Top Up-and-Coming Sydney & Brisbane Suburbs for Property Development in 2025

With housing demand still outpacing supply across Australia’s capital cities, savvy property developers are turning their attention to high-growth, emerging suburbs in Sydney and Brisbane. Backed by strong infrastructure pipelines, changing demographics, and local government incentives, these suburbs are positioned for long-term capital growth and rental yield.

In this article, we uncover the top up-and-coming suburbs in Sydney and Brisbane for property development in 2025, using market data, infrastructure updates, and investor sentiment to guide your next move.

Why Focus on Emerging Suburbs in 2025?

Whether you’re a homebuilder, investor, or developer, timing and location are key to maximising ROI. Up-and-coming suburbs typically offer:

• Lower land acquisition costs than inner-city markets

• Faster capital growth due to gentrification and demand shifts

• High rental yield potential with growing populations and improving amenity

• Government-led infrastructure investment, such as transport, schools, and town centre upgrades

Let’s explore where the smart money is going this year.

Up-and-Coming Sydney Suburbs for 2025 Property Development

1. St Marys (Western Sydney)

St Marys is a major beneficiary of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Metro line upgrades. With rezoning opportunities, rising demand, and proximity to the upcoming Western Sydney Airport, it’s a magnet for investors and developers alike.

• Median House Price: ~$980,000

• Key Drivers: Airport link, industrial growth, rezoning potential

• Development Potential: Dual occupancy homes, townhouses

2. Green Square / Zetland (Inner South)

One of the largest urban renewal projects in the country, Green Square is transforming into a high-density, mixed-use community with parks, town centres, and cultural precincts.

• Median Unit Price: ~$1 million

• Key Drivers: $13B+ Green Square development, proximity to CBD

• Development Potential: Boutique apartments, mixed-use developments

3. Glenmore Park & Cambridge Park (Western Sydney)

According to the Shore Financial 2025 report, these suburbs are outperforming growth expectations with rising prices and short days on market.

• Forecast Growth: Over 5% in the next 6 months

• Median Prices: ~$900,000–$1.1M

• Development Potential: Family homes, duplexes, knockdown-rebuilds

4. Botany (Eastern Suburbs)

Botany is shedding its industrial past and becoming a residential haven for professionals and young families. It offers beach proximity without Bondi prices.

• Key Drivers: Urban renewal, lifestyle demand

• Development Potential: Low-rise apartments, terraces, boutique builds

5. Marrickville & St Peters (Inner West)

Gentrification, café culture, and improved transport via the Metro extension are fuelling buyer interest. These suburbs are attracting both developers and owner-occupiers.

• Median Unit Price Growth: ~6.7% annually

• Key Drivers: Gentrification, strong rental demand

• Development Potential: Renovations, terrace infills, dual occupancies

Up-and-Coming Brisbane Suburbs for 2025 Property Development

1. Woolloongabba (Inner South)

The Olympics are coming, and Woolloongabba is at the centre of redevelopment plans including stadium upgrades, transport improvements, and mixed-use zoning.

• Median House Price: ~$1.4M

• Key Drivers: 2032 Olympics infrastructure, urban renewal

• Development Potential: Medium-density apartments, mixed-use builds

2. Chermside (North Brisbane)

With Westfield Chermside, hospitals, and transport hubs, this suburb is evolving into a northern commercial and residential hub.

• Median Unit Price: ~$460,000

• Rental Yield: 5.4%

• Development Potential: High-rise apartments, boarding houses

3. Wynnum (Bayside Brisbane)

The waterfront charm of Wynnum is drawing families and downsizers alike. With transport upgrades and rising interest in coastal living, it’s a solid lifestyle-investment suburb.

• Median House Price: ~$970,000

• Rental Yield: ~3.9%

• Development Potential: Duplexes, small-lot subdivisions, townhomes

4. Oxley (Southwest Brisbane)

A commuter-friendly suburb with lush greenery and increasing demand from families. Future infrastructure and community upgrades make Oxley a smart long-term play.

• Median Price: ~$960,000

• Key Drivers: Rail upgrades, family appeal

• Development Potential: Subdivisions, granny flats, small-scale projects

5. Upper Mount Gravatt

A dynamic hub near Griffith University and Westfield Garden City, this suburb offers strong rental demand and growth potential.

• Median House Price: ~$1.22M

• Rental Yield: 3.1%

• Development Potential: Student housing, apartments, dual occupancy

Development Trends to Watch

• Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD): Suburbs near upcoming Metro and Light Rail stations (e.g. Parramatta, St Leonards, Coorparoo) will see demand for higher-density builds.

• Gentrification Hotspots: Inner West suburbs in both Sydney and Brisbane are prime for renovators and small-lot developers.

• Lifestyle-Driven Demand: Suburbs with green space, beaches, or café culture are outperforming price-wise.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Develop in 2025?

If you’re looking to capitalise on the next wave of property growth, emerging suburbs in Sydney and Brisbane present powerful opportunities. But successful development isn’t just about choosing the right location—it’s about having the right strategy, team, and knowledge to execute your project with confidence.

That’s where OwnerDeveloper comes in.

With over 25 years of experience and $400M+ in completed projects, we offer end-to-end property development services—from acquisition and feasibility to design, construction, and completion. Whether you’re building your first duplex, planning a multi-townhouse site, or partnering on a larger JV project, we provide:

• Custom Build & Design Solutions

• Site Sourcing & Acquisition Services

• Council Approvals & Strategic Planning

• Development & Construction Management

• Superintendent Oversight to Mitigate Risk

• One-on-One Development Mentoring

• Investor Partnerships & JV Opportunities

But perhaps most importantly—we help you build smarter, not harder.

To help you avoid common mistakes and save tens of thousands on your next build or development, join our FREE live webinar:

“How to Avoid Costly Mistakes in Homebuilding & Property Development – Lessons from 25+ Years in the Industry”

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM (AEST – Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra)

Spots Are Limited – Secure Your Place Now!

In this exclusive session, OwnerDeveloper founder Adam Bahrami will share the insider strategies used by seasoned professionals to:

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Watch the video below for a preview of what you’ll learn in the webinar—and why every first-time developer and homebuilder should attend.