Popular suburbs for knocking down and rebuilding in and around Geelong. 

Whether you’re staying in the location you already live in or buying into a new neighbourhood with plans to knock down and rebuild, these Geelong areas are becoming increasingly popular for KDR projects. Each suburb offers something unique - whether its leafy streets, coastal views or proximity to the CBD. Here’s a breakdown of some popular KDR suburbs in Geelong.

North Geelong 

With a population of 3225 and a median sale price of $650000, knockdown rebuild projects in North Geelong are often split into two streams. Luxury double storey, premium properties often replace older dwellings on bay-view blocks in Rippleside and Drumcondra, and dual-occ or new family builds take shape across inner streets around Separation Street and Churchill Avenue. The most popular pockets in this area are those with water views, access to the one of the 12 reserves and parklands, and walkability to the waterfront or North Geelong Train Station. Heritage overlays are limited, but they still seem to shape design inspiration - with new homes contemporary, but respectful to the area.

Geelong West & Herne Hill

These suburbs are experiencing strong gentrification, thanks to their affordability and proximity to Melbourne. Larger blocks are bringing new residents from Melbourne to join young, local families in creating modern homes within established streets. recorded 66 sales in the past year, with a median price of $700000, reflecting continued demand around the Pakington Street precinct. In Herne Hill and nearby Manifold Heights, block sizes of 600–800sqm are common, making knockdown rebuilds especially appealing. Together, these suburbs are home to more than 3507 residents, supported by 1 schools, 2 childcare centres and 5 green spaces, offering both lifestyle and investment appeal. 

Fyansford

With a new master-planned community, Gen Fyansford, this area close to the river valley has been transformed with new parks and family-sized homes. With a population of 1206, demand skews to new-build estates, however knockdown rebuild projects are becoming increasingly popular as residents look for blocks with views, where older dwellings are being replaced with premium-end homes. Popular areas include river-adjacent streets, Papermills precinct surrounds and elevated courts with valley outlooks. Estate design guidelines and the relative “newness” of housing mean the suburb’s renewal is overwhelmingly greenfield/estate-driven for now, with KDR likely to grow as early-stage homes age. Families value access to 0 schools and childcare centres within short drives in neighbouring suburbs.

Newtown

Newtown is one of Geelong’s most prestigious addresses. While this area has historically favoured renovations over demolition due to its period homes and heritage overlays that protect many facades, popular pockets near the Barwon River parklands and prestigious private schools, are seeing many outdated homes demolished and replaced with modern double storey residences. With a population of 10445 and a median sale price of $1035000, Newtown continues to attract both families and young professionals looking for a trendy location to live, combined with the modern comforts of a new home. Its tree-lined western end in particular is seeing significant renewal, while access to 13 schools and childcare centres supports its family appeal.  

Highton

Adjacent to Belmont, Highton is another hotspot for knock down rebuild projects, with generous lot sizes offering opportunity for luxury living. Older 1960s - 1980s homes are commonly being demolished to make way for modern, double-storey builds that maximise views over the river valley and out to Corio Bay. Highton recorded 314 sales over the past year, reflecting its continued popularity. Popular areas in Highton include Queens Park and the adjacent streets along the ridge, however it’s important to note that some blocks can be quite steep, so it’s worth confirming with us whether it’s within our build zone. Home to 20736 residents, Highton offers families the perfect mix of modern living with established schools nearby and plenty of green open spaces. 

Belmont

Belmont is a popular suburb for knockdown projects. This post-war suburb south of the Barwon River features 1950s to 1970s homes on large blocks of land that are often being replaced with spacious family residences. With 272 property sales in the past year and median sale price of $685500, demand remains strong, particularly around the riverside precinct. Here, new home designs capture views of the Barwon River while keeping residents close to the main shops and cafes of High Street. Belmont is home to 15066 residents and is supported by 9 schools and 31 parks, making it an appealing choice for families with local agents noting increasingly strong demand.  

Grovedale

Grovedale is an established area with convenient local amenities, 650-700sqm blocks and older 1970s-80s dwellings. With larger single or double storey homes replacing existing properties, the generous sized lots are a drawcard for young families seeking affordability in the Geelong region. With 7 schools in the area, popular pockets are those around the schools - include Grovedale Primary / Heyers Road area, streets near Grovedale College, along with access to Marshall Station for commuters. Most new homes are prioritising space, energy performance and contemporary floorplans to fully optimise the size of the blocks. 

Waurn Ponds

Waurn Ponds is a newer, owner-occupied suburb anchored by Deakin University and the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre. With a population of 4956 and a median sale price of $750000, most housing dates from the 1990s–2000s, so knockdown rebuild project volumes are currently lower than other areas within the Geelong area. Where it does occur, older homes are replaced with premium double storey homes, in the quiet courts near green corridors and streets that offer quick access to the shopping centre, schools and the Ring Road. Given the suburb’s relative youth and the availability of new housing nearby in Armstrong Creek, KDR remains selective - however, as the earliest housing stock ages, Waurn Ponds is well-placed for future rebuilds. Access to 9 schools and childcare centres adds to its family appeal.
 

Lara

Lara sits between Geelong and Melbourne and has proven to be a popular suburb for commuters and families. Recent growth in new homes has spiked as a result of nearby master-planned estates, such as Coridale and Grand Lakes, which introduced the Geelong area as a viable option for new home development.

For knockdown rebuild, established streets in ‘old Lara’ which provide close proximity to the train station, town centre and Lara Lake, are increasingly seeing outdated 1960s-80s homes replaced with contemporary, larger family builds. With a population of 19014 across 89451970 square metres, Lara offers larger block sizes than those in inner city Geelong. This provides home owners with the opportunity to construct a single storey home with all the same energy-efficiency benefits and contemporary living options as a double. Popular pockets for KDR include the station precinct, Lara Lake and walkable streets near shops and schools. While land supply in surrounding estates keeps new estate builds dominant, knockdown rebuild volumes in Lara’s established areas continue to show steady growth.

Corio

Corio offers generous sized blocks and older post-war homes that have reached end-of-life - making this a suburb that is seeing quiet knockdown rebuild uplift. With a population of 15497 and a median sale price of $495000, families looking for value and small housing developers are targeting popular pockets - including those east-of-Cox Road, the Purnell Road/Strewan Avenue pocket and streets within easy reach of Corio Village and Geelong Grammar. Compared with the southern suburbs of Geelong, knockdown rebuild homes in this area are focused on amenities requirements and yield, rather than prestige led. As new land options begin to thin out across Greater Geelong, Corio’s potential for knockdown rebuild development sites continue to rise. 

Geelong

Geelong is a city that is on the rise! With waterfront living options, an advanced hospital and education precinct and CBD amenities, Geelong offers premium sites for knockdown rebuild projects. While heritage streets often favour renovations, selected pockets near Eastern Park / Beach, the western CBD fringe and city-edge streets see targeted, high-end knockdown rebuild projects. With a population of 5811, and a median sale price of $870500, the suburb attracts professionals, young families and downsizers looking for a potential seachange. Proximity to Deakin University, hospitals, dining and Port Phillip Bay underpins strong demand for the area, while access to 17 schools including Geelong Grammar and Geelong High, and childcare centres adds everyday convenience for city-based families.

Visit our display homes in Manor Lakes, just 50 minutes from Geelong, to discover some of our most popular homes for knocking down and rebuilding