With its rich heritage, coastal appeal and strong sense of community, Williamstown, Newport and its surrounds remain among the Inner West’s most appealing and tightly held regions.
The February and May cash rate drop delivered an immediate boost in activity, with auction clearance rates surging in the weeks following the announcements. While momentum has since eased slightly, the market remains upbeat, buoyed by the prospect of further rate cuts and improving confidence.
Renovated family homes are performing exceptionally well, consistently drawing strong interest and competitive bidding. Premium-quality properties – especially those with modern updates and move-in-ready finishes – are leading the market, while homes requiring renovations tend to take a little longer to sell. Williamstown remains particularly tightly held, valued for its beachside location, botanic gardens and strong school zoning, with limited stock adding to ongoing demand.
Supply plays a key role in shaping buyer behaviour. There is currently an abundance of mid-range homes and a steady stream of townhouses on the market; however, it is premium properties that continue to stand out and are achieving exceptional results.
On the rental side, we have seen a shift from large-scale investors to individual owners and upsizers. Shorter lease terms are increasingly common as owners navigate compliance changes and higher holding costs. While many accept the need for improvements in rental standards, there is heightened focus on the pace of change and how it is impacting both renters and rental providers. These factors, alongside higher interest rates and land tax charges, have driven up rental prices.
