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Pakenham suburb profile

Pakenham is a rapidly growing suburb located in Melbourne's outer southeast, approximately 56km from the CBD. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Pakenham offers a mix of modern housing estates and semi-rural properties, catering to diverse lifestyle preferences. The suburb boasts a range of amenities, including shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities, making it an attractive option for families and first-home buyers. Pakenham's connectivity is enhanced by its train station and proximity to the Princes Freeway, providing easy access to Melbourne and surrounding areas. Its blend of urban convenience and country charm continues to draw residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Pakenham property market performance

Current median dwelling price$589,500Past 3 months

Property growth+0.4%Past 12 months

Pakenham's property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 1.7%, bringing the median house price to $699,000, while unit values have remained stable with a median price of $480,000. This stability in unit prices suggests a balanced demand in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 213 houses and 17 units sold over the last 12 months. Both houses and units have a median time on market of 44 days, indicating a consistent pace of sales across property types.

The rental market in Pakenham has experienced significant growth, with house rents increasing by 10% and unit rents by 9.3% over the past year. This rise in rental prices reflects a strong demand for rental properties in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$699K$480K
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.7%-0.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
21317
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4444
Average rent
Past 12 months
$550$470
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.0%9.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Pakenham demographics

Pakenham, located in Melbourne's outer southeast, is a rapidly growing suburb 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 and vibrant community, attracting young families and professionals seeking a balance between urban amenities and suburban tranquility. The suburb's proximity to the city, coupled with its more affordable housing options, makes it an appealing choice for those looking to settle down.

The housing landscape in Pakenham is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned with a mortgage, accounting for 48.3% of the suburb's dwellings. This reflects the area's appeal to first-time homebuyers and growing families. Additionally, 32.2% of properties are rented, providing flexibility for those not yet ready to commit to homeownership. The suburb's family-oriented nature is evident, with 48% of households being couple families with children, highlighting its suitability for raising a family.

Pakenham's community is supported by a range of local amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centers, catering to the needs of its residents. The suburb's ongoing development and investment in infrastructure, such as the Pakenham railway line, enhance its connectivity to Melbourne's CBD, making it an attractive option for commuters. With its blend of affordability, family focus, and growing amenities, Pakenham continues to be a sought-after destination for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with city conveniences.

Pakenham infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Pakenham is experiencing significant growth and development that is likely to impact its property market. The recent completion of the Pakenham East railway station in June 2024 has improved public transport connectivity, potentially increasing property values in the surrounding areas. Additionally, ongoing residential developments like the Lakeside, Heritage Springs, and Cardinia Lakes estates are expanding housing options and attracting new residents to the suburb.

The suburb's retail landscape is evolving with the bustling Pakenham Central Marketplace and Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre offering diverse shopping and dining options. Infrastructure improvements, including the Pakenham Bypass, have enhanced accessibility. With a growing population, currently over 54,000 residents, Pakenham is seeing increased demand for housing and amenities. These developments, coupled with the suburb's proximity to Melbourne, are likely to sustain property market growth and appeal to both investors and homebuyers in the coming years.

Pakenham rental market trends

The rental market in Pakenham has experienced steady growth, with house rents increasing by 10% over the past year to $550 per week, while unit rents have risen 9.3% to $470 per week. With its expanding infrastructure and growing community, Pakenham continues to attract both renters and investors seeking promising opportunities in a developing suburb.

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 6.8% lower than Officer’s.
  • Median unit prices: Pakenham’s median unit price is 16.4% lower than Narre Warren’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Pakenham have grown 1.1% higher than in Clyde North.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Berwick have risen 5.0% more than in Pakenham over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Pakenham are selling 17.0% faster than in Officer.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Pakenham are selling 50.6% faster than in Narre Warren.
  • Investment considerations: In Pakenham, the rental yield for house is 11.0% lower than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 16.1% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Pakenham have grown 34.6% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Pakenham have grown 15.4% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Pakenham

  • Is Pakenham a nice place to live?

    Pakenham is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. Known for its welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, Pakenham is a suburb that truly caters to families and individuals seeking a peaceful lifestyle with access to modern amenities. The suburb is characterized by its charming mix of modern housing estates and semi-rural properties, providing a diverse range of living options to suit various preferences.

    Living in Pakenham means enjoying the benefits of a vibrant community with a youthful spirit. The suburb is well-equipped with essential amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centers, ensuring that residents have everything they need within easy reach. The local vibe is relaxed and community-oriented, with plenty of green spaces and recreational facilities that encourage outdoor activities and social interactions. Safety is generally not a major concern, making it an ideal environment for families with children.

    One of the trade-offs of living in Pakenham is its distance from Melbourne's CBD, which might be a consideration for those who work in the city. However, the suburb's excellent connectivity, thanks to the train station and proximity to the Princes Freeway, makes commuting relatively straightforward. While Pakenham may not offer the nightlife and cultural attractions of inner-city suburbs, it compensates with its serene environment and strong community ties.

    Overall, Pakenham is a wonderful choice for families and individuals looking for a balanced lifestyle. Its combination of affordability, growing infrastructure, and community focus makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a suburban haven with the convenience of city access. Whether you're a first-home buyer or looking to settle down in a nurturing environment, Pakenham offers a promising future.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Pakenham?

    Living in Pakenham is relatively affordable compared to many other suburbs in Melbourne. The median house price is $650,000, which is quite reasonable when you consider the skyrocketing prices in inner-city suburbs. If you're looking at units, the median price is even lower at $495,000, making it a viable option for those on a tighter budget. Renting is also fairly affordable, with houses averaging $550 per week and units at $475 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average wage in Pakenham, which is around $79,000 per year, it suggests that housing costs are manageable for many residents. The median total household income weekly is $1,664, which aligns well with the cost of living in the area. This makes Pakenham a more accessible suburb for individuals and families who are earning average wages in Victoria.

    Overall, Pakenham offers a good balance of affordability and lifestyle, especially for those looking to escape the higher costs associated with living closer to Melbourne's city center. If you're thinking of living in Pakenham, you'll find that it offers a reasonable cost of living without sacrificing access to amenities and a comfortable lifestyle.

    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 Pakenham a good place to invest?

    Pakenham is showing promising signs as a solid investment suburb, particularly for those interested in rental income. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a modest increase in median house and unit values, with house values rising by 2.3% and unit values by 2.1%. While these figures suggest steady growth rather than explosive capital gains, the real standout is the significant increase in rental prices. House rents have surged by 14.6%, and unit rents have increased by 13.1%, indicating strong demand from renters.

    This rental demand is likely driven by Pakenham's appeal to families and young professionals seeking affordable living options within commuting distance to Melbourne. The suburb offers a mix of modern amenities, schools, and green spaces, making it attractive for long-term residents. As a result, investors can expect reliable rental returns, which can be particularly appealing in a market where capital growth is steady but not rapid.

    Overall, Pakenham presents a balanced investment opportunity. While it may not offer the fastest capital appreciation, its strong rental market and community appeal make it a dependable choice for investors seeking consistent rental income and gradual property value growth. This makes Pakenham a suburb worth considering for those looking to invest in the real estate market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Pakenham

There are 325 real estate agents working in Pakenham, 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 17.4% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Pakenham typically range from 2% to 2.95%. 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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