Highett Property Market & Suburb Guide: Is It a Good Place to Buy?

Why Buyers Are Choosing Highett in 2026

Highett has rapidly shifted from an overlooked Bayside suburb to one of Melbourne’s most closely watched property markets. Positioned between more established coastal suburbs and key employment hubs, it is increasingly attracting buyers who want lifestyle, connectivity, and long-term growth without paying premium Brighton or Hampton pricing.

For many buyers, Highett represents a practical middle ground — offering access to Bayside living while still presenting relative value compared to its neighbours. This combination is driving consistent demand from first home buyers, upgraders, and investors alike.

Its ongoing transformation, diverse housing stock, and strong fundamentals make it a suburb worth serious consideration in 2026.

Highett Property Market Overview

The Highett property market continues to evolve, shaped by redevelopment, changing buyer demographics, and steady demand.

Buyers in Highett will find a mix of:

• Original weatherboard and brick homes
• Renovated family residences on established blocks
• Modern townhouses targeting first home buyers and downsizers
• Low-rise apartment developments near transport and retail precincts

A suburb in transition

Highett’s redevelopment pipeline has been a major driver of its growth. Older properties are steadily being replaced by higher-quality, modern housing, attracting younger buyers and lifting the suburb’s overall profile.

Relative affordability in Bayside Melbourne

While prices have risen, Highett generally remains more accessible than neighbouring suburbs like Brighton and Sandringham. This price gap is often what first draws buyers into the area before they recognise its long-term potential.

Consistent buyer demand

Demand is broad and stable, supported by:

• First home buyers entering via townhouses and apartments
• Families upgrading into renovated homes
• Investors targeting growth in a developing suburb

What Makes Highett Different From Nearby Suburbs

Highett occupies a unique position within Melbourne’s Bayside south-east.

More attainable entry points

Compared to Brighton, Hampton, and Black Rock, Highett offers more achievable entry prices, particularly for buyers early in their property journey.

Ongoing development opportunities

Unlike tightly held blue-chip suburbs, Highett still has room for redevelopment — creating opportunities for:

• New housing supply
• Value-add renovations
• Long-term uplift

Balanced lifestyle and convenience

You still get proximity to the bay, but also benefit from:

• Easier access to major retail
• Strong transport links
• A less tightly held, more flexible property market

Lifestyle and Location Benefits

Lifestyle plays a major role in Highett’s growing popularity.

Access to Southland and retail hubs

Westfield Southland is a key driver of convenience and employment, offering:

• Major retail and supermarkets
• Dining and entertainment
• Public transport integration

Parks and outdoor spaces

Highett provides family-friendly green spaces and recreational facilities, supporting long-term livability and buyer demand.

Transport connectivity

The suburb benefits from:

• Train access via Highett Station
• Direct links to the CBD
• Road access to surrounding suburbs and employment corridors

For buyers balancing work, lifestyle, and affordability, this connectivity is a major advantage.

Buying Property in Highett: Key Considerations

Buying in Highett requires a clear understanding of both the property market and your financial position.

Competition for quality homes

Well-located and renovated properties can attract strong interest, particularly from families upgrading within the area.

Understanding your borrowing power

Your borrowing capacity will ultimately determine what’s achievable in Highett’s market. Factors such as income, debts, expenses, and lender policies can all impact your budget.

Importance of pre-approval

In competitive segments of the market, pre-approval:

• Strengthens your negotiating position
• Allows faster decision-making
• Reduces risk during the purchase process

Can First Home Buyers Still Buy in Highett?

Highett remains a viable option for first home buyers, but the strategy often differs from higher-priced suburbs.

Townhouses and apartments as entry points

These property types create more accessible options, allowing buyers to enter the market sooner while still benefiting from location.

Using the property ladder strategy

Many buyers:

• Enter via a townhouse or apartment
• Build equity over time
• Upgrade into larger homes later

Government support opportunities

Depending on eligibility, buyers may benefit from:

• First Home Owner Grant (if applicable)
• Stamp duty concessions
• Low-deposit schemes

Understanding how these apply can meaningfully improve affordability.

Using Equity to Buy in Highett

A significant portion of buyers in Highett are not first-time purchasers.

Many are:

• Upgrading from inner suburbs
• Moving laterally for lifestyle reasons
• Repositioning their property portfolio

How equity can be used

Existing homeowners may be able to:

• Use equity as a deposit
• Reduce upfront cash requirements
• Access better loan structures

However, this needs to be carefully assessed alongside lending criteria and future financial goals.

Is Highett a Good Investment Suburb?

Highett is increasingly being viewed as a long-term growth suburb rather than a high-yield play.

Growth fundamentals include:

• Location within Melbourne’s Bayside region
• Continued redevelopment and gentrification
• Strong owner-occupier demand
• Limited long-term land supply

Rental demand

The suburb attracts:

• Young professionals
• Families
• Commuters

This supports relatively stable rental demand compared to more volatile outer suburbs.

What Could Influence Highett Property Prices?

Several factors are likely to shape the Highett property market going forward.

Population growth

Melbourne’s continued growth is increasing demand for well-located middle-ring suburbs.

Ongoing redevelopment

New housing supply and improved streetscapes continue to reshape the suburb.

Bayside demand spill over

As neighbouring suburbs become less affordable, buyers naturally move into Highett.

Infrastructure and amenity improvements

Transport and retail investment — particularly around Southland — remain key drivers of local demand.

Looking to Buy Property in Highett?

Buying property in Highett can be competitive, particularly as more buyers recognise its value within Melbourne’s Bayside market. With rising prices, varying property types, and lender requirements to navigate, making the right financial decisions early is critical.

At Finance Broker Melbourne, we can help you:

• Understand your borrowing capacity
• Compare home loans across multiple lenders
• Structure your finance for flexibility and long-term goals
• Access equity from existing properties
• Secure pre-approval to strengthen your position

Brendon Cowan is an experienced Melbourne mortgage broker who works closely with buyers navigating suburbs like Highett, helping them make confident and well-informed decisions.

If you’re considering buying in Highett, having the right strategy in place early can make a significant difference.

Frequently Asked Questions