Christine Bafas
1/8 Havelock Street, Burwood, Vic 3125
$1,300,000 - $1,430,000
4 2 2
Open Saturday 29 August 12:00 pm Auction Saturday 19 September 2:00 pm๐๏ธ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-05)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Burwood โ Wurundjeri Country
Originally a farming and brick-making district, Burwood evolved into a residential suburb during the post-WWII housing boom. The establishment of Deakin University in the 1970s transformed the suburb's demographic and economic profile. The recent redevelopment of the Burwood Brickworks has modernised the suburb's retail and sustainability credentials.
A high-energy educational hub featuring a mix of mid-century family homes, modern townhouses, and high-density student accommodation.
Overall Score
8.2
High-performing suburb with strong institutional anchors and upcoming infrastructure.
Aboriginal Name
Wurundjeri-ballukโ "White gum tree country"
Name Origin
Named after 'Burwood', the 1850s estate of Sir James Palmer, which was named after his family home in England.
Established
1850s
Education Hub
Home to Deakin University's main Melbourne campus.
Sustainability Leader
Burwood Brickworks is considered one of the world's most sustainable shopping centres.
Historic Transit
The Route 75 tram has served the suburb since 1916.
๐ Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0โ10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.8
Steady demand driven by school catchments and university proximity.
Amenity
8.5
Excellent access to the Brickworks, Wattle Park, and local shopping strips.
Schools
9.2
Home to top-tier private schools and highly sought-after public catchments.
Transport
8.0
Strong tram and bus links, with future rail connectivity via SRL.
Risk Profile
6.5
Impacted by long-term construction and potential zoning changes.
Liveability
8.4
Balanced lifestyle with green spaces and urban conveniences.
Demographics
8.1
Diverse, educated population with a high proportion of students and professionals.
Rental Demand
9.5
Extremely high due to Deakin University and international student return.
Growth Potential
8.8
SRL station precinct will likely drive significant long-term capital gains.
Affordability
3.5
High entry price for houses compared to the Melbourne metropolitan average.
Crime & Safety
7.8
Generally safe with crime rates below the state average, mostly opportunistic theft.
Walkability
7.2
Pockets near the university and Brickworks are highly walkable, others are car-dependent.
โก Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,525,000
Consistent 4-5% annual growth
Median Unit
$845,000
High demand for 2-bed townhouses
Gross Yield
3.2%
Higher for student-focused units
Top School
PLC
Presbyterian Ladies' College
Green Space
Wattle Park
137 acres of heritage parkland
Major Project
SRL East
New underground station underway
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Key Advantages
- Proximity to Deakin University ensures permanent rental demand and vibrant local economy.
- Access to elite schooling including PLC and Mount Waverley Secondary College catchment (select areas).
- World-class retail sustainability at Burwood Brickworks shopping precinct.
- Excellent green corridors along Gardiners Creek Trail and Wattle Park.
- Future-proofed connectivity with the upcoming Suburban Rail Loop station.
โ ๏ธ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant traffic congestion on Burwood Highway during peak hours.
- Ongoing noise and dust pollution from SRL construction sites near the university.
- High volume of high-density student apartments can impact street parking in some pockets.
- Flood overlays present near Gardiners Creek and local drainage basins.
- Over-supply of generic 1-bedroom apartments may limit capital growth in the unit sector.
๐๏ธ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
๐๏ธ Character
Academic Professional
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
๐ Property Types
Mix of 1950s weatherboards, modern luxury builds, and high-density apartments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
๐ฐ Price Range
$750k (Units) – $2.8m (Premium Houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
๐ก Why It Matters
Burwood is a strategic 'middle-ring' suburb that bridges the gap between the affluent inner-east and the high-growth eastern corridor. Its status as an education hub makes it more resilient to market downturns than purely residential suburbs.
๐ฐ Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
๐ House Median
$1,525,000
$1.35m – $2.4m
๐ข Unit Median
$845,000
$550k – $1.1m
๐ Price Trend
+4.8% past 12 months
12-month movement
๐ Weekly Rents
Houses $720pw, Units $580pw
Current asking rents
๐ 5-Year Price History
๐๏ธ Property Type Split
House prices remain robust due to land scarcity, while the unit market is bifurcated between older spacious flats and new high-density student stock.
๐ฏ Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
12% above Melbourne metro house median
Price comparison
๐ Income Ratio
10.4x average household income
Median price รท median income
๐ณ Gross Yield
3.1% (Houses) / 4.4% (Units)
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Burwood is increasingly out of reach for first-home buyers looking for houses, pushing them toward townhouses or neighboring Ashwood.
๐ฅ Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
๐ Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Lower = tighter market
โฑ๏ธ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
๐ Rent Growth p.a.
+9.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
๐ค Tenant Profile
International and domestic students, university staff, and young families.
๐ผ Investor Outlook
Strong cash flow potential for properties near Deakin. Long-term capital growth is tied to the completion of the SRL station.
๐ Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.8%
1-Year Growth
+14.2% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+28.5% cumulative
5-Year Growth
๐ Growth Drivers
- Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) Burwood Station construction.
- Continued expansion of Deakin University student numbers.
- Zoning uplifts in the SRL precinct allowing for higher density.
- Spillover demand from more expensive Camberwell and Glen Iris.
โ Headwinds
- Rising interest rates impacting high-leverage buyers.
- Construction fatigue from major infrastructure projects.
- Potential for oversupply in the high-density apartment sector.
๐ฎ 5-Year Outlook
Expect outperformance relative to the Melbourne average as the SRL project nears completion and the 'SRL Precinct' masterplan begins to take shape.
๐ก๏ธ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
7.8
Safety Score
Above Average
๐ Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
18% below metro average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Damage: Low
Theft from Motor Vehicle: Medium
Burglary: Low
๐ What to Check Locally
Check lighting and security in streets immediately adjacent to the university where foot traffic is highest.
โ ๏ธ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
๐ Summary
The primary risks involve infrastructure-related disruption and environmental factors near the creek corridor.
๐ Flood Risk
Moderate risk in properties bordering Gardiners Creek; check Whitehorse Council flood maps.
๐ฅ Bushfire Risk
Low risk; urbanised environment with managed parklands.
๐ฆ Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply, though flood-prone properties may see higher costs.
๐บ๏ธ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
๐ Typical Zoning
General Residential Zone - Schedule 1 (GRZ1)
๐ฒ Overlays
Special Controls Overlay (SCO14) for SRL; Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) near creek.
๐๏ธ Development Hotspots
Burwood Highway corridor and the area surrounding the new SRL station site.
The SRL precinct planning will likely lead to significant rezoning, potentially increasing land value for homeowners in the 'walkable catchment'.
๐ณ Liveability
Day-to-day experience โ transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
๐ Transport
Excellent tram (75) and bus network; future underground rail connection.
๐๏ธ Amenity & Retail
High; Burwood Brickworks and Burwood One provide comprehensive retail.
๐ฒ Parks & Recreation
Excellent; Wattle Park and Gardiners Creek Trail offer significant recreation.
๐ซ Schools
Elite; access to high-ranking public and private institutions.
๐ฅ Healthcare
Good; proximity to Box Hill Hospital and local medical clinics.
๐ฅ Demographics
Who lives here โ income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A multicultural, highly educated population with a significant youth demographic due to the university.
๐ต Median Income
$82,500 pa
๐ Ownership
48% owner-occupied, 45% renting, 7% other
๐ Age Profile
Median age 34
๐ Education
42% have a Bachelor degree or higher
๐ Age Distribution
The high percentage of renters and students creates a transient but high-demand rental market, while the owner-occupier base remains stable and affluent.
๐๏ธ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
๐ Overview
Dominated by the Suburban Rail Loop East project, which is the largest infrastructure project in Victoria's history.
๐ Positive Impacts
- Direct rail access to Box Hill, Monash, and Cheltenham.
- Creation of a new 'Burwood Station' urban plaza.
- Increased local employment and retail opportunities.
๐ Negative Impacts
- Years of heavy vehicle movements and road closures.
- Loss of some local vegetation and parkland during construction.
- Noise and vibration for residents near the tunnel alignment.
๐บ๏ธ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
๐Burwood East
Position
East
Price
10-15% cheaper
Lifestyle
More suburban, less student-focused, larger blocks.
Best for
Families seeking more land for their budget.
๐Camberwell
Position
West
Price
40% more expensive
Lifestyle
Highly prestigious, heritage-protected, elite shopping.
Best for
High-net-worth families.
๐Ashwood
Position
South
Price
5-10% cheaper
Lifestyle
Historically working-class, now rapidly gentrifying.
Best for
Young professionals and renovators.
๐Box Hill
Position
North
Price
Similar (Houses), Cheaper (Units)
Lifestyle
Major CBD-style hub, high-density, Asian culinary capital.
Best for
Urbanites wanting maximum convenience.
๐ Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile โ useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Clayton
VIC
7.9/10
Both are major university hubs (Monash vs Deakin) with high rental demand and SRL stations.
Macquarie Park
NSW
8.1/10
Combines a major university, shopping centre, and high-tech employment with rail links.
St Lucia
QLD
8.3/10
Premier university suburb with high rental demand and strong capital growth.
Bundoora
VIC
7.2/10
Dual-university presence with tram access and strong rental yields.
๐ฌ Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
๐ Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the educational opportunities and the 'green' feel of the suburb, though frustration with traffic and SRL construction is rising.
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Family Life
We moved here for the schools and haven't been disappointed. Wattle Park is a gem for the kids.
Schools
Parks
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Convenience
Everything I need is at the Brickworks. The tram makes it easy to get to the city for work now.
Retail
Transport
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Construction Noise
The traffic on Burwood Highway is getting unbearable with all the trucks from the rail project.
Traffic
Noise
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Investment Potential
It was expensive to get in, but with the new station coming, I know the value will hold.
Growth
Price
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Rental Yield
I never have a vacancy for more than a week. Students are always looking for clean, modern units.
Demand
Yield
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Community
The mix of cultures here is great for business. It feels very safe and welcoming.
Safety
Diversity
๐ก Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
๐งโ๐ผ Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties within the Mount Waverley Secondary College catchment for maximum resale value.
- Check the SRL 'Precinct Plan' to see if your potential street is slated for future high-density rezoning.
- Avoid properties directly on Burwood Highway due to noise and limited parking.
- Look for older 1960s-70s units with 'good bones' that offer better space than new student apartments.
- Conduct a thorough flood check if looking at properties near Gardiners Creek.
- Verify if the property is under the SRL Special Controls Overlay which may restrict some renovations.
โ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property within the Mount Waverley Secondary College catchment zone?
- How will the Suburban Rail Loop construction specifically affect this street?
- Are there any planned high-density developments on the immediate block?
- Has the property ever experienced drainage issues or flooding from the creek?
- What are the current land tax implications if I intend to use this as an investment?
- Are there any heritage or special character overlays that limit development?
- What is the current vacancy rate for similar properties in your portfolio?
- Can you provide a copy of the Section 32 specifically highlighting the SRL overlay?
๐ท๏ธ Seller Strategy
- Highlight proximity to Deakin University to attract investor interest.
- Ensure gardens are well-presented to appeal to the family demographic looking for 'lifestyle' properties.
- Provide clear information on school catchments in marketing materials.
- Consider a shorter settlement period to appeal to buyers wanting to move before the school year starts.
- Address any SRL construction concerns upfront with official project timelines.
๐ฃ Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'future-proofed asset' that benefits from both established educational prestige and upcoming world-class rail infrastructure.
๐ผ Investment Case
High-yield student accommodation or long-term capital growth via the SRL station precinct.
โ ๏ธ Investment Risks
Over-leverage in a high-interest environment and potential for generic apartment oversupply.
๐ Action Plan
- Target 2-bedroom townhouses with off-street parking.
- Focus on the 'walking circle' of the future SRL station.
- Ensure the property meets all new Victorian rental minimum standards.
- Consider professional property management familiar with student leasing cycles.
๐ Renter Tips
- Apply at least 2 months before the university semester starts (Feb/July).
- Check if the rent includes any utilities, common in student-specific buildings.
- Look for properties near the 75 tram line for easy city/uni access.
๐๏ธ What Renters Love Here
Great access to food, study spaces, and public transport.
โ ๏ธ Renter Watch-Outs
High competition for rentals; some student units are very small.
๐ข Landlord Strategy
- Offer 12-month leases aligned with the academic calendar.
- Consider providing basic furnishings to attract international students.
- Maintain high-speed internet connectivity as a priority feature.
๐ Compliance & Management
Ensure strict adherence to smoke alarm and gas/electrical safety checks required by VIC law.
๐ค Agent Insights
- The market is currently split between 'SRL speculators' and 'School catchment families'.
- Stock levels remain tight for renovated family homes.
๐ฏ Marketing Angles
Focus on 'The SRL Advantage' and 'The Education Capital of the East'.
๐ค Target Buyer Profile
Upsizing families, international investors, and academic professionals.
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Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
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Verify school catchment boundaries via findmyschool.vic.gov.au.
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Check the Victorian Planning Portal for SCO14 (Suburban Rail Loop) overlays.
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Review Whitehorse Council's flood and inundation maps.
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Inspect for structural issues common in 1950s/60s brick veneers.
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Assess noise levels during peak hour on Burwood Highway.
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Check for any outstanding council orders or building permits.
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Confirm the property's zoning and potential for future subdivision.
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Review the Crime Statistics Agency data for the specific 3125 postcode.
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Evaluate the impact of SRL construction traffic on local access roads.
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Check for easements that might restrict building over the backyard.
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Verify the presence of any significant trees protected by council overlays.
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Review the most recent ABS Census data for neighborhood demographic shifts.
๐ Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
๐ whitehorse.vic.gov.au
๐ planning.vic.gov.au
๐ abs.gov.au
๐ crimestatistics.vic.gov.au
๐ vicroads.vic.gov.au
๐ education.vic.gov.au
โ ๏ธ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-05. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any property purchase.
