Daniel Bullen
6 Thelma Street, Nunawading, Vic 3131
$1,350,000 - $1,450,000
4 2 2
Open Thursday 4 June 2:00 pm Auction Saturday 27 June 11:00 am๐๏ธ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-12)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Nunawading โ Wurundjeri Country
Originally an agricultural and brick-making district, Nunawading transformed into a residential suburb during the post-WWII housing boom. The area was historically significant for its orchards and clay deposits, which fueled Melbourne's early construction industry.
Today, it is a bustling commercial and residential hybrid, famous for the 'Golden Mile' retail strip and its high-performing transport interchange.
Overall Score
7.8
A high-performing all-rounder with exceptional transport and retail infrastructure.
Name Origin
Derived from the Parish of Nunawading, a name adopted in the mid-19th century.
Established
Post Office opened 1864
Industrial Roots
Formerly a major center for brick and pipe manufacturing.
Golden Mile
One of Melbourne's premier bulky-goods retail precincts.
Transport Hub
Features a major grade-separated railway station completed in 2010.
๐ Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0โ10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.2
Steady demand driven by spillover from more expensive neighbors like Blackburn and Donvale.
Amenity
8.5
Exceptional access to large-scale retail, cafes, and essential services along Maroondah Highway.
Schools
7.4
Strong local primary options with access to high-demand secondary zones in adjacent suburbs.
Transport
9.2
Elite rail connectivity with express services and major arterial road access.
Risk Profile
8.1
Low environmental risk, though commercial zoning shifts require monitoring.
Liveability
7.7
High convenience factor balanced by some industrial and high-traffic pockets.
Demographics
7.5
Increasingly popular with young professional families and multi-generational households.
Rental Demand
8.3
Tight vacancy rates due to the suburb's proximity to Box Hill and Deakin University.
Growth Potential
7.6
Strong upside as the 'middle-ring' of the east continues to densify.
Affordability
6.2
Priced as a premium middle-ring suburb, making entry difficult for first-home buyers.
Crime & Safety
8.0
Generally safe residential streets with typical commercial-hub incident rates near retail zones.
Walkability
6.5
Highly walkable near the station and retail strip, but less so in the northern residential pockets.
โก Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,420,000
Projected March 2026
Median Unit
$815,000
Modern 2-3 bed townhouses
12mo Growth
5.8%
Steady capital appreciation
CBD Commute
28 mins
Via express train services
Family Ratio
68%
High percentage of households
Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Extremely tight rental market
โ
Key Advantages
- Exceptional public transport with a major railway station and bus interchange.
- The 'Golden Mile' provides unparalleled access to retail and home improvement stores.
- Proximity to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary offers high-quality green space nearby.
- Diverse housing stock ranging from post-war weatherboards to modern townhouses.
- Strong long-term capital growth supported by its position between Box Hill and Ringwood.
โ ๏ธ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant traffic noise near Maroondah Highway and Springvale Road.
- Some residential pockets are adjacent to light industrial zones.
- Increasing high-density development may impact street parking and privacy.
- Competitive school zoning; some parts of the suburb miss out on top-tier catchments.
- Limited 'village feel' compared to neighboring Blackburn or Mitcham.
๐๏ธ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
๐๏ธ Character
Strategic Hub
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
๐ Property Types
Mix of 1950s-70s houses, modern townhouses, and low-rise apartments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
๐ฐ Price Range
$750k (Units) – $1.9m+ (Large Houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
๐ก Why It Matters
Nunawading serves as a critical bridge between the high-density activity center of Box Hill and the leafy outer-east. It offers a more accessible price point than Blackburn while maintaining superior transport links.
๐ฐ Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
๐ House Median
$1,420,000
$1.25m – $1.85m
๐ข Unit Median
$815,000
$680k – $950k
๐ Price Trend
+5.8% over the past 12 months
12-month movement
๐ Weekly Rents
Houses $680pw, Units $560pw
Current asking rents
๐ 5-Year Price History
๐๏ธ Property Type Split
The house median has shown resilience against interest rate fluctuations due to the suburb's high land value and redevelopment potential.
๐ฏ Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
7% above Greater Melbourne median
Price comparison
๐ Income Ratio
9.8x average household income
Median price รท median income
๐ณ Gross Yield
3.2% for houses, 4.1% for units
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While more affordable than inner-east suburbs, Nunawading is now firmly in the 'premium middle' bracket, requiring significant deposits.
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.
+8.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand LevelVery High
๐ค Tenant Profile
Young professionals, healthcare workers from Box Hill Hospital, and small families.
๐ผ Investor Outlook
Strong rental yields for units and townhouses near the station. Long-term land banking of older houses remains a viable strategy.
๐ Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.8%
1-Year Growth
+14.5% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+26.8% cumulative
5-Year Growth
๐ Growth Drivers
- Continued gentrification of the post-war housing stock.
- Proximity to the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) hub at Box Hill.
- Ongoing demand for townhouse developments on large blocks.
- Expansion of the commercial and retail precinct providing local jobs.
โ Headwinds
- High interest rate environment impacting borrowing capacity for the middle-market.
- Potential oversupply of modern townhouses in specific pockets.
- Traffic congestion reducing the appeal of certain street addresses.
๐ฎ 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady growth outperforming the Melbourne average as buyers seek value outside the inner-east while retaining high-end amenity.
๐ก๏ธ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
8.0
Safety Score
Above Average
๐ Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
12% below metro average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium Personal Safety: Low Traffic Incidents: Medium
๐ What to Check Locally
Review the Whitehorse City Council community safety reports; focus on residential security in streets bordering the commercial zones.
โ ๏ธ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
๐ Summary
Low environmental risk area, with primary concerns being urban planning shifts and acoustic impacts from major infrastructure.
๐ Flood Risk
Low risk; minor localized ponding possible near Koonung Creek trails during extreme events.
๐ฅ Bushfire Risk
Negligible risk; suburb is fully urbanized.
๐ฆ Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply; no significant 'red-flag' loading for environmental hazards.
๐บ๏ธ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
๐ Typical Zoning
General Residential Zone (GRZ) and Residential Growth Zone (RGZ) near the station.
๐ฒ Overlays
Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) in some areas to protect tree canopy.
๐๏ธ Development Hotspots
Streets within 800m of Nunawading Station and the Maroondah Hwy corridor.
Zoning allows for significant density increases near the station, which can impact the character of traditional streets but drives land value.
๐ณ Liveability
Day-to-day experience โ transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
๐ Transport
Top-tier; train station is a major hub with frequent express services to the city.
๐๏ธ Amenity & Retail
Excellent; the 'Golden Mile' and nearby Brand Smart provide extensive retail options.
๐ฒ Parks & Recreation
Good; access to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and local linear parks along the creek.
๐ซ Schools
Solid; Whitehorse Primary and Nunawading Christian College are well-regarded.
๐ฅ Healthcare
Very Good; proximity to Box Hill Hospital and Mitcham Private Hospital.
๐ฅ Demographics
Who lives here โ income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A diverse, maturing community with a notable shift toward younger, high-income professional families.
๐ต Median Income
$92,500 pa
๐ Ownership
65% owner-occupied, 35% renting
๐ Age Profile
Median age 38
๐ Education
High; over 40% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
๐ Age Distribution
The demographic profile supports strong property prices and a stable community environment.
๐๏ธ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
๐ Overview
Focused on residential densification and retail modernization along the highway corridor.
๐ Positive Impacts
- Increased housing diversity through townhouse projects.
- Modernization of retail showrooms along the Golden Mile.
- Improved pedestrian links around the station precinct.
๐ Negative Impacts
- Increased traffic volume on local collector roads.
- Loss of some traditional backyard space and mature tree canopy.
๐บ๏ธ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
๐Blackburn
Position West
Price 15-20% more expensive
Lifestyle Leafier, more 'village' feel, stricter heritage protections.
Best for High-budget families seeking prestige and nature.
๐Mitcham
Position East
Price Similar to 5% cheaper
Lifestyle More hilly, similar transport, slightly more suburban feel.
Best for First home buyers and young families.
๐Forest Hill
Position South
Price 10% cheaper
Lifestyle No train station; relies on buses and trams.
Best for Budget-conscious families prioritizing land size over rail access.
๐Donvale
Position North
Price Varies (Acreage vs Residential)
Lifestyle Semi-rural in parts, no rail, very quiet.
Best for Lifestyle buyers seeking space and privacy.
๐ Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile โ useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Bentleigh East
VIC
7.6/10
Middle-ring suburb with strong family appeal and a mix of post-war and modern homes.
Mount Waverley
VIC
8.2/10
Strong focus on education and transport links with a similar residential character.
Ringwood
VIC
7.9/10
Major transport and retail hub with a transitioning residential market.
Rosanna
VIC
7.5/10
Leafy middle-ring suburb with good rail access and a mix of housing eras.
๐ฌ Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
๐ Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the suburb for its 'unbeatable' convenience and transport, though some lament the increasing traffic and loss of older gardens.
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
Commuter Paradise
The express train to the city is a game changer. I can be at Flinders Street in under 30 minutes.
Transport Convenience
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
Great for Kids
Whitehorse Primary is fantastic and we love being so close to Blackburn Lake for weekend walks.
Schools Parks
โ
โ
โ
โโ
Changing Character
Too many townhouses going up now. The traffic on Springvale Road is getting much worse than it used to be.
Overdevelopment Traffic
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
Retail Access
Having Bunnings, Harvey Norman, and Brand Smart on your doorstep is so convenient for setting up a new home.
Shopping
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
Investment Stability
I've never had a vacancy longer than a week. The demand from professionals is incredibly consistent.
Rental Yield Demand
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
Safe and Quiet
Away from the main roads, the streets are very quiet and neighbors still look out for each other.
Safety Community
๐ก Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
๐งโ๐ผ Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties on the southern side of the highway for easier access to Blackburn Lake.
- Check for Significant Landscape Overlays (SLO) which may restrict tree removal.
- Visit the property during peak hour to assess the true impact of Maroondah Highway noise.
- Look for older homes on 600sqm+ blocks for long-term land value and development potential.
- Verify school catchments as they can change and are strictly enforced in this region.
โ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property within the Mullauna College or Blackburn High School zone?
- Are there any planned high-density developments on the adjacent blocks?
- What is the specific Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) requirement for this street?
- Has the property been tested for asbestos, given its construction era?
- What are the average utility costs for a home of this age in this area?
- How does the noise level change during the evening peak on the highway?
- Is there any history of drainage issues in the backyard during heavy rain?
๐ท๏ธ Seller Strategy
- Highlight proximity to the station and 'Golden Mile' in all marketing materials.
- Ensure gardens are well-maintained to appeal to the 'leafy east' buyer demographic.
- Consider professional styling to modernize older post-war interiors.
- Provide a clear floor plan showing home office potential to attract young professionals.
- Address noise concerns proactively with double glazing or acoustic fencing if near main roads.
๐ฃ Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'strategic lifestyle choice' that offers the convenience of an activity center with the stability of a family-oriented suburb.
๐ผ Investment Case
High-demand rental market with low vacancy and strong capital growth prospects.
โ ๏ธ Investment Risks
Potential for localized oversupply of 2-bedroom apartments near the station.
๐ Action Plan
- Target 3-bedroom townhouses with a small courtyard.
- Focus on properties within a 10-15 minute walk of the station.
- Ensure the property has secure parking as street parking is becoming limited.
- Consider a minor cosmetic renovation to older units to maximize rental yield.
๐ Renter Tips
- Be ready with a complete application; properties lease very quickly here.
- Look for units with included water/gas if on a budget.
- Check the proximity to the train line if you are a light sleeper.
๐๏ธ What Renters Love Here
Unbeatable transport and shopping access.
โ ๏ธ Renter Watch-Outs
Traffic noise and limited street parking in newer developments.
๐ข Landlord Strategy
- Install split-system heating/cooling to meet high tenant expectations.
- Regularly review the market as rents in 3131 have been rising sharply.
- Maintain the exterior appearance to attract long-term professional tenants.
๐ Compliance & Management
Ensure all properties meet the latest Victorian rental minimum standards, particularly regarding heating and electrical safety.
๐ค Agent Insights
- The market is currently driven by families priced out of Blackburn and Box Hill.
- Buyers are increasingly wary of high-traffic locations; quiet cul-de-sacs command a premium.
- Modern townhouses are selling faster than unrenovated 1970s units.
๐ฏ Marketing Angles
Focus on the '30-minute CBD commute' and the 'Golden Mile convenience'.
๐ค Target Buyer Profile
Young professional couples, growing families, and savvy long-term investors.
โ
Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
โ
Verify school catchment via findmyschool.vic.gov.au.โ
Check the Title for any restrictive covenants or easements.โ
Review the Section 32 for any outstanding council orders.โ
Conduct a professional building and pest inspection.โ
Assess the impact of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) construction in nearby Box Hill.โ
Check for any heritage overlays that might limit renovations.โ
Measure the distance to the nearest train station on foot.โ
Inspect the property during a rainy day to check guttering and site drainage.โ
Confirm the zoning and potential for future subdivision (if applicable).โ
Review the Whitehorse City Council's future planning strategy for the Golden Mile.๐ Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
๐ whitehorse.vic.gov.au ๐ abs.gov.au ๐ mapshare.vic.gov.au ๐ planning.vic.gov.au ๐ findmyschool.vic.gov.au
โ ๏ธ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of March 12, 2026. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent research and consult with legal and financial professionals before making any property purchase.
