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Julien Karolos
118 New Street, Ringwood, Vic 3134
Auction ($950,000 to $1,045,000)
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Open Saturday 6 June 1:00 pm Auction Saturday 27 June 11:00 am๐๏ธ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-05)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Ringwood โ Wurundjeri Country
Originally utilized for orchards and brick-making in the mid-19th century, Ringwood evolved rapidly following the arrival of the railway in 1882. It transitioned from a rural outpost to a major industrial and residential center during the post-war boom of the 1950s and 60s.
Today it serves as the 'capital' of the outer east, defined by the massive Eastland shopping precinct and a high-frequency transit interchange surrounded by a mix of modern apartments and classic suburban homes.
Overall Score
8.2
A highly functional suburb with exceptional infrastructure and services for families and professionals.
Name Origin
Named after the town of Ringwood in Hampshire, England, by early settlers.
Established
Gazetted 1924
Transit Hub
Junction of the Belgrave and Lilydale rail lines.
Retail Giant
Home to Eastland, one of Melbourne's largest shopping centers.
Civic Heart
Administrative center for the City of Maroondah.
๐ Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0โ10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.5
Steady demand driven by the Ringwood Secondary College zone and proximity to EastLink.
Amenity
9.5
World-class retail, dining, and aquatic facilities (Aquanation) within walking distance.
Schools
8.8
Highly regarded public and private options, specifically the Ringwood Secondary College catchment.
Transport
9.6
Exceptional rail access and direct EastLink connection to the CBD and Mornington Peninsula.
Risk Profile
7.2
Moderate risk from high-density rezoning and localized traffic congestion.
Liveability
8.4
Excellent balance of urban convenience and access to the Dandenong Valley Parklands.
Demographics
7.8
A diverse mix of established families, young professionals, and a growing student population.
Rental Demand
8.5
High demand for both modern apartments near the station and family homes near schools.
Growth Potential
7.6
Strong long-term prospects as a designated 'Metropolitan Activity Centre'.
Affordability
5.5
Prices have risen significantly, making it less accessible for first-home buyers than neighboring Croydon.
Crime & Safety
6.4
Generally safe, though the central activity district sees higher rates of opportunistic crime.
Walkability
8.2
Highly walkable around the central core, though hilly terrain persists in residential pockets.
โก Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,085,000
Steady 4.2% annual growth
Median Unit
$645,000
Popular with investors
Top School
Ringwood Secondary
Highly competitive zone
CBD Commute
35-45 mins
Express train services
Green Space
Ringwood Lake
Iconic local landmark
Yield
3.6%
Gross rental return
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Key Advantages
- Unbeatable transport connectivity via two train lines and EastLink.
- Premium retail and entertainment options at Eastland and Town Square.
- Zoning for the prestigious Ringwood Secondary College.
- Proximity to high-quality recreational facilities like Aquanation.
- Diverse housing stock ranging from luxury apartments to large family blocks.
โ ๏ธ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant traffic congestion around Maroondah Highway during peak hours.
- Over-supply risk in the high-density apartment sector near the station.
- Strict school zone enforcement—buying 50m outside the line can impact value.
- Noise pollution for properties backing onto EastLink or the rail corridor.
- Increasingly competitive auction environment for renovated family homes.
๐๏ธ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
๐๏ธ Character
Urban Regional Hub
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
๐ Property Types
Mix of mid-century weatherboards, modern townhouses, and high-rise apartments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
๐ฐ Price Range
$550k (Units) – $1.6m (Premium Houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
๐ก Why It Matters
Ringwood is the primary economic engine of the outer east. Its status as a transport and commercial nexus ensures long-term resilience, making it a 'safe bet' for capital growth compared to purely residential neighbors.
๐ฐ Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
๐ House Median
$1,085,000
$950k – $1.55m
๐ข Unit Median
$645,000
$480k – $820k
๐ Price Trend
+4.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
๐ Weekly Rents
Houses $620pw, Units $540pw
Current asking rents
๐ 5-Year Price History
๐๏ธ Property Type Split
The price gap between houses and units is widening, reflecting the scarcity of land in the school zone versus the high supply of new apartments.
๐ฏ Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
8% below Greater Melbourne house median
Price comparison
๐ Income Ratio
8.8x average household income
Median price รท median income
๐ณ Gross Yield
3.6% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While more affordable than the inner-east, Ringwood has moved out of the 'entry-level' bracket for most first-home buyers seeking houses.
๐ฅ Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
๐ Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Lower = tighter market
โฑ๏ธ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
๐ Rent Growth p.a.
+9.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand LevelHigh
๐ค Tenant Profile
Young professionals commuting to CBD and families prioritizing school catchments.
๐ผ Investor Outlook
Strong demand for 3-bedroom townhouses. Apartment investors should focus on boutique builds rather than high-density towers to ensure better resale value.
๐ Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.2%
1-Year Growth
+14.8% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+26.5% cumulative
5-Year Growth
๐ Growth Drivers
- State Government 'Activity Centre' designation driving infrastructure spend.
- Ongoing upgrades to the Maroondah Hospital precinct nearby.
- Persistent demand for the Ringwood Secondary College zone.
- Expansion of the commercial/office sector attracting white-collar workers.
โ Headwinds
- Interest rate sensitivity in the middle-market segment.
- High volume of apartment completions potentially capping unit growth.
- Traffic bottlenecks reducing local lifestyle appeal.
๐ฎ 5-Year Outlook
Steady outperformance of the outer-east average is expected as Ringwood solidifies its role as a secondary CBD for Melbourne.
๐ก๏ธ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6.5
Safety Score
Average
๐ Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
Comparable to metro averages for major activity centers
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium Public Order: Medium Violent Crime: Low
๐ What to Check Locally
Check specific street data near the station and Eastland, as these areas see higher foot traffic and associated opportunistic incidents.
โ ๏ธ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
๐ Summary
Primary risks involve urban planning changes and localized environmental factors near the Mullum Mullum Creek.
๐ Flood Risk
Low risk, though some properties near Mullum Mullum Creek are subject to Special Building Overlays (SBO).
๐ฅ Bushfire Risk
Very low risk for the main suburb; slightly higher in the northern fringes near Loughnan's Hill.
๐ฆ Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply; no significant suburb-wide spikes recorded.
๐บ๏ธ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
๐ Typical Zoning
General Residential Zone (GRZ) and Activity Centre Zone (ACZ)
๐ฒ Overlays
Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO), Special Building Overlay (SBO)
๐๏ธ Development Hotspots
Ringwood Street and Maroondah Highway corridor.
Zoning allows for significant density near the station, which can lead to neighboring properties being overshadowed by new developments.
๐ณ Liveability
Day-to-day experience โ transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
๐ Transport
Top-tier with a major rail junction and EastLink access.
๐๏ธ Amenity & Retail
Exceptional; Eastland provides almost all retail and dining needs.
๐ฒ Parks & Recreation
Good access to Ringwood Lake and the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail.
๐ซ Schools
Excellent public options and proximity to elite private schools in nearby suburbs.
๐ฅ Healthcare
Strong, with Maroondah Hospital located on the suburb border.
๐ฅ Demographics
Who lives here โ income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A balanced demographic transitioning from older 'empty nesters' to young, multicultural families.
๐ต Median Income
$88,400 pa
๐ Ownership
32% fully owned, 35% mortgage, 31% renting
๐ Age Profile
Median age 37
๐ Education
High proportion of tertiary educated residents (34% Bachelor degree or higher).
๐ Age Distribution
The high percentage of 25-44 year olds drives the demand for modern cafes, childcare, and high-speed internet infrastructure.
๐๏ธ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
๐ Overview
Focused on the 'Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre' masterplan.
๐ Positive Impacts
- Increased local employment opportunities in the commercial core.
- Improved pedestrian links between the station and Eastland.
- Upgraded public realm and green spaces in the civic precinct.
๐ Negative Impacts
- Construction noise and traffic diversions in the short term.
- Loss of 'village feel' in the central streets due to high-rise scale.
๐บ๏ธ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
๐Ringwood East
Position East
Price 10% more expensive
Lifestyle Quieter, more 'village' feel, less high-density.
Best for Families wanting a quieter life but still near the train.
๐Mitcham
Position West
Price 15% more expensive
Lifestyle Closer to the city, more established leafy character.
Best for City commuters with a higher budget.
๐Croydon
Position Northeast
Price 15% cheaper
Lifestyle More traditional suburban, further from major retail.
Best for First home buyers and budget-conscious families.
๐Heathmont
Position South
Price 5% more expensive
Lifestyle Very leafy, hilly, strong community feel.
Best for Families seeking a 'green' retreat.
๐ Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile โ useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Box Hill
VIC
8.5/10
Major transport and retail hub with high-density development.
Epping
NSW
8.3/10
Strategic rail junction with a mix of schools and new apartments.
Chermside
QLD
7.9/10
Dominant regional shopping center hub with rapid residential growth.
Hornsby
NSW
8.1/10
Leafy outskirts hub with major rail and shopping infrastructure.
๐ฌ Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
๐ Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the 'everything at your doorstep' convenience but lament the increasing traffic and loss of older character homes.
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Convenience
I can walk to the station, the gym, and the cinema in ten minutes. It's transformed from a sleepy suburb to a mini-city.
Amenities Urbanization
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Schools
We bought here specifically for Ringwood Secondary. The school community is fantastic and the lake is great for the kids.
Education Parks
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Traffic
The traffic on Maroondah Highway is getting unbearable. It used to be easy to get around, now you have to plan your day around it.
Traffic Growth
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Transport
The express train to the city is a lifesaver for work. Rent is high but you save so much on petrol.
Public Transport Rent Cost
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Investment
We found a fixer-upper on a decent block. It's hard to find land here now with all the townhouses going up.
Value Development
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Economy
The foot traffic from Eastland brings so much life to the Town Square area. It's a great place to run a business.
Business Climate Vibrancy
๐ก Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
๐งโ๐ผ Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties within the Ringwood Secondary College zone for maximum resale value.
- Look for 'Loughnan's Hill' pocket for better views and quieter streets.
- Check the Maroondah Planning Scheme for any nearby high-density rezoning before buying.
- Attend at least three auctions locally to understand the current 'emotional premium' being paid.
- Verify the exact school catchment on the official Find My School website, as boundaries change.
โ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property definitively within the Ringwood Secondary College zone for the current year?
- Are there any planned high-density developments on the immediate neighboring blocks?
- What are the quarterly body corporate fees and what do they cover (for units/townhouses)?
- Has the property ever been affected by the Special Building Overlay (SBO) for drainage?
- What is the current rental appraisal based on recent comparable leases in this street?
- Are there any easements on the title that would prevent a future extension or pool?
- How old is the heating/cooling system and has it been serviced recently?
- What is the split of owner-occupiers versus renters in this specific building/complex?
๐ท๏ธ Seller Strategy
- Highlight proximity to Eastland and the station in all marketing materials.
- Ensure the property is presented as 'move-in ready' to attract time-poor professional buyers.
- If in the school zone, explicitly state this in the headline of the listing.
- Consider a mid-week twilight viewing to showcase the lifestyle/dining precinct nearby.
- Provide a detailed building and pest report upfront to speed up unconditional offers.
๐ฃ Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'lifestyle-first' investment that bridges the gap between urban convenience and suburban comfort.
๐ผ Investment Case
High-yield potential in the apartment sector, but capital growth is stronger in the townhouse/house segment.
โ ๏ธ Investment Risks
Oversupply of generic 1-bedroom apartments; changing school zone boundaries.
๐ Action Plan
- Target 3-bedroom townhouses with double garages.
- Focus on properties within 1km of the station.
- Avoid older apartments with high body corporate fees and no lift access.
- Monitor the Maroondah Hospital expansion for healthcare tenant opportunities.
๐ Renter Tips
- Apply with all documents ready; the market moves in under 48 hours for good units.
- Check for double glazing if the property is near the railway or EastLink.
- Test the commute during peak hour before signing a long lease.
- Look for properties with included parking, as street parking is heavily restricted.
๐๏ธ What Renters Love Here
Unbeatable access to shops, trains, and cinemas.
โ ๏ธ Renter Watch-Outs
High competition for rentals near the station; noise in high-density blocks.
๐ข Landlord Strategy
- Maintain modern interiors (split systems, stone benches) to attract premium tenants.
- Offer long-term leases to families in the school zone to reduce turnover.
- Ensure compliance with the latest VIC rental minimum standards (heating, electrical).
๐ Compliance & Management
Strict adherence to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and 2021 amendments is mandatory in VIC.
๐ค Agent Insights
- The 'school zone' premium is currently around 10-15% of the property value.
- Buyers are increasingly wary of 'cladding' issues in newer apartment towers.
- Renovated 1960s weatherboards are the most sought-after 'character' stock.
๐ฏ Marketing Angles
The '15-minute city' lifestyle where work, play, and education are all within reach.
๐ค Target Buyer Profile
Young families moving from inner-east (Hawthorn/Camberwell) looking for better value without losing amenity.
โ
Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
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Confirm school zone via findmyschool.vic.gov.au.โ
Check Maroondah Council planning portal for nearby permits.โ
Review the Section 32 for any unusual encumbrances or caveats.โ
Conduct a professional building and pest inspection (focus on sub-floor damp).โ
Verify the presence of any combustible cladding (for apartments).โ
Check the Victorian Heritage Database for any local heritage overlays.โ
Test the mobile phone reception and NBN availability (FTTP vs FTTN).โ
Visit the property during peak hour to assess traffic noise levels.โ
Check for any Significant Landscape Overlays (SLO) affecting tree removal.โ
Review the last 3 years of Body Corporate minutes for any major works planned.โ
Confirm proximity to the nearest high-voltage power lines or substations.โ
Assess the distance to the nearest bus stop or train station for daily commute.๐ Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
๐ maroondah.vic.gov.au ๐ abs.gov.au ๐ findmyschool.vic.gov.au ๐ mapshare.vic.gov.au ๐ vicroads.vic.gov.au
โ ๏ธ Important Disclaimer
This report is a data-driven analysis for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or real estate advice. All buyers should perform their own independent due diligence and consult with licensed professionals before making any property purchase.
