Western Sydney and Dubbo top buyer surge as NSW house sales plunge

New property figures reveal NSW buyers are moving away from houses in favour of vacant land or apartments in Sydney’s west amid worsening affordability and changing tax settings.The latest quarterly data from proptech firm InfoTrack shows houses now make up 55 per cent of all property purchases, down from 67 per cent in the April quarter.Latest data reveal houses are losing popularity with NSW buyers as they flock to affordable apartment markets. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Gaye GerardMeanwhile, strata properties and empty blocks are on the rise, making up 37 per cent and 7.58 per cent of all purchases respectively.MORE: 22pc down: Mass exodus crushes Albo moveInfoTrack property purchasing data for Q3 (July to September) reveal houses fell from 67 per cent in Q2 to 55 per cent last quarter.InfoTrack’s chief operating officer Lee Bailie said established apartment markets in Sydney’s west were attracting price conscious first time buyers.“Last quarter, almost four in five properties purchased by first home buyers were apartments, showing just how important more affordable property options have become for those trying to enter the market,” Mr Bailie said.“Parramatta, Ryde, Hurstville and W...