By Rich Harvey, CEO & Founder, propertybuyer.com.au
There are many factors that can drive a property price boom – from gentrification and population growth to employment opportunities and more relaxed lending guidelines. But without a doubt, one of the most lucrative is major infrastructure.
And they don’t come much bigger than a new airport.
The Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will be a game changer for the region. With close to 90 per cent of works complete, and flight operations set to begin in earnest in 2026, we are on the home stretch of this massive development that will have seen more than $5 billion invested since 2017.
The benefits the project is set to deliver are multi-tiered, and almost all are destined to increase demand for housing in the region.
Of course, Western Sydney is already one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia, and with new airport infrastructure, metro rail lines, commercial developments, and an increasing number of businesses moving in, the need for housing is only going to intensify.
There are other sweeteners as well. Penrith Stadium is being rebuilt as part of an effort to position Penrith as a major entertainment hub, reducing the need for residents to travel to the CBD for live events. A new “beach” has been created at Penrith near the Nepean River and affectionately named “Pondi” (which is a blended word of "Bondi" and "Penrith). It has been a massive hit with locals that don’t need to travel over an hour and half to get to an inviting sandy shoreline!
“Pondi” at Penrith
(Source: ABC News Liam Patrick)
Meanwhile, a $500 million world-class indoor ski resort (“Winter Sports World”) is under construction in Jamisontown, with completion expected within the next three years and set to become a major drawcard for the West.
Concept image of Winter Sports World
(Source: Winter Sports World 2025)
In addition, Cables Wake Park & Aqua Park (part of Panthers Penrith) provides hours of fun for wakeboarders and water-skiers looking for an adrenaline rush. Attractions like these, along with Western Sydney's growing leisure options, are drawing both investors and homebuyers to the area.
(My son Sam showing his moves on the wakeboard)
Of course, massive projects like a new Nancy-Bird Walton airport don’t just appear in isolation. There are multiple affiliate infrastructure projects that come with the deal.
Billions of dollars have been allocated to developing and upgrading road and rail links, like the M12 Motorway and the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport railway. These projects enhance connectivity, making Western Sydney more accessible to the main CBD and other regions.
In addition, vast sums are being invested in commercial precincts across the area, boosting employment prospects. In fact, projections suggest that more than 200,000 jobs will be created in and around the Aerotropolis, spanning industries such as aviation, logistics, retail, and technology.
All of this is set to ramp up housing demand and drive both price growth and rental returns throughout the region.
Nancy-Bird Walton Airport Badgerys Creek
(Source: Liverpool city council).
Of course, recognising the stimulants of price growth is one thing, but analysing where and what to buy is another altogether. To help navigate this, I had a discussion with Niki McComb, Propertybuyer’s senior buyers' advocate for Western Sydney.
Niki highlighted a few excellent options for those wanting a shortlist of suburbs set to benefit.
Niki said suburbs close to the Aerotropolis should do well from the stimulus. Think Badgerys Creek, Bringelly, Luddenham, West Hoxton, Hoxton Park, Edmondson Park, and Carnes Hill. There’s also Bradfield, which is expected to be a Western Sydney hub for developers. There’s huge potential here for progress and price growth. Niki said it’s possible to secure assets for under $2 million in these areas and enjoy some excellent rental returns and capital growth.
Here are some of deals Niki has co-ordinated in this enclave:
· 6 & 6A Byron Bay Close, Hoxton Park – This dual-occupancy asset was purchased for $1.415 million. The main house rents for $750 per week, while the granny flat returns $500 per week, delivering a very healthy 4.6 per cent gross yield.
· 1 & 1A Winburg Drive, Edmondson Park – An off-market purchase of $1.6 million for this dual-occupancy asset. The main house achieves $1000 per week, and the granny flat secures $460 per week, reflecting a total gross yield of 4.7 per cent. The client was specifically seeking high capital growth in the west and southwest, and Niki certainly delivered.
Not all investment opportunities are in developing locations of course. There are some excellent assets in Western Sydney’s more established suburbs as well. Think Merrylands, Auburn, Guildford, Parramatta, Liverpool and particularly Westmead, where the Sydney Metro West railway and Westmead Hospital are driving demand.
Recent buys by Niki include:
· 7 & 7A Kleist Place, Emerton – This dual-occupancy investment was secured for $1.075 million. The main house rents for $650 per week, while the granny flat brings in $450 per week. This was a case where Niki’s experience identified some hidden structural issues, ultimately resulting in a discount on the purchase price during the due diligence period.
· 57 & 57A Cambridge Street, Cambridge Park – Negotiated to $907,500, this house and granny flat generate $870 per week, equating to a 5.0 per cent gross yield. The client in this instance had a tight budget that required a strong rental yield to facilitate their loan approval. These dual-income properties in Western Sydney delivered exactly that, with plenty of potential capital growth upside.
· 7/12 First Street, Kingswood – This townhouse was secured for $680,000, with a weekly rental return of $650, reflecting a 5.0 per cent gross yield. This was a perfect asset for first-time investors needing maximum cash flow to help kick-start their portfolio.
Other suburbs worth watching include Camden, Oran Park, and Leppington, which deliver great lifestyle appeal and large blocks, allowing for future expansion.
The wave of new infrastructure in Western Sydney is set to transform the region, presenting a unique window of opportunity for investors and homebuyers. Best of all, we are right on the cusp of this strong market upswing. For buyers with foresight, there’s the chance to act now and enjoy long-term upsides.
As the saying goes, you make money when you buy, not when you sell.
Choosing the right asset at the right price is key to maximising returns. That’s where an experienced, well-connected buyers' agent like Niki can make all the difference. With in-depth local market knowledge and access to off-market deals, she ensures clients secure exceptional properties before they hit mainstream listings.
Don’t wait until prices skyrocket. Contact our team today for expert guidance on buying in Western Sydney and let us help you secure the ideal home.
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call us on 1300 655 615 today.