Fairhaven vs Aireys Inlet.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,725,000 and $1,247,500. Aireys Inlet edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Aireys Inlet (median $1,247,500) is roughly 38% cheaper to buy into than Fairhaven ($1,725,000).
Aireys Inlet scores higher on walkability (0/100 vs 20/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Aireys Inlet (1092) sits above Fairhaven (1074).
For buyers
Aireys Inlet is the lower entry point at $1,247,500 median, 38% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Aireys Inlet offers the higher gross rental yield (1.46% vs 1.06%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Aireys Inlet edges out on average school ICSEA (1092 vs 1074).
Common questions
Is Fairhaven or Aireys Inlet cheaper to buy in?
Aireys Inlet has the lower median house price at $1,247,500, roughly 38% below Fairhaven ($1,725,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Fairhaven or Aireys Inlet have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Aireys Inlet scores 1092 vs 1074 in Fairhaven. 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.
Which is more walkable, Fairhaven or Aireys Inlet?
Aireys Inlet scores 20/100 on walkability vs 0/100. Above 70 is considered very walkable (most errands on foot), 50-69 is walkable for some errands, below 50 typically requires a car for daily life.
Which suburb has higher rental yield, Fairhaven or Aireys Inlet?
Gross rental yield on houses is 1.46% in Aireys Inlet vs 1.06% in Fairhaven. Gross yield equals annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield (after strata, rates, insurance, agent fees and maintenance) typically runs 1.5-2 percentage points lower.
The numbers behind the take
Price & Market
Rental
Lifestyle & Demographics
Risk & Hazard
Schools
Climate
Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).
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