property
New Express Bus Route Slashes Craigieburn Commute Times in Half
The new Aitken Boulevard express bus corridor will cut travel times from Craigieburn's western edge to the employment corridor by half, drawing fresh buyers to previously overlooked pockets.
How we reported this
Craigieburn Council voted last week to fast-track the Aitken Boulevard busway, with the first 4.2 kilometres of dedicated lanes scheduled to open in late 2028 between Hanson Road and the existing Craigieburn railway station.
The decision follows three years of modelling that showed peak-hour trips from the suburb's outer streets to the Broadmeadows employment precinct could drop from 52 minutes to 24 once the corridor is complete.
Western Growth Corridor Rezoning
Land between Windrock Avenue and the Craigieburn Sports Stadium is now under review for medium-density codes that would allow townhouses on lots currently zoned for single dwellings. The review document names 14 specific blocks along the future bus route where height limits could rise to three storeys.
Developers have already lodged concept plans for 320 units on the former VicRoads depot site at the corner of Hanson Road and Bridgewater Drive, citing the busway as the main justification.
Real-estate data from the March quarter shows median prices for three-bedroom homes in that immediate catchment reached $698,000, up from $641,000 twelve months earlier. Settlement volumes on streets within 800 metres of the proposed stops rose 27 per cent year-on-year.
Practical Steps for Buyers and Sellers
Agents at the Craigieburn branch of Barry Plant report that inspection numbers on properties listed along the corridor have doubled since the council vote. Buyers are being advised to check the updated planning scheme maps expected to be released on the council website by 15 August before making offers.
Sellers on streets such as Bridgewater Drive and the western end of Hanson Road should obtain current building permits if they intend to subdivide, as the new corridor rules will allow smaller lot sizes once the rezoning is gazetted. The council's planning department has scheduled two drop-in sessions at the Craigieburn Library on 22 and 29 July for residents seeking clarification on the timeline.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.