Riding high on years of strong population growth, Melbourne’s west can’t be stopped when it comes to interest from buyers.
Stretching from inner-city suburbs such as Footscray to the outer western suburbs of Melton and Baccus Marsh, Melbourne’s west has evolved significantly from its industrial roots.
According to a new report, titled PropTrack Stockland Regional Snapshot: Melbourne’s West, the Statistical Area Level 4 region was Victoria’s fastest-growing region over the past decade, adding 244,867 people to its population between 2014 and 2024.
Melbourne's West added 244,867 people to its population between 2014 and 2024. Picture: realestate.com.au
The report found that as population growth accelerated, housing demand rose steadily, with median house prices in Melbourne’s western suburbs increasing by 63% over the decade to $729,000. This compares with a 48% rise across Greater Melbourne over the same period.
Despite this growth, the region remains one of the more affordable parts of the metropolitan market. And while the pace of price growth has slowed since 2022, Melbourne’s West continues to attract buyers.
Stockland development director Jackie Kent said the region’s appeal lies in its balance of affordability, lifestyle and long-term opportunity.
“Families are drawn to the west for its strong community, proximity to the Melbourne CBD, and new infrastructure that is reshaping how people live, work, and connect,” Ms Kent said.
Infrastructure shaping growth
Ongoing infrastructure investment continues to play a major role in Melbourne’s west, with significant projects aimed at improving connectivity across the city and beyond.
Large-scale projects such as the recently completed West Gate Tunnel and the Suburban Rail Loop are expected to significantly enhance transport links.
In February 2025, the federal government committed $3.3 billion to new road and rail projects, including funding for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. The project, which forms part of the Suburban Rail Loop, will increase services from the airport through to Sunshine Station.
Ms Kent said infrastructure investment remained a key driver of buyer demand.
“Improvements to roads, public transport and community amenities are giving residents more confidence to buy and build now, knowing their lifestyle will continue to improve over time,” she said.
“Projects such as the recently opened West Gate Tunnel, along with continued road upgrades, expanded bus networks, and future retail and employment hubs are transforming accessibility and convenience across the corridor.”
Meeting evolving community needs
As the population of Melbourne’s west grows and changes, so too do buyer needs and preferences.
Stockland's Mt Atkinson in Truganina is expected to have 4000 homes once finished. Picture: realestate.com.au
The report found that new houses dominate development in the region, accounting for 64% of new listings. This is notably higher than Greater Melbourne, where new houses make up 49% of listings.
Apartments, by contrast, represent just 2% of new listings over the 12 months to August 2025.
This trend aligns with data from the 2021 Census, which shows families account for 77% of households across Melbourne’s west.
Ms Kent said new developments, including Stockland communities, are designed to meet a wide range of buyer needs.
She said buyers can access diverse housing options suited to different budgets and life stages, as well as relatively accessible price points for land and townhome options, alongside long-term value potential as communities evolve and amenities are delivered.
“This combination of affordability and potential future growth makes the western corridor especially appealing for first-home buyers, young families, and upgraders,” she said.
One example is Stockland’s Mt Atkinson development in Truganina, which is expected to be home to around 15,000 residents across 4000 homes once complete.
Located less than 28km from Melbourne’s CBD, the community offers connectivity via the Western Freeway and Rockbank Station. Plans also include more than 50 hectares of green space, with open parks and playgrounds, walking trails, future sporting fields and the Mt Atkinson Conservation Reserve.
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