Depth and demand on display for Sydney property.

Data collected by the property group over August highlighted 170+ homes were listed for sale with the group across the month, mirroring a similar year-on-year volume, albeit with a 5 per cent uplift. The group sold 118 homes across Sydney’s lifestyle markets, representing an almost 17 per cent annual increase - reflecting both business growth, and continued Winter market momentum. 22% of total homes sold by BresicWhitney across August did so ‘off-market’, meaning they were advertised exclusively on bw.com.au. BresicWhitney’s average auction clearance rate was healthy, at 83 per cent.

Sydney’s rental market in August was robust too, with BresicWhitney leasing approximately 160 homes. The group’s ‘days on market’ for rental properties was competitive, at 19.5 days. It estimates the market average as approximately 32 days.

Sustained uplift.
Sydney housing values rose in August with a monthly increase of 0.9 per cent, marking the seventh consecutive increase, and setting a new median price of $1.52 million for the state. Nationally, values rose 0.7%, marking the highest monthly gain since May 2024, according to data from Cotality.

BresicWhitney CEO Thomas McGlynn said the sustained uplift in housing values across Sydney this calendar year reflected improvements not only in sentiment, but structural shifts. “Buyers and sellers in Sydney are acting with more certainty than just three months ago. That confidence looks set to strengthen as we move towards year’s end, supported by the opportunities unlocked through recent rate cuts, and the prospect of one more before Christmas,” he said.

“Shorter selling timeframes and the way properties are being bought and sold are reflecting this. Many are selling before auction or more quietly off-market, without reaching the property portals. That speaks to buyer depth and a recognition that conditions are favourable, and quite balanced, for both sides.”

Sentiment also trended upwards nationally, with the Westpac–Melbourne Institute index sitting at 5.7% - its strongest reading since early 2022. The uplift also coincided with pre-approval requests via Commonwealth Bank, increasing 15% across July and August. This suggests that more buyers nationally, are positioning themselves to transact in the coming months.

The Sydney property market is likely to house more first-home buyer activity over the coming months, supported by the Federal Government’s expanded deposit scheme. This will enable purchasers to secure a home with a 5 per cent deposit without incurring lenders mortgage insurance. Revisions to the scheme included an October 2025 commencement date (formerly January 2026), the removal of income caps for applicants and, in NSW, an increased property price cap of up to $1.5 million - a factor likely to drive uptake across the key lifestyle markets.

The interplay between sentiment, affordability and supply would be critical for the scheme’s success in helping more first home buyers into the market, said Mr. McGlynn. “Despite the structural forces that continue to shape affordability, and the growing role of intergenerational wealth, incentives like this remain crucial for restoring balance. They are likely to spark more first-home buyer activity from next month, with confidence building in the months to Christmas.”

Mr McGlynn concluded that while the outlook was positive, the season would not be without nuance. “Some results over Spring will point to renewed market momentum, while others will reveal the structural challenges that remain. The market has posted consistent gains this year, but volatility is still part of the picture - unsurprising in a city as diverse and fast-moving as Sydney.”

Transport-oriented evolution.
Transport-oriented developments is contributing to the wider evolution of key lifestyle markets across Sydney, said BresicWhitney. The most recent example being the Government’s plans to rezone parts of Woollahra and Edgecliff, to allow for up to 10,000 new dwellings, and see the delivery of the state’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade. A proportion of the new local housing delivered within the local area, is anticipated to be classified as affordable housing.

Mr. McGlynn welcomed the news, but acknowledged the importance of a clear, long-term strategy for increasing housing supply across Sydney. “Delivering more housing across Sydney is critical. Well-established areas like the Eastern Suburbs, with strong amenity and scope for renewal, must play their part. The opportunity to create new homes in such tightly held locations is significant, but it needs to sit within a long-term plan for NSW - one that reflects diverse incomes, lifestyles, and ambitions.”

Sydney’s Inner South - key suburbs like Waterloo - are also playing host to significant transformations. The ‘Danks Street District Masterplan’ comprises 373 new residences, outdoor space, and retail amenities - aiming to offer a comprehensive destination that marries contemporary living with the area’s industrial heritage. The launch of the Waterloo Metro Station in August 2024, has accelerated the evolution.

The momentum in evolving destinations such as Waterloo, and those in more established suburbs like Woollahra and Edgecliff, indicate the long-term role that infrastructure and renewal may play in the changing shape of Sydney’s lifestyle map, concluded BresicWhitney.