One of the most common decisions Melbourne investors face is whether to buy closer to the CBD at a higher price or further out for a lower entry point and higher yield. This page compares Melbourne’s inner-north against the outer northern, western and south-eastern corridors.
Zone Comparison Table
| Zone | Median House | Gross Yield | 5yr Growth | GeeVee Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner-North (Northcote/Brunswick) | $1,350,000 | 2.1% | 28% | 8.2/10 |
| Middle-North (Preston/Reservoir) | $950,000 | 3.1% | 32% | 8.0/10 |
| Outer-North (Mill Park/Bundoora) | $780,000 | 4.2% | 29% | 7.4/10 |
| Inner-West (Footscray/Yarraville) | $980,000 | 3.4% | 31% | 7.8/10 |
| Outer-West (Werribee/Hoppers) | $580,000 | 4.8% | 24% | 7.0/10 |
| South-East (Clayton/Oakleigh) | $1,050,000 | 3.8% | 27% | 7.9/10 |
GeeVee Verdict
The middle-north ring (Preston, Reservoir, Thornbury) delivers the best balance of price, yield and growth in 2026 — lower entry than inner-north, higher yield, and comparable five-year growth. The inner-north wins on long-term capital growth and rental depth. The outer rings win on yield and entry price for cash-flow investors.
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