Overview

• Families are paying up to A$1.3 million more for homes inside top catchments such as Killara High and Lindfield Learning Village on Sydney’s North Shore compared with similar properties outside the zones.
• Cotality’s July analysis of nine Sydney and Melbourne catchments found seven catchments had higher median values but only three matched or exceeded neighbouring areas’ 15-year capital growth.
• In Melbourne, homes in the Princes Hill and University High catchments carry a premium of A$357 000, while zones like Cherrybrook Technology High and Doncaster Secondary College are sometimes cheaper than surrounding suburbs.
• Premiums reflect both school reputations and other factors including proximity to transport nodes and the higher incomes of residents within catchment areas.
• With private schooling costs averaging A$349 000 over 13 years and ongoing housing affordability pressures, buyers are increasingly eyeing non-catchment suburbs and driving a modest narrowing of price gaps.