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Rye suburb profile

Rye is a picturesque coastal suburb located on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 83km south of Melbourne. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed holiday atmosphere, Rye is a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a seaside escape. The suburb offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating, along with a vibrant local community. Rye's main street features a range of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, adding to its charm. With its beautiful natural surroundings and laid-back lifestyle, Rye is an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the best of coastal living.

Rye property market performance

Property growth-3.5%Past 12 months

Rye’s property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 1.1%, bringing the median house price to $900,000. The unit market has remained stagnant, with no change in median unit value, reflecting limited activity in this segment.

Sales activity has been relatively active for houses, with 71 sold in the past 12 months, while only 4 units were sold, indicating a stronger demand for houses. Houses are taking a median of 45 days on the market, whereas units are moving faster with a median of 15 days, suggesting quicker turnover in the unit market despite fewer sales.

The rental market in Rye has seen stability for houses, with no change in average rent over the last 12 months, while units have experienced an 8.4% increase in rent, indicating a growing demand for rental units in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$883KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
N/A-7.0%
Sold
Past 3 months
625
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4319
Average rent
Past 12 months
$620$480
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.3%6.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Rye demographics

Rye, a charming coastal suburb located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, is renowned for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle. With a population of 9,438, Rye attracts a mix of retirees, families, and holidaymakers who are drawn to its natural beauty and tranquil environment. The median age of 51 reflects a mature community, with many residents enjoying the slower pace of life that Rye offers.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rate of outright home ownership, with 47.2% of properties owned outright, indicating a stable and established community. Additionally, 30.9% of properties are owned with a mortgage, while only 21.9% are rented, suggesting a preference for long-term residency among its inhabitants. This stability is complemented by the suburb's family-friendly atmosphere, with 33.3% of households being couple families with children and 50.4% being couple families without children.

Rye's local economy benefits from tourism, with its beautiful beaches and proximity to attractions like the Peninsula Hot Springs and various wineries. The median total household income of $1,334 per week reflects a comfortable standard of living, supported by local businesses and services catering to both residents and visitors. Overall, Rye offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for those seeking a coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community.

Rye infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Rye continues to benefit from its established coastal amenity, with the foreshore, playgrounds, pier and nearby national parks underpinning its appeal as both a holiday destination and permanent sea-change location.[1][6] The main strip along Point Nepean Road remains the commercial hub, with cafes, restaurants and essential retail supporting local walkability and reinforcing demand for properties close to the town centre.[1] Local primary schools and access to wider Peninsula education options, combined with proximity to hot springs, wineries and golf courses, enhance lifestyle appeal for families, retirees and investors considering the area.[1]

Public transport is largely bus-based, with routes connecting Rye to Frankston and neighbouring suburbs, meaning car reliance remains high and properties with good road access retain a premium.[1] There are no widely reported major new infrastructure or transport projects specific to Rye at this time, so current property dynamics are being driven more by lifestyle demand, tourism and steady population growth rather than large-scale redevelopment.[1][4] As a result, the suburb’s desirability is closely tied to its coastal character and existing amenities, rather than imminent planning changes or major infrastructure upgrades.

Rye rental market trends

The rental market in Rye has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged at $600 per week over the past year. In contrast, unit rents have experienced an increase of 8.4%, reaching $475 per week. This growth in unit rents highlights a rising demand for more affordable rental options in this picturesque coastal suburb.

Suburbs near Rye

Some popular suburbs near Rye include:

How does Rye compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Rye’s median house price is 20.9% higher than Capel Sound’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Rye have grown 1.1% higher than in Fingal.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Capel Sound have risen 9.1% more than in Rye over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Rye are selling 33.8% faster than in Blairgowrie.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Rye are selling 66.1% faster than in Capel Sound.
  • Investment considerations: In Rye, the rental yield for house is 1.6% lower than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 18.1% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Rye have grown 7.4% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Rye have grown 1.2% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Rye

  • Is Rye a nice place to live?

    Rye is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and picturesque lifestyle, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled on the Mornington Peninsula, Rye is known for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The suburb exudes a laid-back vibe, with a strong sense of community that is welcoming to both families and retirees. The local amenities, including charming cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, provide a convenient and enjoyable lifestyle for residents.

    For families, Rye offers a peaceful environment with access to local primary schools and a variety of educational options across the Peninsula. The suburb's proximity to attractions such as hot springs, wineries, and golf courses adds to its appeal, providing plenty of opportunities for leisure and recreation. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly atmosphere. However, it's important to note that public transport is primarily bus-based, which means that car reliance is relatively high for commuting and accessing nearby areas.

    While Rye offers a charming coastal lifestyle, there are some trade-offs to consider. The reliance on cars due to limited public transport options can be a drawback for those who prefer more accessible urban living. Additionally, the absence of major new infrastructure projects means that the suburb's growth is driven by lifestyle demand and tourism rather than large-scale redevelopment. Despite these considerations, Rye remains a highly desirable location for those who value its coastal charm, strong community ties, and the peaceful ambiance it provides.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Rye?

    Living in Rye can be considered expensive, especially when you compare it to the average wage in the area. With the current median house price sitting at $900,000, purchasing property in Rye requires a significant financial commitment. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is around $600 per week, while units average $475 per week. This can be quite a strain on the average annual wage in Rye, which is about $54,000.

    When you compare this to the average salary in Victoria, which is generally higher, it becomes clear that the cost of living in Rye could be challenging for some. The median total household income weekly is $1,334, which suggests that a large portion of household income would be dedicated to housing costs. If you are thinking of living in Rye, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation and whether the lifestyle and amenities offered by this coastal suburb align with your budget.

    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 Rye a good place to invest?

    Rye presents an interesting opportunity for investors, particularly those looking at the rental market. While the change in median house value over the last year has been modest at 1.1%, and unit values have remained stable, the rental market tells a different story. The significant 8.4% increase in rent for units suggests a growing demand for rental properties, which could be attractive for investors seeking rental income.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its coastal charm and relaxed lifestyle, making it a desirable location for both holidaymakers and permanent residents. This demand for rental properties, especially units, indicates a strong rental market that could provide consistent returns. While the capital growth for houses and units has been relatively flat, the rental yield potential, particularly for units, makes Rye a compelling choice for those focused on rental income.

    Overall, Rye may not be the hotspot for rapid capital growth, but its stable property values combined with a strong rental market, especially for units, offer a unique investment opportunity. Investors looking for steady rental returns in a picturesque coastal setting might find Rye to be a worthwhile consideration.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Rye

Currently, there are 69 real estate agents working in Rye—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 69 agents sold 45.8% of all properties in Rye 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 Rye typically charge a commission of 1.75% to 2.5%. 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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