Affordability, space and parks attracting families to Melbourne’s west

A growing family requires space, as well as access to schools and amenities. But how can you find a place fit for the whole family – and the means to afford it?

Not too long after the kids start walking, they start wanting to run around. But finding a home that has enough space for families to play or pets to roam is tough. With prices in Melbourne out of range for many buyers, families may have to look a bit further afield to find a place where they can thrive.

State revenue data has found first home buyers and young families are flocking to Melbourne’s west where the abundance of green space is a big drawcard. Incentive schemes and new developments built with young families in mind are drawing crowds to suburbs like Tarneit and Werribee. They currently rank three and four respectively in the state’s top 10 postcodes for first home buyers*.

The Newhaven community in Tarneit is attracting young families. Picture: Dennis Murphy

---

New developments west of Melbourne are proving popular among families looking for a great deal, says realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

“If you move west you can be closer to the city for less money,” Conisbee explains.

Finding affordability

The main appeal of suburbs like Tarneit and Werribee for young families is price point. Thanks to new masterplanned developments like Newhaven in Tarneit, you can get a three-bedroom house and land package for as little as $407,900.

---

“It is one of the more affordable areas,” Conisbee noted. “There is a lot of land out there but it is also an area that is more recently defined by public transport, schools and retailing. There is a lot of investment in other things out west too.”

For example, the 1200-home Newhaven development on Tarneit Rd not only boasts affordable homes but lifestyle and leisure perks on your doorstep. It’s also a commutable distance to the CBD via public transport or car, taking roughly an hour or less.

---

Meanwhile, down the road in Werribee, the 900-lot Cornerstone development hopes to realise the suburban dream of a big backyard, with lots ranging up to 32 metres deep aiming to encourage more outdoor space. Here, three-bedroom house and land packages are selling from $415,900.

These developments are designed with families in mind. There are public and private schools nearby, big backyards for pets and play, a series of innovative parks and a view towards creating local sporting teams and sporting grounds.

Green space is a high priority in these developments and the promise of sizeable backyards is attracting families, says Peet Project Director Nick Bosco.

“Both Cornerstone and Newhaven have been popular with young families because of the range of lot sizes and the family friendly features,” he says.

Communities start with parks

Young families need space to grow. Green spaces, such as playground and parks, are more than a space to occupy the kids for an hour or two. They form a social centre for the community where people can meet, entertain and enjoy themselves.

Altona residents and bloggers Mandy Couzens and Sammi Dobinson say that parks and the innovative use of green space are integral ingredients for family-friendly communities.

Mandy Couzens and Sammi Dobinson from the Mamma Knows West blog. Picture: Meaghan Paul

---

They first came across Cornerstone upon taking their kids to its now-famous ‘Jumping Pillow’. After their write-up of the attraction garnered a lot of attention on their blog, Mamma Knows West, Couzens and Dobinson began collaborating with Peet on the designs of their parks.

“We know our families love water features and water play, so Newhaven is all about water, particularly its elephant water feature in Navigation Park,” Dobinson said.

“We also know our readers and our families love animals, so that became the focus of Safari Park in Cornerstone, which also ties in with the Open Range Zoo in Werribee.”

The Mamma Knows West families at Newhaven’s Navigation Park. Picture: Dennis Murphy

---

Connectivity is vital for any growing area and NBN internet is supplied. You will even find evidence of the latest tech in Newhaven’s public spaces – the Jumping Pillow there even has a bench that will charge your phone on its surface.

“[Peet is] so clever,” Dobinson added. “They’ve really thought of everything.”

Take advantage of incentive programs

As an area with plenty of new homes or development opportunities, Tarneit and Werribee are popular options for first home buyers who can take advantage of the state’s First Home Buyer Grant.

As of recently, first home buyers can also apply for the federal government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme which allows low-income buyers to purchase property with a deposit of only 5%.

However, Peet is upping the ante through incentive schemes of their own.

For instance, in the Tarneit development Newhaven buyers can nab a bonus solar power package and free front yard landscaping to the value of $7000.

Purchasers in Werribee’s Cornerstone development can also opt in to a free front garden landscaping bonus, up to the value of $5000.

*Top 10 Postcodes 1 July 2018 – 30 June 2019: Applications for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), State Revenue Office Victoria