Melbourne’s outer-north has been a standout performer in terms of growth in recent years, with Mickleham being named one of Australia’s fastest-growing suburbs.
In 2016, Mickleham’s population was 3,145. Today, it’s estimated to sit at 30,091 and is forecast to grow to 60,996 by 2046.
It’s little wonder people are increasingly moving to Melbourne’s northern outskirts, as price pressures squeeze budgets.
But it’s not just affordability that’s luring buyers to the area. It’s the mix of local amenities, transport options, vibrant local community living, and diverse housing options that makes the area popular, according to MAB General Manager Communities Matthew Planner.
“As a suburb, Mickleham has seen significant growth in the last ten years, in part driven by the development of Merrifield,” he says.
“Mickleham is now well established and offers everything expected of a mature location.”
Mickleham in Melbourne's north has grown significantly over the past ten years.
Located just 30 kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD, Merrifield in Mickleham is Victoria’s largest master-planned, mixed-use community.
Already home to almost 10,000 residents, on completion Merrifield will encompass more than 8,500 homes and 25,000 residents, a sub-regional shopping centre, three schools, over 120 hectares of open space, and a $1.2 billion industrial precinct.
With the first two stages complete, Merrifield City offers a range of amenities, including a supermarket, fresh food, cafes, health services, childcare, swim school, office space and more.
Merrifield City is also poised for significant growth in the near future, with construction anticipated to commence in 2027 on the next stages of retail development, which are planned to include a new lifestyle and homemaker centre.
Merrifield is already proving to be a popular community in Mickleham that's attracting buyers.
Inside Merrifield’s new townhouse precinct
Hollington Quarter is Merrifield’s new master-planned townhouse precinct, with first stage comprising 74 homes – including a mix of two, three and four bedrooms, both single and double storey, with either front or rear garages.
Working closely with builder Simonds and landscape designer MDG, MAB has crafted high-quality, low-maintenance homes that combine flexible, open-plan layouts with stunning, curated yards.
“The Hollington Quarter masterplan has been carefully designed to foster a strong sense of community connection, where residents feel the benefits of a village-like atmosphere,” says Mr Planner.
“Significant investment has been made by MAB and the project team to curate a high-quality precinct that stands above all other townhouse product within greenfield estates.”
It's a place where he says residents can expect to find tree-lined streets with higher quality modern townhouse facades, exposed aggregate driveways, expertly designed private and public gardens, and pedestrian-friendly links - making it a vibrant and visually appealing walkable neighbourhood.
Hollington Quarter offers buyers a range of townhomes in the already-thriving Merrifield community.
How low-maintenance design can suit growing families and downsizers
Mr Planner says Hollington Quarter has been designed to appeal to buyers at different life stages, from growing families through to downsizers looking for a more manageable home.
“Low-maintenance design is becoming increasingly important for a range of buyers. Families want functional spaces that support day-to-day life, while downsizers are often seeking a home that is easier to manage without giving up comfort or quality," he says.
"Townhome living can actually offer the inclusions, space, liveability and privacy people seek in a new home, but with lower maintenance and a more affordable price point.”
The homes at Hollington Quarter include fully landscaped front and rear yards designed by MDG Landscape Architects, removing the need for buyers to complete themselves after moving in.
The range also includes both single and double-storey designs, as well as front and rear garage options, giving buyers the flexibility to choose a home that suits their lifestyle and stage of life.
The low-maintenance style of a townhome makes it an ideal choice for both families and downsizers.
Aside from the low-maintenance drawcard, townhouse living offers an attractive entry point for buyers seeking a new home in an established master-planned community.
Two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouses start at $474,900 at Hollington Quarter, and properties are 100 per cent move-in-ready, with no need to pay for additional extras such as landscaping, blinds, heating or cooling.
“What we’re offering at Hollington Quarter is a more complete housing choice. Buyers can secure a quality new home with the key inclusions already in place, within an established community that has shops, schools, childcare and open space close by,” Mr Planner says.
“A turn-key townhouse product in a master-planned precinct gives buyers more confidence around what they are purchasing. They can see the value in understanding the quality of the neighbourhood they’re buying into and having their landscaping and finishes resolved upfront.”
The homes in Hollington Quarter have the certainty of an established neighbourhood.
A walkable life with city-style convenience
For those wanting a walkable lifestyle, Hollington Quarter delivers an unbeatable location within Merrifield.
Merrifield City shopping centre is immediately across the road from the precinct offering residents could not have easier access to groceries, cafes, health services and childcare. Multiple parks and playgrounds are within a short stroll.
Whether it be a weekend coffee morning , a swimming lesson for the kids at Paul Sadler Swimland, or picking up everyday essentials from the chemist or supermarket, Hollington Quarter brings everything you need closer to home.
Residents will also benefit from being a short drive to Marnong Estate for a wine tasting, ride to the local Merrifield Recreation Reserve with the kids, or read a book in the park at Hollington Quarter.
“Merrifield is already well established with the amenity in place to support the daily needs to the community,” says Mr Planner.
Civil construction for Hollington Quarter will commence in Q3 2026, with Simonds starting dwelling construction in late 2026.
So far, there has been strong interest from first-home buyers, next-home buyers, and downsizers wanting to call Hollington Quarter home.
For investors, Mr Planner says Hollington Quarter delivers quality yields and is an attractive option, especially in light of the proposed federal budget changes which are clearly focused on supporting the development of new homes.
“It’s a practical location for buyers who want the benefits of a new, low-maintenance home within an established community, with the incredible convenience of having the amenity at Merrifield City just a short walk from home," he says.
“As Merrifield City continues to expand, residents an investors will also benefit from even more retail, dining, health and entertainment options nearby.”
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