Renting in Sassafras in 2026 means budgeting $236–$303 per week for a one-bedroom apartment, before you factor in bills, groceries, and the Myki. That is the reality of a suburb sitting 35 km east of the CBD. This guide breaks down every rental cost so you can plan with real numbers.
At a glance: 35 km from CBD · Growth corridor ring · 1BR $236–$303/wk · 2BR $371–$458/wk · 40-60 min to CBD by train
Rent Prices in Sassafras (2026)
Rents in Sassafras are based on its position as a growth corridor suburb, 35 km from the Melbourne CBD. These estimates reflect current REIV quarterly data and Domain listings.
| Bedrooms | Weekly Rent | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $236–$303 | $1,021–$1,311 |
| 2 bedrooms | $371–$458 | $1,606–$1,983 |
| 3 bedrooms | $483–$617 | $2,091–$2,671 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $591–$758 | $2,559–$3,282 |
Prices reflect 2026 Q1 data for Sassafras’s growth corridor position. Newer buildings and renovated properties sit at the top of each range. Check Domain for current listings.
Rental Market Trends – Sassafras
Growth corridor rental markets are softening in pockets as large-scale housing completions add stock faster than population growth. Sassafras at 35 km from the CBD is in this zone. Renters benefit from increased choice, but quality varies significantly between new estates.
What this means for renters: The power balance tips toward tenants in growth corridors. Negotiate on rent, ask for maintenance commitments, and do not rush into the first property you see.
Best Areas to Rent in Sassafras
We use venue density as a walkability proxy – streets with more cafes, restaurants, and shops tend to be more desirable (and pricier) rental locations.
High-amenity streets and strips:
- Mount Dandenong Tourist Road – high venue concentration, walkable, expect top-of-range rents
- Olinda-Monbulk Road – high venue concentration, walkable, expect top-of-range rents
- Monbulk Rd – high venue concentration, walkable, expect top-of-range rents
Rental desirability factors:
| Factor | Impact on Rent |
|---|---|
| Walking distance to train station | +$20–$50/week |
| Near cafe strip / shops | +$15–$40/week |
| North-facing (natural light) | +$10–$30/week |
| Off-street parking included | +$20–$40/week |
| Ground floor / no lift | -$10–$20/week |
| Main road frontage (noise) | -$15–$30/week |
Bond and Application Tips for Sassafras
Bond Calculation
Under Victorian tenancy law, the maximum bond is:
- $900/week or less: One month’s rent
- Over $900/week: Negotiable (no cap)
| Property Type | Estimated Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,021–$1,311 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,606–$1,983 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,091–$2,671 |
All bonds must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).
Application Tips for Sassafras
Outer-suburb applications give you more leverage:
- Negotiate the rent – asking $10–$20/week below listed price is normal
- Request a longer lease (12–24 months) in exchange for a lower rate
- Ask about maintenance commitments before signing
- Check the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority for dispute history
- Inspect during peak traffic hours to test the real commute
Public Transport from Sassafras
Limited rail. V/Line services. Bus and car dependent.
| Mode | Estimated Time to CBD |
|---|---|
| Train | 40-60 min |
| Drive (off-peak) | 40-60 min |
Myki costs (2026): Zone 1-2 daily cap $10.60. Full fare weekly cap $53.00. Concession holders pay half.
Monthly Budget Breakdown – Renting in Sassafras (2026)
Estimated costs for a single person in a one-bedroom apartment.
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,166 |
| Utilities (gas + electricity) | $121–$154 |
| Internet | $70–$90 |
| Groceries | $320–$400 |
| Transport (Myki / car) | $380–$494 |
| Dining out / entertainment | $200–$400 |
| Total | $2,086–$2,816 |
For couples: Double the groceries, add $100 to utilities, and budget for a two-bedroom at $371–$458/week.
Related Guides
- Sassafras Property Market
- Cost of Living in Sassafras
- Sassafras Neighbourhood Guide
- Sassafras Transport Guide
- Best Cafes in Sassafras
Prices current as of April 2026. We update this guide quarterly. Got a correction? [email protected]
Sources
- Domain.com.au – rental listing data – accessed April 2026
- REIV Quarterly Median Rents – reiv.com.au – accessed April 2026
- ABS Census 2021 – abs.gov.au/census
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