First published 29 Oct 2026, 3:00pm
Sam and Carla, with children Marco and Frankie, aged two and five years old, at their home in Sunshine. Picture: Josie Hayden.
The narrative continues to change for Sunshine as new families move into the western suburb.
Parents Carla and Sam, along with their children Marco and Frankie, love being part of the Sunshine community.
The couple built their mid-century-style home about three years ago, after previously renting in Sunshine West.
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Carla said Sunshine had historically been thought of as a “rough” suburb, especially by people who had never lived in or visited the area.
However, McGrath Estate Agents founder John McGrath has named Sunshine, addition to Werribee, Reservoir, Boronia and Highett, among his Victorian suburbs to watch in the annual McGrath Report, released on Saturday.
A render of the future Sunshine railway station superhub. Picture: Supplied.
Mr McGrath said that Sunshine, with an $850,000 median house price as offering plenty of choice in Melbourne’s west including terrace homes, 1920s Californian bungalows and newer residences.
“Its days as one of Melbourne’s best-kept property secrets may be numbered,” Mr McGrath said.
Sunshine is set to become a major stop on the future Melbourne Airport Rail Link with pre-stage one works underway to transform the suburb’s train station into a transport super hub, including two new platforms and capacity for 1000 trains a day, by 2030.
Apart from Sunshine, McGrath Estate Agents founder and chief executive John McGrath said Werribee was increasingly attractive choice for families seeking value in Melbourne’s west. Picture: Supplied.
Ray White Sunshine director Marcus Fregonese said the $4.1bn first stage rebuild of Sunshine station was a game-changer for the suburb’s profile and accessibility.
“Historically, major transport infrastructure is one of the strongest long-term drivers of demand and value, and with the project now well and truly moving, I expect Sunshine to keep gaining traction over the next decade,” Mr Fregonese said.
Melbourne-based Advantage Property Consulting director and buyers’ advocate Frank Valentic said he expected property prices to increase 30 to 20 per cent when the rail link opened.
Sam, Marco, Carla and Frankie loved picking out colour palettes and materials, and leaning into the retro vibe, of the house they built in Sunshine. Picture: Josie Hayden.
Carla welcomed Sunshine being named one of Melbourne’s best-kept property secrets, after seeing an increase in younger families moving across in recent years.
“It’s nice to see the narrative changing – I think compared to some very popular suburbs, Sunshine is a great pick for what’s on offer and proximity to the city,” Carla said.
“I feel that it has been getting more recognised in last few years and we had hoped it would be good investment area and continue to grow, so it’s exciting to hear it may lead that way.”
Sunshine station links to Sunbury and Watergardens further down the train line. Picture: David Crosling.
Both she and Sam enjoy their tree-lined street, proximity to the CBD and other suburbs, living close to family and Sunshine’s diversity and friendly residents.
Another bonus is nearby parks where their kids, who are aged two and five years old, and their pet dog, toy poodle Archie, can play.
Their house also has a large backyard and play room for the youngsters, while Marco, who loves the AFL, has joined the Sunshine Kangaroos Football Netball Club Auskick program.
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