We sat down with Andrew Ingham to explore how the past year has unfolded and what lies ahead for the Bellarine Peninsula property market.
How has the Bellarine Peninsula property market performed in the last 12 months?
The market has been stable with prices holding steady. The top end has softened slightly, while more affordable properties continue to perform well. The Bellarine remains a highly desirable lifestyle destination with solid long term fundamentals and signs of renewed confidence. The rental market has continued to perform strongly, underpinned by sustained demand and limited supply. Properties are leasing quickly, rental values have strengthened across most segments, and we're seeing a notable increase in enquiries from owners transitioning from short-stay into long-term rentals.
The Bellarine remains a highly desirable lifestyle destination with solid long-term fundamentals and signs of renewed confidence.
Which suburbs on the Bellarine Peninsula look best placed for stability over the next 12 months?
Barwon Heads remains tightly held with a high owner-occupier ratio. The river, beach and village lifestyle continues to attract families, retirees and investors, and it has proven more resilient than many other coastal markets. Point Lonsdale has also remained stable, drawing downsizers relocating from Melbourne and locals seeking a quiet coastal environment.
How do you expect the Bellarine Peninsula market will respond to further potential cash rate adjustments?
We expect the market to remain steady, with potentially more Melbourne-based buyers looking to relocate for the lifestyle. Highly rated for liveability, safety, community and amenity, the Bellarine is well-positioned to remain resilient and maintain continued growth.
Median property prices
Source: Cotality, 01/04/2025 - 31/03/2026 Where a suburb is split across a LGA, the whole suburb has been used to determine a median. Where there are insufficient sales within a suburb over a 12-month period, a median price has not been calculated.Bellarine Peninsula & surrounds
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Barwon Heads
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Clifton Springs
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Connewarre
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Curlewis
-
Drysdale
-
Indented Head
-
Leopold
-
Ocean Grove
-
Portarlington
-
St Leonards
Median days on market
Source: Cotality, 01/04/2025 - 31/03/2026City of Greater Geelong
Rental yield
Source: Cotality, 01/04/2025 - 31/03/2026City of Greater Geelong
Current population
Source: ABS Census 2021 DataCity of Greater Geelong
- Houses
- Units
We continue to see strong investor activity in Ocean Grove. What makes Ocean Grove such an attractive suburb for investors?
The data points to a materially stronger rental environment in Ocean Grove. For investors in the region, the perfect storm of renter competition, demand outpacing supply, and infrastructure improvement contributes to high yields and consistent rental income.
Victoria is on track to add 1.2 million residents over the next decade¹, with many flocking to regional lifestyle locations. What continues to drive buyers to the Bellarine Peninsula?
Affordability, wellness, lifestyle, safety and community, combined with direct access to Geelong, Australia's fastest-growing regional city.
Ownership
Source: ABS Census 2021 DataCity of Greater Geelong
- Own
- 34%
- Purchasing
- 35%
- Rent
- 28%
- Other
- 3%
- Own
- Purchasing
- Rent
- Other
Dwelling type
Source: ABS Census 2021 DataCity of Greater Geelong
- House
- 86%
- Semi detached
- 11%
- Unit / apartment
- 3%
- House
- Semi detached
- Unit / apartment
What does FY27 and beyond look like for the Bellarine Peninsula property market?
We anticipate modest, consistent growth. Returning confidence will improve competition, support price growth and tighten days on market. With Geelong flagged as a top long-term growth region, the Bellarine is well-placed to benefit from the population and infrastructure gains ahead.
Fast Four with Andrew Ingham
Favourite street
Araluen Court, with its large blocks and direct access to Village Park and the Barwon River.
Local secret
The Barwon Heads Bluff walk offers amazing coastal scenery, and coffee at Annie’s is a must.
Memorable sale
3 Barwon Terrace, Barwon Heads. Over 50 genuine buyers, two bidders, and the buyer knew the original owner, renowned architect Dr Phillip Roos.
One to watch
High-end townhouses with flexible floor plans.
