Spence vs Mckellar.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $941,000 and $1,057,500. Mckellar edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Spence (median $941,000) is roughly 11% cheaper to buy into than Mckellar ($1,057,500).
Mckellar scores higher on walkability (12/100 vs 20/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Mckellar (1077) sits above Spence (1057).
For buyers
Spence is the lower entry point at $941,000 median, 11% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Spence offers the higher gross rental yield (2.32% vs 2.16%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Mckellar edges out on average school ICSEA (1077 vs 1057).
Common questions
Is Spence or Mckellar cheaper to buy in?
Spence has the lower median house price at $941,000, roughly 11% below Mckellar ($1,057,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Spence or Mckellar have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Mckellar scores 1077 vs 1057 in Spence. 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, Spence or Mckellar?
Mckellar scores 20/100 on walkability vs 12/100. 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, Spence or Mckellar?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.32% in Spence vs 2.16% in Mckellar. 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).
Compare Spence against another suburb