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Parkville suburb profile

Parkville is a prestigious suburb located just 3km north of Melbourne's CBD, renowned for its academic and medical institutions. Home to the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, it attracts students, academics, and healthcare professionals. The suburb is characterized by its Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and expansive green spaces, including the iconic Royal Park. Parkville offers a tranquil yet connected lifestyle, with easy access to public transport and proximity to the vibrant cultural and dining scenes of nearby Carlton and North Melbourne. Its blend of education, healthcare, and heritage makes Parkville a highly sought-after location.

Parkville property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,133,750Past 3 months

Property growth+0.5%Past 12 months

Parkville’s property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 7.8%, bringing the median house price to $1.83 million. In contrast, unit values have remained stable, with the median unit price at $442,500, indicating a steady demand for units.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 11 houses and 20 units sold in the past 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 42 days on the market compared to 52 days for houses, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Parkville has seen modest growth over the last 12 months. House rents have increased by 2.2%, with an average rent of $950, while unit rents have risen by 4.5%, averaging $575, reflecting a stronger demand for rental units.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.82M$443K
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.8%-6.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
1120
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5242
Average rent
Past 12 months
$950$575
Change in rent
Past 12 months
2.2%4.5%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Parkville demographics

Parkville, located in Melbourne, is a vibrant suburb known for its proximity to the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. With a median age of 26, Parkville is a youthful suburb, attracting students and young professionals who are drawn to its educational and employment opportunities. The suburb's dynamic atmosphere is complemented by its beautiful parks and gardens, including the renowned Royal Park, which offers residents ample green space for recreation and relaxation.

Housing in Parkville is predominantly rental-based, with 66.3% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects the suburb's appeal to students and professionals seeking flexible living arrangements. The suburb's household composition is diverse, with 54.4% of couple families having no children, indicating a preference for a more urban lifestyle. Additionally, 29.9% of families are couple families with children, and 12% are one-parent families, showcasing a mix of family types.

Parkville's property market is characterized by a blend of stability and new buyers, with 18.8% of properties owned outright and 14.8% owned with a mortgage. The suburb's median total household income of $1885 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, supported by its proximity to major educational and healthcare institutions. Parkville's unique combination of youthful energy, educational opportunities, and green spaces makes it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced urban lifestyle.

Parkville infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Parkville continues to benefit from its position within the expanding Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, with ongoing upgrades and new facilities across major hospitals and research institutions likely to underpin long-term demand from medical and academic professionals.[3] The nearby University of Melbourne campus is progressing with building renewals and public realm improvements, reinforcing the suburb’s appeal to students and staff and supporting steady rental demand.[3][5]

Transport access remains strong, with proximity to the Parkville station works on the new Metro Tunnel expected to significantly improve rail connectivity to the CBD and wider network once operational, which may enhance buyer interest over time.[3] Existing tram and bus routes, along with access to Royal Park and established education options such as Parkville College, continue to support livability and make the area attractive for both occupiers and investors.[3][6]

Parkville rental market trends

The rental market in Parkville has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 2.2% over the past year to $950 per week, while unit rents have risen 4.5% to $575 per week. With its proximity to educational institutions and vibrant community, Parkville continues to attract both renters and investors seeking stable returns in a well-connected suburb.

Suburbs near Parkville

Some popular suburbs near Parkville include:

How does Parkville compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Parkville’s median house price is 47.8% higher than North Melbourne’s.
  • Median unit prices: Parkville’s median unit price is 19.6% higher than Travancore’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Parkville have grown 5.3% higher than in North Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Parkville have grown 1.9% higher than in Flemington.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Princes Hill are selling 15.4% faster than in Parkville.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby North Melbourne are selling 19.0% faster than in Parkville.
  • Investment considerations: In Parkville, the rental yield for house is 51.3% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 1.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Parkville have grown 72.4% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Parkville have grown 21.6% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Parkville

  • Is Parkville a nice place to live?

    Parkville is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of tranquility and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its picturesque Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets, Parkville exudes a peaceful vibe that is perfect for families and individuals seeking a serene environment. The suburb is enriched with expansive green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, which is a significant draw for families with children. The presence of Royal Park, one of Melbourne's largest parks, adds to the suburb's appeal, offering a lush escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

    Living in Parkville means enjoying the best of both worlds: a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle with the vibrant cultural and dining scenes of nearby suburbs just a stone's throw away. The suburb's proximity to Melbourne's CBD ensures that residents have easy access to a plethora of amenities, including shopping, cafes, and theatres. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly reputation. However, the high demand for rental properties, driven by the suburb's appeal to students and professionals, means that housing can be competitive and predominantly rental-based, which might be a consideration for those looking to buy a home.

    For families, Parkville offers a supportive environment with access to quality education and healthcare facilities, thanks to its proximity to renowned institutions. While the suburb's youthful energy and academic focus might not suit everyone, it provides a unique cultural richness and a sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere. Overall, Parkville is a delightful suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, combining the serenity of its green spaces with the convenience of urban living, making it a highly desirable place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Parkville?

    Living in Parkville can be quite expensive, especially when compared to other areas in Melbourne. The median house price in Parkville is around $1,825,000, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is about $950 per week, while units are more affordable at $575 per week. This indicates that housing costs, whether buying or renting, are on the higher side.

    When we look at the income side of things, the median total household income in Parkville is $1,885 per week. This is relatively high, but when you consider the average full-time wage in Victoria is approximately $105,000 per year (or about $2,014 per week), it becomes clear that the cost of living in Parkville requires a substantial portion of one's income. The high housing costs, in particular, mean that living in Parkville might not be the most affordable option for everyone.

    Overall, while Parkville offers the charm of an inner Melbourne suburb with its proximity to the city and various amenities, the high property prices and rents make it an expensive place to live. If you're thinking of living in Parkville, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the costs 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 Parkville a good place to invest?

    Parkville is a suburb that holds promising investment potential, particularly for those interested in long-term growth. Over the past year, the median house value in Parkville has increased by 7.8%, indicating a strong demand for houses in the area. This growth is a positive sign for investors looking for capital appreciation. Although the median unit value has remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a 4.5% increase, suggesting a healthy demand for rental properties.

    The suburb's proximity to major educational institutions and the city center makes it an attractive location for students and professionals, which helps maintain a steady demand for both houses and units. The modest increase in house rents by 2.2% also reflects a stable rental market, providing a reliable income stream for property investors. While units haven't seen the same capital growth as houses, the rise in rental demand offers a good opportunity for those seeking rental returns.

    Overall, Parkville's combination of strong house price growth, stable unit values, and increasing rental demand makes it a suburb worth considering for investment. Its strategic location and appeal to a diverse range of renters and buyers contribute to its potential as a solid investment choice.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Parkville

Currently, there are 84 real estate agents working in Parkville—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 84 agents sold 21.2% of all properties in Parkville over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Parkville typically charge a commission of 1.8% to 2.47%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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