Carrum Downs vs Sandhurst
Carrum Downs (median $775,000) is roughly 30% cheaper to buy into than Sandhurst ($1,100,000).
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Carrum Downs and Sandhurst side by side
| Measure | Carrum Downs | Sandhurst |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $775,000 | $1,100,000 |
| Median unit | $600,000 | $302,400 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $560/wk | – |
| Unit rent | $470/wk | – |
| Owner occupied | 70.0% | 85.0% |
| Renter occupied | 27.0% | 13.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1002 | 1000 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 42 | – |
| Transit score | 30 | – |
| Bike score | 100 | – |
| Population | 21,976 | 5,211 |
| Median age | 36 | 41 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 685 mm | 729 mm |
| Mean max, January | 25.6°C | 25.7°C |
Green dot: better on that measure (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk). Each suburb’s profile gives the source and period of its figures.
Which suits whom
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Carrum Downs (1002) sits above Sandhurst (1000). Sandhurst skews owner-occupied (85%), Carrum Downs runs more rental-dense (70% owner).
- For buyers
- Carrum Downs is the lower entry point at $775,000 median, 30% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Rental or growth data is incomplete for one or both suburbs. Look at the full investor view on each suburb profile for a complete picture.
- For families
- Carrum Downs edges out on average school ICSEA (1002 vs 1000). Sandhurst also has a higher family-household share (89% vs 70%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Carrum Downs vs Sandhurst: common questions
Is Carrum Downs or Sandhurst cheaper to buy in?
Carrum Downs has the lower median house price at $775,000, roughly 30% below Sandhurst ($1,100,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Carrum Downs or Sandhurst have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Carrum Downs scores 1002 vs 1000 in Sandhurst. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.
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