Kevin Chokshi
14 Jillian Avenue, Highett, Vic 3190
$1,600,000 - $1,700,000
4 2 2
Open Wednesday 10 June 4:00 pm Auction Saturday 27 June 11:00 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-05)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Highett — Bunurong Country
Originally a district of orchards and market gardens, Highett saw significant industrial growth during the mid-20th century, notably housing the CSIRO. Post-WWII, it became a key residential area for returning servicemen, leading to the prevalence of weatherboard and brick veneer homes.
The suburb has undergone a rapid gentrification, transforming from an industrial edge-case into a trendy lifestyle destination known for its 'Highett Village' cafe strip.
Overall Score
8.2
A high-performing suburb that balances lifestyle, transport, and proximity to the coast.
Name Origin
Named after William Highett, a prominent local parliamentarian and banker who purchased land in the area in the 1850s.
Established
1880s (Railway station opened 1881)
Scientific Legacy
Formerly home to a major CSIRO research facility for over 60 years.
Dual Governance
The suburb is split between the City of Bayside and the City of Kingston.
Transport Hub
The railway station was rebuilt in 1986 and remains a focal point for the suburb's activity.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.4
Steady demand with low stock levels keeping prices resilient despite broader market shifts.
Amenity
8.8
Excellent local shopping, dining, and proximity to the Westfield Southland precinct.
Schools
7.2
Solid local primary options, though secondary zoning can be competitive for Bayside schools.
Transport
9.1
Exceptional rail access via the Frankston line and proximity to Nepean Highway.
Risk Profile
7.8
Low environmental risk, with the primary concern being urban over-development.
Liveability
8.6
Highly desirable for young families and professionals seeking a 'Bayside-lite' lifestyle.
Demographics
8.1
Increasingly affluent with a shift toward professional couples and young families.
Rental Demand
8.4
Very high due to the proximity to the city and local employment hubs.
Growth Potential
7.9
Strong, supported by the ongoing redevelopment of former industrial sites into premium residential.
Affordability
5.8
Significant premium over eastern suburbs, though cheaper than neighboring Hampton or Sandringham.
Crime & Safety
8.2
Generally safe with crime rates lower than the Victorian metropolitan average.
Walkability
8.7
The central village area is highly walkable, though outer pockets require a car.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,545,000
Stable 12-month growth
Median Unit
$715,000
High demand for 2-bedders
Gross Yield
3.4%
Typical for Bayside fringe
Days on Market
28 days
Faster than metro average
Family Ratio
62%
Dominant household type
CBD Commute
32 mins
Via Frankston Express
✅ Key Advantages
- Vibrant 'Highett Village' offers high-quality dining and retail without the crowds of Brighton.
- Excellent public transport connectivity with a dedicated station on the Frankston line.
- Proximity to Port Phillip Bay beaches (approx. 5-minute drive to Sandringham/Hampton).
- Diverse housing stock ranging from mid-century renovators to luxury new-build townhouses.
- Strong sense of community with active local parks and sporting clubs.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Traffic congestion on Nepean Highway and Highett Road during peak hours.
- High volume of apartment construction near the station may impact future capital growth for units.
- School zoning can be complex due to the suburb being split between two local government areas.
- Limited street parking in the residential streets immediately surrounding the shopping precinct.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Gentry-Urban
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Mix of 1950s weatherboards, modern townhouses, and contemporary apartments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$680k (units) to $2.4m+ (luxury houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Highett represents the 'sweet spot' for buyers priced out of the immediate coast but unwilling to sacrifice the Bayside lifestyle. It offers better value than Hampton while maintaining similar amenity access.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$1,545,000
$1.35m – $2.2m
🏢 Unit Median
$715,000
$550k – $950k
📈 Price Trend
+4.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $780pw, Units $560pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The price gap between houses and units is widening, making well-located townhouses a high-demand middle-ground for young families.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% above Melbourne metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
9.8x average household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
3.2% - 3.6%
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Highett is no longer a 'budget' option but remains affordable compared to its immediate western neighbors. Buyers often trade land size for the premium location.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.5%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Young professionals, healthcare workers from nearby Moorabbin Hospital, and small families.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong long-term prospects. Focus on older 2-bedroom units with renovation potential or modern 3-bedroom townhouses for maximum tenant appeal.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.2%
1-Year Growth
+14.5% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+34.3% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing redevelopment of the CSIRO site into a master-planned residential community.
- Spillover demand from more expensive Bayside suburbs.
- Expansion of the Highett Road retail and dining precinct.
- Proximity to the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) interchange at nearby Cheltenham/Sir John Monash.
⛔ Headwinds
- Interest rate sensitivity among the high proportion of mortgage-holders.
- Oversupply of high-rise apartments in the immediate station vicinity.
- Potential for increased traffic noise as density rises.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady outperformance of the broader Melbourne market as the 'village' identity matures and the CSIRO site completion adds high-quality public open space.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
8.2
Safety Score
Above Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
18% below metro average
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Personal Safety: Low
Traffic Incidents: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Check local police statistics via Crime Statistics Agency Victoria. Focus on properties with secure off-street parking.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Low environmental risk area; primary risks are related to urban planning and infrastructure lag.
🌊 Flood Risk
Minor Special Building Overlays (SBO) exist in low-lying pockets near the railway line.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Nil risk; fully urbanized area.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply; no significant environmental loading noted.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
General Residential Zone (GRZ) and Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) near the station.
🔲 Overlays
Special Building Overlay (SBO) for drainage; Design and Development Overlay (DDO) for height limits.
🏗️ Development Hotspots
The former CSIRO site and the Graham Road industrial pocket.
Zoning allows for significant density near the station, which can affect the light and privacy of adjacent single-story dwellings.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Excellent rail and bus links; easy access to Nepean Highway.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
High-end cafes, Woolworths, and boutique retail within walking distance.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Good access to Sir William Fry Reserve and Lyle Anderson Reserve.
🏫 Schools
Access to Highett Primary and Sandringham College (zoning dependent).
🏥 Healthcare
Close to Moorabbin Hospital and Sandringham Hospital.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A professional, family-oriented suburb with a growing population of young urbanites.
💵 Median Income
$112,000 pa
🏠 Ownership
68% owner-occupied, 32% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 37
🎓 Education
High; 42% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
📊 Age Distribution
The high percentage of owner-occupiers and professionals supports long-term price stability and community engagement.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
The CSIRO site redevelopment is the defining project for the suburb's next decade.
📈 Positive Impacts
- New public parklands and community facilities.
- Increased local foot traffic supporting retail.
- Modernization of infrastructure and road layouts.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Construction noise and dust over a multi-year period.
- Increased pressure on local school enrollments.
- Potential for localized traffic bottlenecks during peak hours.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Hampton
Position
West
Price
35% more expensive
Lifestyle
Beachfront focus, more prestigious, quieter nightlife.
Best for
High-net-worth families.
📍Moorabbin
Position
North
Price
10% cheaper
Lifestyle
More industrial, larger blocks, fewer cafes.
Best for
First home buyers and renovators.
📍Cheltenham
Position
South
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
Dominated by Southland shopping centre and golf courses.
Best for
Families seeking convenience.
📍Sandringham
Position
South-West
Price
40% more expensive
Lifestyle
Coastal village feel, end of the train line.
Best for
Established families and retirees.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Mordialloc
VIC
8.1/10
Both offer a strong village feel and excellent train access on the same line.
Elsternwick
VIC
8.5/10
Similar mix of heritage homes and modern apartment development near a rail hub.
Carnegie
VIC
8.3/10
Strong cafe culture and significant recent apartment growth.
Pascoe Vale
VIC
7.8/10
Similar demographic shift and mid-century housing stock (though different side of city).
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents love the 'best of both worlds' location—close enough to the beach for weekends but with a gritty, cool urban edge and great coffee.
★★★★★
Lifestyle
I can walk to the station and grab a world-class coffee on the way. It feels safer and more community-focused than it did five years ago.
Walkability
Safety
★★★★☆
Value
We couldn't afford Hampton, but Highett gave us a proper house with a yard just five minutes further from the water.
Affordability
Location
★★★☆☆
Overdevelopment
The new apartments are getting a bit much. Parking near the Woolworths is a nightmare on Saturday mornings now.
Parking
Density
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties on the Bayside side of the suburb for historically stronger capital growth.
- Look for 1950s brick veneers on 500sqm+ lots; these are the 'blue chip' assets of the suburb.
- Check the specific school zone for any property, as boundaries can be tight.
- Inspect during peak hour to understand the true impact of Nepean Highway noise.
- Verify if the property is under a Special Building Overlay (SBO) which may affect renovation plans.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Which council does this specific property fall under, Bayside or Kingston?
- Are there any approved high-density developments within a 200-meter radius?
- Is the property within the Sandringham College school zone?
- Has the property ever experienced drainage issues during heavy rain (given the SBOs in the area)?
- What is the current status of the CSIRO site development nearby?
- Are there any heritage overlays that would restrict a future second-story extension?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight proximity to the 'Highett Village' as a primary selling point.
- Professional styling is essential here to compete with high-quality new-builds.
- Target young families from the inner-south looking for more space.
- Ensure all outdoor entertaining areas are presented as lifestyle extensions of the home.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a lifestyle-first choice that bridges the gap between urban convenience and Bayside prestige.
💼 Investment Case
High rental yield potential in the unit market with long-term land value play in houses.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Potential for unit oversupply to flatten rental growth in the short term.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 2-bedroom villas with a courtyard over high-rise apartments.
- Focus on properties within 800m of the station.
- Consider minor cosmetic renovations to maximize yield.
- Monitor the CSIRO site progress for timing your entry/exit.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Be ready with your application; good rentals move in under 14 days.
- Check for double glazing if the property is on Highett Road or near the line.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Unbeatable access to cafes and the train.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Street parking is very limited for older apartment blocks.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Pet-friendly properties see significantly higher demand in this demographic.
- Invest in high-quality heating/cooling as a baseline expectation.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all gas and electrical safety checks are current as per 2021 Victorian rental laws.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is currently driven by 'lifestyle upgraders' from areas like St Kilda and Prahran.
- Stock levels remain tight for renovated family homes.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Hampton lifestyle without the Hampton price tag'.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young professional couples (30-45) with one or two children.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Verify council boundary (Bayside vs Kingston).
✓
Check VicPlan for Special Building Overlays (SBO).
✓
Confirm school catchment zones via findmyschool.vic.gov.au.
✓
Review the Section 32 for any unusual easements related to the old industrial history.
✓
Conduct a noise assessment if near the Frankston rail line.
✓
Check for cladding issues on any apartment buildings built post-2010.
✓
Assess parking availability during school pick-up and drop-off times.
✓
Verify the presence of any significant trees that may require removal permits.
✓
Check the distance to the nearest high-voltage power lines or substations.
✓
Review the Kingston/Bayside Integrated Transport Strategies for future road changes.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 bayside.vic.gov.au
🔗 kingston.vic.gov.au
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 mapshare.vic.gov.au
🔗 crimestatistics.vic.gov.au
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-05. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct independent due diligence and consult with legal and financial professionals before purchasing property.
