Our Scans · Sydney · Weekly Summary

• [New] Westpac IQ now expects dwelling price growth to stall flat on average across the major capitals for the whole of calendar 2026, with Sydney and Melbourne recording outright declines. Property Update
• [New] Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin are expected to lead price growth in 2026 driven by relative affordability and population inflows, while Sydney and Melbourne face more moderated gains due to the direct impact of higher rates on borrowing capacity and buyer sentiment. WizWealth Finance
• [New] Major Capitals: Sydney and Melbourne are forecast for more moderate growth of 5.8% and 6.8% respectively, as extreme entry prices act as a ceiling. LinkedIn
• In Sydney, year-round drone monitoring will expand from 26 to all 38 ocean beaches, from Palm beach in the northern beaches to Cronulla in the south. The Guardian
• Western Sydney will account for around 60% of Sydney's total population. DFNI
• Motorists will pay higher tolls on Sydney motorways in 10 days' time as the NSW government is poised to miss a crucial target for a shake-up of roads pricing. The Sydney Morning Herald
• Cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth attract residents through superior employment opportunities across diverse industry sectors. IMARC Group
• The New South Wales government said it will increase the maximum capacity for outdoor events from 5,000 to 6,000 for low- and medium-scale events, and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events, as part of changes to the Sydney Opera House. The Guardian
• Sydney Metro - Australia's biggest - ever public transport project at AUD $ 27-29 billion - continues construction toward its 2032 completion, while Brisbane's Cross River Rail progresses toward 2029 services. openpr
• Sydney recorded the highest level of disruption - a total of 92 delays were logged alongside 6 flight cancellations. Travel Tourister
• First home buyers who recently purchased using the Albanese government's 5% deposit scheme are most at risk of falling into financial stress, since they borrowed large amounts and have seen mortgage rates rise and, in Sydney and Melbourne, home prices fall. MacroBusiness
• The federal government will spend $50m to upgrade the Canberra to Sydney rail line, with the ACT and NSW governments each promising $25m. The Guardian
• A stalling in dwelling price growth, which is now expected end flat for 2026 across the major capital cities - Sydney and Melbourne are expected to see outright declines with growth remaining positive but slowing more abruptly in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Westpac IQ
• The race to build 377,000 homes in NSW by mid-2029 under the National Housing Accord has hit hurdles, and across Sydney there are battles playing out between heritage and housing. The Sydney Morning Herald
• Sydney will get a new trial electric ferry after the state government signed contracts to build the locally designed, Australian-made vessel. The Guardian
• The Chinese student who was allegedly jailed for six years by Chinese authorities for joining protests in Sydney underscores the very real and growing risks of transnational repression affecting people in Australia - including international students. The Guardian
• Properties in Sydney and Melbourne are projected to fall by 0.7 and 1.7%, respectively. SBS News
• The folks at the National Measurement Institute labs in Sydney will get $273m including for IT and critical maintenance work to ensure Australia's kilograms, kilometers and kilovolts remain accurate. The Guardian
• Sydney is likely to finish the year down 0.7%, while Melbourne prices will ease 1.7%. Freedom Property Investors

Last updated: 09 July 2026