Melbourne set to overtake Sydney as Australia’s biggest city as property demand surges
Strong population growth, major infrastructure spending and comparatively affordable property are expected to cement Melbourne’s position as Australia’s most attractive long-term real estate market.
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Melbourne is poised to become Australia’s largest city within the next decade, with strong population growth, infrastructure investment and relative affordability driving long-term property demand.
A new research report from Knight Frank argues the Victorian capital remains one of the country’s most compelling markets for investors, businesses and residents.
The report highlights the city’s rapidly expanding population, diverse economy and major infrastructure pipeline as key factors underpinning future property growth.
Knight Frank Managing Director Victoria, Dominic Long, said Melbourne’s fundamentals continue to position the city strongly for long-term investment.
“Melbourne continues to stand out as one of Australia’s most compelling real estate markets,” he said.
“It is Australia’s strongest long-term growth city with the fastest growing population, the most diversified economy, world-class liveability and the most affordable major market for office, industrial and residential property.”
Population growth driving demand
Melbourne’s population has grown at an average rate of 1.8 per cent per year since 2000, faster than any advanced global economy, according to the research.
In the year to June 2025 alone, the city added about 123,500 residents, the largest annual increase of any Australian capital.
Population growth is expected to remain one of the key drivers of demand across residential and commercial property markets, including housing, offices and logistics space.
The report forecasts Melbourne’s population will overtake Sydney’s by the 2030s, reinforcing its position as the country’s fastest-growing major city.
Office market offering value
Melbourne’s CBD office market is also attracting renewed attention from investors.
Prime office rents remain significantly lower than in competing cities, with CBD office space about 46 per cent cheaper than Sydney and around 13 per cent cheaper than Brisbane.
That relative affordability is expected to drive long-term demand from occupiers and investors seeking value in Australia’s largest office markets.
The city’s office sector is also showing signs of recovery, with effective rents rising in 2025 and demand increasing for high-quality buildings in premium locations.
Industrial market benefiting from scale
Melbourne’s industrial sector continues to expand, supported by strong population growth, e-commerce demand and the scale of the city’s logistics network.
The city already hosts the country’s largest industrial market, with about 34 million square metres of warehousing stock and significant land available for future development.
Industrial rents remain competitive compared with other capitals, while Melbourne’s port handles the largest container volumes in Australia, further supporting demand for logistics space.
Infrastructure pipeline supporting growth
More than $200 billion in transport infrastructure investment between 2014 and 2036 is also expected to reshape the city and support future property values.
Major projects include the Metro Tunnel, the West Gate Tunnel, the North-East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop, which together will improve connectivity across Melbourne and its growth corridors.
Knight Frank’s Head of Research & Consulting, Victoria, Dr Tony McGough, said these investments would play a key role in supporting the city’s economic expansion.
“Melbourne is Australia’s most economically diverse city and has delivered stable growth for more than two decades,” he said.
“With strong population growth, a highly educated workforce and unprecedented infrastructure investment, Melbourne is well placed to remain one of Australia’s most attractive long-term property markets.”
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A Name Steeped in History, A Home Built for the Future. Timeless architecture, premium residences, and an exceptional Inner West location come together at Maybelle. With construction nearing completion, buyers can move into their brand-new home by the end of the year and purchase with confidence, knowing their home is backed by 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance.
3 min
Almost a century before construction began, two sisters unknowingly inspired one of Sydney’s newest residential addresses.
Local landowner and developer John Henry Schroeder combined his daughters’ names, Isobel and May, to create Ismay Avenue, a street name that has become part of the area’s identity, still visible today in Ismay Reserve. The Maybelle borrows that story rather than inventing one. It takes its name from Isobel and May, drawing a direct line between the development and the history sitting right outside its front door.
More than simply another apartment building, it reflects a vision of creating homes that honour the past while looking confidently to the future.
Developed and built by Omaya, a family-owned company with more than 35 years of experience, The Maybelle reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, quality and creating communities that stand the test of time.
Located beside Ismay Reserve, the boutique collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences combines timeless architecture by Squillace Architects, premium interiors and exclusive resident amenities within one of Sydney’s most connected Inner West locations.
Location is one of The Maybelle’s defining strengths, residents are moments from train stations, bus services and the M4 Motorway.
Positioned just moments from North Strathfield, Bakehouse Quarter, Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, residents enjoy the perfect balance of green open space, vibrant local amenity and exceptional connectivity.
Surrounded by cafés, restaurants, leading public and private schools, shopping and parklands, The Maybelle offers a lifestyle where everything is within easy reach.
Designed to embrace its unique park-side setting, many residences enjoy expansive balconies overlooking Ismay Reserve, while selected homes capture elevated views across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline.
Spacious open-plan layouts, premium fixtures and finishes, and two carefully curated interior schemes create homes that are both beautifully refined and designed for everyday living.
The lifestyle extends well beyond each apartment. Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a full-level Garden Pavilion on Level 8, featuring beautifully landscaped spaces for entertaining, recreation, remote working and gathering with family, friends and neighbours.
Complementing this is the elevated Sky Terrace on Level 14, where sweeping Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline views create a tranquil setting to relax, recharge and enjoy the remarkable outlook.
As both developer and builder, Omaya oversees every stage of the project – from planning through to construction – ensuring quality, accountability and meticulous attention to detail throughout.
Buyers can also purchase with confidence, knowing The Maybelle is protected by 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance, providing additional peace of mind long after settlement.
With construction nearing completion, buyers will be moving into their brand-new homes by the end of the year, offering a rare opportunity to secure a premium residence without the lengthy wait often associated with off-the-plan developments.
For those seeking more than just a new apartment, The Maybelle offers something increasingly rare – a home with an authentic story, a genuine connection to its surroundings and a lifestyle that brings together heritage, nature, connectivity and contemporary design in one exceptional address.
Now selling premium one, two and three-bedroom residences. To learn more or book a private appointment, visit www.themaybelle.com.au or call 1300 066 292.
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