Brett Warren , National Director – Metropole Group
For homebuyers and savvy investors alike, the latest insights from Cotality offer a fascinating look into the value of location – especially when it comes to school catchments.
In Sydney and Melbourne, families are paying premiums of up to $1.3 million to secure properties inside top public school zones. That might sound steep, but here’s the silver lining: this strategy could actually save households hundreds of thousands over time compared to private school fees.
It’s a smart play that prioritising long-term education benefits while investing in bricks and mortar.
Yes, homes inside top school zones come with a premium – but that opens up exciting prospects just beyond their borders.
In many suburbs, according to the research, properties outside the catchment are quietly outperforming their in-zone counterparts in long-term capital growth.
That’s great news for investors and homebuyers keen to maximise returns without stretching for that initial price tag.
These sometimes-overlooked pockets offer the best of both worlds, including proximity to desirable amenities and high-performing schools, often without the inflated cost.
It’s a clever way to tap into growth corridors, while staying close to what matters most for families and future resale value.
It’s also a reminder to dig deeper. Not all catchments come with a price hike—Cherrybrook Technology High and Doncaster Secondary College, for example, had lower median values inside their zones. That flips the narrative and could unlock opportunities for families looking for quality education without the inflated price tag.
The takeaway is clear: school zones matter, but the smartest homebuyers and investors will balance lifestyle, education, and long-term growth.
Whether you’re a young family weighing up education costs, or an investor seeking under-the-radar pockets of value, this data offers a fresh lens as well as plenty of upside potential.
