Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Manly West

Manly West is a bayside, largely residential suburb tucked inland from Manly and the Wynnum-Manly foreshore. Its tree-lined streets of timber Queenslanders, post-war cottages and modern brick homes on generous blocks give an established, suburban feel. The area attracts families, professionals and downsizers; couple families with children make up 47.3% of families and together with couple families without children (34.6%) account for about four in five families. The median age is 41 and the median total household income is $2,039 a week (roughly $106,000 a year), with about three in four homes owner-occupied and 23.6% rented.

Everyday life revolves around local shops, community facilities, parks, sporting clubs and bayside recreation, with regular public transport and arterial roads linking to neighbouring precincts and the city. Planned and progressing works include a proposed special school site next to Manly West State School, a major upgrade at the Lindum level crossing that has moved into preliminary utility works, and council precinct and foreshore planning for the Wynnum, Manly and Lota area. Whether Manly West suits you comes down to the kind of suburb and services you want close by.

Buying a house in Manly West at the current median of $1,300,000 works out to about 12.3 times a typical local household's annual income as recorded at the most recent Census (household income $2,039 a week, annualised $106,028). That multiple is well above local incomes at the last Census, so on these figures buying sits substantially higher than what households earned then.

Renting looks more manageable by comparison. A house rent of $780 a week would take about 38.3% of a typical local household's weekly income at the last Census, a sizeable share, while a unit rent of $450 a week would take about 22.1%, a moderate share. Which of those feels expensive will depend 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.

Property values were the standout in Manly West over the past 12 months. Median unit values jumped 25.6% and median house values climbed 17.3%, both large rises with units recording the stronger capital growth. House rents rose a solid 7.6% over the same period, so rental income increased but by less than house prices did for houses.

For someone weighing Manly West as an investment, the figures show stronger capital growth this year than rental growth. Which of those outcomes matters most will depend on your investment goals and personal 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.