Southbank suburb profile
Southbank is a vibrant and bustling suburb located just across the Yarra River from Melbourne's CBD. Known for its cultural and entertainment precincts, Southbank is home to iconic landmarks such as the Crown Casino, Melbourne Arts Centre, and the National Gallery of Victoria. The area is characterized by its modern high-rise apartments, offering stunning views of the city skyline and river. Southbank's riverside promenade is a popular spot for dining and leisure, featuring an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. With its proximity to the city and thriving arts scene, Southbank is a sought-after destination for both residents and visitors.
Southbank property market performance
Current median dwelling price$687,750Past 3 months
Property growth-16.6%Past 12 months
Southbank's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with no change in median house or unit values. The median unit price remains at $540,500, reflecting a steady demand for units in the area. House sales have been minimal, with only 6 transactions, while unit sales have been more active, with 189 units sold over the past year.
Units are taking an average of 52 days on the market, indicating a moderate pace of sales. The rental market has seen some movement, with house rents increasing by 4.6% and unit rents rising by 2.9%, suggesting a steady demand for rental properties in Southbank.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | $541K |
Change in value Past 12 months | N/A | -5.7% |
Sold Past 3 months | 6 | 189 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | N/A | 52 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $680 | $700 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 4.6% | 2.9% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Southbank demographics
Southbank, located just across the Yarra River from Melbourne's CBD, is a bustling suburb known for its vibrant arts scene, modern high-rise apartments, and proximity to key cultural landmarks. With a population of 22,631 and a median age of 31, Southbank is a youthful and dynamic area, attracting young professionals and students who are drawn to its lively atmosphere and convenient access to the city center.
The suburb's housing market is predominantly rental-based, with 68.9% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects the transient nature of its residents, many of whom are seeking flexible living arrangements. The area is characterized by a significant number of couple families without children, making up 68.1% of the family demographic, which aligns with the lifestyle preferences of young couples and professionals who enjoy the urban lifestyle and amenities Southbank offers.
Southbank's appeal is further enhanced by its cultural offerings, including the Arts Centre Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, and Crown Casino. The suburb's median total household income of $1926 per week indicates a relatively affluent community, supported by the area's employment opportunities in the arts, hospitality, and corporate sectors. With its blend of modern living, cultural richness, and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, Southbank continues to be a sought-after location for those seeking a vibrant and convenient urban lifestyle.
Southbank infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Southbank is seeing ongoing high-rise residential and mixed-use redevelopment, including renewed activity at major projects such as the long-anticipated Queensbridge precinct, which is expected to add new apartments, retail and hospitality offerings, supporting higher density living and investor interest.[4][8] The suburb’s established role as Melbourne’s arts and entertainment hub, anchored by venues like the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre and Southbank Theatre, continues to underpin strong demand from renters and owner-occupiers seeking a walkable lifestyle close to the CBD.[4][5]
Local planning continues to favour urban consolidation, with numerous off-the-plan apartment projects adding to stock while also delivering streetscape upgrades, public spaces and improved ground-floor retail amenity that enhance day-to-day livability.[4][5] Proximity to the CBD, tram routes along St Kilda Road and Queensbridge Street, and easy access to nearby employment centres mean transport and job connectivity remain a key driver of desirability in Southbank, supporting both rental yields and long-term capital growth prospects.[3][4]
Southbank rental market trends
The rental market in Southbank has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.6% over the past year to $680 per week, while unit rents have seen a 2.9% rise to $700 per week. As a vibrant suburb with a mix of cultural attractions and modern amenities, Southbank continues to attract renters and investors seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.
Suburbs near Southbank
Some popular suburbs near Southbank include:
How does Southbank compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Southbank’s median house price is 48.8% lower than South Melbourne’s.
- Median unit prices: Southbank’s median unit price is 23.0% higher than Melbourne’s.
- House price growth: Property prices in nearby South Melbourne have risen 30.7% more than in Southbank over the past year.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Southbank have grown 11.4% higher than in Melbourne.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Melbourne are selling 17.3% faster than in Southbank.
- Investment considerations: In Southbank, the rental yield for house is 2.4% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 19.9% higher.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Southbank have grown 61.5% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Southbank have grown 8.3% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

