Brighton has long been synonymous with prestige, luxury and bayside living, making it one of Melbourne‘s most desirable suburbs for residential buyers and investors alike. As we move into 2025, the Brighton property market continues to evolve, presenting both exciting opportunities and new challenges for buyers.
Current Market Snapshot
In 2025, Brighton maintains its status as one of Melbourne’s highest-priced suburbs, with a median house price of $3,225,000 according to realestate.com.au, reflecting a 2.4% growth over the past 12 months. Units and apartments have a median price of $1,195,000, showing a slight decrease of 2.2% during the same period. The median time on the market for houses is around 50 days, with units taking slightly longer at 58 days. Interest remains strong, with over 8,300 buyers actively seeking houses and over 4,700 interested in units.
Key Trends in Brighton for 2025
- High Demand for Luxury Homes: Premium properties, particularly close to Brighton Beach, Church Street and Bay Street, remain highly sought after.
- Increased Interest in Low-Maintenance Luxury Apartments: Downsizers and professionals are increasingly drawn to luxury apartments that offer convenience without sacrificing location or prestige.
- Sustainable and Smart Homes: There’s a notable shift toward sustainability and smart home technology, with buyers favouring environmentally-friendly homes that feature energy efficiency and advanced automation systems.
Opportunities for Buyers
- Off-Market Opportunities: Brighton properties frequently sell off-market. Engaging a reputable buyers’ agent in Melbourne can provide crucial access to these exclusive listings.
- Value in Renovation Projects: Older homes in premium locations offer potential for buyers looking to add significant value through renovations or redevelopment.
- Luxury Apartments as Investments: With stable rental returns (houses yielding around 2.7% and units 3.8%), Brighton’s luxury apartments and townhouses near key amenities are particularly appealing to investors.
Challenges Buyers May Face
- Competition and Pricing: High desirability leads to fierce competition, making auctions highly competitive.
- Limited Supply: Restrictive zoning laws and heritage protections significantly limit new developments, keeping supply tight and prices elevated.
Impact of Victorian Government Rezoning Plans
The Victorian government recently announced significant rezoning plans aimed at increasing housing density in affluent suburbs, including Brighton. As part of the initiative, areas near Brighton’s train stations will see rezoning to allow taller buildings of up to 20 storeys, alongside more moderate developments of three to six storeys within the surrounding 800-metre “walkable catchments.” These changes aim to attract younger residents who are currently “locked out” due to high property prices, potentially reshaping the local market dynamics and offering new opportunities for buyers and investors. The rezoning process will include consultations through to 2026, and existing heritage and landscape protections will remain intact in the affected areas.
Expert Insights
Nicole Jacobs, Managing Director of Cohen Handler Victoria, said: “The Brighton property market remains robust and competitive in 2025. Buyers who act strategically and have expert representation will have significant advantages in navigating the complexities of the current market conditions, particularly given the upcoming zoning changes.
“There are currently around 250 houses listed on-market on major property portals like realestate.com.au, however we know of another 150 available off-market, so working with buyers’ agents like Cohen Handler will open up your options.”
Expert Tips for Buyers in Brighton
- Engage a Specialist Buyers Advocate: Leverage local market knowledge and gain an advantage, particularly for off-market transactions.
- Be Auction Ready: Secure pre-approved finance and thoroughly conduct due diligence before participating in auctions.
- Consider Long-term Value: Evaluate property investments based on long-term appreciation potential and lifestyle benefits rather than short-term gains.
Final Thoughts
Brighton continues to represent a high-quality, high-demand segment of Melbourne’s real estate market. With careful planning, strategic advice, and the support of a knowledgeable buyers agent, savvy buyers in 2025 can successfully navigate the challenges and capitalise on the substantial opportunities available in this prestigious suburb.