Pakenham suburb profile
Pakenham is a rapidly growing suburb located approximately 56km southeast of Melbourne's CBD, known for its blend of urban convenience and rural charm. As a key residential area in the Cardinia Shire, Pakenham offers a mix of modern housing estates and established homes, catering to families and professionals alike. The suburb is well-serviced by public transport, including a train station on the Gippsland line, and boasts a range of amenities such as shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities. With its scenic surroundings and community-focused atmosphere, Pakenham continues to attract those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Pakenham property market performance
Current median dwelling price$652,875Past 3 months
Property growth+9.9%Past 12 months
Pakenham’s property market has shown robust growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 8.4% and unit values rising by 11.4%. The median house price has reached $720,000, while units have averaged $585,750, indicating strong demand across both property types.
Sales activity has been vibrant, with 229 houses and 28 units sold over the past year. Both houses and units are moving quickly, with a median time on market of just 14 days, reflecting a competitive market environment.
The rental market in Pakenham has remained relatively stable, with house rents unchanged over the last 12 months, while unit rents have seen a modest increase of 2.1%, suggesting steady demand for rental properties.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $720K | $586K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 8.4% | 11.4% |
Sold Past 3 months | 229 | 28 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 14 | 14 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $550 | $480 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | N/A | 2.1% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Pakenham demographics
Pakenham, located in the outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, is a rapidly growing area known for its family-friendly environment and expanding infrastructure. With a population of 54,118 and a median age of 33, Pakenham is a youthful suburb that attracts young families and professionals seeking a balance between urban amenities and suburban tranquility. The suburb's proximity to the city, combined with its own local amenities, makes it an appealing choice for those looking to settle down while still maintaining access to Melbourne's vibrant city life.
The housing market in Pakenham is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned with a mortgage, accounting for 48.3% of the housing stock. This reflects the suburb's appeal to first-time homebuyers and young families looking to establish roots. Additionally, 19.5% of properties are owned outright, indicating a stable community with long-term residents. The rental market, comprising 32.2% of properties, provides flexibility for those not yet ready to buy, including young professionals and families.
Family life is a central aspect of Pakenham, with couple families with children making up 48% of the community, highlighting its family-oriented nature. The suburb also accommodates a variety of family structures, with 31% of households being couple families without children and 19.5% being one-parent families. This diversity in household composition contributes to a supportive and inclusive community atmosphere. Pakenham's blend of affordability, community spirit, and accessibility makes it an attractive option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with the benefits of city proximity.
Pakenham infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Pakenham continues to benefit from its position as a major growth area in Melbourne’s south-east, supported by ongoing residential expansion and established transport links. The suburb already has the East Pakenham station, which improves rail access for commuters and strengthens the appeal of newer estates nearby.[2]
Its large housing supply, family-oriented profile and access to local shops, schools and main road connections help underpin steady buyer demand. As a result, Pakenham is likely to remain attractive to both owner-occupiers and investors looking for affordability, space and future growth potential.[1][2][6]
Pakenham rental market trends
The rental market in Pakenham has remained relatively stable, with house rents holding steady over the past year at $550 per week, while unit rents have seen a modest increase of 2.1% to $480 per week. This stability, combined with ongoing development and community growth, makes Pakenham an attractive option for renters seeking affordability and convenience in a suburban setting.
Suburbs near Pakenham
Some popular suburbs near Pakenham include:
How does Pakenham compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Pakenham’s median house price is 33.6% higher than Nar Nar Goon’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Pakenham have grown 3.5% higher than in Officer.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Pakenham are selling 54.8% faster than in Officer.
- Investment considerations: In Pakenham, the rental yield for house is 12.4% lower than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 17.8% lower.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Pakenham have grown 30.8% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Pakenham have grown 7.9% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

