We were priviledged to have Nerida Conisbee (Ray White Chief Economist and one of Australia’s leading property experts), Stephen Ryan (Director and Chartered Accountant at Edney Ryan Group) and our Director, Richard Harding, all in the same room last Wednesday to discuss the economic shifts over the last financial year, the year the Federal Budget was introduced.
The evening kicked off with a reflection on the Lower North Shore market, one of Sydney’s most sought-after areas, which experienced a boom amidst uncertainties and performed on a different trajectory from what the media portrayed. Our performance across the team attested to this observation, particularly in the commercial property sector, in which RWC Sydney North, our Retail & Commercial division, signed 2 commercial leases last month and assisted 31 businesses to take premises in the last quarter. Over the last year, we leased 135 commercial properties overall, with a 40% increase in sales compared to FY23/24, indicating that the Lower North Shore market is still thriving, trusted by business owners and supported by the local community.
June was one of our busiest months, which was surprising given that the market in May saw little activity. The Lower North Shore market bounced back in line with weather, school holidays and lifestyle habits, charcterised by the unique 70% owner-occupier rate in the area. The residential market has in fact grown by circa 40% in the last 5 years, with house price correction sitting between 5% – 10%, presenting a window of opportunity to capitalise on.
Looking at the broader market, Nerida outlined the key global and national events shaping economic trends and property price growth.
Sydney in particular is showing signs of softening following recent global events and the Federal Budget, reflected in slowing annual price growth, declining sales volume, flatlining listings and easing rental activity. Meanwhile, high insolvency rates and low productivity in the construction industry continue to hinder building activity and limit new developments. However, there is a silver lining for property investors: as capital growth cools and rents rise, overall rental yields are set to improve over time.
Stephen explained the two significant changes in the transformative Federabl Budget – negative gearing and capital gains tax in different scenarios, addressing that it’s important to seek advice from experts and move cautiously regarding your financial and property goals.
There were great conversations during the Q&A session after the three speakers, especially around how to navigate changing tax policy while capitalising on local market opportunities.
Watch the full recording below to hear the panel unpack property market trends, tax strategies and what it all means for you:
If you have any questions about your property plans, whether you are looking to buy, sell or invest in residential or commercial real estate, our group offers full-service support across Sales, Property Management, Projects & Developments, Retail & Commercial (RWC Sydney North) and Mortgage Broking (Loan Market Lower North Shore) to provide personalised solutions for you.
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