Yes, retirees remain a primary buyer demographic on the Bellarine Peninsula. They form a significant portion of the permanent resident buyer pool, with the 70–79 age group identified as the predominant demographic in this category. Retiree demand persists alongside Melbourne-based weekender and holiday home buyers. This dual buyer pool sustains interest despite varying price movements
The introduction of Victoria’s Short Stay Accommodation Levy, alongside rising land taxes and interest rates, has prompted investors to dispose of holiday assets (Barry Plant Dromana). This has increased listing volumes, causing entry-level properties below $1 million to undergo a price correction, while prestige properties above $1 million continue to sell well and often exceed
Geelong’s growth as a self-sustaining regional hub, with a population forecast to reach 400,000 by 2046, provides a structural floor for Bellarine Peninsula values. While some coastal towns are seeing price corrections, such as Ocean Grove’s -6.19% annual change (Bellarine Times), the region benefits from Geelong’s economic expansion and Melbourne’s affordability pressures. The Bellarine Peninsula
The short stay rental market is currently increasing listing volumes on the Bellarine Peninsula as investors exit due to the Short Stay Accommodation Levy, higher land taxes, and interest rates (Barry Plant Dromana, early 2026). This has created a price divergence where premium properties above $1 million continue to sell well, while entry-level assets are
The Bellarine Peninsula buyer pool is dual-faceted, consisting of permanent residents and Melbourne-based weekender or holiday home buyers. Permanent demand is underpinned by Geelong’s economic growth and local employment, while Melbourne buyers are driven by metropolitan affordability pressures and coastal lifestyle appeal. The market is currently defined by a split between those seeking a primary
Infrastructure investment in roads, schools, and community facilities across the Armstrong Creek, Charlemont, and Mount Duneed corridors is driving significant new-estate growth. This is supported by the V/Line rail connection to the Melbourne CBD, which takes approximately 1 hour and enables a hybrid-work lifestyle for those fleeing Melbourne affordability pressures. Buyers are increasingly viewing the
Bellarine Peninsula prices are experiencing a varied correction from COVID-era peaks, with Ocean Grove recording an annual median price decrease of 6.19% to approximately $1,039,067. Conversely, premium pockets like Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale, and Queenscliff remain firm due to limited supply and strong lifestyle buyer demand. The market is currently bifurcated between larger residential hubs
New estates in the Armstrong Creek growth corridor are currently experiencing the strongest buyer enquiry levels seen in two years (Bellarine Times, late 2025). Additionally, premium properties in Barwon Heads and heritage homes in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff move efficiently due to consistently high demand and limited supply. Buyer appetite on the Bellarine Peninsula is
Selling on the Bellarine Peninsula in April 2026 requires balancing increased stock levels against dampened buyer urgency. While listings increased nearly 40% since December 2025 (Raine & Horne), RBA rate hikes in February and March 2026 have made buyers more cautious (Domain). The Bellarine Peninsula is experiencing a significant increase in available stock, with listings
Yes, Melbourne downsizers continue to buy on the Bellarine Peninsula, driven by a significant retiree and semi-retiree demographic, predominantly aged 70–79 years. While some areas have seen price corrections, such as Ocean Grove at -6.19% annually (CoreLogic), demand remains firm in premium villages with tight supply. The movement of downsizers from Melbourne to the coast
