NSW reveals second BTR project, adding hundreds of homes to blue-chip suburb

The state has confirmed a former Sydney Metro construction site will be the second location under its build-to-rent initiative. 

The New South Wales government has unveiled plans to turn a former Sydney Metro construction site in Chatswood into a mix of new housing, commercial space and community facilities, including 180 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments reserved for essential workers. 

Under the draft masterplan for the Chatswood site, a further 1300 apartments will be delivered as a mix of market sale and affordable housing, although no specific proportion of affordable dwellings has yet been confirmed.   

This forms part of the state’s $450 million investment in Landcom to deliver 400 BTR homes across the city. It’s the second site secured under the initiative, following a 220-apartment project already underway in Annandale. 

By offering BTR apartments specifically for essential workers, such as nurses, teachers and emergency responders, the government hopes to ease rental pressures on those who are critical to the state’s economy and wellbeing, according to NSW premier Chris Minns.  

“Essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community,” Mr Minns said.   

“This will be life changing for essential workers, who will get to live not only near their job but in one of the best-connected areas in all of Sydney.” 

Plans for the site also include landscaped open spaces, new retail and commercial areas, upgraded pedestrian and cycling connections, and the adaptive reuse of local heritage-listed Mowbray House for community purposes. 

Chatswood, located around 9km north of Sydney’s CBD, is one of the city’s major commercial and transport hubs.  

The suburb is served by the Sydney Metro and is known for its diverse dining, retail, education and healthcare facilities. Its current median unit price sits at $1.13 million.  

“This is a highly productive time for Landcom where we are sustaining strong momentum across our entire delivery program. Here at Chatswood, we are leading the development of a major city precinct to do density well and make homes happen,” Landcom CEO Alex Wendler.  

“This is a great example of Landcom making the government’s policy ambitions a reality and bringing to life the kind of housing options our city needs.” 

Community feedback on the draft proposal is open until Monday 27 October 2025, after which design refinements will be considered.  

Construction is expected to commence in late 2026, with the first BTR apartments for essential workers scheduled to be ready by late 2028. 

Are you interested in learning more about buying and building new? Check out our New Homes section. 

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