The better way to rebuild in Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs
If you live in Melbourne’s south east, seeing old homes demolished and replaced with a new dwelling isn’t anything new. The knockdown rebuild (KDR) trend has been reshaping local streetscapes for more than two decades. What began in the early 2000s with families replacing older homes in prestige school zones has, over the past five to seven years, accelerated into one of the most common pathways for newly built homes as land has become increasingly scarce.
For existing, long-term residents, KDR is the chance to stay in the community and area they already know and love, while upgrading their home to reflect their modern lifestyle. For new buyers, it’s the opportunity to secure a block in a high-demand suburb and create a home that’s completely tailored to their lifestyle needs from the beginning. With Carlisle, the knockdown and rebuild process is simple. From demolition and permits through to design and construction - our experienced and dedicated knockdown rebuild team takes care of it all - so that you can enjoy the journey of building an energy-efficient home that’s built not just for today, but for the future too.
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Why Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs are popular for knockdown rebuild projects with Carlisle.
Known for its excellent schools, leafy streets, strong transport connections and array of convenient shopping hubs, Melbourne’s south east has become one of the city’s most sought-after areas. For many, the smartest way to remain in the area they love - or move into this popular area while still building their dream home - is to knock down and rebuild.
Streets once lined with modest mid-century or 1970s houses are now dotted with beautifully modern homes, as new builds reshape the character of suburbs like Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Rowville, Bentleigh East and beyond.
Glen Waverley, in particular, has consistently been ranked over the past two decades as one of Melbourne’s top suburbs for demolitions, while Bentleigh East has become one of the most redeveloped suburbs in Glen Eira. In the past five to seven years, suburbs such as Rowville and Wantirna South have also seen noticeable growth in knockdown rebuild projects as their 1970s - 90s homes reach end-of-life - with more and more residents drawn to the area’s proximity to the CBD and its respected schools.
Popular suburbs for knocking down and rebuilding in Melbourne’s South East.
Whether you’re considering knocking down your existing home and rebuilding a new one in its place, or buying into a new neighbourhood with plans to start fresh, Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs offer endless opportunities. From the prestige school zones of Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley, to the leafy streets of Wheeler’s Hill with views of the Dandenongs, and the family-friendly estates of Rowville and Wantirna South, you can create a modern Carlisle home in a location that perfectly suits your lifestyle and new home needs.
Glen Waverley
Glen Waverley is one of Melbourne’s busiest suburbs for knockdown rebuilds, with many original 1960s - 70s homes on 600 - 700m² blocks being replaced by architecturally designed family residences. The suburb saw 509 property sales in the past year, with a median price of $1680000.
Families pay a premium to live within the Glen Waverley Secondary College and Glendal Primary zones, while the “Golden Mile” precinct, areas around Capital Avenue and Kerrie Road, and proximity to The Glen shopping centre, remain especially popular. With 42642 residents, 25 schools, 21 childcare centres and strong rail connections, Glen Waverley continues to be one of Melbourne’s most desirable KDR destinations.
Mount Waverley
Mount Waverley shares many of Glen Waverley’s characteristics and offers its residents large blocks and a coveted school catchment area - perfect for new builds. Long-term residents have begun downsizing and selling, which new buyers often knock down for modern homes. The suburb recorded 464 sales in the past year, with a median sale price of $1611774.5.
Demand is especially high in the Mount Waverley Secondary College catchment, where outdated mid-century homes are being replaced by luxury two-storey designs. With a population of 35340, 25 schools, 14 childcare centres and 41 green spaces, Mount Waverley is ideal for families who want luxury living with excellent connectivity to Melbourne’s CBD.
Wheeler’s Hill
Known for its scenic, spacious streets and high-end character, Wheelers Hill offers prime opportunities for statement homes on large allotments. Many 1970s - 80s homes in the “Golden Mile,” near Jells Park and along ridgelines with views to the Dandenong Ranges, are being replaced with modern builds with large windows or balconies facing the skyline.
The suburb recorded 245 sales last year, with a median sale price of $1413500, and is home to 20652 residents. Families are drawn to Caulfield Grammar’s Wheelers Hill campus and Brentwood Secondary College, while 51 local reserves, and of course Jells Park which is over 127 hectares, enhance its leafy character.
Rowville
Rowville is fast-emerging as one of the newer KDR options, with its 1980s - 90s housing stock now reaching redevelopment age. Spacious blocks that are often 700sqm+ are being transformed into contemporary homes, particularly in the well-established Rowville Lakes and Timbertop Drive Estates, where parks and walking trails support family living.
The suburb saw 340 property sales in the past 12 months, with a median sale price of $1071500. With 33571 residents, 18 schools and 16 childcare centres, Rowville is attracting families priced out of the Waverleys but still seeking a community-focused lifestyle.
It’s important to note that soil and site conditions vary significantly within this suburb. Rock and hard clay are common towards Lysterfield, while parts of Rowville sit on floodplains that require stronger slab designs. Carlisle’s site assessments and thorough soil testing ensures your new home will be engineered for long-term durability, no matter where in Rowville you’re building.
Wantirna South
Wantirna South is experiencing steady knockdown rebuild demand as its 1970s brick veneer homes age and no longer meet modern living standards. Many real estate listings are now marketed as knockdown opportunities, particularly around The Knox School, Wantirna College and Templeton Primary, as school catchment zones become even more strict. The suburb recorded 243 sales in the past year, with a median sale price of $1225000.
Home to 20754 residents, 19 schools and 47 parks, Wantirna South combines affordability with convenience, thanks to Westfield Knox, easy EastLink access and family-friendly court locations.
Bentleigh East
Bentleigh East has established itself as a redevelopment hub, where 1950s - 60s weatherboard and brick homes are being replaced by contemporary family residences. With 321 property sales in the past year and a median price of $1447500, demand continues to remain strong, particularly in the McKinnon Secondary College zone.
The suburb is home to 30159 residents and supported by 15 schools, 16 childcare centres and 16 local reserves. Centre Road’s bustling shopping strip and GESAC (Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre) make Bentleigh East especially appealing for families seeking lifestyle and amenity close to the city and adjacent coastal areas.
CTA: Visit our Bankside display homes in Rowville, to discover some of our most popular homes for knocking down and rebuilding.
Benefits of a Knockdown Rebuild in Melbourne’s South East suburbs
Secure long-term investment potential in some of Melbourne’s most tightly held suburbs.
Take advantage of large, established blocks perfect for spacious single or double storey new home builds.
Get access to some of Melbourne’s most sought-after school zones, while remaining within close proximity to Melbourne’s CBD, Eastlink and the Mornington Peninsula.
Replace an older home with a contemporary, energy-efficient Carlisle home, designed to maximise your land size and value.
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 the South East
The south eastern suburbs feature a variety of soil conditions, from sandy lots in Bentleigh East, to highly reactive clays in Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Rowville and Wheelers Hill. These clays require thicker, deeper engineered footings or raft slabs to manage soil movement. Sloping blocks - especially in parts of Wheelers Hill - can add complexity and associated costs to new home builds, but also offer opportunities to capture sweeping Dandenong Ranges views. At Carlisle, every KDR project begins with a site inspection, soil test and tailored engineering, so your new home is built on solid foundations that will last for generations.
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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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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Whether it’s education, healthcare, shopping or leisure, residents that live in the Mornington Peninsula enjoy access to a wide range of facilities that make this one of Victoria’s most liveable.
Education
- Private schools:
- Wesley College, Glen Waverley
- Caulfield Grammar, Wheelers Hill
- Huntingtower School, Mount Waverley
- Mazenod College, Mulgrave
- Mount Scopus Memorial College, Burwood
- Public schools:
- Glen Waverley Secondary College
- Mount Waverley Secondary College
- Brentwood Secondary College, Wheelers Hill
- Rowville Secondary College (multiple campuses)
- McKinnon Secondary College, Bentleigh East
- Tertiary:
- Monash University, Clayton
- Holmesglen TAFE, Chadstone & Glen Waverley
Health & Medical
- Monash Medical Centre, Clayton
- Jessie McPherson Private Hospital, Clayton
- Knox Private Hospital, Wantirna South
- Cabrini Hospital, Malvern (nearby)
- Multiple community health centres, GP clinics and allied health providers across the south east
Retail & Shopping
- Chadstone Shopping Centre, Malvern East
- The Glen Shopping Centre, Glen Waverley
- Knox Westfield, Wantirna South
- Stud Park Shopping Centre, Rowville
- Brandon Park Shopping Centre, Wheelers Hill
- Centre Road retail strip, Bentleigh East
- Mount Waverley Village, Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre, and Kingsway precinct Glen Waverley
Transport & Connectivity:
- Monash Freeway (M1) – direct CBD access
- EastLink – connection to eastern and bayside suburbs
- Glen Waverley train line (servicing Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Syndal, etc.)
- Frankston line (servicing McKinnon and Bentleigh East)
- Extensive local bus networks connecting to Monash University, shopping hubs and employment precincts
Lifestyle & Recreation:
- Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
- Valley Reserve, Mount Waverley
- Central Reserve, Glen Waverley
- Waverley Golf Club, Glen Waverley Golf Course
- GESAC – Glen Eira Sports & Aquatic Centre, Bentleigh East
- Knox Regional Sports Park, Rowville
- Kingston Heath Golf Club
- Local libraries, arts centres and community hubs across Monash, Knox and Glen Eira
Knocking Down and Rebuilding in Melbourne’s South East with Carlisle Homes
At Carlisle, we support all types of knockdown rebuild customers - from families ready to replace their ageing home with something new, to buyers moving into the south east for its schools, connectivity and lifestyle. Our KDR specialists take the stress out of permits, demolition, soil testing, home design and style, so you can focus on the exciting part - building a brand-new Carlisle home perfectly suited to you and your family.
The better way to rebuild in Melbourne’s South Eastern 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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