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South Yarra suburb profile

South Yarra is a prestigious and vibrant suburb located just 4km southeast of Melbourne's CBD, renowned for its upscale lifestyle and cultural attractions. Known for its chic boutiques, trendy cafes, and fine dining options, South Yarra is a hub for fashion and gastronomy enthusiasts. The suburb is home to the iconic Chapel Street shopping precinct and the serene Royal Botanic Gardens, offering a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With excellent public transport links, including train and tram services, South Yarra provides easy access to the city and surrounding areas, making it a highly desirable location for professionals and families alike.

South Yarra property market performance

South Yarra's property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in median house and unit values. The median house price stands at $1.63 million, while the median unit price is approximately $606,250. This stability reflects a balanced demand in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 62 houses and 155 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 30 days on the market, compared to 42 days for units, indicating a slightly stronger demand for houses.

In the rental market, house rents have remained unchanged, averaging $695, while unit rents have increased by 8.6%, reaching an average of $598. This suggests a growing demand for rental units in South Yarra.

Median price - houses$1.52MPast 3 months

Median price - units$590KPast 3 months

Change in value - houses-23.8%12 months

Change in value - units-5.2%12 months

Houses sold60Past 3 months

Units sold157Past 3 months

Median DOM - houses31Past 12 months

Median DOM - units42Past 12 months

Average rent - houses$680Past 12 months

Average rent - units$600Past 12 months

Change in rent - houses-10.5%Past 12 months

Change in rent - units9.1%Past 12 months

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 young professionals and families. The suburb's proximity to the Melbourne CBD, along with its array of cafes, boutiques, and cultural venues, makes it a highly desirable location for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.

Housing in South Yarra is predominantly rental-based, with 63.5% of properties being rented. This high rental rate underscores its appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, such as students and professionals. 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 professionals. Additionally, 21.1% of families are couples with children, while 10.7% are one-parent families, indicating a balanced mix of family types.

The property market in South Yarra is competitive, with 18.3% of homes owned outright and 18.2% owned with a mortgage. This mix of ownership types highlights the suburb's appeal to both long-term residents and new buyers. South Yarra's vibrant lifestyle, combined with its excellent transport links and proximity to key amenities, makes it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy the best of Melbourne's urban offerings.

South Yarra infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

South Yarra is experiencing significant development activity that may impact its property market. The $1 billion redevelopment of the Jam Factory on Chapel Street is set to transform the area with new retail, residential, and office spaces upon completion in 2023. This major project is likely to enhance the suburb's appeal and potentially boost property values in the vicinity.

Additionally, several high-end residential developments are underway or recently completed, including luxury apartments along Toorak Road and near the Yarra River. These projects are adding to South Yarra's housing stock while maintaining its upscale character. The suburb's excellent transport links, including South Yarra station's inclusion in the Metro Tunnel project, continue to support strong property demand in this well-connected inner-city location.

South Yarra rental market trends

The rental market in South Yarra has shown stability for houses, with rents remaining unchanged at $695 per week over the past year. In contrast, unit rents have experienced an 8.6% increase, reaching $598 per week. This vibrant suburb continues to attract renters with its blend of lifestyle amenities 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:

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 historical charm, making it a wonderful place to call home. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, South Yarra is a hub of activity with its chic boutiques, trendy cafes, and fine dining options that cater to fashion and gastronomy enthusiasts. The suburb's proximity to the Melbourne CBD ensures that residents have easy access to the city's amenities while enjoying the unique character of their own neighborhood. The presence of the iconic Chapel Street shopping precinct and the serene Royal Botanic Gardens adds to the suburb's allure, providing both cultural and natural attractions.

    For families, South Yarra offers a dynamic urban lifestyle with excellent public transport links, including train and tram services, making commuting a breeze. The suburb's diverse community includes young professionals and families, contributing to a lively and welcoming environment. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the area is well-suited for those who appreciate a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a touch of historical elegance. However, it's worth noting that South Yarra's prestigious status and high demand can lead to competitive property markets and higher living costs, which may be a consideration for some families.

    While South Yarra may not offer the expansive green spaces found in more suburban areas, it compensates with its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens, where residents can enjoy leisurely strolls and outdoor activities. The ongoing development projects, such as the redevelopment of the Jam Factory, promise to enhance the suburb's appeal further, potentially boosting property values and adding to the area's dynamic character. Overall, South Yarra is a fantastic choice for those seeking a lively, upscale lifestyle with convenient access to Melbourne's best offerings.

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  • Is it expensive to live in South Yarra?

    Living in South Yarra is generally considered expensive, particularly when compared to other suburbs in Melbourne. The median house price in South Yarra is a hefty $1,625,000, which is significantly higher than many other areas. If you're thinking about renting, the average rent for houses is $695 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $598 per week. These figures reflect the suburb's desirability and close proximity to Melbourne's central business district.

    When we look at the average annual salary in South Yarra, which is around $85,000, and compare it to the median total household income weekly of $2,063, it's clear that a substantial portion of income would be required to cover housing costs. This can make living in South Yarra a financial stretch for those earning an average wage, especially when considering additional living expenses.

    Overall, while South Yarra offers a vibrant lifestyle with its trendy cafes, shops, and parks, the cost of living is on the higher side. If you're thinking of living in South Yarra, it's important to carefully consider your budget to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this upscale 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 presents an intriguing opportunity for investors, especially those interested in the rental market. While the median house and unit values have remained stable over the past year, the suburb's rental market tells a different story. With an impressive 8.6% increase in rent for units, South Yarra is clearly experiencing strong demand from renters. This rental growth suggests that the suburb is a desirable location for tenants, likely due to its vibrant lifestyle, proximity to the CBD, and excellent amenities.

    Investors looking for rental income might find South Yarra particularly appealing. The steady property values combined with rising rental yields for units indicate a potential for solid rental returns. The suburb's appeal to young professionals and students, thanks to its lively atmosphere and convenient transport links, further supports its investment potential. While capital growth has been flat recently, the rental market's performance suggests that South Yarra remains a viable option for those seeking consistent rental income in a sought-after location.

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