Land fetching a high price in Melbourne’s inner east: hockingstuart Balwyn

GUEST OBSERVATION

Property remains sought after in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs with school catchment zones, parks and local amenities offering the ultimate combination for a quality family lifestyle. Whilst eye-catching architecture and leafy tree-lined streets are a major drawcard in the inner eastern suburb of Balwyn, its land value that takes top priority.

There are numerous reasons why land is a desired asset in Balwyn. Families want to move into the area to be within school zones –despite the fact that the area is home to traditional, older properties. In fact, some, buyers are prepared to pay more for land and simply knock down the house and build their ideal home. A-grade land in Balwyn is fetching roughly $3000 per square metre as evidenced by a recent sale at Henley St. This particular block of land measured approximately 817 square metres and sold at auction for an astounding $2.65 million. Clearly, a clean slate on which families can build their dream home is an attractive proposition.

Another trend in the inner east is the high turnover of homes. We’ve noticed downsizers are looking to cash in on their property now while the market is positive, which means an increase in stock. As expected, the area remains attractive for young parents who wish to send their children to Balwyn High School, a public school with a fantastic reputation. Demand for Balwyn High has grown even more in recent years, as the costs of sending a child to a private school has grown. For families, the freedom to choose where their children are educated appears to be a major factor behind their final purchasing decision.

Just next door to Balwyn, Balwyn North is currently flourishing, with clearance rates sitting at 86.4%, above the 76.2% state-average (REIV). The median house price has increased by $300,000 in Balwyn North over the past six months and the suburb recently joined the million dollar list. The area’s popularity can in part be put down to the fact that Balwyn North has traditionally been more affordable than surrounding suburbs like Kew. It also sits on the edge of the freeway, has the 48 tram, several primary schools and is in the desirable Balwyn High School Zone. As buyers realise the suburb’s potential and property prices increase, some families are going to need to look elsewhere if they want to move to the inner east.

There are several hot spots in Melbourne’s inner east where young couples and families can still find good value properties, such as KEW EAST and Mont Albert North.  The latter has a median house price of $1.140 million, making it one of the lowest in the area. Mont Albert North is also close to primary schools, transport and Box Hill shopping precinct. To add, KEW EAST is right next door to Balwyn North and is serviced by freeways, bike paths and is close to the CBD. hockingstuart research shows there are more than 125 streets with renovation potential in KEW EAST too, so it’s a top spot for buyers who are prepared to do some work to create their dream property.

As demand for top schooling remains strong and interest rates remain low, families will continue to look for land in Melbourne’s inner east. But buyers, especially young professionals, should consider the suburbs that surround hot suburbs like Balwyn can still provide excellent value for money, as well as a long-term home for the next twenty years.

Toby Parker is Director, hockingstuart Balwyn.