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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. With a plethora of dining options, cafes, and bars, Southbank attracts both locals and tourists seeking a lively urban experience. Its proximity to the CBD and excellent public transport links make it a convenient and desirable location for professionals and city dwellers.

Southbank property market performance

Southbank's property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 3.1% and unit values remaining stable. The median house price has averaged $535,000, while units have averaged $491,000, indicating a balanced demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, with 21 houses and 126 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses and units are selling at a similar pace, with median days on market at 42 and 44 days, respectively, suggesting consistent buyer interest across the board.

The rental market in Southbank has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 12.5% and unit rents by 7.9% over the last 12 months, reflecting strong demand for rental properties in the area.

Median price - houses$552KPast 3 months

Median price - units$480KPast 3 months

Change in value - houses3.1%12 months

Change in value - units-4.4%12 months

Houses sold20Past 3 months

Units sold136Past 3 months

Median DOM - houses36Past 12 months

Median DOM - units45Past 12 months

Average rent - houses$670Past 12 months

Average rent - units$675Past 12 months

Change in rent - houses9.8%Past 12 months

Change in rent - units5.1%Past 12 months

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 the city's cultural and entertainment precincts. With a population of 22,631 and a median age of 31, Southbank is a youthful and dynamic area that attracts young professionals and students who are drawn to its lively atmosphere and convenient location.

The suburb's housing market is predominantly rental-based, with 68.9% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects Southbank's appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, particularly young professionals and students who value the convenience of living close to work and study opportunities. The area is characterized by its modern apartment complexes, offering residents stunning views of the city skyline and the Yarra River.

Family structures in Southbank are diverse, with 68.1% of couple families having no children, highlighting the suburb's appeal to young couples and singles. The presence of cultural landmarks such as the Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, along with a plethora of dining and entertainment options, makes Southbank a vibrant and attractive place to live. Its blend of urban living, cultural richness, and accessibility ensures that Southbank remains a sought-after destination for those looking to experience the best of Melbourne's city life.

Southbank infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Southbank is experiencing significant development and infrastructure upgrades that are likely to impact its property market. The ongoing $2 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation project, set to be completed in 2028, will create new public spaces, galleries, and theaters, potentially increasing the area's cultural appeal and property values. Additionally, the $1.7 billion Southbank by Beulah mixed-use development, featuring Australia's tallest building, is expected to reshape the skyline and add premium residential and commercial spaces upon completion in 2027.

The suburb is also benefiting from improved connectivity with the Metro Tunnel project, which will provide a new underground station at Anzac, enhancing public transport access. These developments, combined with Southbank's prime location along the Yarra River and proximity to the CBD, are likely to sustain strong demand for properties in the area. The influx of new amenities and infrastructure improvements are expected to further boost Southbank's appeal to both investors and owner-occupiers, potentially driving up property values in the coming years.

Southbank rental market trends

The rental market in Southbank is experiencing notable growth, with house rents increasing by 12.5% over the past year to $675 per week, while unit rents have risen 7.9% to $680 per week. As a vibrant suburb with a strong cultural scene and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, Southbank continues to attract both renters and investors seeking dynamic urban living.

Suburbs near Southbank

Some popular suburbs near Southbank include:

Common questions about Southbank

  • Is Southbank a nice place to live?

    Southbank is a fantastic place to live, offering a dynamic urban lifestyle with a touch of cultural flair. Nestled along the Yarra River, this suburb is a haven for those who thrive in a bustling environment, with its modern high-rise apartments providing breathtaking views of Melbourne's iconic skyline. The area is renowned for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, making it a cultural hotspot that attracts both locals and visitors. With an abundance of dining options, cafes, and bars, Southbank offers a lively atmosphere that caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

    For families, Southbank presents a unique urban living experience. While the suburb is predominantly known for its appeal to young professionals and singles, families can also enjoy the convenience of being close to the city while having access to excellent public transport links. The proximity to Melbourne's CBD ensures that all necessary amenities, including shopping centers, schools, and healthcare facilities, are within easy reach. Safety is generally not a major concern, although, like any busy urban area, it's always wise to stay vigilant, especially during peak times.

    However, living in Southbank does come with some trade-offs. The high density of apartment living might not suit those seeking more space or a traditional suburban lifestyle with a backyard. Additionally, the vibrant nightlife and constant activity can lead to noise, which might be a consideration for families with young children or those who prefer a quieter environment. Despite these factors, the suburb's ongoing development projects and infrastructure upgrades promise to enhance its livability and cultural appeal, making Southbank a compelling choice for those who want to be at the heart of Melbourne's vibrant city life.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Southbank?

    Living in Southbank can be considered moderately expensive, especially when you compare it to other parts of Melbourne. The median house price is currently around $535,000, and for units, it's about $491,000. These prices are relatively reasonable for a suburb so close to Melbourne's bustling city center, making it an attractive option for those who want to live near the action without the price tag of inner-city suburbs like South Yarra or Carlton.

    Renting in Southbank, however, can be a bit pricier. The average rent for houses is $675 per week, while units are slightly higher at $680 per week. This could take a significant chunk out of the average annual wage of $91,000, which aligns with the broader Melbourne area. The median total household income in Southbank is $1,926 per week, suggesting that many residents might have dual incomes to comfortably afford living expenses here.

    Overall, while Southbank offers a vibrant lifestyle with its proximity to the arts precinct, Crown Casino, and numerous dining options, the cost of living, particularly in terms of rental prices, might be on the higher side for some. If you're thinking of living in Southbank, it's important to consider whether your financial situation can accommodate the expenses associated with this lively 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 Southbank a good place to invest?

    Southbank presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in rental income. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a modest increase in median house values by 3.1%, while unit values have remained stable. This stability in property values can be appealing for investors seeking a less volatile market. However, the real highlight for Southbank is its rental market. With house rents increasing by 12.5% and unit rents by 7.9% over the last 12 months, the suburb offers strong rental yield potential.

    Located just a stone's throw from Melbourne's CBD, Southbank is a vibrant area known for its cultural attractions, dining options, and riverside views. This makes it a desirable location for both renters and buyers, contributing to its steady demand. While capital growth may not be as rapid as in some other suburbs, the consistent rental demand and proximity to the city center make Southbank a solid choice for investors looking for reliable rental returns. Overall, Southbank's combination of stable property values and strong rental growth makes it a compelling option for those considering investment in the Melbourne property market.

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