Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs are back in the national property growth spotlight, while Perth continues its reign as Australia’s strongest market, according to Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee (pictured).
Perth’s Cottesloe-Claremont retained its position as the nation’s top growth suburb, recording $275,000 in median house price gains over the year to August.
“Cottesloe-Claremont continues to lead nationally with $275,000 in median house price growth, down from $331,000 in 2024 but still comfortably ahead of other suburbs,” Conisbee said. “The result confirms Perth’s second consecutive year at the top of national growth rankings.”
Western Australia dominated the national list, securing five of the top 10 growth suburbs: Cottesloe-Claremont, South Perth ($180,000), Perth City ($176,000), Melville ($160,000), and Fremantle ($158,000).
Conisbee said the strength reflects resources sector activity and continued interstate migration, with rate cuts adding momentum.
“While Cottesloe has moderated from the extreme growth in 2024, we have seen a slight re-acceleration in recent months as a result of interest rate cuts,” she said.
Sydney returned to the growth rankings for the first time since 2023, with Manly and Eastern Suburbs North breaking into the top 10.
“Manly, with a median house price of $3.87 million, demonstrates that high-end Sydney markets are seeing a flood of new buyer activity following this year’s interest rate cuts,” Conisbee said.
She noted the recovery is highly concentrated.
“Sydney’s return is notable for being concentrated in established premium areas rather than representing broad market strength,” Conisbee said. “Both Manly and Eastern Suburbs North are some of the highest value locations.”
Brisbane also remained a strong performer with three suburbs making the list: Inner North ($164,000), Inner East ($158,000), and Inner West ($155,000).
This continues the city’s solid showing from 2024, supported by ongoing migration and relative affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
The 2025 data shows less volatility compared to 2024, with fewer suburbs hitting the extreme growth levels of the previous year.
“Growth ranges from $155,000 to $275,000 across the top 10, indicating less volatility than in earlier boom periods,” Conisbee said.
She added that Sydney’s reappearance could signal a broader trend.
“Sydney's return to the national growth rankings may signal a broader revival in premium markets across other major cities, as high-end buyers return to established prestige locations as interest rates continue to decline,” Conisbee said.
For mortgage brokers, the data underscores shifting dynamics: premium borrowers are re-entering high-value markets, Perth remains a dominant growth engine, and rate cuts are breathing life into top-tier suburbs. Brokers working with affluent clients may find renewed demand in Sydney prestige postcodes, while WA continues to offer strong capital growth prospects.
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