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While you might know that Melbourne was recently crowned the world’s best city, do you know which area is leading the charge in terms of urban growth? Spoiler: it’s Melbourne’s western 'burbs. Once barely on people's property radar, this area is now the fastest-growing region in Australia.
According to a new report by realestate.com.au’s research arm PropTrack and developer Stockland, around one in three new Melbourne residents are choosing to call the west home. And the numbers tell a story. More than 245,000 people have moved into the area over the past decade. By 2046, the population is projected to reach 1.47 million – that’s a whopping 70 per cent increase.
What’s driving the surge? In a word: affordability. With a median house price of around $729,000 compared to more than $1 million across Greater Melbourne, the west offers a more accessible way into the property market. For first-home buyers, new arrivals and young families, it’s the most affordable option.
Suburbs like Footscray, Sunshine, Werribee, Altona, Williamstown and Melton are seeing strong demand from families, thanks to a mix of new housing developments, expanding infrastructure and job opportunities. Major projects such as the West Gate Tunnel and Suburban Rail Loop are also boosting connectivity, making the area even more appealing.
Demographically, the west skews young, with about 77 per cent of households made up of young families, many of them new migrants.
Of course, rapid expansion comes with its challenges. Local residents are constantly calling for better public transport, roads, healthcare and essential services like childcare and healthcare to keep up with the population boom. Watch this space to see how that progresses.
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