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Williamstown suburb profile

Williamstown is a picturesque suburb located southwest of Melbourne's CBD, known for its maritime history and stunning waterfront views. This charming suburb offers a unique blend of historic architecture, including Victorian-era buildings, and modern amenities. Williamstown's vibrant community enjoys a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, particularly along Nelson Place. The suburb is also home to beautiful parks and beaches, providing ample recreational opportunities. With its strong transport links to the city and a welcoming village atmosphere, Williamstown remains a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees seeking a coastal lifestyle.

Williamstown property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,063,800Past 3 months

Property growth+4.5%Past 12 months

Williamstown’s property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 9.1%, bringing the median house price to approximately $1.53 million. In contrast, unit values have remained stable, with the median unit price holding at around $600,100.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 71 houses and 25 units sold in the past 12 months. However, properties are taking longer to sell, with houses spending a median of 71 days on the market and units taking even longer at 96 days, indicating a more cautious buyer sentiment.

The rental market in Williamstown has seen a slight increase in house rents by 1.3%, while unit rents have experienced a more significant rise of 9.0%, suggesting a growing demand for rental units in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.53M$600K
Change in value
Past 12 months
9.1%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
7125
Median days on market
Past 12 months
7196
Average rent
Past 12 months
$800$545
Change in rent
Past 12 months
1.3%9.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Williamstown demographics

Williamstown, a picturesque suburb located in Melbourne's southwest, is renowned for its maritime history, charming streetscapes, and vibrant community. With a population of 14,407, the suburb offers a blend of historical charm and modern convenience, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike. The median age of 45 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's relaxed coastal lifestyle and proximity to the city.

The suburb's family-oriented nature is evident, with nearly half of the families being couple families with children, and a significant portion being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights Williamstown's appeal to both growing families and those seeking a quieter, more settled environment. The median total household income of $2,411 per week reflects the suburb's relatively affluent status, supported by its well-maintained heritage homes and modern amenities.

Property ownership in Williamstown is predominantly characterized by stability, with 41.1% of homes owned outright and 34% owned with a mortgage. This high level of home ownership underscores the suburb's appeal to long-term residents and those investing in their future. Meanwhile, 25% of the properties are rented, offering options for those seeking flexibility. Williamstown's unique blend of historical significance, community spirit, and coastal beauty makes it a sought-after destination for those looking to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Williamstown infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Williamstown continues to benefit from its established village-style retail strips, waterfront dining and scenic foreshore, which support strong lifestyle appeal and underpin buyer demand.[3][5] Ongoing improvements to local parks, foreshore paths and heritage streetscapes enhance walkability and recreational options, reinforcing the suburb’s attractiveness for families and professionals seeking a bayside lifestyle.[3][5]

Access to train services into the CBD and proximity to major employment hubs across inner Melbourne remain key drivers of demand, with no major disruptive transport changes currently flagged.[4] There are no widely publicised large-scale new infrastructure or school projects specific to Williamstown at present, so the property market is being shaped more by its established amenity, heritage character and limited land supply than by new developments.[3][4]

Williamstown rental market trends

The rental market in Williamstown has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 1.3% over the past year to $800 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 9.0% to $545 per week. This charming bayside suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, offering a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

Suburbs near Williamstown

Some popular suburbs near Williamstown include:

How does Williamstown compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Williamstown’s median house price is 13.6% higher than Williamstown North’s.
  • Median unit prices: Williamstown’s median unit price is 13.0% lower than Newport’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Williamstown have grown 7.4% higher than in Newport.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Williamstown have grown 25.9% higher than in South Kingsville.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Williamstown are selling 19.3% faster than in Williamstown North.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Newport are selling 47.9% faster than in Williamstown.
  • Investment considerations: In Williamstown, the rental yield for house is 27.4% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 6.7% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Williamstown have grown 55.0% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Williamstown have grown 19.3% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Williamstown

  • Is Williamstown a nice place to live?

    Williamstown is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of coastal beauty and historical allure, making it a wonderful place to live. Its vibrant community is known for its welcoming atmosphere, which is particularly appealing to families. The suburb's picturesque streets are lined with a mix of Victorian-era architecture and modern conveniences, creating a unique and inviting environment. With a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, residents can enjoy a lively yet relaxed lifestyle. The suburb's proximity to beautiful parks and beaches provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family-friendly outings.

    Living in Williamstown comes with the advantage of strong transport links to Melbourne's CBD, making it convenient for professionals who commute to the city. The suburb's safety and community spirit are significant draws for families, offering a secure and nurturing environment for children. However, the trade-off for this idyllic lifestyle is the relatively high property prices, reflecting the suburb's desirability and limited land availability. While Williamstown may not have the bustling nightlife of inner-city areas, its serene coastal vibe and community-focused amenities more than compensate for this.

    For those seeking a balanced lifestyle, Williamstown offers a harmonious blend of tranquility and accessibility. The suburb's established amenities and scenic foreshore enhance its appeal, providing a fulfilling living experience for families and individuals alike. Whether you're drawn to its historical charm, coastal beauty, or strong community ties, Williamstown is a suburb that promises a high quality of life for its residents.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Williamstown?

    Living in Williamstown can be considered expensive, especially when you compare it to other suburbs in Victoria. The current median house price is around $1,527,500, which is quite high compared to the median prices in many other areas. If you're thinking of renting, the average rent for houses is $800 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $545 per week.

    When we look at the income data, the average income in Williamstown is about AUD 119,000 per year, with a median weekly household income of AUD 2,411. While this is higher than the average income in many parts of Victoria, the high property prices and rental costs mean that a significant portion of income would go towards housing expenses. This makes it a more expensive suburb to live in, particularly for those who are earning around the average wage.

    Overall, Williamstown offers a charming lifestyle with its coastal location and community amenities, but the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you're considering moving to Williamstown, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it can accommodate the expenses associated with living 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 Williamstown a good place to invest?

    Williamstown is a suburb that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern convenience, making it an intriguing option for property investors. Over the past year, the median house value in Williamstown has increased by 9.1%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. While the median unit value has remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a significant 9.0% increase, suggesting a growing interest in this type of property among renters.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its picturesque waterfront views, vibrant community, and proximity to Melbourne's CBD, making it a desirable location for both families and young professionals. The slight increase in house rents by 1.3% reflects a steady demand, while the substantial rise in unit rents highlights a shift towards more affordable living options without compromising on lifestyle. This dynamic makes Williamstown an attractive prospect for investors seeking rental income and long-term growth.

    Overall, Williamstown presents a balanced investment opportunity with its combination of historical allure, strong rental market, and consistent house price growth. Whether you're looking to invest in houses for capital appreciation or units for rental yield, Williamstown offers a compelling case for consideration in the current property market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Williamstown

There are 77 real estate agents in Williamstown, 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 38.4% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Williamstown typically range from 1.75% to 2.88%. 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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