Figtree’s School Zone Premium: Where Good Grades Meet Great Property Value

Welcome to Figtree—Where the Bell Rings, and Prices Sing

You've probably heard it whispered at open homes or shouted in real estate ads: "In the Figtree school catchment!”—as if those six words alone could boost a listing by $50,000. Spoiler: they can.

Figtree isn’t just one of Wollongong’s leafy, family-friendly suburbs. It’s a hotbed of education-based property hype, where living near a great school isn’t just about pick-up convenience—it’s about premium price tags and long-term growth.

Let’s unpack what makes the Figtree school zone so fiercely sought after, how much more buyers are paying to be in it, and whether it's all A+ returns or just educated guesswork.

Why Figtree? It's Not Just the Trees and Tranquillity

Yes, it’s green, it’s quiet, and there are more cafes and parks than you can poke a reusable coffee cup at. But here’s what really puts Figtree in the academic spotlight:

• Figtree High School – Strong academic performance, diverse programs, and a solid reputation for inclusivity and innovation

• Figtree Heights Public School – Consistently high NAPLAN results and glowing parental reviews

• Close proximity to elite schools like The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) and Edmund Rice College

For many parents, securing a spot within the right catchment zone is the difference between educational bliss and a yearly lottery for enrolment. And as it turns out, buyers are willing to pay for peace of mind.

The School Zone Premium—By the Numbers

Let’s talk stats, because emotions aside, property decisions still need a spreadsheet.

Recent data from Illawarra real estate agencies and CoreLogic show:

• Homes within the Figtree Heights Public catchment sell for 7%–12% more than comparable homes just outside the zone

• Median house price in Figtree (2025): approx. $1.02 million

• Median for similar neighbouring suburbs (not in the same catchment): $920,000–$960,000

• Properties within walking distance of top schools are listed for as much as $80,000–$120,000 more than equivalent homes outside the zone

Yes, that's right: a shorter school run could cost you six figures—but it might also earn you more in long-term capital growth.

The Buyer Profile: Who’s Climbing the Grade Ladder?

So who’s fuelling the school zone surge?

• Young families from Sydney making the sea change and prioritising education

• Second-time buyers and upsizers looking to future-proof their kids’ education

• Investor parents purchasing homes now to avoid paying private fees later

• Owner-occupiers planning 10–15 years ahead to stay planted through high school graduation

In short, it’s not just parents with a prep kid—it’s savvy strategists using schools as long-term real estate leverage.

The Ripple Effect: It’s Not Just About One Street

Even homes technically outside the zone benefit. There’s a noticeable ripple:

• Properties on the fringe of catchment boundaries still enjoy increased demand from hopeful buyers aiming to negotiate their way in

• Rentals in catchment areas see faster take-up and stronger yields

• Demand for renovator homes near top schools has grown, as buyers aim to secure land and build up within the golden zone

And with remote work more common than ever, school zones are becoming the new CBD proximity—a key driver in real estate decisions.

How to Know If You're In (or Out)

Don’t just take the agent’s word for it—catchment boundaries can change, and the last thing you want is a “close enough” gamble.

✅ Use the NSW School Finder tool to check exact zoning✅ Confirm with the school directly—some require proof of address or residency period✅ Beware of PO Box or relative-address hacks. Schools are onto it.

Bonus tip: If you're buying pre-enrolment age, check how zoning trends have shifted in recent years. Some zones expand, others shrink with demand.

Is It Worth the Hype (and the Price Tag)?

Let’s break it down:

Pros:

• Strong capital growth potential tied to school performance

• High demand = easier resale and reduced days on market

• Great for families wanting to settle long-term

• Stronger rental appeal for education-minded tenants

Cons:

• You may pay $50k–$150k more just to be across the right street

• Changes to school performance or boundaries can impact long-term value

• Demand can create bidding wars, even for fixer-uppers

Verdict? If you’re in it for 10+ years or have kids in the wings, the Figtree school zone premium is not only worth it—it’s one of the most liveable and profitable education plays in the Illawarra.

Conclusion: Education Pays (Literally)

Figtree has become the Illawarra’s unofficial “school zone goldmine”, and buyers are wising up to the value of a good education—on paper and in property.

Whether you’re a parent, an investor, or a long-term planner with a smart strategy and a sharp eye, it’s clear: buying in Figtree’s school catchment isn’t just about top marks—it’s about making the grade in real estate too.

Class dismissed.

FAQs

Q: Does being in the Figtree Heights Public zone guarantee enrolment?A: Yes, but only if you’re living within the catchment and meet the enrolment criteria. Always double-check with the school.

Q: Can buying in the school zone help property value long-term?A: Absolutely. School zones add to capital growth potential and attract more buyers when selling.

Q: Are prices expected to keep rising in Figtree?A: Most likely. Limited land, strong local demand, and consistent school performance make Figtree a smart bet.

Q: Can renters benefit from the school zone?A: Yes! Families looking to enrol kids often seek rentals inside the catchment, keeping vacancy rates low and rental yields stable.

Q: Should I buy now or wait for a school zone shift?A: If you're already looking in the area, waiting could mean higher prices later. School zones rarely shrink—and if they do, demand shifts elsewhere fast.