Property News & Updates at Arramont

Discover what's happening at Arramont, and stay up to date with the latest news and events.

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Victoria’s Gas Connection Changes: What buyers need to know

Victoria’s housing market is changing rapidly, and one of the biggest shifts facing future homeowners is the move away from residential gas connections. For buyers planning to build and wanting gas in their homes, now is the time to think about your buying and building timeline to ensure it’s doable in your home. With the Victorian Government moving toward all-electric homes from 2027, anyone who still wants the option of gas cooking, gas heating, or gas hot water in their future home needs to understand the upcoming changes and more importantly, why getting permits approved before the cut-off could make all the difference.

What are the new gas connection rules in Victoria?

The Victorian Government has announced major building electrification reforms that will impact new homes across the state. From 1 January 2027, most newly approved homes in Victoria will no longer be eligible for standard gas connections and will instead need to be fully electric. This means future homes approved after the cut-off may not have access to natural gas cooktops, gas ducted heating, gas hot water systems and future gas appliance upgrades. The changes form part of Victoria’s broader push toward reducing emissions and transitioning households to electric energy systems, however it takes away the control buyers have in choosing how they want their new home to operate.

Rules and exemptions broken down

Existing homes can keep gas connections

Homes that already have active gas connections can continue to stay as they are, they will not be made to change over to electric.

Renovations and extensions may retain gas

Established properties that already have active gas connections may still be able to retain gas when undertaking renovations or extensions.

Projects approved before the deadline

Developments and homes with permits approved before the new regulations commence may still qualify for gas connections.

Regional and LPG exceptions

Some regional properties and homes using LPG systems may continue to operate outside the standard restrictions.

Why this creates urgency for buyers

Building approvals can often take longer than you think, which means starting the process of getting your building permit should start as soon as possible. Waiting could mean missing the deadline and running into delays for permit processing. It could also mean that your house plans need to be redesigned to an all electric fit out which could increase construction costs. For buyers who value the benefits of gas in the home, acting early gives flexibility before the rules tighten permanently.

Why many homeowners still prefer gas

Despite the transition and rising popularity toward electrification, gas remains a highly sought-after feature in many Australian homes. Buyers value the fast and reliable heating, cooking control, familiarity and also simply because a gas cook top visually suits their style. Historically, gas has been a cheaper option for home operation with up front install costs being the main burden, but long term more cost effective.

Why Arramont Estate in Wollert is perfectly timed

For buyers looking to secure land and start the building process now, Arramont Estate is the perfect option. Located in Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern corridor, Wollert is becoming one of the most popular destinations for families, investors, and first-home buyers looking to build new homes. With land available now, buyers at Arramont Estate may be able to purchase land and work with their preferred builder to get their plans approved before the cut off date. Securing your block of land now could be the difference between having the choice of gas or not. We recommend doing your own research on the upcoming gas reforms, and if you do have the luxury of choosing how to operate your home, conducting your own research on what connection works best for you and your home needs. Speak to the Arramont Sales Team on 0425 741 891 and at arramont@rpmgrp.com.au for more information on land availability that could help you meet the 1 January 2027 deadline.

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Negative Gearing changes and what it means for new builds

Following the Federal Government’s negative gearing reforms, the biggest shift is that tax benefits will now be focused on newly built homes and developments that add housing supply, rather than established properties. While some investors see this as a challenge, others may see it as a clear signal about where the market is heading next. Under the proposed changes, established homes purchased after the implementation date may no longer qualify for traditional negative gearing benefits. However, new builds, house and land packages, and developments that create additional housing supply are still expected to qualify. That means investors will need to rethink the traditional strategy of buying older established homes in inner city areas, and instead look at growth corridors where they can buy land and build new. Suburbs like Wollert continue to grow rapidly thanks to new schools, retail, transport connections, and long-term population growth. As demand for modern housing increases, communities like Arramont Wollert will become even more increasingly attractive for investors wanting to align with the new direction of the market. These reforms have only just been introduced, and many investors are now reassessing where future opportunities lie. For buyers willing to adapt early, securing land and building in emerging growth areas could become one of the smarter ways to continue building a property portfolio under the new framework. For investors looking ahead, new residential communities like Arramont Wollert may be exactly the kind of opportunity the market is shifting toward. Speak to the Arramont team today on 0425 741 891 and at arramont@rpmgrp.com.au for more information on buying land in Wollert.

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Victorian Government Help to Buy Scheme

For many Australians, owning a home is a dream achievement and with the Victorian Governments Help to Buy Scheme, that dream could be one step closer to becoming a reality.

What is the Help to Buy Scheme?

The Help to Buy scheme is a government backed program that allows eligible homebuyers to purchase a property with a significantly smaller deposit. Instead of requiring buyers to save the traditional 20%, the government contributes a portion of the purchase price in exchange for an equity stake in the property. Under the scheme:

- The government can contribute up to 30% of the purchase price for existing homes.
- For new builds, the contribution can be up to 40%.
- Buyers typically need as little as a 2% deposit.

This means participants take out a smaller mortgage, reducing both their loan size and monthly repayments, creating more of an opportunity to get into the housing market.

Understanding shared equity

Shared equity means the government owns a portion of your property alongside you. For example, if the government contributes 30% toward the purchase price, it will retain a 30% stake in the home. Over time, homeowners have the option to buy out the government’s share when financially ready, or repay the equity portion upon selling the property If the property increases in value, the government shares in that gain. Likewise, it also shares in any loss if the property value decreases.

Who is eligible for the Help to Buy Scheme?

The scheme is targeted primarily at low income earners who may need assistance to enter the housing market. While exact eligibility criteria can vary and conducting your own research is recommended, key requirements typically include:

- Being an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Meeting income caps as a single or couple purchaser
- Purchasing within specified property price limits
- Living in the home as an owner-occupier

Importantly, the scheme is generally limited to a set number of places per year, meaning demand can exceed availability.

Benefits of the Scheme

The Help to Buy initiative offers several advantages such as a lower deposit requirement, reduced mortgage repayments, and no lenders mortgage insurance. For many buyers, this can mean the difference between continuing to rent and finally owning a home.

Is the Help to Buy Scheme the right choice?

The Victorian Government’s Help to Buy scheme represents a significant step toward improving housing affordability. By lowering upfront costs and reducing borrowing pressure, it provides a practical pathway into homeownership. However, like any financial decision, it’s important to consider both the short-term benefits and long-term implications. For the right buyer, the scheme can be a powerful tool, but it’s essential to fully understand how shared equity works and what it means for your future. Initiatives like the Help to Buy Scheme highlight the role governments can play in supporting first-home buyers. While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it offers a promising opportunity for many Victorians to take that first step onto the property ladder. It’s important to look into what the Victorian Government has to offer in terms of housing affordability, and see which schemes could best suit you and your situation. Still unsure? Visit the Arramont Sales Centre and talk to the team about purchasing land, and building your new dream home.

Community

Community Update March 2026

Construction at Arramont continues to progress, and we’re pleased to share an update with you.

Landscaping Works

Stages 17 and 19 design documentation approvals from Council are in place with Stage 17 anticipated to go out to tender in Q2 2026. The Ultimate Wetland landscaping works is complete and is currently on maintenance. It is anticipated that Melbourne Water will open this to the public in Q3 2027.

Stage 14C, 17, 18 & 19 - Civil Works

Stage 14 and 17 topsoil stripping is complete with bulk excavation works substantially complete. Sewer reticulation, drainage pipes and pits, water and gas services are substantially complete.
Electrical and conduit works are progressing well. Road boxing and subgrade improvement works are well underway with AG drainage and pavement works schedule for commencement in the coming weeks ahead. Stage 18 and 19 civil works commencement is pending Council and Authority approvals, with Stage 19 being currently under the tender review process with civil package contract and award anticipated to start in Q2 2026.

Other Matters

We’d like to remind current and future residents of Arramont Estate of our shared responsibility in keeping the estate clean. Please ensure your site remains neat and tidy, and if you notice any dumped rubbish, report it via Snap, Send, Solve using the following link: www.snapsendsolve.com/report/victoria

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Wollert, an investment in the North

As Melbourne continues to expand, buyers are looking beyond the traditional inner suburbs and discovering the lifestyle and value on offer in the city’s outer north. Among the standouts is Wollert, a suburb that’s quietly building a reputation for delivering modern homes, strong community connections, and long-term growth potential. Melbourne’s northern corridor includes many established, popular hubs like Epping, Craigieburn, and South Morang, which have all experienced consistent population growth over the past decade. Infrastructure investment, transport upgrades, schooling, shopping centres, and parklands have transformed the area into a genuine destination where families can set up their lives. Wollert sits strategically within this growth corridor. While neighbouring suburbs are more established and becoming more expensive, Wollert still offers buyers the opportunity to secure land and build brand new homes at comparatively accessible price points. It’s the sweet spot between affordability and opportunity in a fantastic location.

Building Modern Homes That Will Last The Test of Time

One of Wollert’s biggest advantages is the ability to build brand new. In many inner suburbs of Melbourne, buyers often face older homes requiring renovation and strict planning overlays. Entry prices can be significantly higher and that’s before factoring in renovation costs. In Arramont Wollert, buyers can design homes suited to modern family living, maximise energy efficiency and sustainability and avoid costly structural renovations.

A Genuine Community Feel

Wollert is proving most new suburbs wrong, with the area already building its own personality. Master-planned communities, new schools, childcare centres, parks, walking trails, and local retail precincts are being designed with connection in mind. Families move in at similar life stages, creating a strong sense of shared growth. Compared to more established northern suburbs, where communities are already formed and housing stock varies widely in age and style, Wollert offers a cohesive neighbourhood feel. Streets are fresh, amenities are modern, and residents are invested in building a future together. That community energy matters, particularly for young families and first-home buyers.

The Affordability Advantage

When comparing Wollert to the inner suburbs of Melbourne, the entry price difference can be significant. Inner areas often command a premium simply due to proximity to the CBD. Wollert, allows buyers to:

- Enter the property market sooner
- Build a free standing home
- Get the backyard they’ve always wanted
- Allocate budget toward upgrades rather than location premiums

For many buyers, this makes home ownership achievable and not just aspirational. And while prices in neighbouring northern suburbs have steadily climbed as they mature and become more of a hot spot, Wollert still presents relative value within the corridor.

What About Rising Interest Rates?

Interest rates have risen in recent years, prompting many buyers to pause and reconsider their timeline. It’s a fair question: is now the right time to buy land and build? While higher rates affect borrowing capacity, they can also create opportunity:

- Reduced competition compared to peak-market conditions
- Builders offering competitive packages and incentives
- The ability to secure land before further infrastructure growth pushes prices higher

Property remains a long-term asset. For buyers focused on lifestyle, stability, and future growth rather than short-term market fluctuations, suburbs like Wollert offer a compelling case. You’re not just buying a house, you’re investing in an emerging community with room to grow.

The Best of Both Worlds

Wollert represents a balance many buyers are searching for. Affordability, modern homes, community atmosphere, and long-term growth potential. For those weighing up inner suburb convenience against outer suburb value, Wollert presents a practical middle ground, offering home ownership, lifestyle, and future opportunity in one package.Speak to the Arramont team today on 0425 741 891 and at arramont@rpmgrp.com.au for more information on buying land in Wollert.

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Education and Schooling Coming to Wollert

Wollert continues to see strong investment in early childhood, primary and secondary education. Below is a clear look at what’s coming and when families in Arramont can expect new facilities to open. For Arramont families, education is well catered for with a wide range of options to suit every child’s independent needs.

2026

Wirrigirri Kindergarten

Three room kindergarten located within Wirrigirri Primary School.
Capacity for approximately 198 children.

Early Learning Victoria, Umarkoo Primary School

Government run long day care and integrated 3 and 4 year old kindergarten.
Capacity for approximately 130 children.

Umarkoo Primary School

New government primary school (Prep to Year 6) helping meet enrolment demand in Wollert.

Wollert Secondary College Expansion

Additional learning neighbourhoods and specialist facilities to increase student capacity.

2027

West Wollert Community Centre

Opening: Early 2027
A multi-purpose community hub including:

Kindergarten rooms
Maternal & Child Health suites
Mini-library and study spaces
Community hall and kitchen
Outdoor garden
Changing Places facility

This centre will provide integrated early learning, health and community services in one location.

2028

Regional Kindergarten Expansions (Building Blocks Program)

Expected completion: By 2028
Further upgrades and capacity expansions across the northern growth corridor, supporting additional kindergarten places for local families.

2033

Hume Anglican Grammar – Wollert Campus

Planned opening: 2033
A new independent Prep to Year 12 campus providing long term private schooling options within Wollert.

What’s the benefit for Wollert

From 2026 through to the early 2030s, Wollert will see: Increased kindergarten capacity
A brand-new primary school
Expanded secondary school facilities
A future Prep to year 12 independent school campus
integrated health and community services The continued rollout of education infrastructure highlights strong long term planning for Wollert’s growth, ensuring families have access to quality learning options close to home.

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Front Lot Landscaping

We’re so excited for you to start planning your front lot landscaping, the final touch to your brand new home that will bring it all together and turn your house into a home! There are a few things you can keep in mind that will help you on the journey to creating your very own front yard oasis. It’s about creating curb appeal, and allowing your new home to stand out. Your front lot space may be small, but it has so much potential and there are a number of ways you can make the most out of it. So, where do you start? Here are our top tips to designing a front garden that is not only practical, but looks great all year round.

Keep it low maintenance

A low maintenance garden is always the way to go, unless you’re an avid gardener. Choose durable, low-effort plants that take care of themselves. Opt for perennials that return each year without the need for constant replanting or fussing. Hardy shrubs, succulents, and ground covers are your best friends, delivering greenery and texture with minimal work. Lawns look great, but they can be thirsty and time-consuming. Instead, think about:

Gravel or stone pathways
Mulch or bark chips to suppress weeds
Concrete or stone pavers to break up garden beds
Dense ground covers for lushness without mowing
These alternatives add visual appeal, structure, and practicality all with much less upkeep.

These alternatives add visual appeal, structure, and practicality all with much less upkeep.

Lean Into Australian Natives

Australian natives are perfectly adapted to our hot, dry summers, making them a smart choice for long-term sustainability. Natives are a great investment as they require far less water, thrive in our soils, offer incredible textures and colours, and attract beneficial wildlife such as birds, bees and butterflies, Some great options are kangaroo paws, grevilleas, banksias, lilly pillies, or coastal rosemary. Not sure what to plant? Your local garden nursery will be able to give you great recommendations.

Install a Sprinkler or Irrigation System

Watering can be one of the biggest chores in garden care. An automated sprinkler or drip irrigation system ensures your plants get consistent moisture without relying on the hose. Benefits of an automated system are reduced water waste, keeps plants thriving through peak summer heat, maintains the garden while you are away, and saves hours of manual watering. Set it on a timer, adjust seasonally, and let it do the work for you.

Add Evergreens for year round greenery

Evergreen plants are the backbone of a landscape design. They are rich in colour throughout every season, add natural screening for privacy, shade and protect from sunlight and create height and shape variants against your home facade. Murraya, photinia, viburnum, and lilly pilly varieties are popular choices that pair beautifully with natives.

Create a Standout Garden Feature

A well-chosen garden feature adds personality to your entrance. A sculptural piece, bird bath, bench seat or oversized and colourful pot plants are all easy additions to a front garden. They create a centre piece for you to design your shrubs around.

Don’t Forget Lighting

Outdoor lighting transforms your landscaping at night and boosts security, a little lighting can go a long way in helping showcase your garden. Use pathway lights, uplights to highlight trees or architectural features, and warm festoon or LED strip lighting for ambience. If you’re not wanting to spend a fortune, check out solar powered lights as these are a cheaper alternative and are also cost effective.

Use Mulch Wisely

Mulch isn’t just practical, it improves the whole look of your garden beds and has many benefits such as:

Reduces soil moisture loss
Prevents weeds
Keeps soil temperatures stable
Gives a polished, tidy finish

Choose a mulch colour that complements your plants and facade.

Bringing It All Together

Front yard landscaping doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With smart plant choices and a practical layout, you can create a front yard that beautifully completes your new home. Chat to neighbours who have already established their front landscaping, as they can also recommend plants that they have found flourish in the soil where you have built your new home.

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Wollert Development is on the rise

Wollert is one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs, transitioning from a quiet fringe area to a vibrant community hub. With an estimated population of over 40,000 residents in late 2025 and projections suggesting nearly 60,000+ people by 2040, Wollert’s transformation is well underway. Young families and first-home buyers are drawn to the area’s affordability, leafy streets and future-focused planning. With this influx, local infrastructure and community spaces are being rolled out to meet growing demand. One of the most visible developments is Linfield Place, a new retail and community precinct under construction on the corner of Epping Road and Baltrum Drive. This architecturally designed centre costing around $45 million will include: Major convenience retailers like 7-Eleven and Oporto
Aspire Early Learning & Kindergarten
Snap Fitness Gym
Variety of speciality stores Set to open in early 2026, Linfield Place is positioned as more than a shopping centre, it’s designed as a community hub, close to parks, and health and education services that will serve the rapidly growing local population.

Community Centres: Hubs for Families and Services

To support Wollert’s expanding population, Council and the Victorian Government are investing in new community infrastructure. West Wollert Community Centre A brand-new multi-purpose facility is under construction at 63 Jardin Road, expected to open in 2027. This state-of-the-art centre will include: Three kindergarten rooms
Two maternal and child health consulting suites
A mini-branch library with spaces for work and study
Community hall, activity rooms and outdoor garden space
Accessible amenities and parking Designed as a welcoming place for all ages, the centre aims to reduce the need for residents to travel outside Wollert for essential services.

Education in Wollert: Schools for Growing Families

Education has kept pace with residential growth. Wollert’s first primary school opened in 2022, providing local Prep–6 learning and facilities like a library, arts and science spaces. Expansion continues with Wollert Secondary College, adding new learning spaces and a dedicated arts and technology building that will accommodate hundreds more students when complete in 2026. Future plans call for additional school sites, ensuring young residents have access to quality education close to home, a cornerstone of sustainable community planning.

Wollert Transport and Road Upgrades

With population growth comes increased traffic and commuting challenges. Council is tackling this head-on with major upgrades to key arterial roads, including: Craigieburn Road
Boundary Road
Epping Road These upgrades aim to improve traffic flow, safety and connectivity for residents and workers moving around the northern growth corridor. At the same time, transport planning is looking longer term. The suburb’s official development plan reserves land for a future train line to the proposed Wollert town centre, a major boost for public transport if delivered. Meanwhile, existing bus networks continue to link Wollert to neighbouring hubs and rail connections.

Green Spaces & Environmental Conservation

Wollert is known for its large River Red Gum trees and significant natural landscapes, including stony rises that hold cultural importance to the traditional landowners, the Wurundjeri people. Local planning ensures these environmental assets are protected and integrated into new developments as: Conservation reserves
Public parks and open spaces
Biodiversity corridors woven through neighbourhoods Walking and cycling paths are also featured across the suburb, encouraging active lifestyles and connection to nature.

Future Town Centres and Urban Design

Looking ahead, Wollert’s development blueprint includes multiple new town centres, open-space reserves, community hubs and schools, all woven throughout residential growth areas to create walkable, connected neighbourhoods. This framework supports a balanced city-scale growth model: not just houses, but vibrant places to live, work, learn and play.

Current Community Atmosphere

Alongside new retail and community infrastructure, Wollert already enjoys established lifestyle amenities. Just minutes from Arramont Estate, the Whittlesea Monday Market is a popular weekly destination offering fresh produce, food stalls and local goods, creating a relaxed community gathering space. Residents are also close to a wide range of cafés and restaurants in nearby Epping and Craigieburn, providing everyday coffee spots, casual dining and family-friendly eateries. These nearby hubs complement Wollert’s growing retail offering, with future town centres expected to introduce additional local dining options. Wollert’s location also provides convenient access to the Whittlesea countryside and the Yarra Valley wine region, home to cellar doors, winery restaurants and scenic weekend destinations, adding further lifestyle appeal for residents.

Construction

How To Choose A Builder

Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make financially and emotionally. The builder you choose will shape everything from your construction experience to the final quality of your home. With so many builders in the industry, how do you confidently choose the right one for you?

VISIT DISPLAY HOMES

A display home village is one of the best places to begin your builder research. Walking through a display home lets you assess build quality, explore a variety of layouts and designs, understand standard inclusions versus upgrades, and get a true sense of each builder’s style. It’s also a great opportunity to gather inspiration, pick up brochures and other marketing materials, and speak with a sales consultant about the vision you have for your future home. Most display home villages will have a good variety of homes available for you to walk through, so make a day out of it and take your time exploring them all. In Wollert, not far from Arramont, you can find a great selection of display villages that feature many of Melbourne’s top builders!

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Not every builder works at every price point. Some specialise in budget-friendly homes for first home buyers or premium and custom designs for those building their forever home. Before you get attached to a particular builder or floor plan, be clear on your budget. Look for builders whose base prices and standard inclusions align with what you can afford. This will save you time and ensure you don’t stray too far from your original budget.

DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Take the time to read Google reviews, browse forums, and explore social media to gain an honest understanding of other people’s building experiences. Speaking with those who have already been through the process can offer valuable insight into what you can expect. Look for feedback from homeowners who have completed each stage of the journey; from the initial consultation and design selection, through construction and handover, and even after living in their homes for some time. Their experiences will give you a well-rounded view of a builder’s service quality, communication, and It’s also worth checking whether the builder has received any awards or industry recognition. Awards can be a strong indicator of build quality, innovation, customer satisfaction, and design excellence. Organisations such as Master Builders provide a reliable reference point to see if a builder has been formally acknowledged for their work.

MEET WITH A NEW HOME SALES CONSULTANT

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, book a meeting with each builder’s home sales consultant. This is your chance to ask detailed questions about plans and inclusions, understand standard versus upgrade items, clarify site costs and potential variations, and get transparency around timelines and processes. This is also the time to chat through any promotions that they may have that will add value to your build, whether it be free upgrades or a discount on site costs.

LOOK OVER QUOTES AND CONTRACTS CAREFULLY

Request detailed quotes and review each builder’s contract thoroughly so you understand exactly what is and isn’t included. Compare the scope of work, materials, timelines, and warranty terms across all quotes to help identify which builder aligns best with your needs and expectations. Pay special attention to exclusions, payment schedules, and any clauses relating to variations, delays, or additional costs. These details can significantly influence your final decision, as they often reveal how transparent, flexible, and reliable each builder will be throughout the project.

BUILD THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU

Finding the right builder takes time but it’s worth every step. By visiting display homes, researching thoroughly, comparing quotes, and meeting with sales consultants, you’ll put yourself in the best position to choose a builder who fits your style, your budget, and your future home goals.

Community

Community Update July 2025