The New South Wales property market is undergoing a significant shift as the state ramps up efforts to tackle its housing shortage and unlock new development opportunities.
With government-backed initiatives like the Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee and fast-tracked planning approvals, the landscape is becoming increasingly favourable for prospective home builders.
As demand for housing continues to outpace supply, these changes present a timely opening for those looking to build, invest or enter the market amid a push for greater housing accessibility and density.
David Shorten, NSW general manager of Australia’s largest home builder, Metricon, says with recent planning reforms and government incentives aiming to boost housing supply, now is the right time for buyers looking to build new homes in NSW.
“The combination of planning reforms and targeted government support is creating more accessible opportunities to build in NSW,” he says.
“These changes are designed to cut red tape and fast-track housing delivery— something Metricon is strongly aligned with through our own ‘FastTrack’ processes.”
For buyers, this can mean greater choice, faster approvals and a more affordable entry point into new home ownership.
According to the experts, now is the time to build and buy a new home in NSW.
Growing confidence shapes buyer decisions
With interest rate cuts and the steady increase in land values across NSW influencing current trends in the property market, Shorten says the prevailing sentiment among prospective home buyers and builders is positive.
“We’re seeing cautious optimism return to the market, with buyers recognising that falling interest rates and rising land values make it a smart time to act,” he says.
“There’s a clear appetite for value, certainty and forward planning.”
Metricon is addressing specific buyer needs, such as timelines, budgeting and customisation, by offering flexible home designs, transparent pricing structures and streamlined build processes tailored to individual lifestyles and financial goals.
“We’ve built our business around understanding and delivering to the individual needs of each customer,” Shorten says.
“From fixed-price packages and our ‘Build Time Guarantee’ to a wide range of home designs and upgrade options, we offer flexibility to help build dream homes for modern Australian families.”
Shorten says that Metricon’s end-to-end service means that buyers are supported at every stage and have full transparency on timelines and costs.
Buyers are looking for better value in their homes, and builders that they can trust.
Market stability bolsters homebuilding outlook
Despite recent challenges such as rising construction costs and labour shortages, the current stability of the home-building sector in NSW is helping to sustain confidence and keep projects moving across the industry.
“While the sector has faced challenges, we’re seeing renewed confidence driven by greater government support, improved supply chain stability and a more balanced labour market,” Shorten says.
“Metricon’s longevity and financial resilience, including our global backing by Sumitomo Forestry Group, continue to provide reassurance to customers and partners alike. We’re focused on sustainable growth and our NSW operations reflect that long-term view.”
Looking ahead, Shorten says we can expect to see renewed growth and a stronger pipeline of residential developments for the home-building market in NSW over the next 12 to 24 months.
“At Metricon, we expect to see a steady increase in demand, particularly as infrastructure improves, land supply opens up, and interest rates ease further,” he explains.
Shorten says that key challenges will include ensuring planning processes keep pace and maintaining skilled trades across regions, but that Metricon is ready to meet these challenges.
“With strong foundations in place, we’re confident the next two years will be defined by progress and opportunity,” he says.
The team at Metricon is confident they can meet the challenges of the NSW housing market and deliver exceptional value to buyers.
Shorter timelines offer rare assurance
Metricon’s ability to offer Build Time Guarantees* and FastTrack** processes stand out amid broader challenges facing the Australian home-building industry.
According to Master Builders Australia, the average time to build a detached house in NSW has increased by over 26% in the past 15 years, reaching around 12.8 months in 2024.
In this context, Metricon’s guaranteed timelines provide rare certainty and confidence for homebuyers navigating a complex market.
“Metricon’s Build Time Guarantee* of 17 weeks for single-storey homes and 25 weeks for double-storey homes is made possible by our scale, experience and streamlined construction model,” Shorten says.
“There are qualifying conditions to take advantage of this Guarantee within our Freedom by Metricon range of homes, but for many new home buyers we believe this is an attractive offer.”
In New South Wales, Metricon has invested in people and systems that accelerate approvals and reduce delays.
Shorten explains that their ‘FastTrack to Site’ process, where they can start building a new home in as little as 12 weeks from deposit, ensures customers avoid long wait times and get into their new homes sooner with full confidence in delivery.
With a Build Time Guarantee** on new homes, Metricon can use its scale and expertise to help buyers get into their dream homes faster.
Design choice meets trusted delivery
Beyond speed and certainty, there are several other advantages that set Metricon apart in the home-building sector, especially when it comes to design flexibility, value and customer support.
“With almost 50 years of experience and more homes built nationally than any other builder, Metricon delivers unmatched expertise and reliability,” Shorten says.
“Metricon offer a complete value proposition, from competitive pricing and promotional savings to design choice, build speed and financial transparency.”
Backed by their commitment to customer service and long-term stability, Shorten says building with Metricon is “a decision made with confidence, turning dreams into keys.”
As New South Wales accelerates its efforts to increase housing supply and affordability, conditions are aligning for a new wave of residential development.
With a stabilising market, supportive government initiatives and streamlined building options from industry leaders like Metricon, buyers are increasingly empowered to take the next step.
For those ready to build, the path to home ownership in NSW has never looked more achievable.
For more information, visit Metricon’s website.
