Boroondara - Winter 2026 Market Update

Jul 09, 2026

A Market of Two Speeds

Across Boroondara, including Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Canterbury, Balwyn and Surrey Hills, the market increasingly rewarded quality. Well-presented family homes in premium streets continued to attract strong competition, while properties with compromised floorplans, renovation requirements or ambitious price expectations experienced longer selling periods and more negotiation.

The market became noticeably more discerning, with buyers taking additional time to complete due diligence and compare opportunities before committing.

Auction Activity Softens

Auction clearance rates throughout Melbourne trended lower during the quarter, reflecting a more cautious buyer environment. Melbourne’s clearance rates generally sat around the mid-50% range through April before fluctuating through May and June. Recent June figures indicate clearance rates around 50-60%, depending on the reporting source and weekend volume.

For Boroondara vendors, this meant realistic pricing and strong presentation became increasingly important. Buyers were still active but were less willing to compete aggressively unless they perceived genuine value.

Prestige Market Remains Resilient

Despite broader market moderation, Boroondara’s prestige sector remained one of Melbourne’s strongest performing segments.

Suburbs such as Kew and Camberwell continued to benefit from limited supply, strong school-zone demand and ongoing interest from established families upgrading within Melbourne’s inner east. Market data suggests median house values remain around the mid-$2 million range across many of Boroondara’s premium suburbs, highlighting the area’s enduring appeal.

Family homes within walking distance of leading schools, shopping precincts and transport corridors consistently attracted the strongest enquiry.

Buyers Gain More Negotiating Power

One of the defining features of the quarter was the return of greater buyer leverage.

Higher borrowing costs and reduced confidence saw many purchasers become more measured in their decision making. As a result, buyers advocates and informed purchasers were able to negotiate favourable outcomes on properties that may have attracted significantly stronger competition twelve months ago.

This was particularly evident for properties requiring renovation, homes with functional compromises, and stock positioned above market expectations.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of 2026, Boroondara remains one of Melbourne’s most desirable and resilient property markets.

While market conditions are undoubtedly more balanced than previous years, the fundamentals that drive long-term value remain firmly in place:

• Strong private school catchments
• Proximity to the CBD
• Established lifestyle amenities
• Limited land supply
• Consistent family demand

The remainder of the year is likely to favour informed buyers and realistic sellers. Premium homes in exceptional locations should continue to perform strongly, while properties lacking differentiation may require greater flexibility on price and campaign strategy.

Key Takeaway

The April to June quarter demonstrated that Boroondara is not experiencing a downturn so much as a recalibration. Demand remains present, but buyers are increasingly selective. For sellers, presentation and pricing are critical. For buyers, opportunities are emerging that have been difficult to secure in recent years.

In short, quality continues to command a premium, but the balance of power has shifted slightly back toward the buyer.

Boroondara Area Specialists

Tim Picken & Chris Guest

Get in touch with Tim & Chris to find out more about the Boroondara market, or make an appointment to discuss your requirements and see how we can help you get into your ideal home sooner.

Read more about Tim Picken & Chris Guest

Tim Picken & Chris Guest

Boroondara

tim.picken@buyerx.com.au