15th March 2021 / Prue Fletcher: Suburb Spotlight | Balwyn North, VIC 3104

Suburb Spotlight | Balwyn North, VIC 3104

In the early 1900's, areas such as Camberwell, Hawthorn and Balwyn North were still considered rural retreats.

With the end of the Great War in 1919, Australian soldiers were steadily returning home to resume – or in some cases - kickstart their lives. Post-war migration was also bringing people to Australia from Southern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. To cope with the demands of a growing population, the land around the 'outer' areas to the east of Melbourne was set to be subdivided.

Recognising that the demand for land and housing in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne was about to snowball, two young men - Harold Fletcher, an accountant, and Mr Percy Parker, an auctioneer, began their real estate dynasty.

And now, over 100 years later and amid a global pandemic, our company values which have remained an integral part of our success; local knowledge, integrity, quality service and commitment to our clients, is what will see us continue to serve our local community across the next century.

Having led our Fletchers Balwyn North team alongside fellow Director, Jeremy Desmier, for approximately three decades, Fletchers Director Daiman Kane, is well placed to comment on the promising outlook he sees for his beloved suburb.

"I believe the suburb's popularity is largely due to young families wanting to secure their futures close to the Balwyn High School, one of the leading public schools in Melbourne, as well as many of the other leading public and private education options within the City of Boroondara".

With a mix of impressive architecture and classic brick veneer homes, Balwyn North's quiet streets provide for an idyllic family lifestyle. A place where the kids can ride their bikes along the Koonung Creek Trail, or play and run wild at Hislop or Macleay Park.

Similarly, The Balwyn North Village is a small pocket of shops where the owners pride themselves on making you feel welcome, giving you a real sense of what it's like to belong to a local community. With everything you need as well as a few surprises along the way, there is a family run greengrocer, newsagent, pet store, hairdresser and real estate agency (of course), which really sets the tone for what this suburb stands for.

Communities play such an important role in our everyday lives. Our community of friends, families, workplace and neighborhood unite us in so many different ways. In an era where technology both connects and separates us, as well living in random spurts of isolation, a local community can greatly benefit our overall well-being and can increase our contentment in day-to-day life. We find community in the local teams we support, businesses we frequent and the neighbour we check on. Having a strong sense of community makes us feel safe and secure, something that the suburb of Balwyn North exudes.

With an impressive reputation for academic excellence, Balwyn High School is one of Melbourne's best public schools and most importantly, a large portion of Balwyn North exists within the Balwyn High School zone. "Offering a quality selection of primary schools and zoned to one of Melbourne's leading secondary schools, it's why for as long as I can remember, this area has always been so highly sought after" Mr Kane said.

Located 10km east of Melbourne's CBD, it's easily accessible by many modes of transport. With direct access to the Eastern Freeway, you can find yourself in the heart of Melbourne in approximately 20 minutes. However, if a more sustainable mode

of transport is what you are after catch the number 48 tram along Doncaster Road or grab your bike and cycle to town which connects with the Main Yarra Trail, along the Yarra River and Eastern Freeway.

With the median property price in Balwyn North currently sitting at $1,850,000* and an average rental of $650 per week*, Balwyn North is witnessing a changing of the guard, making way for established couples and families to make their mark on this popular postcode, as we see the more senior residents looking to downsize, and secure their next stage of life in a villa unit…just around the corner.

Here, Director Daiman Kane shares his top tips on how to enjoy a day in Balwyn North:

Coffee: Bobby Beans.
Dinner: Mias Pizza.
Brunch: Village Cafe.
Park: Macleay Park.
Wellbeing/Fitness: I love to walk the nearby Koonung Trail with my wife and boys.
Local sporting team to get behind: The Greythorn Falcons! Something for the kids: Leigh Park.
After work drinks: Get down and see Tommy at Bin 3. Upcoming listing inside scoop: COMING SOON! 73 Sylvander Street, Balwyn North.

*Median price sourced via REIV website