The better way to rebuild in Melbourne’s Northern suburbs
Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs are changing fast. Once defined by their post-war weatherboards and modest brick homes, these neighbourhoods are now undergoing huge transformation as knockdown rebuild (KDR) projects deliver contemporary homes on generous blocks. With easy access to the CBD through strong transport links, reputable schools and an increasingly vibrant cafe and retail culture, the north has quickly become a sought-after location for families, professionals and investors alike.
For those who already live here, demolishing their existing home and rebuilding provides the chance to stay within their community, while upgrading their home to suit their current lifestyle. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to secure land in an established and popular suburb and create a home designed entirely around their needs. With Carlisle, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of the process alone. From demolition and permits to customised design and construction, our dedicated knockdown rebuild team ensures your new home is beautiful, energy-efficient, and perfectly suited to your block and lifestyle - now and for generations to come.
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Why Melbourne’s Northern suburbs are popular for knockdown rebuild projects with Carlisle.
Since the early 2000s, redevelopment in Melbourne’s northern corridor has been steadily growing, but in the past five to seven years, the pace has accelerated significantly. More affordable than Melbourne’s inner east, alongside rising property values, large block sizes and the benefit of an established neighbourhood close to the CBD, have made the north appealing to families, young professionals, downsizers and investors.
Gentrification and infrastructure upgrades throughout the corridor are attracting a new generation of buyers, with suburbs such as Reservoir and Glenroy seeing major change, with entire streets of post-war and mid-century housing being replaced by double-storey family homes.
At the same time, demand in Strathmore and Keilor East is attracting families for their school catchments and easy access to freeways. Maidstone’s proximity to Footscray, Highpoint Shopping Centre, and the Maribyrnong River is fuelling redevelopment, while Thomastown’s large blocks and affordability are luring younger families priced out of inner areas.
Popular suburbs for knocking down and rebuilding in Melbourne’s northern suburbs
Whether you’re considering knocking down your existing home and rebuilding a new one in its place, or buying into a northern neighbourhood with plans to start fresh, Melbourne’s inner-north suburbs provide a wealth of opportunity. From the family-friendly streets of Reservoir and Glenroy, to the prestige school zones of Strathmore, the leafy creekside parklands of Keilor East or the convenience of Maidstone and Thomastown, you can create a modern Carlisle home in a location that perfectly suits your lifestyle and new home needs.
Reservoir
Once dominated by weatherboards and modest brick homes, Reservoir is now one of the north’s busiest knock down rebuild hubs. Around Edwardes Lake Park, Broadway and Reservoir Station, post-war homes are steadily being replaced by new double-storey family residences, as families take advantage of the generous block sizes. With 490 homes sold in the past year at a median of $910000, demand continues to rise.Â
Its mix of affordability, strong transport links, access to 27 schools and 16 childcare centres, and proximity to both the CBD and La Trobe University makes it a natural choice for families looking to create a home built for the future. A hotspot for knockdown rebuild projects, it’s quickly become one of the most liveable destinations in the north.
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Glenroy
Glenroy is undergoing significant change, with older brick veneers and weatherboards being steadily replaced by contemporary homes, thanks to its mix of affordability and proximity to the CBD and airport. In the Hilston Street and Pascoe Vale Road precincts, you’ll find older 1950s cottages, with the area around Glenroy Station a magnet for commuters. In the past 12 months, the suburb saw 270 properties sold, with a median of $818625. Â
Families are drawn here for its proximity to 16 schools, 12 childcare centres and abundant parkland, alongside convenient rail and road connections, while new infrastructure and gentrification continue to boost appeal for knockdown rebuild projects
Keilor East
Keilor East is one of the north-west’s most family-friendly suburbs, home to over 15078 residents. Known for its generous blocks, access to 10 reputable schools and excellent connectivity via major freeways, the suburb also benefits from leafy creekside parklands along Steele Creek and convenient shopping hubs like Milleara and Centreway.
Much of the suburb’s post-1960s housing stock is now being replaced, with modern double-storey designs emerging in established streets near Milleara Road and Steele Creek, making the most of large blocks and leafy, green outlooks. Over the past year, 192 sales were recorded, with a median price of $1019000. With its strong mix of schools, childcare and amenities, Keilor East continues to see steady knockdown rebuild growth.
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Maidstone
Maidstone’s appeal lies in its ultimate convenience. Close to Footscray, Highpoint Shopping Centre and the Maribyrnong River, as well as local cafes and community amenities - its mix of lifestyle and affordability continues to attract knockdown rebuild projects.
On Mitchell Street and near the river parklands, older, modest homes are being replaced by contemporary home designs that suit both families and young professionals. With 86 homes sold in the past 12 months, it’s clear to see why Maidstone is steadily transforming into one of the north’s most in-demand redevelopment areas.
Strathmore
Strathmore is one of the north’s most prestigious and tightly held suburbs, prized for its leafy streets and zoning to Strathmore Secondary College and proximity to Essendon and the airport. Families are increasingly replacing older brick homes with luxury double-storey residences, particularly in the Woodland Street Village and Napier Park precincts, where zoning and lifestyle demand are at their strongest. This maximises both land value and access to sought-after schooling options.
With a population of 8980, Strathmore is supported by 9 schools, 1 childcare centres and generous green spaces. Over the past 12 months, 120 homes were sold at a median of $1650000, reflecting the suburb’s enduring popularity and long-term growth appeal.
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Thomastown
Thomastown is steadily transforming into a favourite for families looking to balance affordability with strong amenities. Popular areas around Thomastown Station, High Street retail and the TRAC (Thomastown Recreation & Aquatic Centre) precinct are seeing the most KDR activity with 1960s homes replaced with new builds, thanks to strong transport links and community amenities.Â
In the past 12 months, 284 sales were recorded, with a median of $733500. The suburb’s 20234 residents are supported by 9 schools, 12 childcare centres and 23 parks - highlighting the suburb’s mix of affordability, convenience and growing appeal for knockdown rebuilds for families and investors looking at large allotments at a more accessible price point.
CTA: We have a range of display homes in the north. Visit our Redstone Estate display homes in Sunbury, to discover some of our most popular homes for knocking down and rebuilding.
Benefits of a Knock Down and Rebuild in Melbourne’s Northern suburbs
Enjoy a community with growing cafes, shopping precincts, parks and recreation options.
Stay close to Melbourne’s CBD while enjoying larger block sizes that the north is known for.
Gain access to respected school catchments, leading universities and a wealth of convenient local amenities.
Replace ageing post-war and mid-century homes with a contemporary, energy-efficient Carlisle design offering generous family living spaces.
Live in The Location You Love
Skip the stress of moving or costly renovations. With a knockdown rebuild, you clear the way for a brand-new, contemporary, and energy-efficient home – all on the block you already love.
Understanding land and soil conditions in Melbourne’s inner-north corridor
Melbourne’s northern suburbs are characterised by highly reactive basalt clay soils, particularly in Reservoir, Glenroy and Thomastown. These clays require engineered solutions such as deeper footings or reinforced slabs to protect against natural soil movement.
In areas like Strathmore and Keilor East, sloping blocks and clay-based soils are common. While this can add complexity and cost, it also creates opportunities for double-storey homes that take advantage of elevated outlooks and natural light.
Maidstone, by contrast, sits closer to the Maribyrnong River and contains pockets of silty soils. Here, additional drainage and tailored engineering may be required to ensure long-term structural stability.
At Carlisle, every knockdown rebuild project begins with a complimentary site inspection, soil test and engineering solutions suited to your block. This ensures no surprises down the track, and a home that is built to last.
Award-Winning Home Builder
Carlisle Homes is thrilled to be recognised as Australia's Most Professional Major Builder for 2023 by the Housing Industry Association (HIA). The HIA's annual awards program is the highest measurement of excellence within the residential building industry. So if you’re looking for award-winning home designs, ours are among the best in Australia.
Rothbury: Spacious and Functional Family Design
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Sorrento: Elegant Living with Coastal Inspiration
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Clovelly: Stylish Home Design for Modern Families
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Matisse: Elegant and Functional Family Living
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Rothwell: Designed for Comfort and Family Living
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Education
- Private schools:
- St Bernard’s College, Essendon
- Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School, Keilor East & Essendon
- Ave Maria College, Aberfeldie
- Antonine College, Pascoe Vale South
- St Monica’s College, Epping
- Public schools:
- Strathmore Secondary College
- Reservoir High School
- Glenroy Secondary College
- Thomastown Secondary College
- Rosehill Secondary College, Niddrie
- Tertiary:
- La Trobe University, Bundoora campus
- RMIT University, Brunswick campus
- Victoria University, Sunshine & Footscray campuses
- Kangan Institute, Broadmeadows & Essendon
Health & Medical
- John Fawkner Private Hospital, Coburg
- Northern Hospital, Epping
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville
- Royal Children’s and Royal Women’s Hospitals, Parkville
- Craigieburn Health Service
- Multiple community health centres and GP clinics across Reservoir, Glenroy, Thomastown and Keilor East
Retail & Shopping
- Northland Shopping Centre, Preston
- Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maidstone
- DFO Essendon
- Westfield Shopping Centre, Airport West
- Broadmeadows Central
- Edwardes Street, Reservoir retail precinct
- Woodland Street Village, Strathmore
Transport & Connectivity
- CityLink / Tullamarine Freeway – direct CBD and airport access
- Western Ring Road – linking to western and northern growth areas
- Craigieburn and Upfield train lines (servicing Reservoir, Glenroy, Thomastown)
- Sunbury line (servicing Strathmore, Essendon, Keilor East)
- Extensive bus networks across Darebin, Moreland and Moonee Valley
Lifestyle & Recreation
- Merri Creek and Edgars Creek Trails (Reservoir & Thomastown)
- Napier Park and Strathmore’s leafy reserves
- Steele Creek Trail, Keilor East
- Maribyrnong River parklands (Maidstone/Essendon/Avondale Heights)
- Reservoir Leisure Centre & TRAC (Thomastown Recreation & Aquatic Centre)
- Coburg Lake Reserve
- Northern Golf Club, Glenroy
- Moonee Valley Racecourse (nearby Essendon/Strathmore)
- Local libraries, arts centres and community hubs across Darebin, Moonee Valley, Merri-bek and Hume
Knocking Down and Rebuilding in Melbourne’s Northern suburbs with Carlisle Homes.
At Carlisle, we’ve helped hundreds of families transform ageing homes into contemporary residences across Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Whether you’re replacing a post-war brick home in Reservoir or Strathmore, or taking advantage of a large block in Thomastown or Glenroy, our dedicated knockdown rebuild specialists manage everything - from permits and demolition through to tailored design and delivery. The result is a modern, energy-efficient home perfectly suited to you and your family, both now and into the future.
The better way to rebuild in Melbourne’s northern suburbs starts with Carlisle Homes
Love your suburb?
A knockdown rebuild is an exciting opportunity to design a home that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle, while remaining in the neighbourhood you love.
Premium inclusions, built in
Every Knockdown Rebuild home with Carlisle includes a generous range of luxury and premium features, all year round, so your home feels uniquely yours from day one.
Superior customer service
Our expert Knockdown Rebuild team delivers end-to-end support, ensuring your new home is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Download your Ultimate Knockdown Rebuild Guide
Considering a Knockdown Rebuild in Melbourne? Complete the form below to download a copy of our 60-page comprehensive Information Pack which details everything you need to know about building a new home after demolishing an existing one.
Our aim is to remove any ambiguities, leaving you to enjoy the process and the experience of building your dream home – a reflection of everything you’ve worked for.
*$599,400 based on Affinity Canterbury Grand Design
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