The best suburbs to buy in Melbourne’s inner west are Yarraville, Williamstown, Seddon, Footscray, Spotswood and Sunshine. However, there are several other suburbs worth considering. Let’s take a closer look at the suburbs considered among the best places to live and invest in Melbourne’s Inner West.
The western suburbs of Melbourne have seen incredible growth in recent years, with a number of key areas rising as prime locations for real estate investment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best areas to buy property in the western part of Melbourne, focusing on Yarraville real estate, Williamstown real estate, Footscray real estate, Sunshine real estate, Seddon real estate, and Spotswood real estate.
Yarraville Real Estate
Yarraville is the inner west’s most sought-after suburb, 7 km from the CBD, with a median house price of $1,187,500. Its village centre on Anderson Street has the Sun Theatre, independent cafés and a Saturday market, and Yarraville station is two stops from Footscray. Housing is mostly Victorian and Edwardian weatherboards, with townhouses and apartments near the station. Buyers are young professionals and families upgrading from Footscray or Seddon.
Yarraville liveability score:
7.6 out of 10
Williamstown Real Estate
For those looking for a coastal lifestyle without sacrificing city access, Williamstown real estate is an excellent choice. This picturesque suburb boasts stunning waterfront views and a charming historical vibe, with a mix of Victorian-era homes and modern developments. Williamstown’s strong sense of community, access to excellent schools, and proximity to Melbourne’s CBD make it an attractive option for families, retirees, and professionals alike. The local property market continues to grow steadily, and with its ongoing infrastructure improvements, Williamstown is set to remain a hot spot for years to come.
Williamstown liveability score:
7.0 out of 10
Footscray Real Estate
Once known for its industrial roots, Footscray real estate is now undergoing a major transformation. The area has become a cultural hub, offering a diverse range of dining options, galleries, and boutique shops. Footscray’s proximity to the city, its growing demand for housing, and its affordable property prices compared to more central locations make it an attractive option for investors and first-time buyers alike. With a strong public transport network and a strong sense of community, Footscray is poised for continued growth in 2025.
Footscray liveability score:
6.7 out of 10
Sunshine Real Estate
Sunshine is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand suburbs in Melbourne’s west. Sunshine real estate offers a range of affordable housing options, making it an excellent choice for first-time homebuyers. The suburb has undergone significant development in recent years, including upgrades to transport links and local amenities. Sunshine’s strong community atmosphere, combined with its affordable housing options and proximity to the city, makes it an appealing choice for families and investors looking for long-term growth.
Sunshine livability score:
6.7 out of 10
Seddon Real Estate
Seddon offers a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle, with a strong sense of community and a rich history. Seddon real estate is highly desirable, thanks to its leafy streets, local cafés, and proximity to the city. With a growing number of young professionals and families moving into the area, Seddon has seen its property values rise steadily. The suburb offers a range of properties, from charming Victorian homes to modern townhouses, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to buy in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Seddon livability score:
6.0 out of 10
Spotswood Real Estate
Spotswood is an up-and-coming gem in Melbourne’s west. With its quiet, suburban feel and easy access to the city, Spotswood real estate offers excellent value for money. The suburb is known for its leafy streets, strong community, and easy access to public transport, making it a popular choice for families and professionals. As Spotswood continues to evolve, property values are expected to rise, making it a great investment opportunity for those looking to buy in 2025.
Spotswood livability score:
No reliable data
Altona Suburb VIC 3018
Altona is a coastal suburb located approximately 13 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s Central Business District. Known for its picturesque Altona Beach, the suburb offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. The area features a mix of residential housing, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle.
Altona offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with its popular beachfront, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying stunning sunsets. The suburb is well-connected, with Altona train station providing direct access to the city via the Werribee line, typically around a 30-minute commute. Residents also enjoy a strong sense of community, supported by local events and activities that create a welcoming and friendly environment.
Altona livability score:
No reliable data
Altona North VIC 3025
Altona North is situated approximately 10 kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD. A mix of residential, industrial, and commercial areas characterises it. The suburb offers a more urban feel compared to its coastal neighbours, with easy access to major roads and shopping centres.
Altona North is a vibrant suburb featuring a mix of industrial and commercial businesses that provide local employment opportunities, while residents enjoy convenient shopping at Altona Gate Shopping Centre. The area is well-connected by both road and public transport, making commuting to nearby areas and the city straightforward and efficient.
Altona North livability score:
No reliable data
Altona Meadows VIC 3028
Altona Meadows is a family-friendly suburb located approximately 17 km southwest of Melbourne’s CBD, within the City of Hobsons Bay. It offers a balanced lifestyle with access to essential amenities, recreational spaces, and a strong sense of community.
The suburb also provides strong educational and lifestyle amenities, making it ideal for families. Schools such as Altona Meadows Primary School and Queen of Peace Parish Primary School ensure accessible educational options. Residents benefit from convenient transport links, including multiple bus routes and access to Laverton train station for easy travel to Melbourne’s CBD. Central Square Shopping Centre serves as the local retail hub, offering a variety of shops and services to meet everyday needs. Together, these features make Altona Meadows a well-rounded and attractive suburb in Melbourne’s western region.
Altona Meadows livability score:
No reliable data
In Summary
Melbourne’s real estate market in 2025 offers a wealth of opportunities, particularly in the western suburbs. Areas like Yarraville real estate, Williamstown real estate, Footscray real estate, Sunshine real estate, Seddon real estate, and Spotswood real estate are all poised for continued growth, with strong demand for housing and excellent investment potential. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant community, coastal living, or a more affordable property option, Melbourne’s western suburbs offer something for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Which inner west suburb is the cheapest?
Sunshine has the lowest median house price at $857,500, followed by Footscray at $950,000. For units, Footscray is the cheapest option within 5 km of the CBD at a median of $470,000 (Your Investment Property, Sept 2026).
Is Footscray a good investment in 2026?
Yes for rental demand: four train lines, Victoria University and the new Footscray Hospital keep vacancy low. Houses have a median of $950,000 and grew 3.3% in the past year, while units sit at $470,000 and fell 3.1%, so buy houses or townhouses for capital growth and apartments for yield (about 5.9% gross).
Yarraville or Seddon for a family?
Yarraville has the bigger village centre and more schools; Seddon is about $100,000 cheaper for a similar home (median $1,100,000 vs $1,200,000) and quieter at night. Both share Yarraville station and the same primary school catchments on the border.
Which inner west suburb is best for first-home buyers?
Footscray for apartments (median unit $470,000) and Sunshine for houses (median $857,500). Both have many properties under the $750,000 threshold for Victoria’s first-home buyer stamp duty concession.
How far is the inner west from the CBD?
Footscray is 5 km and 10 minutes by train; Sunshine is 12 km and about 20 minutes. Everything in this guide is within 17 km of Flinders Street.