NSW Property Market Forecast 2026: Growth suburbs, high-yield hotspots, and investment opportunities

Thinking about buying in NSW this year? Here’s where the opportunities are

22 January 2026

5 minute read

Bea Nicole Amarille

Thinking about buying in NSW this year? Here’s where the opportunities are

The NSW property market continues to shift, as changing interest rate conditions, strong regional migration and major infrastructure projects reshape where and how buyers can get ahead.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing or investing, understanding the trends will give you a head start. 

This guide walks you through the key trends, high-growth suburbs, and strategies to help you make informed property decisions in NSW.

Quick summary 

  1. Regional NSW outpaces Metro areas in price growth (houses 4.7%, units 5.3%). 

  2. Key suburbs booming: Pottsville, Moore Creek, Banora Point

  3. Hot investor suburbs with yields above 4%: Erskineville, Rushcutters Bay

  4. Major infrastructure projects (e.g., Sydney Metro West) creating long-term growth. 

  5. Action tips: Review your borrowing power, use tools like Aussie’s Home Loan Health Check, or get expert advice to buy smarter.  

NSW property market at a glance (latest data)

Metric

NSW

Median house price

$1,144,415

Median rent

$680 per week

Annual price growth

5.64%

Annual rent growth

4.62%

Median days on market

43 days

Total properties sold (12 months)

104,031

Source: Cotality

NSW property market overview

After a period of adjustment, NSW prices have shown renewed momentum.

5 reasons regional NSW is outperforming metro areas: 

  1. Lower entry prices for both houses and units 

  2. Higher rental yields attracting investors 

  3. Strong regional migration boosting demand 

  4. Tight rental markets with vacancy rates under 1% 

  5. Major infrastructure projects enhancing connectivity 

Across NSW, dwelling prices have increased by around 5.6% over the past 12 months, reflecting steady demand despite affordability pressures.

Average annual price growth in metro areas sits at 3.3% for houses and 4.4% for units. Regional areas are outpacing the cities, with houses growing at 4.7% and units at 5.3%. 

Regional NSW is leading the way. Suburbs like Pottsville, Moore Creek and Banora Point have recorded strong double-digit growth. Outer Sydney suburbs, including Marsden Park and Austral, are benefiting from improved affordability and increasing demand. 

First-home buyers are re-entering the market, supported by government incentives and easing borrowing constraints. Investors are also returning, drawn by tight rental markets and yields above 4% in many areas. 

Major infrastructure projects, including Sydney Metro West and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, are fuelling demand and opening new pockets of opportunity. 

You might also be interested in: $1 NSW House Designs: What you get and how to make them work for you

Supply vs. demand in key markets 

In high-demand areas like Kingscliff and Moore Creek, listings are limited, and competition is fierce. Regional lifestyle hubs are feeling the pressure, with vacancy rates below 1%. 

In contrast, areas like Western Sydney are seeing new supply enter the market via masterplanned communities. For buyers, this means more choice and often better affordability. 

Homes in NSW are spending a median of 43 days on the market, slightly above the national sales-weighted average of around 32 days, suggesting balanced but competitive conditions.

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Population growth and migration 

Regional hubs such as Tweed Heads South and Pottsville are thriving as city-siders seek affordability and lifestyle upgrades. Long-term infrastructure investments are supporting this migration, creating new growth zones. 

Metro vs. regional: Where’s the growth? 

Market

Typical price profile

Key appeal

NSW overall

$1.14M median house price

Scale, employment hubs, long-term demand

Source: Cotality

Regional NSW continues to benefit from hybrid work trends and lifestyle migration. Metro buyers are focusing on job access and long-term growth potential. 

Tip: An Aussie Buyer’s Agent can help you identify the right area and move faster. 

Still saving for 20%?

See if a 5% deposit could bring buying closer.

High-growth suburbs in NSW to watch

Here are the top-performing suburbs by recent price growth: 

Suburb 

6-month growth 

1-year growth 

Casuarina 

6.8% 

17.2% 

Banora Point 

6.4% 

14.7% 

Pottsville 

6.1% 

15.1% 

Moore Creek 

7.9% 

11.0% 

Smithfield 

5.6% 

16.7% 

Canley Vale 

5.6% 

13.5% 

Cabramatta West 

5.6% 

14.2% 

Lansvale 

6.0% 

13.4% 

Source: Cotality

"Casuarina offers that laid-back beach lifestyle just south of the Queensland border. It’s ideal for families and those wanting proximity to the Gold Coast without the hustle." - Rod Jackson, Aussie Broker, Tweed Heads 

"We are seeing strong interest in Banora Point due to it being a family-friendly suburb, close to all services." - Rod Jackson, Aussie Broker, Tweed Heads 

"Pottsville is also going well due to its beach location. Residents enjoy a quieter coastal lifestyle while still being close to the Gold Coast and Brisbane." - Rod Jackson, Aussie Broker, Tweed Heads 

These suburbs reflect a mix of metro affordability zones and booming regional hubs, with buyers chasing both affordability and long-term capital growth. 

Chat with an Aussie Broker about your property plans

Top NSW suburbs for property investors 

"Some suburbs in Sydney's Inner West like Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Newtown and Petersham are emerging as standout investment zones. These areas are walkable, vibrant, and supported by infrastructure upgrades like the Sydney Metro. With low vacancy rates and increasing demand from young professionals, they're ticking all the boxes for long-term investors." - William Sanchez, Aussie Broker, Newtown 

High-yield suburbs include: 

Suburb 

Rental yield 

Rent growth 

Erskineville 

4.9% 

2.1% 

Rushcutters Bay 

4.5% 

2.0% 

Bega 

4.2% 

3.5% 

Tenterfield 

4.3% 

2.8% 

Source: Cotality

Vacancy rates remain tight across much of NSW, supporting income-focused investment strategies.

Tip: Use the Aussie App to track demand, yield and equity in real-time. 

First Home Guarantee Calculator

Estimate how much you could buy with a 5% deposit using the First Home Buyer Guarantee.

Home loan & financing considerations 

With interest rate conditions shifting, it’s a good time to check your borrowing power. Use the Aussie Borrowing Power Calculator to understand your position or speak to a broker for tailored options. 

First-Home Buyer Support includes: 

  • $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (regional new builds) 

  • Stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers 

  • Shared equity schemes for smaller deposits 

Discover your borrowing power 

Find out how much you could potentially borrow to make your property dreams a reality.

Refinancing and equity strategies 

Thinking of leveraging your existing equity? Refinancing could help you fund your next purchase or reduce repayments. Tools like Aussie’s Home Loan Health Check and Live Equity Tracker can help you plan smart. 

Your next steps 

The NSW property market continues to offer opportunities for buyers and investors who understand where demand is heading.

Whether you’re buying, upgrading or investing, Aussie can help you compare home loan options, understand your borrowing power, and explore suburbs with long-term potential.

You've seen the data. Now let's turn it into decisions. Start your home-buying journey with Aussie. 

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