Cardinia is the hot new growth suburb in the South East of Melbourne as developers crank up the delivery of new planned estates to meet demand from buyers looking for affordability and lifestyle.



Once a predominately farming area, Cardinia is being transformed by population growth, driven by young families looking to secure their slice of the great Australian dream as well as tree changers wanting space and a connection with nature.



Demand has seen solid price growth in established towns like Pakenham as well as newer urban areas such as Officer.



Pakenham's median house price has rocketed up 55.6% in the past 5 years to $640,905. Units have risen almost as much, recording a 52 % rise to a median of $450,081. Investors can expect rent of $370 per week for a house and $340 a week for a unit.



Families like Pakenham for its strong sporting culture, access to good schools including Beaconhills College and St Francis Xavier College, proximity to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre at nearby Narre Warren and semi-rural location as the gateway to Gippsland and the Dandenong Ranges.



Pakenham's population is set to swell by 23,000 when a new suburb at Pakenham East evolves over the next few years. The 630 hectare precinct will deliver more than 7000 homes and 1500 jobs for Cardinia Shire. When completed Pakenham East will have its own train station, four schools, shopping hub and extensive network of cycling paths and pedestrian links to central Pakenham.



There are also other smaller, boutique estates being developed in Pakenham such as Mt Pleasant and Arden, which combined will offer 1,100 new home sites.



KR Peters is the sole marketing agent for both Mt Pleasant and Arden, as well as Skymont and Essence estates in Officer, which will offer 300 new home sites.Director of KR Peters Peter Nicolls says with government money pouring into Cardinia, now is the time to consider buying before prices climb even further.



"Buyers love Pakenham because it has a fantastic range of properties from small farmlets on the edge of town, to solid older style homes on large blocks, to new family homes and even inner-city townhouse-style living," Mr Nicolls explained. "You are minutes from the countryside in one direction, and the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne with all the employment opportunities they offer in the other direction. "Pakenham is definitely a suburb to watch. The development set to occur there over the next few years will be phenomenal. "Cardinia's other suburb which is fast making a name for itself is Officer.



Situated between Berwick and Pakenham, Officer is home to quality estates like Kaduna Park and Timbertop as well as the previously mentioned Skymont and Essence. The current median value in Officer is $709,960, a leap of 62% in five years. The median unit price has hit just over half a million at $505,975. Investors can expect approx $400 a week for a house and $375 per week for a unit.



Officer benefits from its close proximity to Beaconsfield and Berwick, with their village -like main streets offering great dining and boutique shopping.



Officer has its own primary school, while Minaret College and Heritage College have both established campuses in Officer in recent years. Nearby Berwick is known for its excellent private schools, including St Margaret's and Haileybury. There are also sought-after government schools within easy reach.



Cardinia's most expensive suburb is Beaconsfield, which is edging closer to breaking through the $1 million median barrier. As of August, the suburb's median price was $935,548, representing growth of 53.7% over the past 5 years. The median unit price is $512,919. Investors can ask around $445 per week rent for a house and $370 per week for a unit.



Away from the urban centres, Cardinia Shire also offers great rural living. In the northern part of the municipality are the charming villages of Emerald, Gembrook, Cockatoo and Upper Beaconsfield, which have all seen double digit price growth as people flee Melbourne, content to work from home in a peaceful, semi-rural environment.



Towards Gippsland are the railway towns of Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip, which are all gaining popularity with those looking for a tree change and the friendliness of small town living.



To the south are Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang, Pearcedale and Tooradin, which offers some properties with water views across Westernport Bay.



"Cardinia Shire does really offer something for every buyer," Mr Nicolls said.



"I can only see prices continuing to rise as infrastructure, roads, schools, retail and services improve to meet the needs of the region's growing population. Cardinia is really benefitting from those who want to live a little further out but still maintain easy contact with the Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs."