VIC 3809 · Shire of Cardinia · 48 km from Melbourne CBD · Updated June 2026

Officer, Victoria.

Family estates, strong infrastructure, and one of Melbourne's outer south-east corridor's most consistent growth stories. KR Peters Real Estate has worked this corridor since 1982 — from the same address on the Princes Highway.

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$760K–$786K

Median House Price

CoreLogic via YIP 2026

4.83^%

Annual Capital Growth

CoreLogic via YIP 2026

27–28

Avg Days on Market

CoreLogic 2026

390

Houses Sold (12 mths)

CoreLogic via YIP 2026

$599

Median Weekly Rent

CoreLogic via YIP 2026

48^km

Distance from CBD

Officer VIC 3809

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01 · Suburb Overview

Officer VIC 3809. What it actually is.

Officer is a residential suburb in the Shire of Cardinia, 48 km south-east of Melbourne CBD. It sits on the Princes Highway corridor between Pakenham and Berwick, and is part of Melbourne's outer south-east growth arc.

The median house price is $760,000 to $786,000 depending on data source and snapshot period (CoreLogic 2026) with 4.83% annual capital growth. Average days on market is 27 to 28 — among the tightest in the outer south-east corridor. With 390 house sales in the past 12 months, Officer is a mid-volume market with genuine comparable sales data and consistent buyer competition.

Officer's growth story is structural rather than speculative. The Cardinia corridor has been the focus of sustained infrastructure investment since the early 2000s, with school construction, road upgrades, and commercial development following the residential population. It has a direct train station on the Pakenham line.

Postcode key data

Location48 km south-east of Melbourne CBDPrinces Highway corridor · Shire of Cardinia
Median price$760K–$786K (houses) · CoreLogic 20264.83% annual capital growth · 390 sales per year
Days on mkt27–28 days averageAmong tightest in Melbourne's outer south-east
Rental$599 per week median · 3.89% yieldCoreLogic via YIP 2026
TrainOfficer Station · Pakenham lineApprox 60 mins to Flinders Street · opened 4 Aug 1881 · electrified July 1954
LGAShire of CardiniaOfficer Central shopping precinct · Cardinia Road retail corridor
KR PetersActive in Officer since 1982432 Princes Highway, Officer VIC 3809 · 0418 311 048

Direct answer — What is Officer VIC like?

Officer is a family-oriented outer suburban estate community built across the 2000s and 2010s on the Princes Highway corridor. Wide streets, established estate housing, and proximity to the Cardinia Road retail corridor define the day-to-day. It is not a heritage suburb. Its appeal is space, value relative to inner Melbourne, a direct train station, and consistent infrastructure investment.

First-home buyers, young families upgrading from Pakenham, and downsizers from Berwick are the dominant buyer groups. At a $760,000 to $786,000 median it sits well below Melbourne's broader median, with genuine capital growth on record and school catchments that drive sustained demand.

02 · Property Market

What is the median house price in Officer in 2026?

House and unit data, rental numbers, and how Officer stacks up against the suburbs around it. Figures below come from CoreLogic, updated June 2026.

Different providers quote different medians depending on snapshot period. CoreLogic via YIP (to March 2026) reports $760,000; the original source file quotes $786,000, also citing CoreLogic. PropertyValue (CoreLogic-derived) confirms $760,000 with 4.83% growth. Both figures are from CoreLogic at different snapshot dates. The $760,000 figure represents the more recent read. Check with a local agent before acting on any of these numbers.

Houses

$760K–$786KMedian house price rangeCoreLogic / YIP 2026

4.83%Annual capital growthCoreLogic via YIP 2026

27–28 daysAvg days on marketCoreLogic 2026

390 salesPast 12 monthsCoreLogic via YIP 2026

$599/wkMedian weekly rentCoreLogic via YIP 2026

3.89%Gross rental yieldCoreLogic via YIP 2026

Officer vs nearby suburbs (houses)

Suburb	Median house	Days on mkt	Character
Officer	$760K–$786K	27–28	Growth estate, train access
Pakenham	$715K–$767K	14–15	Growth hub, dual rail
Beaconsfield	$1.0M–$1.16M	28–34	Established, heritage
Clyde North	$749K–$750K	41	Growth estate, high volume

Market read · May 2026

"The Officer market is being driven by relative affordability versus inner Melbourne, continued infrastructure investment in the Cardinia corridor, and a first-home buyer cohort energised by the federal government's 5% deposit scheme. At this median, Officer still offers genuine value. What I am seeing right now is strong competition in the $700K to $850K range, particularly for well-presented homes in established estates with access to Officer Primary and Officer Secondary College."

Peter Nicolls · Founding Director, KR Peters Real Estate · May 2026

As of May 2026, most of the action is in the $700K–$850K range. A well-presented home on a full block near the station or a school catchment will usually pull multiple offers inside 30 to 35 days.

Thinking about selling in Officer?Stock is tight right now. Worth knowing what that means for your price.

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03 · Who Lives Here

Officer demographics. Who actually calls it home.

ABS Census 2021 numbers for Officer postcode 3809. Worth a look if you want to know who you'd actually be living near, not just what the houses cost.

18,503–19,662

Population (2021, suburb to postcode range)

31 years

Median age — VIC median is 38

$2,123–$2,125/wk

Median household income (~$110,500/yr)

~70%

Owner-occupied

2.9

Avg people per household

$2,000/mth

Median mortgage repayment

Families

Dominant household type — couples with children

25–34 yrs

Largest age group

Professional

Most common occupation

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021 Census of Population and Housing.View full ABS profile →

04 · Planning & Development

What's changing in Officer. Plans, overlays, and approvals.

Planning decisions made now shape what this suburb looks like in five years. Here's what's relevant for buyers and vendors in Officer as of 2026.

Officer Precinct Structure PlansIn place

Officer's residential development is governed by Precinct Structure Plans administered by Cardinia Shire Council and the Victorian Planning Authority. The PSPs set the framework for land use, roads, open space, and community facilities across the precinct. Officer is a relatively mature PSP area — most land within the main estates is subdivided or in late-stage development. If you are buying land or a new build, confirm which PSP applies to your address and what infrastructure delivery is outstanding.

Amendment VC249 — small second dwellingsEffective Jan 2024

Amendment VC249, effective 15 January 2024, exempts small second dwellings from existing Development Contributions Plan obligations across growth area precincts including Officer. This affects buyers and developers considering dual-occupancy on existing lots within the precinct.

Victorian planning reforms — VicSmart pathways (VC282, VC288)Effective 2025

Amendment VC282, effective 8 September 2025, introduced a streamlined VicSmart pathway for single dwellings and small second dwellings on lots under 300 sqm, with compliant applications assessed within 10 business days and no third-party review. Amendment VC288, effective 16 October 2025, enables two-lot subdivisions to be assessed under VicSmart in eligible zones. For buyers considering dual-occupancy or small subdivision in Officer, these reforms affect the approval pathway and timeline.

Cardinia Road corridor upgradeOngoing

The Cardinia Road corridor continues to be upgraded as the Officer and Pakenham population grows, with road widening, intersection improvements, and active transport infrastructure delivered progressively. Cardinia Road is both the primary retail corridor and a key north-south arterial — its ongoing upgrade is material to Officer's long-term liveability and connectivity.

Officer Station — level crossing removalCompleted May 2024

The Station Street level crossing at Officer Station was permanently closed in May 2024 as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, replaced with a pedestrian crossing. This improved station access and safety at the suburb's primary public transport hub.

Source: Cardinia Shire Council planning scheme amendments. Do your own due diligence at cardinia.vic.gov.au and vpa.vic.gov.au and planning.vic.gov.au.

05 · Lifestyle & Amenities

Living in Officer. What's on the doorstep.

Officer has the amenity of an established outer suburban community — a functioning retail corridor, schools within the suburb, a direct train line, and Berwick's established precinct ten minutes west.

Cardinia Road retail corridor

Bunnings Warehouse, supermarkets, medical centres, and national retailers on Cardinia Road. The moment this corridor opened in the late 2000s, Officer became self-sufficient for most daily needs without requiring a trip to Pakenham or Berwick.

Officer Central shopping precinct

The central Officer retail strip on the Princes Highway. Cafes, local traders, takeaway options, and services. The everyday-errand anchor for residents in the central estate precincts.

Officer Station and rail access

Officer Station on the Pakenham line provides a direct service to Flinders Street in approximately 60 minutes. An asset that distinguishes Officer from nearby Clyde North, which has no station.

Berwick — 10 minutes west

Berwick's established commercial, medical, and dining precinct is approximately 10 minutes west via the Princes Highway. The gap in Officer's local amenity that Berwick fills is narrowing each year, but Berwick remains the go-to for specialty services.

Schools within the suburb

Officer Primary School, Ramlegh Park Primary School, and Officer Secondary College all within the suburb. School catchments drive active buyer competition here — families from Pakenham and Clyde North target Officer addresses for access.

Parks and open space

Estate parks and open space delivered progressively through the DCP program. The Officer area also has access to the broader Cardinia Creek corridor and regional parklands.

Pakenham — 10 minutes east

Pakenham's larger retail and service precinct — including Pakenham Central Marketplace and Pakenham Place — is a short drive east. The dual access to both Berwick and Pakenham gives Officer residents a wide service catchment.

Growing dining and cafe scene

Officer's local food scene is improving year on year. Still developing, but with more options each year as the suburb's population grows.

06 · What You Should Know

Eight things most people don't know about Officer.

Officer was farmland until the 2000s

The suburb's residential development only took off in the early 2000s, driven by the growth corridor designation under Melbourne 2030. Before that, most of what is now estate housing was paddock. The infrastructure followed the population, not the other way around, which is why newer schools and roads continue to arrive.

The suburb is named after a local pastoralist, not a military rank

Officer takes its name from Robert Officer, a local pastoralist who settled in the area in the 1800s. The station was originally opened as Officer's Siding in 1881 and given its current name on 13 February 1888. The Officer family were originally from Deniliquin, New South Wales. The name has nothing to do with military rank.

Officer Station opened in 1881 and was electrified in 1954

Officer Station opened on 4 August 1881 as Officer's Siding, one of the earliest stations on the line east of Berwick. It was electrified in July 1954, which was when it first became viable as a commuter suburb. The station has only 20 car parking spaces — buyers relying on it for daily commuting should assess parking and bus access before purchasing.

Cardinia Road corridor changed everything

The opening of the Cardinia Road retail corridor brought Bunnings, supermarkets, and medical facilities within a short drive. Before it, residents drove to Pakenham for major shopping. The corridor's development in the late 2000s is a key reason Officer retained population that might otherwise have preferred Berwick's established amenity.

School catchments drive buyer competition here

Officer Primary School, Ramlegh Park Primary, and Officer Secondary College are all consistently sought. Families from Pakenham and Clyde North actively target Officer addresses to access these catchments. The school factor is structural, not temporary, and adds a floor to demand that holds through broader market softness.

Two distinct housing types at materially different prices

Officer has a clear split between older estate housing on larger lots, generally south of the Princes Highway, and newer turnkey estates on tighter lots. The price gap between them can be $100,000 or more for comparable bedroom counts. Buyers should understand which market they are entering before drawing comparisons.

The $700K to $850K band is where competition concentrates

Below $700K in Officer in 2026 means compromises on size, position, or condition. Above $850K you are competing for the suburb's best properties. The $700K to $850K band is where most qualified buyers are active simultaneously, and where well-presented homes are attracting multiple offers and selling within 27 to 28 days.

Officer Station has only 20 car parking spaces

This is the most practically important infrastructure detail buyers relying on rail for commuting need to know. Officer Station is an unstaffed ground-level station with just 20 car parking spaces — not a premium station with a large car park. Commuters typically arrive by bus or on foot, or drive to Cardinia Road Station (between Officer and Pakenham) which has 450 car parks.

07 · Schools

Officer's school catchment. What's in zone and adjacent.

School catchment zones drive buyer competition in Officer. Families from Pakenham and Clyde North actively target Officer addresses for access to these schools. Always verify current zone boundaries for a specific address before buying.findmyschool.vic.gov.au.

Government · Primary

Officer Primary School

The established government primary for the suburb. Strong community profile, consistent demand, and one of the primary reasons families actively target Officer addresses in the school search phase.

Co-edPrep–6Government

Government · Primary

Ramlegh Park Primary School

A newer estate school drawing from Officer's growing residential population. Strong family buyer draw, particularly from first-home buyer and upgrader demographics entering the suburb through the estate corridor.

Co-edPrep–6Government

Government · Secondary

Officer Secondary College

Years 7 to 12. The local government secondary for most Officer addresses. Growing enrolment consistent with the suburb's population growth across the past decade.

Co-edYears 7–12Government

Independent · Nearby

Beaconhills College — Pakenham Campus

Independent co-educational ELC–12 campus in Pakenham, a short drive from Officer. One of the most consistently sought independent options in the Cardinia corridor, with approximately 3,000 students across the Pakenham and Berwick campuses.

Co-edELC–12IndependentPakenham

Catholic · Secondary

St Francis Xavier College

Catholic secondary with campuses at Beaconsfield (Years 10–12) and Officer. One of the most sought Catholic secondaries in the outer south-east corridor, with approximately 3,000 students across three campuses.

Co-edSecondaryCatholic

Note

Verify catchment before buying

Catchment boundaries in growth area suburbs change more frequently than established suburbs. KR Peters recommends verifying your specific address at findmyschool.vic.gov.au and directly with the school before making a purchase decision based on school access.

Already own in Officer?Values move. It's worth a quick, free check-in.

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08 · Suburb History

Officer's development. How this suburb was built.

1836

First pastoral settlement

European pastoral runs established in the Officer area as squatters moved into the Cardinia Creek corridor following the founding of the Port Phillip colony. The land was primarily used for sheep grazing on the basalt plains. The area takes its name from Robert Officer, a local pastoralist.

1881

Officer's Siding opens

Officer Station opened on 4 August 1881 as Officer's Siding, giving the small farming community its first direct connection to Melbourne. The station was renamed Officer on 13 February 1888. The station operated as a steam service until electrification.

1954

Pakenham line electrified to Officer

Electrification of the Pakenham line reached Officer in July 1954, transforming the commute to Melbourne CBD from a slow steam journey to a reliable approximately 60-minute electric service. This was the foundational infrastructure change that made Officer viable as a commuter suburb. Note: electrification was extended to Pakenham itself only in January 1975.

2003

Melbourne 2030 growth corridor

The state government's Melbourne 2030 plan designated the Cardinia corridor as a major growth area. This planning decision unlocked large-scale residential subdivision across Officer, triggering the estate development wave that defines the suburb's current character.

2008

Cardinia Road retail corridor

The Cardinia Road retail precinct opened with Bunnings Warehouse, supermarkets, medical centres, and national retailers. This was the moment Officer became self-sufficient for daily needs without requiring a trip to Pakenham or Berwick.

2015

Regional Rail Link capacity upgrade

The Regional Rail Link added significant capacity to the Pakenham corridor, separating metropolitan and regional trains on the corridor from Sunshine through to Pakenham. Officer services became more reliable and frequent, reinforcing the suburb's appeal for Melbourne commuters.

2024

Officer Station level crossing removed

The Station Street level crossing at Officer Station was permanently closed in May 2024 as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, replaced with a pedestrian crossing. A modest but practical safety improvement at the suburb's primary public transport access point.

40+Years KR Peters has sold in OfficerKR Peters records

1881Year Officer Station openedPublic Transport Victoria

~60 minTrain commute to Flinders StreetPTV timetable 2026

48 kmDistance from Melbourne CBDOfficer VIC 3809

09 · Getting Around

How far is Officer from Melbourne CBD?

Public transport

Officer Station — Pakenham line, direct to Flinders Street. Approximately 60 minutes to the CBD. Opened 4 August 1881 as Officer's Siding, electrified July 1954. Located on Station Street. An unstaffed ground-level station with only 20 car parking spaces — not a premium station. Step-free accessible.
Cardinia Road Station, opened 22 April 2012, is between Officer and Pakenham stations and provides 450 car parking spaces and step-free access. For buyers relying on rail commuting, Cardinia Road's car park makes it the more practical option than Officer Station for park-and-ride.
Bus services connect Officer Station to surrounding estates and nearby Pakenham. Route 899 connects to Berwick Station, providing interchange options for the Pakenham line and V/Line Gippsland services.
The Regional Rail Link upgrade separated metropolitan and regional trains on the corridor, significantly improving reliability and capacity on Pakenham line services. Officer is a beneficiary of the increased service frequency that resulted.

Roads and driving

Princes Highway runs directly through Officer, providing the primary road connection east to Pakenham and west toward Berwick and Dandenong.
The Monash Freeway provides freeway access to Melbourne CBD. The closest interchange is at Cardinia Road. CBD driving time is approximately 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic.
Cardinia Road is the primary north-south connector, linking the Princes Highway to the retail corridor and providing access to the Monash Freeway interchange and Cardinia Road Station.
Berwick is approximately 10 minutes west of Officer via the Princes Highway, providing access to Berwick's established commercial, medical, and retail precinct.

10 · Who Buys Here

The Officer buyer. Who is purchasing in this market.

First-home buyers and young families

Officer's median of $760,000 to $786,000 sits below Melbourne's broader median, making it accessible for first-home buyers with federal deposit incentives. The combination of new and established housing stock, quality schools, and direct rail access makes Officer a consistent target for families buying their first or second home.

Pakenham and Clyde North upgraders

Buyers who purchased in Pakenham or Clyde North five to ten years ago have built equity and are upgrading to Officer's larger lots and more established estate character. School catchments are a significant driver — Officer's government schools are well regarded compared to newer growth area alternatives. The train access is also a key point of difference versus Clyde North.

Investors attracted by yield and rail access

At 3.89% gross yield and median weekly rent of $599, Officer is one of the stronger yield propositions in Melbourne's outer south-east. Low vacancy rates driven by family rental demand and the rail connection keep stock tight. The combination of yield, growth, and infrastructure distinguishes Officer from Clyde North for investors.

Questions

What buyers and vendors actually ask about Officer.

Straight answers on the Officer market, the process, and what working with KR Peters in this suburb looks like.

What is the median house price in Officer VIC 3809 in 2026?+

The median house price in Officer VIC 3809 is approximately $760,000 to $786,000 depending on data source and snapshot period. CoreLogic via YIP (to March 2026) reports $760,000; the $786,000 figure is also CoreLogic-derived at a different snapshot date. Annual capital growth is 4.83% across 390 house sales in the past 12 months. Average days on market is 27 to 28. Rental yield sits at approximately 3.89% with median weekly rent of $599.

How far is Officer from Melbourne CBD?+

Officer is 48 km south-east of Melbourne CBD. By train on the Pakenham line from Officer Station, the commute to Flinders Street takes approximately 60 minutes. By car via the Monash Freeway and Princes Highway, travel time is approximately 50 to 70 minutes depending on traffic.

What schools are in Officer VIC 3809?+

Officer Primary School and Ramlegh Park Primary School are the government primary schools. Officer Secondary College serves Years 7 to 12. St Francis Xavier College offers a Catholic secondary option with a campus in Officer. Beaconhills College — Pakenham Campus is a nearby independent ELC–12 option.

Are there any planning changes to know about before buying in Officer?+

Officer's residential development is governed by Precinct Structure Plans via Cardinia Shire Council. Amendment VC249 (effective January 2024) exempts small second dwellings from Development Contributions Plan obligations. Victoria-wide reforms including VC282 and VC288 (both effective late 2025) affect how development applications are assessed. The Station Street level crossing at Officer Station was permanently closed in May 2024.

What is the rental yield in Officer?+

Rental yield in Officer is approximately 3.89% gross based on a median house price of $760,000 to $786,000 and median weekly rent of $599 (CoreLogic via YIP 2026). Low vacancy rates in the Cardinia corridor, driven by family rental demand, keep rental stock tight.

Is now a good time to sell in Officer?+

Officer's market is showing strong fundamentals in 2026. 4.83% annual capital growth, 27 to 28 days on market, and a buyer pool energised by federal first-home buyer incentives. KR Peters offers complimentary appraisals — call 0418 311 048.

Does KR Peters sell property in Officer?+

Yes. KR Peters Real Estate has operated from 432 Princes Highway, Officer VIC 3809 since 1982. Peter Nicolls, Founding Director and Licensed Auctioneer, is the primary agent for Officer. Call 0418 311 048 for a complimentary appraisal or market consultation.

Market data sourced from CoreLogic 2026 and KR Peters property records. Statistics represent suburb-level aggregates and are updated periodically. Median prices, days on market, and yields are indicative only. Verify current data with your agent before making buying or selling decisions.