Being in a school catchment zone could add 10 per cent to a property’s sale price, according to new research from Domain.
Domain’s latest School Zone Report found that almost half of both primary and secondary school catchment zones have outperformed the house price growth of the suburb that they are located in.
The majority of properties in these zones commanded up to 10 per cent higher house price growth than their respective suburbs.
| Rank | School Name | State | Median | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walloon State School | QLD | $626,000 | +43.9% |
| 2 | Artarmon Public School | NSW | $3,545,000 | +43.5% |
| 3 | Canungra State School | QLD | $950,000 | +42.9% |
| 4 | Cambridge Primary School | TAS | $1,122,500 | +37.3% |
| 5 | Coorara Primary School | SA | $517,500 | +35.8% |
| 6 | Carole Park State School | QLD | $507,000 | +35.2% |
| 7 | Blair State School | QLD | $535,000 | +35.0% |
| 8 | Acacia Ridge State School | QLD | $650,000 | +34.7% |
| 9 | Wooloowin State School | QLD | $1,385,000 | +34.5% |
| 10 | Park Ridge State School | QLD | $932,000 | +34.1% |
Source: Domain
The report, which overlays Australia’s government school catchment zones with Domain’s property price data, provides a snap shot into how school zones drive demand for properties.
Domain’s Chief of Research and Economics, Dr Nicola Powell, said that the report highlighted the importance buyers place on access to public education.
“Almost half of government school catchment zones saw house prices rise faster than the suburb they are located in, with most having up to 10 per cent additional growth,” Dr Powell said.
“This just shows just how important the geographical location of a property in relation to a school catchment zone is to parents and investors.”
| Rank | School Name | State | Median | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamborine Mountain State High School | QLD | $910,000 | +37.9% |
| 2 | Beaudesert State High School | QLD | $570,000 | +32.6% |
| 3 | Woodridge State High School | QLD | $450,000 | +32.4% |
| 4 | Oberon High School | NSW | $550,000 | +31.0% |
| 5 | Beenleigh State High School | QLD | $495,962 | +28.8% |
| 6 | Marsden State High School | QLD | $550,000 | +27.9% |
| 7 | Browns Plains State High School | QLD | $620,000 | +27.8% |
| 8 | Morayfield State High School | QLD | $580,000 | +27.8% |
| 9 | Burpengary State Secondary College | QLD | $740,000 | +27.6% |
| 10 | Springfield Central State High School | QLD | $670,000 | +27.6% |
Source: Domain
In most cities, being in a secondary school catchment zone was more likely to indicate strong price growth, the report found.
This was particularly the case in smaller cities.
The housing market downturn had also had a bigger impact on Sydney and Melbourne catchment zones, Dr Powell said.
“This weaker outcome relative to other cities is anticipated, given Sydney and Melbourne have been leading Australia’s housing downturn, having some of the deepest falls from their house price peaks,” she explained.
“While the top school catchment zones in Sydney and Melbourne are spread across the cities, they largely favour growing areas that offer affordability, with the majority sitting below the overall median house price.”
Queensland was home to the school catchment zones with the highest price growth.
“Queensland takes the lead with the majority of the highest-growth school catchment zones nationally,” Dr Powell said.
“While these areas have all experienced growth, most are well under their capital cities’ median house prices bringing to light the impact of the past years’ cost of living environment.
“At the start of 2022, families were searching for school catchment zones close to natural environments like beaches and parks, but now it seems affordability is highest on families’ property purchase wish lists.”
