Side by sideSuburb comparison

Research vs Eltham.

Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,530,500 and $1,263,500. Eltham edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.

Eltham (median $1,263,500) is roughly 21% cheaper to buy into than Research ($1,530,500).

Eltham scores higher on walkability (2/100 vs 100/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Eltham (1106) sits above Research (1094).

The takeWhich suburb suits which buyer

For buyers

Eltham is the lower entry point at $1,263,500 median, 21% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.

For investors

Eltham offers the higher gross rental yield (2.68% vs 2.21%), favouring cash-flow investors.

For families

Eltham edges out on average school ICSEA (1106 vs 1094).

Common questionsResearch vs Eltham

Common questions

Is Research or Eltham cheaper to buy in?

Eltham has the lower median house price at $1,263,500, roughly 21% below Research ($1,530,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.

Does Research or Eltham have better schools?

On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Eltham scores 1106 vs 1094 in Research. 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, Research or Eltham?

Eltham scores 100/100 on walkability vs 2/100. 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, Research or Eltham?

Gross rental yield on houses is 2.68% in Eltham vs 2.21% in Research. 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

Research
Metric
Eltham

Price & Market

$1,530,500
Median house
$1,263,500
$362,160
Median unit
$840,000
+0.0%
Annual growth (house)
+0.0%
Days on market

Rental

$650/wk
Rent (house / wk)
$650/wk
$500/wk
Rent (unit / wk)
$500/wk
92.0%
Owner occupied
6.0%
Renter occupied

Lifestyle & Demographics

2
Walk score
100
0
Transit score
0
55
Bike score
100
2,695
Population
28,373
44
Median age
43

Risk & Hazard

Flood class
Bushfire risk

Schools

20
Schools nearby
20
1094
Avg ICSEA
1106

Climate

639 mm
Annual rainfall
639 mm
25.9°C
Mean max (Jan)
25.9°C

Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).