While affordability has always been a key priority for first-time home buyers, today they’re looking for a lot more when it comes to where they put down roots.
In addition to their dream block of land, buyers are increasingly seeking access to established amenity, transport, schools and lifestyle opportunities, rather than waiting years for these to become part of their life.
This reprioritisation is turning buyers towards areas such as Burnside and Caroline Springs in Melbourne’s west, where they can find infrastructure ready and waiting.
Melissa Munro, Marketing Manager, Dennis Family Corporation, says this keen interest is showing up in local population growth.
Ms Munro shares that a recent report from Urbis, Market Outlook Burnside (August 2025), reveals that the municipality of Melton City (which includes Burnside and Caroline Springs) is forecast to grow from 241,100 people in 2025 to 353,500 people by 2035, representing 47% total growth over a decade.
“The report also shows Melton City is already strongly family-oriented, with 81% family households, an average resident age of 38, and an average dwelling structure of three or more bedrooms,” she says.
Melton City suburbs like Burnside are growing rapidly as they attract more buyers.
A creek‑side community almost complete
For buyers seeking well-located land within an established Burnside community, Modeina offers an appealing blend of lifestyle and liveability.
Located just a 35-minute drive to the Melbourne CBD and 25 minutes to Melbourne International Airport, the community is already home to almost 2000 residents.
“Residents have access to Burnside Primary School, Burnside Hub (shopping centre) and all the amenity of Caroline Springs,” says Ms Munro.
“They can enjoy several local parks including the soon to open Point Park, walking trails and major road connections.”
The community – designed and developed by Dennis Family Corporation – is surrounded on three sides by Kororoit Creek, connecting it closely to nature.
Buyers have plenty of choice when it comes to land size and price points, with remaining lots in stages 27 and 29 ranging from 400sqm to 682sqm and priced from $569,000 to $762,000*, alongside lots in the newly released stage 30.
Residents will not only find a community and amenity, but will also benefit from extensive landscaping developed in partnership with Ian Barker Landscaping.
“It gives purchasers more confidence that front gardens will be professionally designed and delivered,” she says.
Modeina is an established masterplanned community in the Melton City area offering a convenient, connected lifestyle.
Final release, prime position
Overall, Modeina has over 900 lots, but chances to make it home are now in the final stages.
The last ever release, Stage 30, The Point, has just 35 lots available, with sizes ranging from 400sqm to 1170sqm. Eleven of the lots face onto the surrounding Kororoit Creek.
“Adding to the prime positioning, all blocks within The Point are in close proximity to the newly constructed and soon to open Point Park,” says Ms Munro.
Residents of The Point will also have close access to Modeina’s walking and cycling trails, fitness stations, BBQ areas and playgrounds, making it easy to live a healthy and connected lifestyle.
One existing resident of Modeina, Lisa, shares that the recreational spaces have helped form the community atmosphere.
“On the weekends you'll see all the kids out riding their bikes, families walking after school in the afternoons, going for their nightly walks,” she says.
With only one release left, opportunities to secure a home in the Modeina community are limited.
Everyday life at Modeina: Schools, shops and transport
A common reason buyers look for established amenity is to ensure there will be local schools for their children.
Within Modeina, Burnside Primary School and the Burnside Children & Community Centre are both up and running, taking away any uncertainty.
“Pretty much every second or third house [in Modeina] has a child that goes to the [Burnside Primary] school,” says resident Lisa.
For shopping and daily facilities, Modeina residents can also take a quick drive to Burnside Hub, CS Square, or Springlake Shopping Centre, where there are supermarkets such as Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, as well as retailers including Kmart, Bunnings and Spotlight.
There are also plenty of gyms, cafés, restaurants and medical services.
Residents of Modeina are also well serviced for public transport, with Caroline Springs and Deer Park Train Stations nearby, and buses running from Modeina’s entrance at Westwood Drive.
Close access to the Western Ring Road means residents can easily drive to the city and surrounding suburbs.
Modeina is haven for family buyers, with a close-knit community already forming as residents move in.
Becoming part of an established community
Modeina’s Stage 30 has recently hit the market and captured the attention of buyers, with 30% already sold within the first few weeks of release.
It is anticipated that titles will be released in mid-2027, giving buyers time to plan their dream home.
Buyers can either purchase their land and house separately, or opt for a house and land package through a leading builder.
Whether buyers settle on a creek-front view or a peaceful boulevard location, Lisa says it will be easy to feel right at home straight away.
“Everyone says hello to everybody. It's just a really good place to live,” she says.
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