Stratford vs Maffra.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $486,500 and $412,500. Maffra edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Maffra (median $412,500) is roughly 18% cheaper to buy into than Stratford ($486,500).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Maffra (980) sits above Stratford (976).
For buyers
Maffra is the lower entry point at $412,500 median, 18% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Maffra offers the higher gross rental yield (5.67% vs 2.99%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Maffra edges out on average school ICSEA (980 vs 976).
Common questions
Is Stratford or Maffra cheaper to buy in?
Maffra has the lower median house price at $412,500, roughly 18% below Stratford ($486,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Stratford or Maffra have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Maffra scores 980 vs 976 in Stratford. 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 suburb has higher rental yield, Stratford or Maffra?
Gross rental yield on houses is 5.67% in Maffra vs 2.99% in Stratford. 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 Stratford against another suburb