Sydney's ongoing transformation into a metro-driven city is having a significant impact on the real estate market.

The expansion of the Sydney Metro network, which will eventually include four lines, 46 stations, and 113 kilometres of rail by 2030, is not just changing how people move around the city, but also driving price growth and altering the demographics of the suburbs along its routes.

Suburbs near metro stations have experienced a population surge of 23 per cent over the past decade, almost double the growth seen in suburbs further away from the metro lines.

The increased density has been accompanied by a shift towards apartment living, with nearly half of the residents in these areas now living in apartments.

The demand for apartments is particularly strong in regions like the Hills District, Lower North Shore, CBD, and Canterbury Bankstown, where there is a need for about 9,000 new units annually.

Data from CBRE and PropTrack found that over the past decade, suburbs along the metro line have seen a 49 per cent increase in capital value, outperforming suburbs further out by five per cent.

They cited that the value of property in Castle Hill has grown by 72 per cent, compared to 49 per cent in the neighbouring Baulkham Hills.&nbsp; It was the same story in Crows Nest, which had 79 per cent compared to Camerray's 62 per cent.

"Enhanced accessibility provided by the metro, potential for additional infrastructure development, increased demand, and possibilities for re-zoning, have all contrinued to an overall increase in dwelling values," the report noted.

The substantial reductions in travel time, in many cases over an hour, has made the&nbsp;metro-line suburbs increasingly attractive to younger residents, particularly Gen Z and Gen Y, who now make up 45 per cent of the population in these areas.

There are several suburbs which are already benefitting extensively from having the Sydney Metro dissecting them.

<h2>Crows Nest</h2>

Residents of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> both current and future, are among those who are likely t o benefit the most from the new metro, with no train station previously in the small, village-led suburb.

Now it's just seven minutes to Martin Place for commuters. Between Victoria Cross and Chatswood, the Crows Nest Station is perfectly located on the border of Crows Nest and St Leonards.

Developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/twt-property-group">TWT Property Group</a>&nbsp;is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the new connectivity to the city. They've recently launched the first stage of their suburb-defining masterlpan,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-collective-st-leonards-23-35-atchison-st-st-leonards">The Collective</a>.

The first building in the large 1.3-hectare precinct will home 93 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments with interiors by DBI. West Bourne Construction has already started excavation on the Atchison Street site that will also home several food and beverage offerings on the ground floor.

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No building will be closer to the metro than <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/hume-place-crows-nest-477-491-495-pacific-highway-crows-nest">Hume Place</a>, located directly above Crows Nest Station.

Hume Place, a joint venture between Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors, comprises three buildings designed by Woods Bagot.

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Around 131 apartments will be on offer in the trio of buildings that will also home street-level retail and commercial premises.

Crows Nest Station will also be less than one kilometre from Top Spring Australia's The Newlands, opposite Newlands Park in the area now known as "St Leonards South". Ditto Hyecorp's under-construction Audrey, just up the road.

<h2>North Sydney</h2>

The Victoria Cross Station has been one of the most talked about stations as part of the new Metro. It's the first stop under the water from Barangaroo, just three minutes from station to station.

It was the proposed location of the station, just a pipedream back in 2014, that lured luxury Sydney developer Aqualand to North Sydney. They secured a site on Walker St and coincidentally timed the completion of the new luxury development, AURA by Aqualand, at the same time as the opening of Victoria Cross.

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney">AURA by Aqualand</a> at 168 Walker Street, 200 metres down the road from the McLaren St entrance to Victoria Cross, features 386 apartments across a striking, curved, Woods Bagot-designed tower.

AURA by Aqualand is part of the broader transformation of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> into a new thiving precinct, providing residents with an array of transportation options, green spaces, and cultural amenities. AURA contributes to the evolution, with four world-class hospitality venues in the two-level podium at the foot of the building.

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The hospitality on offer ranges from a bakery turned wine bar, a boutique grocer, and two restaurants curated by former Sepia chef Rhy Connell.

<h2>Castle Hill</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> had a shot in the arm in 2018 when it was announced the underutilized Showground Precinct would be redeveloped and home $3 billlion worth of apartments and infrastructure.

It was a race to the Hills District for several developers, knowing the opportunity was one not to be missed, given the plans for the Metro to run through <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw">Castle Hill</a> to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/tallawong-nsw-2762">Tallawong</a>. Now it's just 33 minutes from Castle Hill to Barangaroo.

The latest development to launch in Castle Hill is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/larool-crescent-castle-hill-2-22-larool-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Larool Crescent</a>, a rare low-rise building around the corner from the rejuvenated Castle Towers shopping centre.

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Marketed by Boston Buckler,&nbsp;Larool Crescent comprises&nbsp;110 apartments and townhouses spread across four five-level buildings on its sprawling 8,000 sqm block. The buildings have been designed by PTW to wrap around a central courtyard with extensive landscaping.

There will be one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments on offer, as well as a handful of large townhouses, a rarity in new developments in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135330 project_image_fid=289121]

Boston Buckler Principal, Alex Walker, said the residences are&nbsp;"tailor-made for owner-occupiers," with designs catering to first home buyers, downsizers, and young families.

The interiors of Larool Crescent have been crafted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, who have focused on combining form with function.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135330 project_image_fid=289119]

"There were certain elements that we put together to achieve warm and clean interiors for this project," Coco Rebuplic's Head of Interior Design, Diana Ribarevksi said.

"Things like the black accents, natural stone in the kitchen, beautiful tactile tiles throughout. All these elements add interest, but also a perfect base for people to bring their own style into the interiors."

The substantial reductions in travel time, in many cases over an hour, has made the metro-line suburbs increasingly attractive to younger residents, particularly Gen Z and Gen Y,

Joel Robinson

The Sydney suburbs set to benefit the most from the new Sydney Metro

After many years of amalgamating one of the most impressive sites in the Lower North Shore, TWT Property Group has unveiled the first stage of its mixed-use precinct, The Collective.

The development, situated on the border of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> and just 300 metres from the new Metro station, is aiming to bring a new lifestyle hub to the area, with a mix of apartments as well as extensive commercial and retail tenancies as part of the masterplan

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/twt-property-group">TWT Property Group</a>&nbsp;recently welcomed us to the display suite of the first stage of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-collective-crows-nest-23-35-atchison-st-crows-nest">The Collective</a>&nbsp;which offers a diverse range of apartments, from one-bed units all the way through to large four-bedroom apartments across a 160level building.

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&nbsp;

Residents will benefit from proximity to Crows Nest Village, which includes cafes, Woolworths, and Coles, enhancing the convenience and lifestyle offered by The Collective.

Westbourne Construction has begun excavation, with the off the plan purchasers expected to move into the first building in mid-2026.

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/twt-property-group">TWT Property Group</a>&nbsp;has a strong record of delivering quality projects in some of Sydney's best suburbs. They've been behind Grande&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/pyrmont-nsw" target="">Pyrmont</a>&nbsp;Bay Estate, NewLife&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/bondi-junction-nsw" target="">Bondi Junction</a>, NewLife Darling Harbour, and T1 St Leonards.

Belle Property is opening the display suite, onsite at 64 Atchison Street, this weekend, for prospective buyers to get the first chance at buying at what will become the newest lifestyle hub in the Lower North Shore

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Westbourne Construction has begun excavation, with the off the plan purchasers expected to move into the first building in mid-2026.

The start of Crows Nest's newest mixed-use precinct: Urban's display suite tour of The Collective

The new apartment pipieline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs is hotting up heading into summer.

But buyers are very particular, considering they're buying into the most expensive area of real estate in the country.

1st City agent Yaron Foghel has noted an increase in buyer demand in new and off the plan apartments in the east, from both owner occupiers and investors.

"They're looking to take advantage of future market potential," Foghel says.

New projects allow buyers to secure a property at today's prices with the potential for appreciation by the time of completion," Foghel says.

Foghel has distilled buyers' main criteria into the 'Three V's.'

"Buyers want views, a village, and value. The Three V's are crucial in driving demand."

A spectacular view of the ocean, harbour, or city skyline can significantly enhance a property's appeal and price, Foghel says.

"Additionally, the charm of a local village, with its vibrant cafes, boutique shops, and community vibe, adds a sense of belonging and convenience.

Foghel says value has always been a major driver.

"Buyers seek properties that offer long-term investment potential, balancing luxury and lifestyle with future growth prospects in highly sought-after areas.

Foghel is marketing two developments that offer each of the 'Three V's.'

One of the most unique projects on the market in the Eastern Suburbs is Mangata, the latest luxury development from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/rnb-property-group">RnB Property Group</a> in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/vaucluse-nsw">Vaucluse</a>.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/mangata-27-29-kimberley-street-vaucluse">Mangata</a>, named after the Swedish word meaning 'the road-like reflection of moonlight on water', comprises just four full-floor apartments positioned on&nbsp;the iconic Federation Cliff Walk, offering panoramic views from Dover Heights to Watson's Bay.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/what-are-new-apartment-buyers-in-sydneys-eastern-suburbs-looking-for-matterfact-insight">What are new apartment buyers in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs looking for? MatterFact Insight</a>

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The most recent release has been in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/bondi-junction-nsw-2022">Bondi Junction</a> where <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/1st-city-projects">1st City Projects</a> is marketing Origami, the first <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>-designed development in Bondi Junction.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/origami-bondi-junction-55-grafton-street-bondi-junction">Origami</a>, developed and built by JQZ, comprises 88 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. Even the one-bedroom apartments toward the bottom of the building have never-to-be-built-out harbour views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9002 project_image_fid=296377]

The Grafton Street development features a range of commercial spaces on the ground level that can be customised by their owners to be anything from a home gym, office, or music studio.

Residents will have access to a rooftop pool with extensive harbour views.

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The development, with a 24/7 concierge and smart parking system, will reset price records for Bondi Junction.

"This will no doubt be Bondi Junction's best new development," Foghel says.

"JQZ changed the density and design of the building when they bought the site a few years ago to make sure it stands the test of time as the standout building in the area."

The "Three V's" Eastern Suburbs new apartment buyers are seeking

West Residences in Mount Lawley is the latest offering from the award-winning local developer, Willing Property.&nbsp;

Located on West Parade, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/west-residences-mount-lawley-141-west-parade-mount-lawley">West Residences</a>&nbsp;features a limited collection of 29 two and three-bedroom residences, ideally positioned within walking distance of the Swan River and the vibrant Beaufort Street retail strip, just 2.5 kilometres from Perth’s CBD.

We recently visited the display suite at 678 Beaufort Street in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/mount-lawley-wa-6050">Mount Lawley</a>&nbsp;and spoke with Butler Property's executive Steve Plummer and senior sales executive Jayson Watson to find out more about what's on offer.

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Inspired by the iconic Flatiron building in New York, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/klopper-davis-architects">Klopper and Davis Architects</a> have crafted West Residences to stand out as a significant architectural landmark in Perth.

The development's design responds to the unique angular site with generously proportioned floor plans and expansive private balconies that offer panoramic views of the city, river, and surrounding hills.&nbsp;

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Each residence is thoughtfully designed with high ceilings, excellent solar access, and efficient ventilation to ensure a spacious and comfortable living environment.

Residents will enjoy access to a range of amenities, including a level three orangery, a walkable citrus garden with dining areas, and spaces for yoga.&nbsp;

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The development prioritises sustainability, with common areas powered by solar energy.&nbsp; Additional features include secure parking, private storerooms, and bicycle storage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/willing-property">Willing Property</a>&nbsp;has an in-house hospitality team that will operate the ground floor cafe upon building completion, while their in-house construction arm has already kicked off construction on West Residences. They expecting completion in 2026.

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Willing Property has an in-house hospitality team that will operate the ground floor cafe upon building completion, while their in-house construction arm has already kicked off construction



Inside West Residences, Mt Lawley new apartments by Willing: Urban display suite tour

The new and off the plan apartment market in Sydney's Lower North Shore is going from strength to strength, as the new Sydney Metro expands its footprint further north.

One suburb already benefitting is Chatswood, one of the most northern commercial hubs in Sydney.

Capitalising on the Metro boom, which has been felt across all of the new Metro suburbs but particularly those from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> to the Hills District, is Melbourne-based developer Goldfields.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a>&nbsp;honed in on Chatswood when they were looking for a site to develop their first Sydney high-rise apartment building.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-871-877-pacific-highway-chatswood">The Bryson</a>,&nbsp;one of the first developments approved under the new <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a> CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy, comprises 70 apartments across a 24-level Make Architects-designed building just 550 metres from the newly opened Chatswood Metro Station.

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The one, two and three-bedroom apartments will sit above a retail podium.

The Bryson’s architecture features four vertical ceramic blades that define the building’s form and curate apartment views, while also managing daylight and ventilation.&nbsp;

This design element is intended to blend with the local context, taking cues from the earthy tones of nearby brick buildings, while the apartment interiors are crafted to balance city living with a sense of retreat, featuring open-plan living spaces that extend to private balconies.

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The Bryson also focuses on resident wellbeing, offering communal spaces that include a lap pool, yoga terrace, and landscaped gardens.

Goldfields has a diversified development portfolio across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

They <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/goldfields-ready-new-150-million-mixed-use-development-in-richmond">recently revealed plans</a> for a new development in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a>.

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The Bryson was one of the first developments approved under the new Chatswood CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy

Newcastle's The Store on the market

Michael Crawford

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