NSW suburbs claim a quarter of national ‘Hot 100’ list – realestate.com.au

NSW has secured a quarter of the country’s Hot 100 suburbs – realestate.com.au’s expert-curated list of areas where home values ​​are expected to outperform in 2026, giving buyers and investors a clear head start into the new year.

The list is made up of PropTrack market data and economic analysis compiled by a panel of experts, including agency heads, buyer agents, researchers, investors and an academic, and highlights the suburbs set to see strong gains in the new year.

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Sydney joined Darwin, Hobart and Melbourne in being among the capitals to post some of the fastest annual gains, with 25 NSW picks expected to rise next year.

Affordability, amenities, family appeal, location, investment prospects, gentrification, population shifts and infrastructure were the main drivers.

The selections include inner-city and emerging regional hubs, many of which align with the NSW Government’s rezoning and the upcoming Western Sydney Airport.

According to REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh, price growth and investor interest are generally concentrated where new employment, improved transport, new home delivery and expected population growth intersect.

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“Western Sydney has a particularly strong presence around the new airport and associated infrastructure corridor with new metro and rail links,” Ms Creagh said.

Outside the capitals, Ms Creagh said affordability was a key theme, with regional choices tending to focus on larger hubs with more diversified economies, supported by healthcare, education, agriculture, logistics and tourism.

Bathurst was nominated by Propertyology director Simon Pressley for its affordability, with an average house price of $660,000 and units priced at $458,000.

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“I expect the momentum created by a 7 percent increase in buyer activity over the past twelve months to continue through 2026,” he said.

On the Central Coast, Bateau Bay was highlighted for its amenities, family appeal and demographic changes by Real Estate Buyers Agents Association regional representative Matt Sharp.

“Gentrification is in full swing, with more buyers and young Sydney families moving in, and limited new supply to support property values,” Sharp said.

Affordability, amenities, family appeal, location, investment prospects, gentrification, population shifts and infrastructure were the driving forces behind the highlighted suburbs. Photo: Monique Harmer

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Four suburbs in the city and inland south were highlighted, including Newtown which was nominated for amenities by Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee, pointing to Neoval data showing the average house price has risen by more than 50 per cent since 2015.

“Close to the CBD and easily accessible by public transport, Newtown combines cultural richness with convenience,” Ms Conisbee said.

These also include Zetland, Rosebery and Redfern.

In the inner southwest, Sans Souci was nominated by McGrath Real Estate founder and CEO John McGrath for its location.

“Part of Sydney’s great southern suburbs, on the water, and only a 12-minute walk from the airport,” said McGrath. “What more do you want?”

NSW Hot 100 Suburbs

Suburban Region (SA4) Capital or region

Austral Sydney – South West Greater Sydney

Bateau Bay Central Coast Greater Sydney

Bathurst Central West Rest of NSW

Boambee East Coffs Harbor – Grafton Rest of NSW

Box Hill Sydney – Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury Greater Sydney

Broadmeadow Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Rest of NSW

Calderwood Illawarra Rest of NSW

Charlestown Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Rest of NSW

Dubbo Far West and Orana Rest of NSW

Earlwood Sydney – Inner South West Greater Sydney

Five Dock Sydney – Inner West Greater Sydney

Hornsby Sydney – Northern Sydney and Hornsby Greater Sydney

Leppington Sydney – South West Greater Sydney

Little Bay Sydney – Eastern Suburbs Greater Sydney

Newtown Sydney – City and inner-south Greater Sydney

Redfern Sydney – City and inner-south Greater Sydney

Rosebery Sydney – City and inner-south Greater Sydney

Sans Souci Sydney – Inner South West Greater Sydney

Silverdale Sydney – Outer West and Blue Mountains Greater Sydney

South Coogee Sydney – Eastern Suburbs Greater Sydney

St Marys Sydney – Outer West and Blue Mountains Greater Sydney

Tamworth New England and North West Rest of NSW

Wallacia Sydney – Outer West and Blue Mountains Greater Sydney

Central Coast of Wyoming, Greater Sydney

Zetland Sydney – City and inner-south Greater Sydney

Source: realestate.com.au Hot 100 2026

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