Catchment if You Can
The school zone advantage for smart buyers
Aug 20, 2025
As a buyer’s agent, I help clients make informed property decisions every day. But this isn’t just professional advice, it’s personal. After 25 years as a teacher and now as a parent myself, I know firsthand how much a school can shape a child’s future, and, importantly, how much it can influence the value of your home.
When you buy a house, you’re not just buying bricks and mortar; you’re buying into a lifestyle, a community, and for many families, a school zone. Even if you don’t have kids right now, this is something you simply cannot afford to overlook.
School Zones: Why They Matter More Than You Think
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “location, location, location.” In real estate, that often translates to coast line or a busy hub, but school catchments should be right up there when we think of this phrase. These are the designated boundaries that determine which school your children can attend.
Why do they matter so much?
Demand drives value – Homes in sought-after school zones often attract multiple offers and command higher prices.
Tight supply – You can’t manufacture more land in a top school zone. The boundaries are fixed, so supply stays limited.
Lifestyle benefit – If you plan to have children, being zoned for a quality school means less stress and potentially huge savings on private school fees.
A Real Example: Rossmoyne Senior High School
Let me give you a real-world snapshot. Rossmoyne Senior High School is one of WA’s most sought-after public schools, with academic programs that rival some of the most expensive private schools in the state. It boasts numerous awards, specialist programs, and a track record that parents dream about.
Sounds great, right? Here’s the catch, if you think you can just move into Rossmoyne later when your child is ready, think again. Over the past year, Rossmoyne has seen remarkably few homes hit the market, far fewer than most Perth suburbs, highlighting just how tightly held and in-demand this enclave really is.
What does that mean? For parents desperate to get into that zone, it’s stressful. But for investors or early planners who bought in years ago? They’re sitting on gold. Homes in these areas can practically fly off the market the moment they’re listed, usually with multiple offers $$$
And it’s not just Rossmoyne…Applecross, Willetton, Churchlands, Mount Lawley, any suburb zoned for a top-performing public school sees this same pattern.
Even If You Don’t Have Kids, Here’s Why It Matters
You might be thinking, “I don’t have kids, so this isn’t relevant to me.” Wrong. Here’s why:
Capital growth: Homes in top school zones historically outperform similar properties outside the zone.
Resale power: When you go to sell, you’ll attract more buyers, often at a premium.
Rental demand: Families actively seek homes in these zones, meaning stronger rental appeal and less vacancy risk for investors.
How to Future-Proof Your Property Decision
Research catchments early – Check current boundaries on education department websites.
Look beyond the now – Some schools are rising stars; buying near them before they peak can mean huge long-term gains.
Watch for rezoning – Boundaries can shift, so keep an eye on local planning and demographic changes.
Balance your budget – Sometimes, buying in a feeder suburb or a nearby up-and-coming area is a smarter play.
The Bottom Line
As someone who has spent decades in education and now in real estate, I can tell you this: school zones aren’t just about education, they’re about opportunity. For your kids, for your lifestyle, and for your property’s future value.
If you want your investment to work harder for you, and potentially secure your child’s future, start thinking about school zones now. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
