Sydney's Metro is more than just a transport upgrade; it’s reshaping the city's real estate landscape.
North West Sydney is taking centre stage, with Sydney's continued infrastructure expansion transforming the area into a premium real estates opportunity.
The New South Wales government is focusing on delivering new lines and stations for its ambitious Metro project, which first opened in north-west.
With the promise of unlocking new city areas for homebuyers, suburbs already associated with this new rail line have been thriving.
Unlocking new suburbs
The Sydney Metro is a city-changing project that has been in the works for over a decade now.
What began as the North West Rail Link before getting a name change in 2015, this new transit network first wowed residents in 2019, when a section of the rail opened between Chatswood and Tallawong.
Tallawong Station is one of eight stations on the 36km Metro line. Picture: Getty.
In 2024, it captured wider attention when the Chatswood to Sydenham link opened, delivering new options to Sydneysiders commuting through the city’s heart for work or play.
Future projects currently under construction will extend this rapid rail system out to Bankstown and Westmead in the immediate future, with sections to connect the forthcoming Western Sydney International Airport to Sydney’s traditional train network also under construction.
And the federal government has also contributed funding to secure a corridor to extend the airport segment with the wider Metro project farther down the track.
But even within the existing network, the Metro has been transformative for the north-west, injecting new excitement into the area and paving the way for these suburbs to go from strength to strength.
According to realestate.com.au senior economist Anne Flaherty, the construction of the Metro has been game-changer for Sydney north-west when it comes to real estate.
"What we know is when a new rail station is added to a suburb, it has a huge impact in terms of demand and, consequently, leads to more price growth and more liveability," she says.
"We know that Sydney is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world, and we know that a lot of people want connectivity to the city but obviously may not be able to afford that.
"A new rail corridor obviously means those more affordable suburbs are opened up, which can really lead to more demand in those areas."
She adds that property values will likely rise significantly in the long run, thanks to the increased demand from buyers excited about the improved transport.
There's also the liveability factor, with more interest bringing in investment and development, meaning better access to amenities and new businesses and services popping up in the suburbs as interest continues to grow.
The liveability that a rail line brings means communities can grow quickly and sustainably.
Communities on the radar
To really make these suburbs thrive alongside their transport upgrades, they need solid backing, and a key player in driving the transformation is the well-known property developer Stockland, which has been crafting beautiful new communities for over 70 years.
They've rolled out a range of highly desirable communities along the new rail corridor, ideally located to take advantage of the Metro’s connectivity.
But Alex Koerber, Stockland Project Director, points out that these communities must be more than just a great location.
"The region is a family-friendly haven, featuring top-notch schools, green open spaces, and playgrounds."
Mr Koerber says the new communities have been designed with this in mind but also working with buyers' budgets.
"In comparison to the expensive inner Sydney market, the region can offer better affordability, allowing families to enjoy larger homes and greater space," Mr Koerber shares.
He added that several Stockland communities have starting prices from $700,000, well below the $1 million price tags commanded in other Sydney suburbs with good transport options.
"Areas such as Gables, Box Hill, and Marsden Park are evolving into dynamic, thriving communities where people don’t have to compromise on what they want.”
"They can build new homes, have access to quality amenities and open spaces, and be a part of an established community."
The Metro's new rail lines propel Sydney's suburbs like Elara and The Gables into thriving communities.
The Gables - a family lifestyle offering
The Gables is a community reaping the rewards of the Metro's proximity, with commuters just 12 minutes drive from Tallawong Metro Station.
Known for its community-focused designs, it offers family-friendly amenities with Santa Sophia Catholic College, a future public preschool and primary school, and proximity to Rouse Hill Town Centre, providing residents with educational options.
Meanwhile beloved local café Bobby Bakehouse caters to two local needs, stocking both delicious treats and everyday essentials like bread and milk.
Mr Koerber notes that the ongoing construction of Gables Town Centre is set to further enrich the community with a Woolworths supermarket, medical centre, gym, and diverse dining options, creating a vibrant community hub.
"The Gables is also thoughtfully designed to accommodate families and multi-generational living, offering excellent value and quality".
"With a variety of lot sizes ranging from 450m² to 2000m², these communities cater to families of all sizes.
"The larger lots, especially, provide plenty of space for multi-generational households, allowing extended families to live together while maintaining their own privacy and comfort."
The Gables flourishes further with Metro Line's enhanced connectivity.
Elara - the one to check out now
Located ten minutes drive from Tallawong Station and potentially near the airport extension, Elara stands out as a vibrant community offering unmatched benefits to its residents.
Nestled in Marsden Park, it boasts tree-lined streets, 40 hectares of open space, and views of the Blue Mountains.
The proximity to current – and potentially forthcoming – Metro stations ensures enhanced accessibility, while the area itself is rich with lifestyle amenities.
Stockland highlights the new community’s shared amenities, including Livvi’s Place playground, playing fields, and future sporting facilities as local drawcards that complement the area’s newfound accessibility.
"The community features pocket parks, including Elara’s dog park and a 24-hectare parkland with lakes, BBQ areas, walkways, and bike paths," Mr Koerber says.
"At the heart of Elara lies the Community Hub—a beloved space designed to bring residents together and provide essential services and support to help families thrive.”
“Families also benefit from convenient access to on-site schools, including St Luke’s Catholic College (K-12) and Northbourne Public School."
Elara thrives with improved accessibility and amenities thanks to the Metro Line.
Altrove - connected country living
This country-style community offers open space and laid-back living, while also only being eight minutes' drive from the Tallawong Metro and an eleven minute walk from Schofields Train Station.
Altrove, in Schofields, boasts top-class educational offerings, with nearby primary schools like St Joseph's Primary School, Schofields Public School, and the Nirimba Education Precinct, home to TAFE and the University of Western Sydney.
A 1.6-hectare hilltop park adds to the charm, while various housing options, from townhomes to standalone houses, cater to any budget, making Altrove an attractive choice for families and individuals alike.
Future growth and value
The Metro network is only continuing to expand over time, with planning underway for an extension that will connect that North West Line to the under-construction West Line and create even more easily accessible stations for buyers in the North West.
This expansion means there will be long-term growth in the region's value and connectivity, turning the North West into an emerging hotspot.
Gables, Box Hill, and Marsden Park have seen an average increase of 8.2% in median house price over the past twelve months, according to realestate.com.au data.
By purchasing homes in well-connected communities like The Gables, Altrove and Elara, buyers have the opportunity to secure their places in this high-growth area now before prices rise even further.
Discover Stockland's master-planned communities in Sydney's North West.
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