When helping our clients buy in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, one question that sometimes comes up is:
“What about access to public transport?”
It’s a fair question, especially if you’re used to buying in the inner or middle ring suburbs where train lines and tram stops can strongly influence lifestyle and value. In those areas, a property’s distance to the nearest train station or tram stop can be a key part of its appeal.
But in outer suburban markets (like Seaford and across Frankston City) public transport simply isn’t a major driver for how most people get around. And the data backs that up.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to the 2021 Census:
In Seaford, the story is nearly identical, even though it’s one of the few suburbs in the area with its own train station. Just 2.9% of people took public transport to work. The overwhelming majority still drove, and more than 1 in 5 worked from home.
So while Seaford has a train station, and Frankston is a major transport hub, just 2.9% and 2.2% of people respectively use public transport for work. It’s a similar story in nearby suburbs like Carrum Downs, Langwarrin, and Skye, where residents overwhelmingly commute by car or are now working remotely.
Why We Don’t Prioritise Train Access in These Areas
If we were buying in inner or middle-ring suburbs (like Brunswick, Elsternwick, or Bentleigh) then yes, access to public transport would absolutely be a priority. In those markets, many buyers and renters depend on train and tram access to reach jobs in the CBD or major education hubs. A short walk to a station can add real value and appeal.
But the same logic doesn’t apply to outer suburbs, where a car is the primary mode of transport. Even when a suburb technically has a train station, that feature often doesn’t shift behaviour, lifestyle, or property performance.
If we made access to public transport a “must-have” in these areas, we’d be eliminating some of the best-performing suburbs, or worse, choosing homes based on a feature that simply doesn’t matter to the local market.
What We Focus on Instead
When we assess property potential in outer suburbs like Seaford or Frankston, we look at what actually shapes capital growth and lifestyle outcomes:
- Owner-occupier appeal
- School zoning and family-friendly infrastructure
- Access to beaches, cafes, walking tracks, and shops
- Rental demand, yield, and long-term tenancy prospects
- Suburb momentum and local development plans
- Lifestyle alignment for flexible or remote workers
For example, a well-renovated three-bedroom home near the beach or a quality school zone is likely to outperform a comparable home near a train line but lacking in lifestyle appeal. These are the elements that support strong growth and attract long-term buyers or tenants.
Public transport access matters, but only in the right context. When we’re buying in locations where most people drive or work from home, we make sure our criteria reflect the reality of how locals live.
It’s this level of suburb-specific strategy that helps our clients make smarter decisions, and buy better. And if you want our help with your next investment property purchase, book a call with Lisa here.
Recent Comments