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Bentleigh suburb profile

Bentleigh is a vibrant suburb located 13km southeast of Melbourne's CBD, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit. The suburb offers a mix of charming period homes and modern developments, attracting families and professionals alike. Bentleigh is well-served by public transport, with a train station providing easy access to the city. The bustling Centre Road shopping strip is a local highlight, featuring a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops. With excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, Bentleigh is a desirable location for those seeking a balanced suburban lifestyle with urban conveniences.

Bentleigh property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,227,500Past 3 months

Property growth+0.4%Past 12 months

Bentleigh’s property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 3.1%, bringing the median house price to $1.8 million, while unit values have remained stable with no change, maintaining a median price of $655,000. This indicates a steady demand for houses in the area.

Sales activity has been consistent, with 34 houses and 23 units sold in the past three months. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 50 days on the market, compared to 64 days for units, suggesting a stronger demand for houses.

The rental market in Bentleigh has seen a significant increase in house rents, which have risen by 10% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have seen a slight increase of 0.8%, indicating a higher demand for rental houses.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.80M$655K
Change in value
Past 12 months
3.1%-2.3%
Sold
Past 3 months
3423
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5064
Average rent
Past 12 months
$880$600
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.0%0.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Bentleigh demographics

Bentleigh, located in Melbourne's southeastern suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its welcoming community and convenient amenities. With a population of 17,921 and a median age of 39, Bentleigh attracts a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its suburban charm and proximity to the city. The suburb's median total household income of $2,263 per week reflects its relatively affluent demographic, with many residents enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

Family life is a significant aspect of Bentleigh, with 50.6% of households being couple families with children, and 33.2% being couple families without children. This highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those who prefer a quieter, more settled environment. One-parent families make up 14.9% of the community, indicating a supportive environment for diverse family structures.

In terms of property ownership, Bentleigh offers a balanced mix of housing options. A substantial 34.7% of properties are owned outright, while 36.2% are owned with a mortgage, showcasing a stable housing market with opportunities for both established homeowners and new buyers. Renters make up 29.1% of the population, providing flexibility for those not yet ready to commit to home ownership. Bentleigh's blend of community spirit, accessibility, and housing diversity makes it a desirable location for many Melburnians seeking a harmonious suburban lifestyle.

Bentleigh infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Bentleigh is experiencing significant developments that are likely to impact its property market. The recent completion of the level crossing removal project at Bentleigh station has improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety, potentially increasing property values in the vicinity. The ongoing redevelopment of the Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub, set to be completed in 2024, will provide modern community facilities, enhancing the suburb's appeal to families and young professionals.

The Centre Road shopping strip is undergoing a gradual transformation with new cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops opening, contributing to a more vibrant local economy. Additionally, the proposed upgrades to local parks and recreational facilities, including improvements to Hodgson Reserve, are expected to boost the area's livability. These developments, combined with Bentleigh's well-regarded schools and proximity to beaches, are likely to sustain strong demand for properties in the suburb.

Bentleigh rental market trends

The rental market in Bentleigh has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing 10% over the past year to $880 per week, while unit rents have seen a slight rise of 0.8% to $600 per week. With its family-friendly environment and proximity to amenities, Bentleigh continues to attract renters and investors seeking stability and convenience.

Suburbs near Bentleigh

Some popular suburbs near Bentleigh include:

How does Bentleigh compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Bentleigh’s median house price is 16.1% higher than Ormond’s.
  • Median unit prices: Bentleigh’s median unit price is 27.2% higher than Ormond’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Bentleigh have grown 9.2% higher than in Ormond.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Bentleigh have grown 2.3% higher than in Ormond.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Bentleigh are selling 20.6% faster than in Ormond.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Bentleigh are selling 4.5% faster than in Ormond.
  • Investment considerations: In Bentleigh, the rental yield for house is 42.4% higher than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 7.1% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Bentleigh have grown 63.4% higher than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Bentleigh have grown 7.9% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

Common questions about Bentleigh

  • Is Bentleigh a nice place to live?

    Bentleigh is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban charm and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to live. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and strong community spirit, Bentleigh is particularly appealing to families who appreciate its welcoming environment and excellent amenities. The suburb boasts a mix of charming period homes and modern developments, providing a variety of housing options to suit different preferences. With its well-regarded schools, parks, and recreational facilities, Bentleigh is an ideal location for families seeking a balanced lifestyle.

    The suburb's vibe is enhanced by the bustling Centre Road shopping strip, which features an array of cafes, restaurants, and shops, contributing to a lively local economy. Bentleigh's proximity to Melbourne's CBD, coupled with its efficient public transport options, including a train station, ensures easy access to the city while maintaining a peaceful suburban feel. Safety is generally not a major concern, making it a secure environment for families to thrive.

    While Bentleigh offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. The ongoing developments and upgrades in the area, such as the Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub, may lead to increased property values, which could impact affordability for some prospective buyers. Additionally, while the suburb provides a vibrant local scene, those seeking a bustling nightlife may find it lacking compared to inner-city areas. Nevertheless, Bentleigh's blend of community spirit, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities makes it a highly desirable place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Bentleigh?

    Living in Bentleigh can be quite costly, especially when you consider the property market. The median house price is currently around $1,660,000, while units are priced at about $872,500. If you're looking to rent, houses average $788 per week, and units go for around $630 weekly. These figures suggest that housing in Bentleigh is on the higher end of the spectrum, especially when compared to some other Melbourne suburbs.

    When you compare this to the average wage in Bentleigh, which is approximately $91,000 per year, it's clear that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated to housing costs. The median total household income weekly is $2,263, which is above the average for many areas in Melbourne, yet the high property prices and rents might still stretch budgets for those on average earnings.

    Overall, Bentleigh offers a desirable lifestyle with its amenities and location, but it's important to consider the financial commitment required to live comfortably here. If you're thinking of living in Bentleigh, it's essential to evaluate whether your financial situation can accommodate the expenses associated with this vibrant 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 Bentleigh a good place to invest?

    Bentleigh is an attractive suburb for investment, particularly for those interested in rental properties. While the median house value has remained stable over the past year, the suburb has seen a notable increase in rental yields, with house rents rising by 6.4% and unit rents by 7.7%. This suggests a strong demand for rental properties, making it an appealing option for investors seeking steady rental income.

    The slight increase in median unit values by 2.4% also indicates a growing interest in the area, particularly for more affordable housing options. Bentleigh's appeal lies in its balance of suburban charm and accessibility to Melbourne's city center, making it a desirable location for both families and young professionals. The suburb's amenities, schools, and transport links contribute to its attractiveness, ensuring a consistent demand for housing.

    Overall, Bentleigh offers a stable investment environment with promising rental returns. While capital growth for houses has been flat, the rental market's strength provides a compelling reason for investors to consider this suburb. With its strong community feel and convenient location, Bentleigh remains a solid choice for those looking to invest in the Melbourne property market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Bentleigh

In Bentleigh, 140 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 22.3% 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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