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North Melbourne suburb profile

North Melbourne is a vibrant inner-city suburb located just 2km from Melbourne's CBD, known for its blend of historic charm and modern living. The suburb features a mix of Victorian-era architecture and contemporary developments, attracting a diverse community of professionals, students, and families. North Melbourne is celebrated for its lively arts scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and cultural events. The area offers excellent public transport links, making it convenient for commuting. With its bustling cafes, boutique shops, and proximity to major educational institutions, North Melbourne remains a sought-after destination for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.

North Melbourne property market performance

Current median dwelling price$876,222Past 3 months

Property growth+7.1%Past 12 months

North Melbourne's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have seen a modest increase of 2.6%, with the median house price reaching $1.24 million. In contrast, unit values have surged by 11.7%, bringing the median unit price to approximately $517,000, indicating a strong demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 34 houses and 86 units sold in the past three months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 34 days on the market compared to 43 days for houses, suggesting a higher demand for units.

The rental market in North Melbourne has experienced significant changes, particularly for units, where rent prices have increased by 13.2% over the last 12 months. House rents have remained relatively stable, with a slight increase of 0.7%, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.24M$517K
Change in value
Past 12 months
2.6%11.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
3486
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4334
Average rent
Past 12 months
$755$600
Change in rent
Past 12 months
0.7%13.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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North Melbourne demographics

North Melbourne, located just a stone's throw away from Melbourne's bustling CBD, is a vibrant suburb known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and urban charm. With a population of 14,953 and a median age of 31, it is a youthful and dynamic area that attracts students, young professionals, and families alike. The suburb's proximity to educational institutions and employment hubs makes it an ideal location for those seeking a convenient and lively lifestyle.

Housing in North Melbourne is predominantly rental-based, with 65.8% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects the suburb's appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, including students and young professionals who value its accessibility and vibrant community. The suburb's household composition is diverse, with 30% of families being couples with children, 49% being couples without children, and 17% being one-parent families, contributing to a rich tapestry of community life.

The median total household income weekly is $1717, indicating a moderate economic profile that supports a mix of lifestyles. North Melbourne's charming blend of heritage architecture, trendy cafes, and cultural venues adds to its allure, making it a sought-after location for both residents and investors. Its strong sense of community, coupled with the convenience of urban living, makes North Melbourne a desirable suburb for those looking to enjoy the best of Melbourne's vibrant city life.

North Melbourne infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

North Melbourne continues to benefit from its close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, major hospitals, the University of Melbourne and Queen Victoria Market, which supports steady demand from both owner-occupiers and renters.[1][6][9]

The suburb also has ongoing apartment-led development activity, adding to housing supply while reinforcing its inner-city appeal for buyers seeking walkability and access to established amenities.[5][10] Recent sales activity suggests the local market remains active, with a steady flow of transactions in the area.[2]

North Melbourne rental market trends

The rental market in North Melbourne has shown mixed trends, with house rents experiencing a modest increase of 0.7% over the past year to $755 per week, while unit rents have surged 13.2% to $600 per week. This dynamic reflects strong demand for units, making North Melbourne an attractive option for renters and investors seeking growth in a vibrant urban setting.

Suburbs near North Melbourne

Some popular suburbs near North Melbourne include:

How does North Melbourne compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: North Melbourne’s median house price is 12.8% higher than Kensington’s.
  • Median unit prices: North Melbourne’s median unit price is 13.7% higher than Kensington’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Kensington have risen 5.0% more than in North Melbourne over the past year.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in North Melbourne have grown 15.6% higher than in Kensington.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in North Melbourne are selling 17.3% faster than in Parkville.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in North Melbourne are selling 19.0% faster than in Parkville.
  • Investment considerations: In North Melbourne, the rental yield for house is 20.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 2.7% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in North Melbourne have grown 26.0% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in North Melbourne have grown 9.6% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about North Melbourne

  • Is North Melbourne a nice place to live?

    North Melbourne is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban living, making it a fantastic place to call home. Its vibrant atmosphere is characterized by a rich cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and cultural events that cater to a diverse community. The suburb's proximity to Melbourne's CBD ensures that residents have easy access to the city's amenities, while still enjoying the benefits of a close-knit community. Families will find North Melbourne particularly appealing, thanks to its excellent schools and family-friendly parks, providing a nurturing environment for children.

    Living in North Melbourne comes with the advantage of being well-connected through public transport, making commuting a breeze. The suburb is known for its bustling cafes and boutique shops, offering plenty of options for dining and shopping enthusiasts. Safety is generally not a major concern, although, like any urban area, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. The trade-off for living in such a vibrant and convenient location is the higher cost of housing, with a significant portion of properties being rental-based, which may not suit those looking for long-term home ownership.

    For families, North Melbourne provides a dynamic and supportive environment, with a strong sense of community and access to major educational institutions. While the suburb may lack the expansive green spaces found in more suburban areas, it compensates with its lively urban vibe and cultural richness. Ultimately, North Melbourne is a wonderful choice for those seeking a vibrant, culturally rich lifestyle with the convenience of city living, making it a truly nice place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in North Melbourne?

    Living in North Melbourne can be quite costly, especially when you consider its proximity to Melbourne's city centre and the amenities it offers. The median house price is around $1,235,000, which is a significant investment. For those considering units, the median price is more manageable at approximately $517,444. Renting in North Melbourne also comes with a hefty price tag, with houses averaging $755 per week and units around $600 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average wage in Melbourne, which is about $100,000 per year for full-time workers, it's clear that a significant portion of income would be required to cover housing costs in North Melbourne. The median total household income weekly in North Melbourne is $1,717, which suggests that many residents may need to budget carefully to afford living here.

    Overall, while North Melbourne offers the perks of inner-city living with its vibrant culture and convenient access to the city, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you are thinking of living in North Melbourne, it's important to consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this desirable suburb.

    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 North Melbourne a good place to invest?

    North Melbourne is shaping up to be an attractive spot for investment, particularly if you're eyeing the unit market. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value has jumped by an impressive 11.7%, and rents for units have surged by 13.2%. This suggests a strong demand for rental properties, making it a potentially lucrative option for investors seeking rental income. The suburb's proximity to the city center and its vibrant community vibe add to its appeal, drawing in young professionals and students who prefer the convenience of inner-city living.

    While the median house value has seen a modest increase of 2.6%, the real standout is the unit market, which offers a dynamic opportunity for capital growth. The slight rise in house rents, at 0.7%, indicates a stable but less aggressive rental market for houses. Overall, North Melbourne's strong unit market performance, coupled with its desirable location and lifestyle offerings, makes it a compelling choice for investors looking to tap into the growing demand for inner-city living.

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Choose the right real estate agents in North Melbourne

Choosing the right real estate agent in North Melbourne can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 154 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 26.4% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.8% to 2.47%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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