Regional NT · Alice Springs
East Side is a sought-after residential suburb of Alice Springs, known for its leafy streets, established homes on generous blocks, and strong community feel. It offers a blend of quiet suburban living with convenient access to the town centre, attracting a mix of families and professionals. With numerous parks and proximity to the Todd River, it provides an outdoor lifestyle against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Market snapshot
Price register · May 2026
Median house
$475,000 - $650,000
Mid-band $563Kspread 31%
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Create Your Free ProfileLast reviewed 14 May 2026
Median unit
$300,000 - $400,000
Mid-band $350Kspread 29%
Days on market
~47-109 days
Median listing-to-sold window. Shorter = tighter buyer field.
Auction clearance
Private-treaty market
Share of auctions sold. Brisbane skews private-treaty.
Rental yield
6.8% to 7.8%
Gross yield on house stock. Premium suburbs compress.
5-year house-price growth
+5% to +25%
cumulative since 2021Who buys here
Families · Established professionals · Government and healthcare workers
5-year trend
Modelled trajectory anchored on aggregated 5-year median figures. Indicative; not month-by-month observed data.
Market analysis
The property market in East Side presents a compelling case for both homebuyers and investors, characterized by steady growth and exceptionally strong rental returns. As of May 2026, the median house price sits at $565,000, reflecting a healthy 9.7% increase over the past twelve months. This growth trajectory indicates sustained demand in a suburb highly regarded for its lifestyle amenities and family-friendly environment. The unit market has shown even more remarkable momentum, with a median price of $340,000, representing a significant 23.6% annual growth.
Driving this market movement is a combination of factors unique to Alice Springs. The town's role as a major service hub for Central Australia ensures a stable tenant pool of government, healthcare, and professional workers. This translates into very low vacancy rates and robust rental yields, which are a standout feature of the East Side market. Houses are currently generating an impressive annual rental yield of 7.3%, while units offer a similar 7.2%. These figures are substantially higher than the national average, providing strong cash flow potential for investors from day one.
Supply and demand dynamics appear relatively balanced, though properties can take longer to sell than in metropolitan centres, with an average of 78 days on market. This suggests a less frenetic pace, allowing buyers to perform due diligence without the extreme pressure seen in other capital city markets. However, the limited availability of new land and construction in established areas like East Side creates a natural floor for property values. The suburb's appeal is further enhanced by its large block sizes and well-maintained homes, which are difficult to replicate.
With house rental yields hitting 7.3%, East Side offers one of the most compelling investment theses in regional Australia.
Looking forward, the fundamentals for East Side remain strong. Its reputation as one of Alice Springs' premier residential addresses, coupled with the consistent demand from a stable professional workforce and the high rental yields, underpins a resilient market. While capital growth may be more moderate than in boom-time coastal cities, the combination of steady appreciation and outstanding income potential makes it a strategically sound location for long-term investment.
Why a buyers agent
Navigating the East Side property market requires a nuanced understanding that goes beyond online listings. An experienced buyer's agent brings crucial local knowledge of street-by-street variations in value, flood plain considerations related to the Todd River, and the subtle differences in housing stock quality that aren't apparent from a distance. They have access to off-market opportunities in this tightly held suburb and can advise on properties with the best long-term rental prospects, targeting the stable tenant base of local professionals. Furthermore, in a market where days on market can be longer, a skilled agent can provide the confidence and negotiation expertise needed to secure a quality asset at the right price, avoiding the pitfalls of overpaying or purchasing in a less desirable pocket.
With rental yields for houses at 7.3% and units at 7.2%, East Side offers investors some of the strongest returns available in the Australian market, driven by consistent tenant demand from a stable professional workforce.
The suburb is ideal for families, featuring large residential blocks, 11 parks, and a safe, community-focused atmosphere. Its proximity to schools like Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College adds to its appeal.
Residents enjoy the best of both worlds: quiet, leafy streets with the MacDonnell Ranges as a backdrop, plus the convenience of being just minutes from the Alice Springs town centre, shops, and cafes.
The market has demonstrated consistent, sustainable growth rather than volatile swings. The median house price grew 9.7% in the last year, underpinned by solid economic fundamentals and limited housing supply.
Compare
| Metric | This suburbEast Side | NearbyAlice Springs | NearbyDesert Springs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median house | $475,000 - $650,000 | $450,000 - $600,000 | $625,000 - $850,000 |
| Median unit | $300,000 - $400,000 | $250,000 - $350,000 | $325,000 - $450,000 |
| Auction clearance | — | 45% to 55% | — |
| Days on market | ~47-109 days | ~57-133 days | ~55-129 days |
| Year-on-year growth | +5% to +15% | -1% to +9% | +1% to +11% |
| 5-year growth | +5% to +25% | -9% to +11% | -7% to +13% |
| Rental yield | 6.8% to 7.8% | 5.7% to 6.7% | 6.6% to 7.6% |
| Postcode | 0870 | 0870 | 0870 |
Snapshot date varies by suburb; see individual suburb pages for figures.
The place
East Side is a premier suburb of Alice Springs, defined by its established residential character and proximity to both natural beauty and town amenities. It is situated on the eastern side of the Todd River, with the stunning MacDonnell Ranges providing a dramatic backdrop. The suburb is known for its quiet, leafy streets lined with a mix of classic and renovated family homes, often on large blocks of over 1,000 square metres. The area boasts approximately 11 parks, which cover nearly 10% of its total area, providing ample green space for residents.
Families are well-catered for with several highly regarded schooling options. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College has campuses in and around the area, offering education from early learning through to Year 12. The Alice Springs Steiner School and Living Waters Lutheran School are other prominent independent options nearby.
While East Side is predominantly residential, it is only a short drive or a pleasant walk from the Alice Springs CBD, giving residents easy access to a wide array of shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural institutions like the Araluen Arts Centre. Public transport consists of bus routes connecting the suburb to the town centre and other key locations. For daily needs, the Eastside IGA and local shops provide convenient options.
The suburb's lifestyle is heavily influenced by its access to the outdoors. The Todd River, often a dry sandy bed, serves as a popular recreational corridor for walking and cycling. The nearby Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve offers walking trails and a glimpse into the region's pioneering history. This blend of peaceful, family-oriented living with the convenience of town services makes East Side one of Alice Springs' most desirable addresses.
Frequently asked
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The 5-year trajectory is a modelled curve anchored on the documented cumulative growth rate. Editorial review: 14 May 2026. Updated quarterly.
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