscape is complemented by boutique shopping and dining options along Unley Road. With its blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, Malvern remains a sought-after location for those seeking a refined suburban lifestyle.

Malvern property market performance

Current median dwelling price$5,275,375Past 3 months

Property growth+13.6%Past 12 months

Malvern's property market has experienced significant growth in house values over the past 12 months, with a remarkable increase of 37.9%, bringing the median house price to approximately $2.65 million. However, the unit market has remained stagnant, with no change in median unit value and limited sales activity, as only one unit was sold in the past year.

The sales activity for houses has been limited, with just 11 houses sold over the last 12 months. Houses are spending a considerable amount of time on the market, with a median of 72 days, indicating a slower pace in buyer decision-making.

The rental market in Malvern has seen a substantial increase in house rents, rising by 28.4% over the last 12 months, with the average rent reaching $1,025. In contrast, unit rents have seen a modest increase of 3.9%, with an average rent of $535, reflecting a stronger demand for house rentals in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.65MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
37.9%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
111
Median days on market
Past 12 months
72N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1025$535
Change in rent
Past 12 months
28.4%3.9%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Malvern demographics

Malvern, located in the inner southern suburbs of Adelaide, is a charming and affluent area known for its leafy streets and elegant homes. With a population of 2,713, it offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it a desirable location for those seeking a peaceful yet convenient lifestyle. The median age of 46 suggests a mature community, with many residents likely to be established professionals and families who appreciate the suburb's tranquil ambiance and proximity to the city.

The suburb's housing market is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 49.4% of properties owned outright and 31.3% owned with a mortgage. This reflects the stability and affluence of the area, as well as the long-term commitment of its residents to the community. Rental properties make up only 19.3% of the housing market, indicating a preference for home ownership among those living in Malvern.

Family life is a significant aspect of Malvern, with couple families with children making up 48.9% of the households, and couple families without children accounting for 39.3%. This highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those whose children have moved out. The presence of quality schools, parks, and amenities further enhances its attractiveness to families. With a median total household income of $2,655 per week, Malvern is a prosperous suburb that offers a high standard of living, making it a sought-after location for those who value comfort, community, and convenience.

Malvern infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Malvern benefits from its position within the City of Unley, where recent and ongoing upgrades to nearby shopping and café strips along Unley Road, Duthy Street and King William Road continue to enhance lifestyle appeal and walkability for residents, supporting strong buyer demand.[4][5] The suburb’s established reputation for leafy streets and character homes, combined with proximity to the CBD and key employment hubs, underpins its premium status and is likely to sustain long-term capital growth.[4][5]

Local school zoning to well-regarded options such as Highgate Primary School and Unley High School remains a major driver for family buyers, reinforcing competition for properties within these catchments.[1][4] There are currently no widely publicised major new transport or large-scale infrastructure projects specific to Malvern, so market dynamics are being shaped more by its existing amenity, school access and broader inner-suburban planning policies within the Unley council area than by new development shocks at this time.[1][4][5]

Malvern rental market trends

The rental market in Malvern has experienced significant growth, with house rents soaring 28.4% over the past year to $1,025 per week, while unit rents have seen a modest increase of 3.9% to $535 per week. This suburb's appeal continues to rise, offering a blend of luxury living and strong investment potential in a sought-after location.

Suburbs near Malvern

Some popular suburbs near Malvern include:

How does Malvern compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Malvern’s median house price is 44.5% higher than Hyde Park’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Malvern have grown 54.6% higher than in Unley Park.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Malvern have grown 8.0% higher than in Parkside.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Malvern are selling 40.0% faster than in Unley Park.
  • Investment considerations: In Malvern, the rental yield for house is 62.7% higher than the Adelaide average, while the rental yield for units is 13.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Malvern have grown 181.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Adelaide.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Malvern have grown 33.5% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Adelaide.

Common questions about Malvern

  • Is Malvern a nice place to live?

    Malvern is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and refined lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its charming tree-lined streets and elegant homes, Malvern provides a peaceful environment that is perfect for families and those seeking a tranquil yet convenient lifestyle. The suburb exudes a sophisticated vibe, with a strong sense of community that is both welcoming and inclusive. Its proximity to the city ensures that residents have easy access to urban amenities while enjoying the benefits of a suburban setting.

    Families will find Malvern particularly appealing due to its excellent schools and abundance of parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family outings. The suburb's boutique shopping and dining options along nearby streets add to its charm, offering a variety of experiences for residents to enjoy. Safety is generally not a concern in Malvern, contributing to its reputation as a secure and family-friendly area.

    However, living in Malvern does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's prestigious status and high demand mean that property prices can be quite steep, which may be a consideration for potential buyers. Additionally, while Malvern offers a peaceful lifestyle, those seeking a vibrant nightlife or a bustling urban atmosphere might find it lacking in that regard. Nonetheless, for those who value a high standard of living, community spirit, and the convenience of being close to the city, Malvern is an exceptional choice.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Malvern?

    Living in Malvern, an inner suburb of Adelaide, can be quite costly, especially when it comes to housing. The current median house price is around $2,650,750, which is significantly higher than many other areas in Adelaide. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is about $1,025 per week, while units, though not currently available for sale, have an average rent of $535 per week.

    When comparing these figures to the Greater Adelaide average wage of approximately $85,000 per year, it's clear that a substantial portion of one's income would be needed to cover housing costs in Malvern. The median total household income in Malvern is $2,655 per week, which suggests that residents here generally earn more than the average Adelaide resident. However, even with a higher income, the high property prices and rental costs mean that living in Malvern requires careful financial planning.

    Overall, if you're thinking of living in Malvern, it's essential to consider the financial implications. While the suburb offers a desirable lifestyle with its proximity to the city and charming character, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side compared to other parts of Adelaide.

    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 Malvern a good place to invest?

    Malvern is shaping up to be a promising investment suburb, especially for those interested in the housing market. Over the past 12 months, the median house value in Malvern has skyrocketed by an impressive 37.9%, indicating strong capital growth potential. This surge suggests a high demand for houses, which is further supported by a significant 28.4% increase in house rents. Such trends highlight the suburb's appeal to both buyers and renters, making it an attractive option for investors looking for robust returns.

    While the unit market in Malvern hasn't experienced the same level of growth, with a 0% change in median unit value and a modest 3.9% increase in unit rents, it still offers stable rental income. This stability can be appealing for investors seeking a more predictable investment. Overall, Malvern's strong performance in the housing sector, combined with its rental growth, makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in a suburb with proven demand and potential for continued appreciation.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Malvern

There are 19 real estate agents in Malvern, 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 51.7% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Malvern typically range from 1.13% to 2.5%. 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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