Ultimate guide to buying an apartment in Sydney
Your guide to buying an apartment in Sydney
Sydney’s real estate market is constantly growing and expanding. With over five million people calling Sydney home, it’s easy to see why so many people love living in this beautiful city. With ongoing expansion, progressive infrastructure and job security, buying an apartment in Sydney is quickly becoming a very wise investment choice.
We’ve put together the ultimate checklist on buying your next Sydney apartment, including advice on when to buy your apartment, whether it’s better to buy or rent, and what to look out for in Sydney’s property market.
Top things to know before buying an apartment in Sydney
From quiet suburban sanctuaries to bustling town centres, when you’re ready to buy an apartment in Sydney, there are a few key things to keep in mind. You’ll need to have an idea of the price range you’re looking at plus the location you’re keen on.
If you’re buying an apartment for yourself to live in, you’ll also need to think about:
- Transport links
- Apartment size
- On-site amenities
- Room to grow
- Natural light
- Car parking
If you’re looking to buy a Sydney apartment as an investment property, you’ll also want to consider:
- Suburb growth rate
- Rental yield
- Proximity to local amenities (apartments near schools and transport will usually render a higher return)
- Local demand
- Local demographic
- Local building projects
Our checklist for buying an apartment
There has been a definite increase in people choosing apartment living over the last 25 years. The question is always whether it’s better to rent or buy an apartment. Whichever you choose, there’s always demand for newer properties for investment as well as owner-occupied.
Some key factors to consider when buying an apartment are:
- Accessibility – is there lift access from/to all levels?
- Car parking – is there easy car parking on-site and space for your visitors?
- Amenities – what amenities are included at your property? Using the facilities at home will save you money on costly memberships.
- Strata levies or body corporate fees – how much can you expect to pay for the maintenance of your property?
- After-sales support – is there after-sales support available for new builds? Premium developers, like ALAND, will have comprehensive after care support to give you peace of mind.
- Security – is your property secure? Newer properties will have secure undercover parking and swipe card access for all internal facilities. This adds a layer of safety to your property.
- Layout – does your new apartment have an open floor plan and make the best use of space?
- Light – how much natural sunlight is there? Inspect the property at different times of the day to see how much natural light there is.
- Rental demand – what’s the rental market like in the area? Even if you’re buying an apartment to live in yourself, this is good to know if you decide to rent it out in the
Location is key
If you search ‘buy apartment Sydney’ online, it brings up an overwhelming list of choices. Sydney expands across 30-plus local government areas, with luxury brand-new apartments always under construction.
New suburban areas in Sydney’s North West, including the family-friendly neighbourhood Schofields, are well equipped for growing families. Schofields is designed to make the most of the surrounding parklands and quiet streets. The area is ideal for those looking for a quieter pace, while still only 25 minutes to Parramatta.
Smart investors have seen great returns in Western Sydney, with the average rental yield continuing to increase. If you’re looking to buy an apartment in one of Sydney’s leading business districts, then direct your search to Parramatta and Liverpool. These two thriving locations have prominent growth expectations over the next 10 years. This makes buying an apartment in one of Sydney’s business hubs a great long-term investment opportunity.
Maximise your investment with desirable new infrastructure
With a brand-new Western Sydney Airport set to open in 2026, travel-dreamers, families and corporate professionals are setting their sights on South-West Sydney. Suburbs like Edmondson Park are in an ideal location, only 17kms from the new international airport. The surrounding infrastructure is being built with growth in mind. This includes a new fast metro rail line, linking South-West Sydney into the Sydney rail network. Expected to increase its population by 59% in 2036, this beautiful area of South-West Sydney is set to rise in value and demand. These factors make buying an apartment a good investment long-term.
Should I buy an apartment or a house in Sydney?
It’s best to look at properties in your ideal location and price range. Older homes may require a lot of upkeep and maintenance which can be costly and tiresome. It’s important to factor any renovation or yard maintenance costs (especially unexpected ones) into your budget.
Newer apartments will usually have maintenance covered by the strata company. This way you can relax by the swimming pool or enjoy the lush gardens and outdoor spaces, without the worry of ongoing repairs. When you buy from a trusted builder and developer, you can buy with confidence, knowing that your apartment will be built to a high standard with quality finishings. Always check the awards and credentials of your developer before you buy.
Choose an area that works for you
Take a look around the area that you’re planning to buy in and ensure it’s close to amenities and transport. Does the property allow adequate parking on site for your family and guests?
Buying a new apartment off the plan, will give you the option to customise your new home to suit your family. You can even choose which side of the building you’d like to live in, maximising sunlight and views.Sydney apartments can offer a choice of higher floors, giving you the option of expansive panoramas across the city. If waking up to a beautiful view is on your wishlist, properties like Paramount on Parkes in Parramatta and The Hoxton Liverpool, offer scenic views across the city and beyond.
Choosing the right layout for your apartment
One of the most important things to know before you buy an apartment in Sydney is whether the layout will work for your family. Will you be working from home or planning to expand your family? Maybe both? Find an apartment to buy that suits your needs long-term, or one that offers value for potential renters.
Bright, spacious apartments with floor to ceiling windows will make your home feel fresh and welcoming. Clever kitchen layouts with all-new appliances will make cooking easy and enjoyable. They also give your apartment a modern and on-trend look. Once you choose your internal layout, take a look at the apartment surroundings. Buying a Sydney apartment in a complex with amenities, such as a swimming pool or rooftop garden, will give you a luxury resort feel without having to worry about maintenance.
What is buying off the plan?
Buying your apartment off the plan is an excellent way to save money. When you buy an apartment off the plan, you confirm your purchase price, often before construction. This means you avoid any price increases as the build progresses. In some cases, you may even make a profit on your property before it’s finished.
When you buy off the plan, you also have more flexibility in the final design of your apartment. Read more in our guide to buying off the plan apartments. This is a great option for those who are wondering ‘is it better to rent or buy an apartment?’, as it allows you more time to save.
Make the process of buying an apartment in Sydney easy
Buying an apartment should be a fun and seamless experience. At ALAND, we’re proud to provide the Sydney community with high-quality developments. Since 2002, our award-winning team has built over 2,800 apartments and have over 30 developments in progress.
We’re committed to supporting the local community and are proud to be partners with the mighty Parramatta Eels.
Have a chat with our friendly team today and find out all of our latest apartment opportunities. Take a look at our off the plan buying guide and first home buyers checklist to help you on your real estate journey to buy your apartment in Sydney.