For Ritu Sharma and her husband Vikram Tejpal, moving to Vermont was not just about finding a house—it was about securing the best possible education for their children. The couple relocated 50 kilometers from their previous home to ensure their son Adi, 13, and later, his younger brother Avi, 8, could attend Vermont Primary School and Vermont Secondary College—two of the highest-ranked schools in Victoria.
The Tejpals’ decision to move was motivated by the escalating costs of private schooling. Before relocating, Adi was enrolled in a private school in Melbourne’s west, but the couple sought a more sustainable, long-term educational solution. They wanted a connection to top-tier public schools without the burden of private school fees.
In 2017, the Tejpals purchased their home at 98 Boronia Road, off-market, for just over $1 million, putting them firmly within the catchment area for Vermont Primary School. Ritu Sharma explained, “You want to send your kids to the best schools, but most of the time you can’t afford to send them to private schools. So we wanted to look at buying a home in an area where we would get the best schooling opportunities.”
The Impact of School Zones on Property Decisions
The move to Vermont proved successful. Teachers at Vermont Primary School quickly identified academic needs for Adi that his previous school had missed, reinforcing the family’s decision to relocate. As Adi progresses through Vermont Secondary College, Avi is completing his time at Vermont Primary School, and the family is preparing for yet another move. This time, they plan to upsize within the same school zone, targeting Mitcham to stay within the catchment area of Vermont Secondary College.
Adam Docking, of Docking Real Estate, is handling the sale of the Tejpals’ current property, a three-bedroom home at 7 Hayward Court, which is listed at $1.75 million. Docking highlighted the strong community atmosphere in the Vermont area, noting that most families either purchase or rent homes within the catchment zone to ensure access to the schools. “Vermont and Vermont South have one of the longest tenures of owners staying in properties as well, because it’s such a community atmosphere here,” he said.
School Zones Shape Local Property Market
The influence of school zones on property demand is undeniable. “The vast majority of people that inquire on any property we have in the 3133 postcode, the first question they ask is, ‘Is it in the zone?’ more so than about the quality of the property,” Docking remarked. This highlights how critical school zones have become to homebuyers in the area.
Ms. Sharma noted that many families are drawn to the Vermont area not just to buy, but also to rent, all for the opportunity to access these esteemed schools. With school zones continuing to play a significant role in property values, Vermont remains a highly sought-after location for families prioritizing education.
As the Tejpals prepare for their next move, their journey reflects the growing trend of families prioritizing school access in their homebuying decisions, reshaping how property markets are influenced by educational opportunities.
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