Sydney price gap: chance to buy units for half cost of houses

Unit prices in Sydney are, on average, about 56 per cent of the price of houses. .

New data has revealed the price chasm between units and houses in Sydney, flagging units to be the next growth frontier in Sydney’s property cycle.

PropTrack’s latest Home Price Index revealed Sydney houses are almost double the price of apartments in many areas, with the citywide median house price at $1,564,000 and the median unit price at $860,000.

There was a similar trend nationally. The median price of a house across the nation is now sitting at $915,000, with units at $678,000.

The disparity between prices shows the median unit price in Sydney sitting at just 56 per cent of house prices, creating opportunity for homebuyers and investors, experts claim.

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Unit at 1012/185 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW currently listed with a price guide of $160,000

Metropole National Director Brett Warren said “we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in the Sydney property cycle”.

“Units in premium suburbs are trading up to 70 per cent cheaper than houses and yet they’re offering similar lifestyle access and even comparable internal space,” he said. “That’s not just value – it’s strategic advantage.”

Auctioneer James Hayashi during an auction at Unit 4/115 Carrington Rd, Coogee in late 2024. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Mr Warren said investors and homebuyers should be paying attention as many units are dramatically undervalued relative to historical norms, particularly in high-amenity areas.

“The key here is long-term capital growth,” he said.

According to Mr Warren, as affordability tightens and house prices continue to outpace income growth in Sydney, units in desirable locations are primed for a rebound.

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A unit in this building in Baulkham Hills is currently listed with a price guide of $820,000 to $880,000

This comes as opportunity for units is being fuelled by strong lifestyle demand for newer development offerings.

A Metropole release pointed to building data from the City of Sydney suggesting there is also recovery from a post-pandemic dip in apartment completions with large-scale precincts such as in Green Square, Redfern and the CBD once again showing signs of development momentum.

“A lower entry price, smaller deposit and manageable mortgage gives younger buyers a sustainable way to step onto the property ladder in our most expensive capital city,” he said.

“It can be a strategic platform for growth.”

According to Mr Warren, homebuyers should also consider townhouses and three-bedroom apartments in price-gap suburbs that offer space, functionality and long-term value without the premium of detached dwellings.

“The savvy move right now is to find the product that’s flying under the radar but poised to benefit as the market recalibrates,” he said.

“With the current price dynamics opening a narrow window of opportunity, those with a strategic lens – and a willingness to look beyond traditional housing narratives – could reap the rewards for years to come.”

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