Prahran Transport Upgrade Creating New Commuter Suburb

The new High Street rail express service begins operations on 15 August and will cut travel times from the eastern edge of Prahran to the central business district by 12 minutes on peak services.

Local planners approved the $87 million line extension in March 2025 after traffic counts at the Punt Road intersection exceeded 42,000 vehicles daily. The upgrade adds two new stations and an all-stations express pattern that replaces the former stopping service between Prahran and Windsor.

Shift in buyer patterns near Chapel Street

Properties within 400 metres of the new High Street station have recorded a 19 per cent rise in median sale prices since the March approval. Three-bedroom terraces on Union Street sold for a median $1.45 million in the June quarter, up from $1.22 million in the same period last year.

Agents report increased inquiries from workers who previously rented closer to the city. The Prahran Market on Commercial Road now sits 11 minutes by rail from the new stops, drawing foot traffic that previously bypassed the eastern side of the suburb.

Planning changes and next steps for residents

Council documents released last week rezone 28 hectares between High Street and Williams Road from mixed-use to residential priority. The change allows four-storey apartment buildings on sites previously limited to two storeys, with height bonuses available if projects include 10 per cent affordable units.

Buyers considering the area should review the updated planning overlays on the Prahran Town Hall website before lodging offers. Settlement data from the first week of July shows 14 contracts exchanged on Greville Street alone, the highest weekly total recorded in that pocket since 2023.

Transport officials will run test trains from 1 August and open the stations to the public on the 15th. Residents can register for timetable alerts through the local transport authority app before the service starts.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.