Boroondara - Autumn 2026 Market Update

Balanced

The first quarter of 2026 has provided a clear insight into the direction of Melbourne’s inner-east property market, with Boroondara’s key suburbs — Camberwell, Canterbury, Hawthorn and Kew — showing a market that is stable, selective, and quietly competitive.

After a more uncertain 2025, buyer confidence has returned with greater intent, albeit in a more measured and disciplined way. This is no longer a market driven by urgency or fear of missing out — instead, it is one defined by informed decision-making and a clear preference for quality.

Across all four suburbs, the most consistent theme has been the widening gap between A-grade and secondary properties.

Well-located, well-presented homes — particularly renovated family residences — have continued to attract strong competition. In many cases, these properties are selling with multiple buyers engaged, either at auction or through well-managed off-market campaigns.

By contrast, homes with compromises — whether in location, floorplan or condition — are taking longer to sell and, in some cases, requiring price adjustments to meet the market.

Camberwell has remained one of the most consistent performers, with steady buyer depth in the family home segment. Demand has been particularly strong for homes in established pockets close to schools, transport and lifestyle amenities.

Canterbury continues to demonstrate its position as one of Melbourne’s most tightly held prestige suburbs. Limited supply has meant that when high-quality homes come to market, competition is strong — often playing out quietly behind the scenes.

Hawthorn has shown a more two-speed market. The top end, particularly above $5 million, has performed well with several notable sales, while the mid-market has been more price-sensitive and selective.

Kew has presented opportunities for buyers, particularly where properties require renovation or where vendor expectations have needed to adjust. For strategic buyers, this has created a window to secure quality real estate within a premium postcode.

Balanced

The first quarter of 2026 has reinforced a consistent theme across Melbourne’s inner east — a market that is stable, measured, and increasingly selective.

Across Surrey Hills, Mont Albert, Balwyn and Glen Iris, buyer activity has returned with intent, but without the urgency seen in previous cycles. Instead, we are seeing a more balanced environment where quality, pricing and positioning are playing a decisive role in outcomes.

Buyers are active and engaged, however they are more disciplined in their approach — taking time to assess value, compare options and avoid overextending.

This has created a clear divide in performance between high-quality homes and those with compromises.

Surrey Hills and Mont Albert have continued to benefit from their strong lifestyle appeal — leafy streets, village precincts and proximity to quality schools.

In Q1:

• Renovated family homes have attracted solid competition, particularly in walkable pockets
• Character homes with land have remained highly desirable
• Properties requiring renovation have seen more measured interest, often appealing to value-driven buyers

These suburbs are performing as reliable family markets, where demand is consistent but outcomes are closely tied to presentation and location.

Balwyn continues to be underpinned by its access to highly regarded school zones, which remains a major driver of buyer demand.

Throughout Q1:

• Strong competition for homes within premium school catchments
• Continued interest from both local upsizers and international buyers
• Well-renovated homes commanding premium results

However, even in Balwyn, buyers are showing greater price sensitivity — particularly for properties that do not fully align with expectations at the upper end of the market.

Glen Iris has shown one of the more diverse market profiles across the inner east, catering to a wide range of buyers from young families through to downsizers.

In Q1:

• Good demand for entry-level family homes and townhouses
• Stronger performance in pockets close to transport and lifestyle amenities
• More variability in results depending on property type and location

Glen Iris is presented as a value-driven suburb, offering relative accessibility compared to its Boroondara neighbours, while still benefiting from strong fundamentals.