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St Kilda East suburb profile

St Kilda East is a vibrant suburb located just 6km southeast of Melbourne's CBD, known for its eclectic mix of cultures and lively atmosphere. This diverse area offers a blend of historic architecture and modern developments, attracting a wide range of residents including young professionals, families, and students. St Kilda East boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, contributing to its dynamic local scene. The suburb is well-connected by public transport, providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Its proximity to St Kilda's famous beaches and parks adds to its appeal as a desirable place to live.

St Kilda East property market performance

Current median dwelling price$948,500Past 3 months

Property growth-6.9%Past 12 months

St Kilda East’s property market has remained stable over the past 12 months, with no change in median house and unit values. The median house price has held steady at $1.36 million, while the median unit price remains at $537,000. This stability reflects a balanced demand for both property types in the area.

Sales activity has been consistent, with 23 houses and 52 units sold in the past three months. Units are selling slightly faster than houses, with a median of 35 days on the market compared to 41 days for houses, indicating a healthy interest in the unit market.

The rental market in St Kilda East has seen modest growth over the last 12 months, with average rents for houses increasing by 3.5% and units by 2.9%. This suggests a steady demand for rental properties in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.36M$537K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-2.8%-11.0%
Sold
Past 3 months
2352
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4135
Average rent
Past 12 months
$893$540
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.5%2.9%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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St Kilda East demographics

St Kilda East, located in Melbourne's vibrant inner south-east, is a suburb that offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. Known for its diverse community and lively atmosphere, St Kilda East attracts a mix of families, young professionals, and long-term residents. The median age of 34 reflects a youthful and dynamic population, drawn to the area's eclectic mix of cafes, parks, and cultural venues.

The suburb's housing landscape is varied, with nearly half of the properties being rented, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The presence of both couple families with children (39.1%) and those without (47.9%) highlights the suburb's appeal to a broad range of family types, while the 11% of one-parent families adds to the community's diversity.

Property ownership in St Kilda East is balanced, with 21% of homes owned outright and 29.1% owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable residential base alongside a vibrant rental market. The suburb's median household income of $2020 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, supported by its proximity to Melbourne's CBD and the availability of local amenities. St Kilda East's unique blend of urban energy and suburban tranquility makes it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds.

St Kilda East infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

St Kilda East continues to benefit from its established inner-city lifestyle, with strong access to cafes, parks, schools, and public transport helping support steady buyer demand. Its proximity to the Chapel Street and Balaclava activity strips also adds to everyday convenience and long-term appeal.

No major new redevelopments or transport projects are evident in the current local information for St Kilda East, so the suburb’s market is being shaped more by its existing amenity than by new infrastructure. That said, the area’s walkability, character housing, and close-in location remain key factors underpinning interest from both buyers and renters.

St Kilda East rental market trends

The rental market in St Kilda East has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing by 3.5% over the past year to $893 per week, while unit rents have risen by 2.9% to $540 per week. This steady growth reflects the suburb's appeal, offering a balanced mix of lifestyle and investment potential in a vibrant Melbourne locale.

Suburbs near St Kilda East

Some popular suburbs near St Kilda East include:

How does St Kilda East compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: St Kilda East’s median house price is 27.7% lower than Elsternwick’s.
  • Median unit prices: St Kilda East’s median unit price is 10.5% lower than Balaclava’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in St Kilda East have grown 14.5% higher than in Ripponlea.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Balaclava have risen 5.8% more than in St Kilda East over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in St Kilda East are selling 14.6% faster than in Caulfield North.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in St Kilda East are selling 7.9% faster than in Ripponlea.
  • Investment considerations: In St Kilda East, the rental yield for house is 42.2% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 7.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in St Kilda East have grown 47.8% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in St Kilda East have grown 5.2% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about St Kilda East

  • Is St Kilda East a nice place to live?

    St Kilda East is a delightful suburb that offers a vibrant and eclectic lifestyle, making it a fantastic place to call home. With its charming mix of historic architecture and modern developments, the suburb exudes a unique character that appeals to a diverse range of residents. The lively atmosphere is complemented by a strong sense of community, making it an inviting place for families, young professionals, and long-term residents alike. The suburb's proximity to Melbourne's CBD ensures that residents enjoy the convenience of urban living while still being able to retreat to a more peaceful environment.

    Families will find St Kilda East particularly appealing due to its access to quality schools, parks, and recreational facilities. The suburb is well-connected by public transport, making commuting to the city and surrounding areas a breeze. While the area is bustling with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, it also offers ample green spaces for relaxation and leisure. Safety is generally not a major concern, although, like any urban area, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings.

    However, living in St Kilda East does come with some trade-offs. The vibrant lifestyle and proximity to the city can mean higher property prices, and the rental market is competitive. Additionally, while the suburb offers a lively cultural scene, those seeking a quieter, more suburban lifestyle might find the constant buzz a bit overwhelming. Despite these trade-offs, St Kilda East remains a highly sought-after location for those who appreciate a dynamic community, urban convenience, and a touch of suburban charm.

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  • Is it expensive to live in St Kilda East?

    Living in St Kilda East can be quite expensive, especially when you consider the housing market. The median house price is around $1,360,000, which is substantial for many. If you're looking at units, the median price is more approachable at $537,000. Renting in St Kilda East also requires a significant budget, with average rents for houses at $893 per week and units at $540 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average wage in Melbourne, which is approximately $105,000 per year, it's clear that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated to housing costs. The average income in St Kilda East is slightly higher than the broader Victorian and Melbourne averages, ranging from $100,000 to $112,000 annually, which does offer some financial cushioning. However, the high property prices and rents still make it a costly place to live.

    Overall, while St Kilda East offers a vibrant lifestyle with its proximity to the city and local amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you're thinking of living in St Kilda East, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in 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 St Kilda East a good place to invest?

    St Kilda East 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 suburb has seen a noticeable increase in rental prices, with house rents rising by 3.5% and unit rents by 2.9%. This suggests a strong rental demand, which can be appealing for investors looking for steady rental returns.

    The suburb's location is a significant drawcard, offering a vibrant lifestyle with easy access to the beach, cafes, and public transport. This makes it particularly attractive to young professionals and students, ensuring a consistent pool of potential tenants. The stable property values, combined with increasing rental yields, indicate that St Kilda East could be a reliable choice for investors seeking a balance between rental income and long-term capital stability.

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Choose the right real estate agents in St Kilda East

In St Kilda East ,156 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 21.2% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.55% and 2.61%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

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