At a time when many growth areas are being built almost from scratch, Kilmore – in Victoria’s fastest-growing municipality, Mitchell Shire – offers something different: genuine heritage, a character-filled town centre and a sense of identity already in place.
One of the state’s oldest inland settlements, Kilmore is entering its next chapter, with new housing broadening its appeal to buyers seeking a small-town experience, everyday amenity and easy access to Melbourne.
One of Victoria's oldest inland towns, Kilmore sits in the centre of a rapidly developing area. Image: realestate.com.au
An established heart
“Kilmore’s appeal lies in its balance of heritage, nature and connectivity,” says Mitchell Shire Mayor, Councillor John Dougall.
“The town offers a strong small-town identity, historic streetscapes and attractions plus a close-knit community, while still providing convenient access to metropolitan Melbourne.”
With a main street dotted by buildings from the mid-1800s, the town has lots to offer heritage seekers looking for a community with built-in charm. At the same time, it's recently emerged as a hotspot for buyers who want a standalone home on substantial lot, without sacrificing city access.
Kilmore’s growth is being supported by strong transport connections, such as regular trains from Kilmore East station, existing and emerging educational opportunities, and planned residential development to the south-east and west.
In recent years, the town has also become one of the region’s more vibrant centres, with new cafés, restaurants and dining options continuing to emerge and add to its energy and appeal.
For buyers, that means a place that feels established rather than speculative, with housing choice continuing to expand around a town with history, greenery and community already built in.
Choice for buyers
Among the developments taking shape, Broadstead Kilmore is perhaps the clearest expression of Kilmore’s heritage-meets-growth story. Developed by Jinding, the 60-hectare community is designed to lean into Kilmore’s semi-rural feel rather than override it, with larger lots, wide streets, generous green space and design guidelines that encourage both farm-style and contemporary homes.
An artist's impression of Broadstead Kilmore, which is emerging to the south of the town centre. Image: realestate.com.au
“Space to breathe and grow sits at the heart of Broadstead's vision, with lot sizes designed to suit a range of lifestyles and aspirations,” says Jinding national development director Chris Ravat.
“Broadstead offers the best of country living with connectivity to city culture.”
Across the masterplan, the project will deliver 11 hectares of open space, including a waterway corridor, walking trails, green zones and a central community park, with a future P–6 school and sporting ovals also planned, subject to government delivery.
An affordable entry point
Mr Ravat says Broadstead has attracted a wide mix of buyers – from locals upgrading to first-home buyers moving out of Melbourne and downsizers – united by a desire to live a rural life while still having Melbourne within reach.
Among them are Wallan locals Navdeep Singh and Sugandha Kurana, who purchased at Broadstead and plan to build their first home there in coming years.
“The land in Kilmore is quite affordable compared to Wallan and surrounding areas, and we have been able to secure a large block of nearly 800sqm, which will be great for our dog to run around in,” Mr Singh said.
Buyers at Broadstead Kilmore include Navdeep Singh and Sugandha Kurana, who plan to build their first home in the new development. Image: Jinding
Broadstead has reached a notable milestone, with first settlements underway and the first homes expected to commence construction shortly. Lots remain available in its first stages from $296,000.
The project has also shifted its sales presence to a new town-centre location, following a fire incident.
“We’re taking the opportunity to reimagine our sales experience. In the coming months we will open an exciting new sales suite that will showcase everything Broadstead Kilmore has to offer and enable us to connect better with our local community,” Mr Ravat said.
Elsewhere in town, Parkview Estate is adding to Kilmore’s housing mix, with titled land, generous 18- to 20-metre frontages and plans for future sporting reserves, retail and childcare. While smaller in scale, it is similarly geared toward families wanting space and everyday convenience close to schools and the town centre. Together, the two projects speak to the breadth of housing now coming through in Kilmore – from larger, landscape-led master-planning to family-focused lots close to established amenity.
Kilmore's Hume and Hovell Monument was erected to honour local explorers. Image: Mitchell Shire Council
Connected communities
And just beyond Kilmore, nearby Beveridge developments including Stockland’s Lyra and Mandalay reflect the broader wave of growth unfolding north of Melbourne, with master-planned communities centred around open space, amenity and commuter convenience.
As Councillor Dougall puts it, the task now is to grow without losing what makes the place distinct.
“Kilmore is growing rapidly, and we’re working hard to ensure that growth is supported with the right services, from schools and transport upgrades to parks and recreation spaces. At the same time, we seek to protect the character and heritage that make Kilmore such a special place to live."
"With strong planning, targeted investment and continued advocacy to other levels of government, we can support Kilmore’s growth while preserving the qualities our community values most.”
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