The impending opening of the Western Sydney International Airport has significantly reshaped the region’s property market, providing investors with an opportunity to get in on the ground floor.

With the opening of the new Western Sydney International Airport and the plans for a metro line to increase the region’s connectivity, Western Sydney has become a hotspot for residential and commercial buyers.

Jack Turner, Raine & Horne St Marys sales manager, said the new transportation links had reshaped interest in residential property in the area, bringing a broader demographic to a region that was previously lesser-known.

“These areas weren’t very known from people who might live 20 minutes away,” Turner said.

“Whereas, in the last six to 12 months, we are getting a lot more of your outer area investors and first-time buyers, knowing more about the suburbs and buying into these pockets.”

Turner said that first home buyers and investors were both being drawn to the area for its affordability and the opportunity to capitalise on the new infrastructure, with most opting for two-bedroom apartments or three or four-bedroom townhouses.

He said the spike in interest had led to property prices rising by around 17 per cent over the past 12 months.

“I would say two-thirds of the growth was from October onwards, when the first home buyer cap went up to $1.5 million.”

Turner said the rental market had experienced a similar trend, with the infrastructure upgrades also bringing more jobs to Western Sydney.

He said the rental market was the most competitive he had seen in his 17 years, and, with increased competition, rising weekly rents by almost 20 per cent, while vacancy rates hovered around 1 per cent.

Additionally, he said that days on market were very low, with properties often lasting no more than two weeks.

When dealing with a very competitive market, Turner said that agents should be very upfront and transparent with buyers.

“Don’t just go on real estate websites, look at local council sites, because there is a lot of stuff that would be helpful to know, because there are possible zoning changes or effects that would uplift the value of the property that aren’t really communicated well.”

The strengthening market in the region wasn’t limited to residential sales; commercial property also saw a significant uptick in interest due to the transportation links.

David Hall, Cushman & Wakefield national director – head of brokerage, logistics, and industrial, and head of commercial real estate, said investors were coming to the new precinct with greater conviction as they prepare for upcoming infrastructure upgrades.

“Buyers are increasingly looking beyond established infill locations and targeting scale, infrastructure access and long-term positioning,” Hall said.

“The Aerotropolis offers a rare combination of these factors, which is why we’re seeing strong interest from both domestic and offshore capital prepared to take a forward view.”

Hall said that nearby precincts were also benefiting from the flow-on effect, with sites such as Leppingon, St Marys, and Picton providing an immediate entry point for developers.

“The appeal of the western corridor is not just about proximity to the airport, it’s about optionality.”

“We are seeing groups pursue everything from long-term land banking through to near-term development and operational uses, depending on their strategy and risk profile.”

Archie Cropley, Cushman & Wakefield executive, brokerage, logistics, and industrial, said that the Western Sydney Aerotropolis was “no longer a future concept”.

“For investors and occupiers, timing and site selection will become increasingly critical as early-mover advantages begin to compress.”

“It is an active market, and one that is redefining the next phase of Australia’s industrial landscape,” Cropley concluded.

This article was first published on Smart Property Investment, a sister-brand of Property Buzz.