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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.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/A$541K
Change in value
Past 12 months
N/A-5.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
6189
Median days on market
Past 12 months
N/A52
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

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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.

Common questions about Southbank

  • Is Southbank a nice place to live?

    Southbank is a fantastic place to live, offering a dynamic and lively urban lifestyle just a stone's throw from Melbourne's CBD. This charming suburb is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it a magnet for young professionals and families who appreciate the convenience of city living. With a plethora of amenities at your doorstep, including shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, Southbank provides a rich tapestry of experiences for its residents.

    The suburb's proximity to key amenities is one of its standout features. Residents enjoy easy access to public transport, making commuting a breeze, while the abundance of cafes, restaurants, and green spaces ensures there's always something to do. Southbank's safety is generally well-regarded, although, like any bustling urban area, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially during peak times.

    Families will find Southbank appealing for its accessibility to quality schools and childcare facilities, as well as its family-friendly parks and recreational areas. However, the predominance of high-rise apartments means that those seeking larger homes with backyards might find limited options. The trade-off for this urban convenience is the vibrant lifestyle and stunning city views that Southbank offers.

    While Southbank is a delightful place to live, it's important to consider the trade-offs. The high density of living can mean less personal space, and the vibrant nightlife might not suit everyone, particularly those seeking a quieter environment. Nonetheless, for those who thrive in a bustling, culturally rich setting with unparalleled access to Melbourne's offerings, Southbank is an exceptional choice.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Southbank?

    Living in Southbank, Melbourne, can be quite pricey, especially when it comes to renting. The median unit price is around $540,500, which is relatively affordable compared to purchasing a house, but the rental market tells a different story. Units in Southbank have an average rent of $700 per week, which is higher than the Melbourne average. With no current median house price available, Southbank is predominantly a unit-based market, catering to those who prefer apartment living.

    The average household income in Southbank is approximately $1,926 per week, which translates to roughly $100,000 annually. This is on par with the average full-time salary in Melbourne. However, given the high rental prices, a significant portion of one's income would go towards housing costs. This could make living in Southbank challenging for those earning an average wage, as the cost of living, particularly in terms of rent, is quite high.

    Overall, if you are thinking of living in Southbank, it's important to consider the financial implications. While it offers a vibrant city lifestyle with easy access to Melbourne's amenities, the cost of renting, in particular, can be a significant expense. Carefully evaluating your budget and lifestyle preferences is essential when deciding if Southbank is the right fit for you.

    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 Southbank a good place to invest?

    Southbank presents a unique investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in rental income. While the median house and unit values have remained stable over the past year, the rental market has shown promising growth. House rents have increased by 4.6%, and unit rents have risen by 2.9%, indicating a strong demand for rental properties in the area. This makes Southbank an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on rental yields.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its vibrant lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, making it a popular choice for young professionals and students. Southbank's cultural attractions, dining options, and easy access to public transport enhance its desirability, ensuring a steady stream of potential tenants. While capital growth has been flat recently, the rental market's performance suggests a resilient demand that could translate into future property value increases.

    Overall, Southbank offers a stable investment environment with the potential for solid rental returns. Its central location and lifestyle amenities make it a compelling choice for investors seeking consistent rental income and the possibility of long-term capital growth as market conditions evolve.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Southbank

Currently, there are 304 real estate agents working in Southbank—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 304 agents sold 19.7% of all properties in Southbank 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 Southbank 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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