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St Kilda West suburb profile

St Kilda West is a picturesque bayside suburb in Melbourne, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant lifestyle, and historic charm. Situated just 5km from the CBD, it offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and seaside tranquility. The suburb is characterized by its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the iconic St Kilda Beach. Residents enjoy a lively café culture, boutique shopping, and easy access to public transport. With its mix of cultural attractions, recreational facilities, and scenic views, St Kilda West remains a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors.

St Kilda West property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,610,000Past 3 months

Property growth+2.7%Past 12 months

St Kilda West's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. While house values have remained stable with no change, unit values have increased by 6.5%, bringing the median unit price to $570,000. This indicates a growing demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been relatively low, with only 7 houses and 14 units sold over the last 12 months. Units are taking longer to sell, with a median of 49 days on the market, while data for houses is unavailable, suggesting limited transactions in the housing market.

The rental market in St Kilda West has seen a significant increase in unit rents, rising by 10% over the past year, while house rents have remained unchanged at $1,150, indicating a stable demand for rental houses.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/A$570K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.1%6.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
714
Median days on market
Past 12 months
N/A49
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1150$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-2.1%10.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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St Kilda West demographics

St Kilda West, a charming suburb located in Melbourne, is renowned for its picturesque beachside setting and vibrant community atmosphere. With a population of 2,951, it offers a serene yet lively environment that appeals to a diverse range of residents. The median age of 40 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the balance of a relaxed coastal lifestyle and the proximity to Melbourne's bustling city life.

The suburb's housing landscape is quite balanced, with 52.4% of properties being rented, indicating a significant transient population, likely drawn by the area's scenic beauty and convenient location. Meanwhile, 23.4% of homes are owned outright, and 24.2% are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a stable base of long-term residents who have invested in the area.

Family dynamics in St Kilda West are diverse, with couple families without children making up 50.7% of the family households, while couple families with children account for 38.4%. This mix highlights the suburb's appeal to both young professionals and established families. The presence of one-parent families at 9.8% and other families at 1.1% adds to the community's diversity. St Kilda West's unique blend of beachside charm, community spirit, and urban convenience makes it a highly desirable place to live.

St Kilda West infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

St Kilda West benefits from ongoing apartment and mixed-use redevelopment along key corridors such as Beaconsfield Parade and nearby Fitzroy Street, adding modern housing options and refreshed retail that can support buyer demand and rental appeal.[1] The suburb’s established 99% residential character, with tree-lined avenues and proximity to the beach and Albert Park, continues to underpin its desirability and supports steady capital growth over the longer term.[4][6]

Local connectivity remains a key strength, with multiple tram routes providing direct access to the CBD and nearby Balaclava train station offering additional rail options, which is attractive for both commuters and renters.[4][8] There are no major new school or transport line announcements specific to St Kilda West at this time, but broader upgrades within the City of Port Phillip and continuing investment in nearby lifestyle precincts are likely to sustain strong interest in the suburb’s limited housing stock.[6][8]

St Kilda West rental market trends

The rental market in St Kilda West has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged at $1,150 per week over the past year, while unit rents have increased by 10% to $550 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters and investors with its vibrant lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne's city center, offering a balanced mix of growth and stability.

Suburbs near St Kilda West

Some popular suburbs near St Kilda West include:

How does St Kilda West compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: St Kilda West’s median house price is 77.5% higher than St Kilda’s.
  • Median unit prices: St Kilda West’s median unit price is 14.0% higher than St Kilda’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in St Kilda West have grown 1.6% higher than in St Kilda.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in St Kilda West have grown 8.0% higher than in St Kilda.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby St Kilda are selling 28.6% faster than in St Kilda West.
  • Investment considerations: In St Kilda West, the rental yield for house is 83.1% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 5.8% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in St Kilda West have grown 84.1% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in St Kilda West have grown 15.6% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about St Kilda West

  • Is St Kilda West a nice place to live?

    St Kilda West is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of coastal charm and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Its vibrant community atmosphere is complemented by the suburb's stunning beachside setting, providing residents with a serene environment that is just a stone's throw away from the bustling city life of Melbourne. The suburb is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and historic architecture, which add to its picturesque appeal. Families will find St Kilda West particularly attractive due to its proximity to parks, recreational facilities, and a variety of cultural attractions.

    Living in St Kilda West means enjoying a lively café culture and boutique shopping, with easy access to public transport that connects you to the heart of the city. The suburb's safety and community spirit make it an ideal place for families, offering a balanced lifestyle that combines relaxation with the excitement of city living. However, the popularity of the area does come with trade-offs, such as a competitive housing market and a significant transient population due to the high percentage of rental properties. Despite these challenges, the suburb's ongoing redevelopment and investment in modern housing options continue to enhance its appeal.

    For those who appreciate a vibrant lifestyle with the added benefit of scenic coastal views, St Kilda West is a fantastic choice. While it may not offer the same level of nightlife as inner-city areas, its charm lies in the peaceful yet lively environment it provides. Families can enjoy the suburb's strong community networks and the convenience of nearby amenities, making it a highly desirable place to live for those seeking a harmonious blend of beachside tranquility and urban accessibility.

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  • Is it expensive to live in St Kilda West?

    St Kilda West is known for its vibrant beachside lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne's city centre, which often comes with a higher cost of living. The median unit price in St Kilda West is currently around $570,000, which is relatively affordable compared to Melbourne's overall property market. However, renting can be quite pricey, with the average rent for houses at $1,150 per week and units at $550 per week. These rental prices suggest a significant portion of income would be needed for housing, particularly for those opting for house rentals.

    The average annual wage in St Kilda West is approximately $95,000, which is slightly above the average for Melbourne. Despite this, the high rental costs could still pose a challenge for individuals or families relying on a single income. The median total household income weekly is $1,983, indicating that while some residents may find it manageable, others might feel the financial strain, especially when considering additional living expenses.

    Overall, living in St Kilda West can be expensive, especially if you're looking to rent a house. While the unit prices are more accessible, the cost of renting and other living expenses should be carefully considered if you're thinking of making St Kilda West your home.

    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 West a good place to invest?

    St Kilda West presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in units. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a notable 6.5% increase in median unit values, indicating a growing demand in this segment. This trend is further supported by a significant 10% rise in unit rental prices, suggesting strong rental demand and the potential for attractive rental yields.

    While the median house values and rents have remained stable, the unit market's performance highlights the suburb's appeal to renters and buyers seeking a vibrant, beachside lifestyle. St Kilda West's proximity to the beach, lively cafes, and easy access to public transport make it a desirable location for young professionals and students. This demographic shift could continue to drive demand for units, making them a potentially lucrative investment.

    Overall, St Kilda West offers a unique blend of lifestyle appeal and investment potential, particularly in the unit market. The suburb's steady rental growth and increasing unit values suggest a promising outlook for investors seeking both capital appreciation and rental income. While houses may not have seen the same growth, the suburb's overall desirability ensures it remains a solid investment choice.

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Choose the right real estate agents in St Kilda West

There are 71 real estate agents in St Kilda West, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 21.9% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in St Kilda West typically range from 1.55% to 2.61%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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