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.
- 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.
- 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.
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
Dominant dwelling stock.
Typical entry to ceiling.
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.
$1.25m – $1.85m
$680k – $950k
12-month movement
Current asking rents
The house median has shown resilience against interest rate fluctuations due to the suburb's high land value and redevelopment potential.
Price comparison
Median price ÷ median income
Estimated rental yield
While more affordable than inner-east suburbs, Nunawading is now firmly in the 'premium middle' bracket, requiring significant deposits.
Lower = tighter market
Avg time on market
Annual rental increase
Young professionals, healthcare workers from Box Hill Hospital, and small families.
Strong rental yields for units and townhouses near the station. Long-term land banking of older houses remains a viable strategy.
- 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.
- 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.
Expect steady growth outperforming the Melbourne average as buyers seek value outside the inner-east while retaining high-end amenity.
vs last 12 months
Relative comparison
Review the Whitehorse City Council community safety reports; focus on residential security in streets bordering the commercial zones.
Low environmental risk area, with primary concerns being urban planning shifts and acoustic impacts from major infrastructure.
Low risk; minor localized ponding possible near Koonung Creek trails during extreme events.
Negligible risk; suburb is fully urbanized.
Standard premiums apply; no significant 'red-flag' loading for environmental hazards.
Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) in some areas to protect tree canopy.
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.
Top-tier; train station is a major hub with frequent express services to the city.
Excellent; the 'Golden Mile' and nearby Brand Smart provide extensive retail options.
Good; access to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and local linear parks along the creek.
Solid; Whitehorse Primary and Nunawading Christian College are well-regarded.
Very Good; proximity to Box Hill Hospital and Mitcham Private Hospital.
A diverse, maturing community with a notable shift toward younger, high-income professional families.
The demographic profile supports strong property prices and a stable community environment.
Focused on residential densification and retail modernization along the highway corridor.
- Increased housing diversity through townhouse projects.
- Modernization of retail showrooms along the Golden Mile.
- Improved pedestrian links around the station precinct.
- Increased traffic volume on local collector roads.
- Loss of some traditional backyard space and mature tree canopy.
Residents value the suburb for its 'unbeatable' convenience and transport, though some lament the increasing traffic and loss of older gardens.
The express train to the city is a game changer. I can be at Flinders Street in under 30 minutes.
Whitehorse Primary is fantastic and we love being so close to Blackburn Lake for weekend walks.
Too many townhouses going up now. The traffic on Springvale Road is getting much worse than it used to be.
Having Bunnings, Harvey Norman, and Brand Smart on your doorstep is so convenient for setting up a new home.
I've never had a vacancy longer than a week. The demand from professionals is incredibly consistent.
Away from the main roads, the streets are very quiet and neighbors still look out for each other.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
Position the property as a 'strategic lifestyle choice' that offers the convenience of an activity center with the stability of a family-oriented suburb.
High-demand rental market with low vacancy and strong capital growth prospects.
Potential for localized oversupply of 2-bedroom apartments near the station.
- 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.
- 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.
Unbeatable transport and shopping access.
Traffic noise and limited street parking in newer developments.
- 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.
Ensure all properties meet the latest Victorian rental minimum standards, particularly regarding heating and electrical safety.
- 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.
Focus on the '30-minute CBD commute' and the 'Golden Mile convenience'.
Young professional couples, growing families, and savvy long-term investors.
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.
