Kingsbury: Renovator’s dream home just 12km from Melbourne CBD

Few Melburnians know where this suburb is — but this classic home just 12km from the city is turning heads of first homebuyers and aspiring renovators.

Some might say Kingsbury is Melbourne’s best-kept secret.

A classic three-bedroom home in Melbourne’s northeast is set to hit the auction block, offering buyers a rare chance to renovate or rebuild in a suburb that many Melburnians have never even heard of — but should.

Located just 12km from the Melbourne CBD, Kingsbury has long flown under the radar, overshadowed by better-known neighbours like Reservoir and Bundoora.

But with affordable block sizes, easy access to La Trobe University, and major infrastructure upgrades on the way, buyers are starting to take notice.

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The well-maintained three-bedroom, one-bathroom home at 15 Bunker Ave presents an opportunity for first-home buyers and aspiring renovators.

With a price guide of $770,000-$790,000, Buxton Mount Waverley’s Peter Serafino said the home had three serious buyers circling, but competition in the area meant some were waiting until auction day to make their move.

“We’ve got strong interest, but Kingsbury is one of those suburbs people still don’t know much about,” Mr Serafino said.

Kingsbury home for sale, offering prime renovation or rebuild potential.

“They hear the name and say, ‘Where’s that?’ But when they realise it’s right next to La Trobe, has great transport, and is still affordable, they’re hooked.”

For vendor Theodora Rizos, the home represented a lifetime of hard work and resilience – purchasing the home for $38,000 in 1976, almost 50 years ago.

Ms Rizos, a Greek immigrant, arrived in Australia after World War II with nothing but a suitcase, and eventually secured her own home.

Just 12km from the CBD, this Kingsbury home has sparked interest from first homebuyers.

Her daughters, Ana and Ellie said growing up in the suburb felt like living in a hidden village within the city.

“When we moved here in the early ’70s, nobody knew where Kingsbury was, many still don’t,” Ana said.

“The street was full of families, kids walked to school, and everyone knew each other.

Renovators are also eyeing off the 465sq m home for their next big project.

The home sold for $38,000 in 1976.

Despite its proximity to the city, Kingsbury remains one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets — but that’s changing.

Mr Serafino said with Plenty Road trams, major shopping hubs, and the upcoming North East Link, accessibility is only improving.

“Compared to nearby Preston and Reservoir, Kingsbury still offers great value,” he said.

The home has been kept mostly in original condition.

The bathroom had a slight modification 10 years ago.

“With strong land sizes and good infrastructure, it’s an area that’s definitely on the rise.”

“Opportunities like this don’t come up every day, for buyers who are ready to act, this could be a smart move.”

The auction for 15 Bunker Ave, Kingsbury, takes place Saturday at 3:30pm.

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Originally published as Kingsbury: Renovator’s dream home just 12km from Melbourne CBD