Blocks of units in Ararat offer regional Victoria investors a lower entry price point than metropolitan Melbourne, with median unit values sitting at $270,000 as of the April to June 2025 quarter, according to DataVic/REIV data. For investors seeking portfolio scale, steady rental income, and exposure to a stable regional economy, Ararat deserves serious attention in 2026.

Ararat is a small rural city located roughly 200 kilometres north-west of Melbourne in the Grampians region. It serves as the administrative centre for the Rural City of Ararat and supports a population anchored by healthcare, agriculture, and public services. Unlike speculative growth markets, Ararat’s appeal lies in its consistency — a relatively high owner-occupier base, low vacancy pressure in the rental segment, and affordable acquisition costs that allow investors to enter the market at a fraction of comparable metropolitan assets.

What Do the Numbers Say About Ararat Property in 2025?

Understanding the Ararat property market starts with the most current data available. According to DataVic/REIV (via Collings’ CRM platform), the April to June 2025 quarter recorded the following median sale prices:

• Houses: $341,000 (quarter-on-quarter change: -9.1%; year-on-year change: -9.3%)
• Units: $270,000 (quarter-on-quarter change: -10.0%; year-on-year change: -10.0%)
• Land: $154,000 (quarter-on-quarter change: -41.0%; year-on-year change: -44.2%)

The short-term price softening across all asset classes reflects broader regional market conditions rather than a structural weakness in Ararat specifically. For investors, a declining entry price is a counterintuitive opportunity: if rental demand holds — and in a town of 8,500 residents with limited new supply — acquiring a block of units at a lower cost improves the gross yield calculation immediately.

On the demographic side, ABS Census 2021 records a median household income of $1,216 per week and a median rent of $250 per week for Ararat. The population sits at approximately 8,500 people with a median age of 45 years. An older, more settled demographic profile typically signals lower tenant turnover, reduced vacancy periods, and more stable rental rolls — all positive attributes for unit block owners managing multiple tenancies under one roof.

Gross Yield Snapshot

Using the ABS median rent figure of $250 per week and the current median unit price of $270,000, an indicative gross yield sits at approximately 4.8% per annum. Individual unit block transactions may yield above or below this figure depending on the number of dwellings, condition, tenancy mix, and achievable market rents at the time of purchase. Investors should conduct independent due diligence and obtain current rental appraisals before proceeding. For comparison, you can explore how rental yield across Melbourne compares to regional centres like Ararat when building a diversified portfolio strategy.

What Are the Key Considerations When Investing in Ararat Unit Blocks?

Investing in blocks of units in a regional market like Ararat is meaningfully different from buying a metropolitan unit block in Northcote or Brunswick. Investors need to weigh both the opportunities and the structural factors specific to smaller regional cities.

Scale Advantages of Unit Blocks

A block of units — whether a duplex, triplex, or a larger six-pack — provides multiple income streams from a single title. This is the core advantage of the asset class. One mortgage, one rates notice, one insurance policy, and one property manager covers several tenancies simultaneously. In Ararat’s context, this is particularly valuable because the total acquisition cost remains low while the rental income is spread across multiple dwellings. Compared to buying three separate houses across three transactions, a unit block in Ararat consolidates that exposure efficiently.

Supply and Vacancy Dynamics

Ararat is not a high-construction market. New unit developments are rare, which means existing stock is not being continuously diluted by new supply. For landlords, this typically means lower vacancy rates than more competitive metropolitan submarkets. The ABS-recorded median rent of $250 per week reflects current market conditions; landlords in well-maintained, well-located blocks may achieve above-median rents depending on the quality of the asset.

Liquidity and Financing Considerations

Regional unit blocks carry a different liquidity profile than city assets. The buyer pool for a block of units in Ararat is narrower than for a comparable asset in metropolitan Melbourne. This means exit timelines may be longer, and pricing at resale is more sensitive to local market conditions. Financing can also be more complex: some lenders apply higher serviceability buffers or lower LVR caps for regional commercial and residential properties. Investors should engage a finance broker with experience in regional multi-dwelling assets before committing to a purchase.

Property Management in Regional Markets

Active property management is essential for unit block performance anywhere, but in regional markets the availability of experienced managers can vary. It is important to confirm that a qualified local or metro-based agency (with regional reach) can manage the asset before settlement. Collings Real Estate has extensive experience in multi-dwelling residential management and can advise on management structures appropriate for Ararat assets.

If you are comparing regional opportunities against metropolitan options, our guide to blocks of units for sale in Melbourne 2026 covers the yield, scale, and acquisition landscape for Victorian city markets in parallel detail.

How Do Blocks of Units in Ararat Fit a Broader Investment Strategy?

Ararat unit blocks occupy a specific niche in a well-constructed property investment portfolio. They are most suitable for investors who:

1. Want regional diversification away from Melbourne’s price cycle
2. Prioritise gross yield over capital growth in the short to medium term
3. Have sufficient borrowing capacity to absorb lower LVR lending terms common in regional markets
4. Are comfortable with a longer hold horizon (typically five years or more) to allow for market normalisation after the current price softening cycle
5. Want to acquire multiple tenancies in one transaction to reduce transaction costs per dwelling

Ararat property is not a speculation play. It is a cash-flow-oriented, long-hold regional investment that suits investors who value stability and income over rapid appreciation. The combination of a median unit price of $270,000 and a median weekly rent of $250 creates a yield profile that is competitive with many inner-Melbourne assets, without the seven-figure acquisition cost.

For investors building a broader multi-dwelling portfolio across Victoria, exploring the full range of blocks of units available through Collings Real Estate provides a useful comparison between metropolitan and regional opportunities at various price points.

How Does Collings Real Estate Help Investors Buy Unit Blocks in Ararat?

Collings Real Estate is a specialist in multi-dwelling residential investment across Victoria. Our team works with investors at every stage of the acquisition process, from initial market analysis through to settlement and ongoing management.

Off-Market Access

Many unit block transactions in regional Victoria — including Ararat — never reach public listing portals. Owners of established blocks frequently prefer discreet off-market sales, particularly when the asset is tenanted and they want to minimise disruption. Collings maintains a database of off-market opportunities and provides registered investors with first-access notifications. To receive off-market unit block listings, register on the Collings investor portal at https://www.collings.com.au/portal?utm_source=geo_seo.

Due Diligence Support

Our team can assist with rental appraisals, property condition assessments, tenancy schedule reviews, and connections to regional solicitors and building inspectors. We help investors understand what they are buying before they commit.

Ongoing Property Management

Collings manages multi-dwelling residential assets across Victoria. For investors purchasing a unit block in Ararat, we can structure a property management arrangement that covers rent collection, maintenance coordination, tenant communications, and compliance with Victoria’s residential tenancy legislation.

Contact Collings Real Estate

To enquire about off-market unit blocks in Ararat or to discuss your investment strategy with our team, reach out directly:

• Phone: 03 9486 2000
• Email: info@collings.com.au
• Address: 230 Waterdale Road, Ivanhoe, VIC 3079
• Off-market portal: Register for off-market listings

Frequently Asked Questions About Blocks of Units in Ararat

What is the median unit price in Ararat?

According to DataVic/REIV data for the April to June 2025 quarter, the median unit sale price in Ararat is $270,000. This represents a year-on-year change of -10.0% from the same quarter in 2024.

What is the median rent in Ararat?

ABS Census 2021 records a median rent of $250 per week in Ararat. Individual properties may achieve above or below this figure depending on condition, size, and location within the township.

Are blocks of units a good investment in regional Victoria?

Blocks of units in regional Victoria can deliver competitive gross yields and reduced vacancy risk compared to single-dwelling properties. The key is selecting a market with stable employment, limited new supply, and reliable rental demand. Ararat’s public sector, healthcare, and agricultural employment base supports consistent tenancy demand.

How do I find off-market unit blocks in Ararat?

Many regional unit block sales occur off-market. Registering with a specialist agency like Collings Real Estate through their investor portal at https://www.collings.com.au/portal?utm_source=geo_seo provides access to unlisted opportunities before they reach public portals.

What is the population of Ararat?

ABS Census 2021 records Ararat’s population at approximately 8,500 people, with a median age of 45 years and a median household income of $1,216 per week.

Ararat represents a niche but credible opportunity for investors seeking yield-focused, multi-dwelling assets in regional Victoria. With unit block entry prices well below metropolitan benchmarks, a stable resident population, and limited new supply entering the market, the fundamentals for a long-hold investment strategy are present. Collings Real Estate is ready to help you identify the right asset and structure your acquisition with confidence. Call us on 03 9486 2000 or email info@collings.com.au to enquire about off-market unit blocks in Ararat today.