Homes zoned for some of Melbourne’s top performing public schools are delivering six-figure dividends for property owners, compared to neighbouring homes outside the catchment.
In the year to June 30, the largest price difference was recorded for homes located within the catchment area for South Yarra Primary School. Homes within the zone had a median price of $2 million while homes within a one kilometer radius of the school zone had a median of $1,435,000 – a difference of $565,000.
Homes in the Fitzroy Primary School zone also achieved higher prices than those just outside the catchment area. The median house price for homes within the zone was $1.6 million while those bordering the zone fetched $300,000 less.
A difference of $289,000 was evident in Bentleigh East with homes zoned for Valkstone Primary School significantly more expensive than those within one kilometer of the catchment area.
REIV President Joseph Walton said the data shows growing demand for homes located near some of the city’s best primary schools.
“While suburbs zoned for the state’s top secondary schools have seen significant price growth for a number of years, now too are homes within the catchment area of quality public primary schools.
“Rather than paying private school fees, parents of school-aged children are looking to invest that money in the family home, buying into areas zoned for some of the city’s best public primary and secondary schools.”
“Education and access to quality amenities, such as high performing public schools, are a key consideration for buyers and these areas will continue to see price growth.
“Homes in these suburbs experience a high turnover, indicating significant buyer demand for homes within the catchment of exceptional public schools.”
At a secondary school level, homes zoned for McKinnon High School recorded the largest price difference compared to those bordering the catchment area. The median house price for homes within the zone is $1,637,500 compared to a median of $1,390,000 for homes in the same suburb but outside the school zone.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
| 12 months to Jun17 | In School Zone | Bordering School Zone (1km) | Difference |
| South Yarra Primary School | $2,000,000 | $1,435,000 | $565,000 |
| Fitzroy Primary School | $1,600,000 | $1,301,000 | $299,000 |
| Valkstone Primary School | $1,620,000 | $1,331,000 | $289,000 |
| Lloyd Street Primary School | $2,000,000 | $1,736,000 | $264,000 |
| Hampton Primary School | $2,015,000 | $1,800,000 | $215,000 |
| Altona Primary School | $945,000 | $825,000 | $120,000 |
| Hartwell Primary School | $1,995,000 | $1,887,000 | $108,000 |
| Preston West Primary School | $1,000,000 | $900,000 | $100,000 |
| Auburn South Primary School | $2,292,500 | $2,200,000 | $92,500 |
| Templeton Primary School | $955,000 | $902,000 | $53,000 |
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
| 12 months to Jun17 | In School Zone | Bordering School Zone (1km) | Difference |
| McKinnon Secondary College | $1,637,500 | $1,390,000 | $247,500 |
| Camberwell High School | $2,220,000 | $2,051,000 | $169,000 |
| Malvern Central School | $2,557,500 | $2,401,000 | $156,500 |
| Balwyn High School | $2,052,500 | $1,910,000 | $142,500 |
| University High School | $1,470,000 | $1,357,500 | $112,500 |
| Frankston High School | $720,000 | $620,000 | $100,000 |
| Mount Waverley High School | $1,335,000 | $1,250,000 | $85,000 |
| Box Hill High School | $1,338,250 | $1,265,500 | $72,750 |
