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South Yarra suburb profile

South Yarra is a prestigious suburb located just 4km southeast of Melbourne's CBD, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and upscale living. Known for its chic boutiques, trendy cafes, and fine dining options, it attracts a cosmopolitan crowd. The suburb is home to the iconic Chapel Street, a bustling hub of fashion and entertainment, as well as the serene Royal Botanic Gardens. South Yarra offers a mix of historic mansions, modern apartments, and leafy streets, making it a desirable location for professionals and families. Its excellent public transport links and proximity to the city enhance its appeal as a prime residential area.

South Yarra property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,122,500Past 3 months

Property growth-3.6%Past 12 months

South Yarra's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with house values experiencing a slight increase of 0.4% and unit values remaining unchanged. The median house price has averaged $1.91 million, while units have maintained a median price of $520,000, indicating steady demand in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 48 houses and 182 units sold in the past 12 months. Properties are moving relatively quickly, with houses spending a median of 39 days on the market and units 36 days, reflecting consistent buyer interest.

In the rental market, house rents have remained stable over the last 12 months, averaging $950 per week, while unit rents have increased by 4.2%, reaching an average of $625 per week, suggesting a stronger demand for rental units in South Yarra.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.75M$500K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.8%-5.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
58178
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3735
Average rent
Past 12 months
$950$625
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A4.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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South Yarra demographics

South Yarra, a prestigious suburb of Melbourne, is renowned for its blend of cosmopolitan living and historical charm. With a population of 25,028 and a median age of 33, it attracts a youthful and vibrant community, including professionals and young families. The suburb's proximity to the city centre, coupled with its array of cafes, boutiques, and cultural venues, makes it a highly sought-after location for those seeking an urban lifestyle with a touch of elegance.

Housing in South Yarra is predominantly rental-based, with 63.5% of properties being rented. This high rental rate underscores its appeal to transient residents, such as students and professionals, who value flexibility and convenience. The suburb's household composition is diverse, with a significant proportion of couple families without children (64.4%), reflecting the area's attraction to young couples and singles who enjoy the vibrant social scene and amenities.

The property market in South Yarra is competitive, with 18.3% of homes owned outright and 18.2% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable mix of long-term residents and new buyers entering the market. The suburb's dynamic atmosphere is further enhanced by its excellent public transport links, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate a balanced lifestyle that combines work, leisure, and community engagement.

South Yarra infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

South Yarra continues to see a high volume of new apartment and townhouse projects, with dozens of off-the-plan and recently completed developments adding to housing supply and reinforcing its status as a premium high-density market.[6][9] This ongoing redevelopment around key precincts near Chapel Street, Toorak Road and the Yarra River is modernising the local skyline, supporting strong buyer and tenant demand, and appealing particularly to investors and professionals seeking low-maintenance living close to the CBD.[3][6]

The suburb benefits from excellent access to public transport, with multiple train, tram and bus options linking residents quickly to the city and surrounding employment hubs, which underpins both rental demand and long-term capital growth.[3][6] Proximity to major lifestyle amenities – including established retail and dining on Chapel Street and Toorak Road, nearby parks such as Fawkner Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Yarra River corridor – further enhances liveability and supports South Yarra’s position as one of Melbourne’s most sought-after and expensive inner-city suburbs.[3][4][6]

South Yarra rental market trends

The rental market in South Yarra has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged at $950 per week over the past year. Meanwhile, unit rents have experienced a modest increase of 4.2%, reaching $625 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters with its vibrant lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, making it a desirable location for both residents and investors.

Suburbs near South Yarra

Some popular suburbs near South Yarra include:

How does South Yarra compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: South Yarra’s median house price is 7.4% higher than Prahran’s.
  • Median unit prices: South Yarra’s median unit price is 7.0% higher than Prahran’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in South Yarra have grown 1.2% higher than in Prahran.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in South Yarra have grown 4.4% higher than in Melbourne.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in South Yarra are selling 5.1% faster than in Prahran.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in South Yarra are selling 5.4% faster than in Prahran.
  • Investment considerations: In South Yarra, the rental yield for house is 50.8% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 6.7% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in South Yarra have grown 85.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in South Yarra have grown 11.6% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about South Yarra

  • Is South Yarra a nice place to live?

    South Yarra is a delightful suburb that offers a fantastic blend of urban sophistication and charming residential appeal. Its vibrant atmosphere is perfect for those who enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle, with a plethora of chic boutiques, trendy cafes, and fine dining options at your doorstep. The suburb is known for its lively cultural scene, centered around the iconic Chapel Street, which is a bustling hub of fashion and entertainment. The serene Royal Botanic Gardens provide a peaceful escape from the urban hustle, offering residents a perfect balance between city living and natural beauty.

    Families will find South Yarra a welcoming place to call home, with its leafy streets and a mix of historic mansions and modern apartments. The suburb's excellent public transport links make commuting a breeze, enhancing its appeal for professionals and families alike. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the community vibe is both inclusive and dynamic, attracting a diverse range of residents.

    However, living in South Yarra does come with some trade-offs. The prestigious nature of the suburb means that property prices can be high, and the competitive housing market may pose challenges for those looking to buy. Additionally, the vibrant social scene, while exciting, can lead to a bustling environment that might not suit everyone seeking a quieter lifestyle. Despite these considerations, South Yarra remains a highly desirable location for those who appreciate a lively, urban lifestyle with easy access to amenities and a touch of elegance.

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  • Is it expensive to live in South Yarra?

    Living in South Yarra is undeniably on the pricier side, especially when you consider its status as an inner-city suburb of Melbourne. The median house price is a hefty $1,905,000, which is significantly higher than many other areas in Melbourne. For those considering apartment living, the median unit price is more approachable at $520,000, though still substantial. Renting in South Yarra isn't exactly cheap either, with houses averaging $950 per week and units around $625 per week.

    When you compare these housing costs to the average wage in Melbourne, which is approximately $105,000 annually, it's clear that a significant portion of one's income would need to be allocated to housing expenses in South Yarra. The median total household income in the suburb is $2,063 per week, which suggests that while some residents might comfortably afford these expenses, others might find it a stretch.

    Overall, South Yarra offers a vibrant lifestyle with its proximity to the city, trendy cafes, and shopping, but this comes at a cost. If you are thinking of living in South Yarra, it's essential to carefully 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 South Yarra a good place to invest?

    South Yarra is a suburb that offers a unique blend of stability and potential for investors. While the change in median house and unit values over the last 12 months has been minimal, this indicates a stable market that hasn't been subject to the volatility seen in other areas. The real standout here is the 4.2% increase in rent for units, suggesting a strong demand for rental properties, particularly among young professionals and students who are drawn to South Yarra's vibrant lifestyle and proximity to the city.

    The suburb is known for its trendy cafes, boutique shopping, and lively nightlife, making it a highly desirable location for renters. This demand is likely to continue, providing investors with a reliable rental income stream. While capital growth has been modest, the consistent rental demand and the suburb's appeal as a lifestyle destination make South Yarra a solid choice for those looking to invest in a stable market with the potential for steady rental returns.

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Choose the right real estate agents in South Yarra

There are 358 real estate agents in South Yarra, 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 15.1% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in South Yarra typically range from 1.71% to 2.57%. 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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