Bayside · 3190
Highett has seen the most population growth of any suburb in this group — nearly 15% between 2016 and 2021 — driven largely by the former CSIRO site redevelopment and broader infill construction. It is split between Bayside and Kingston councils, which means different planning rules can apply depending on which side of the suburb your property sits on. That is something a lot of builders overlook, but it matters. The housing stock is mainly post-war brick veneer and 1960s-1970s homes, with a growing number of modern townhouse developments. Heritage overlays are limited compared to suburbs like Brighton or Beaumaris, which means a more permissive development environment. Knockdown-rebuild, new townhouse construction, and modernisation of post-war homes are the dominant activities. Outdoor living — decking, pergolas, fencing — remains strong demand across the suburb.
38 km from our Werribee workshop
12,016
$1,450,000
Bayside City Council / City of Kingston (split)
53.3% detached houses, 28.6% semi-detached, 17.2% apartments
Highett sits on sandy loam soils, more inland than the coastal suburbs. Standard residential site classification under AS 2870 applies. Less coastal exposure than beachfront suburbs means material selection has more flexibility, though we still recommend quality hardware and finishes for longevity. Flat terrain makes construction straightforward from a site preparation perspective.
Highett is split between Bayside City Council (larger western portion) and City of Kingston (smaller eastern portion). This means different planning schemes, different zoning rules, and different permit processes depending on which side of the suburb your property falls. Most of the suburb sits within Bayside, but it is essential to check which council applies to your specific site before planning any construction work. We do this as part of our standard quoting process.
New townhouse and apartment development — driven by the former CSIRO site redevelopment — dominates the construction market. Knockdown-rebuild of post-war homes is common. For existing homeowners, the work is focused on modernising post-war homes: kitchen and bathroom renovations, outdoor living additions, and general carpentry upgrades. Highett's rapid growth and proximity to Southland Shopping Centre make it attractive for families who want modern living without the premium price tag of beachfront Bayside.
Local knowledge and qualified carpentry for homeowners in Highett and across Melbourne.
We know Highett sits across both Bayside and Kingston councils and check which planning rules apply to your specific property.
Highett's 1960s-1970s brick veneer homes are our bread and butter — we know how to modernise them effectively.
With nearly 15% population growth, Highett is one of the most active construction markets in the area. We work here regularly.
Decking, pergolas, fencing, and landscaping — the outdoor structures that Highett families need.
Even with less coastal exposure than beachfront suburbs, we use quality hardware and finishes that last.
We bring deep residential construction experience to every Highett project, from post-war renovations to new outdoor builds.
Highett is split between Bayside City Council (western portion) and City of Kingston (eastern portion). This affects which planning rules apply to your property. We check this as part of our quoting process — it is one of the first things we verify.
Highett has limited heritage overlays compared to those suburbs. Most of the housing stock is post-war, and the development environment is more permissive. That said, both NRZ and GRZ areas exist within Highett, so development rules still vary by site.
Knockdown-rebuild of post-war homes, new townhouse construction, and modernisation of existing homes. For carpentry and outdoor construction, decking, pergolas, and fencing are the most common requests. Highett's growth means there is a lot of building activity across the suburb.
Highett sits on sandy loam — similar base to the coastal suburbs but with less direct coastal influence. Standard residential site classification applies. The soils still require proper footing design but with more flexibility on material selection since salt exposure is lower.
Every project is quoted on its merits after a proper site visit. No obligation, no pressure.
Request a Free Quote