NEW SOUTH WALES

STANDOUT LOCATION:

1 Hunter Valley:

The region is a natural fit for the two trends expected to dominate 2021, the infrastructure boom and the lifestyle exodus. This is a renowned wine district and the home of horse breeding as well as a key centre for energy production. Centres such as Maitland, Singleton and Muswellbrook are expected to thrive.

2020 reviewed

Northern Beaches: While 2020 was a struggle for Sydney, some precincts did well, headed by northern beaches suburbs like Dee Why (up 18%), Allambie Heights (12%), Avalon Beach (13%), Mona Vale (15%) and Frenchs Forest (17%).

Many markets across the country enter 2021 poised for big growth, but few places more so than regional NSW.

With sales activity rising in regional centres right across the state, markets outside Sydney are well positioned to benefit from trends driven by lifestyle choices and infrastructure spending.

The Central Coast is the ideal fit for the “affordable lifestyle” trend, providing a cheaper alternative close to Sydney, and many of its suburbs saw considerable uplift in sales activity in the second half of 2020.

The Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands also look likely to have vibrant markets.

Further afield, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Goulburn and AlburyWodonga are well placed among the inland centres, while “sea change” demand will boost Byron Bay, Ballina, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, the Tweed region and the towns of the Eurobodalla local government area.

Sydney emerged quite well from the difficulties of 2020 and looks set for a better year overall in 2021. The northern beaches and the inner west will lead the more expensive markets, while younger buyers will target more affordable areas like Blacktown, Penrith and Campbelltown.

The substantial infrastructure spend in Sydney will also put the spotlight on these cheaper areas, especially with the continued rollout of the new airport and the Aerotropolis.