Lara, VIC 3212 — Investor Highlights

• Strong location: Approximately 18 km from Geelong CBD, around 60 km from Melbourne CBD and only 9 km from Avalon Airport, positioning Lara between two major employment and population centres.
• Excellent commuter access: Lara railway station provides Geelong and Melbourne services, with direct rail travel to Southern Cross around 51 minutes. New Route 18 commenced in March 2026, linking Lara Station directly with the Greater Avalon Employment Precinct and Avalon Airport seven days a week.
• Shopping & dining: Daily retail is supported by Lara Village Shopping Centre and the surrounding town centre, with established local hospitality including Founders & Co and Avanti Coffee.
• Education: Local options include Lara Secondary College, Lara Primary School and Lara Lake Primary School, while Geelong provides access to university and TAFE education.
• Health & medical: Residents have local services including Forest Road Medical Centre and LakeMedix, with major hospital services available in the wider Geelong region.
• Lifestyle & recreation: Serendip Sanctuary, the You Yangs Regional Park, Lara Lake Reserve and local sporting reserves provide bushwalking, cycling, wildlife, parks and recreation close to home.
• Population base: Lara recorded 19,014 residents at the 2021 Census, with a median age of 37 and an average household size of 2.7 people, supporting a predominantly family-oriented housing market.
• Rental demand: Lara houses currently show a median value around $732,000, median rent around $580 per week and indicative gross yield of 4.1%. Four-bedroom homes record around $600 per week, with 240 leases over the past 12 months, a 20-day median rental market period and 610 recorded renter enquiries.
• Major employment growth: The 3,500+ hectare Greater Avalon Employment Precinct is planned for logistics, advanced manufacturing and freight industries, with proposed developments potentially representing more than $3 billion of investment and up to 18,000 jobs.
• Infrastructure pipeline: Avalon Airport capacity upgrades include 1,000 additional terminal seats, a 600 sqm pre-boarding area and expanded infrastructure, while the Lara Six Ways intersection upgrade begins in September 2026 with completion targeted for mid-2027.
• Investor angle: The dual-entry design offers flexibility for extended-family living or potentially diversified rental income. Any separate-leasing strategy should be confirmed against the final contract, approvals and tenancy configuration.

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