The Sydney Neighbourhoods At The Forefront Of The Property Downturn
As interest rates rise some areas are feeling the pinch more than others.
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The upper end of Sydney’s property market is leading the downturn in home values according to the latest figures from CoreLogic.
Parts of the NSW capital’s inner west, Northern Beaches, eastern suburbs and inner-city recorded the largest decline in values over the past three months, as rising rates put downward pressure on pricing and reduce buyer borrowing power.
The rising cash rate has accelerated value falls in Sydney according to CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless. This was most acutely felt in the top end of the market, with the upper quartile down 4.3% while values for the bottom quartile fell only 0.5%.
Sydney property values were down by 2.8% across the board in the quarter and aer expected to fall further. The NAB downgraded its forecast last week, expecting prices to decline 8.8% this year and 13.4% in 2023. The Commonwealth Bank has forecast a decline of 18% by the end of 2023.
According to the latest CoreLogic figures, the Leichhardt SA3 region (covering suburbs such as Rozelle, Balmain and Birchgrove too), recorded the largest decline in house values, down 7.3% in three months.
Leichhardt’s area was followed by the Pittwater (-7.2%) and Warringah (-6.5%) regions, while the inner city and Strathfield, Ashfield, and Burwood regions also had values drop by more than 6%.
For units, it was slightly different where the largest falls were in the North Sydney and Mosman region — down 5.8%. The Manly and eastern suburbs regions — including the likes of Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill and Bondi — all recorded drops of more than 5%.
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There’s no shortage of design inspiration online but nothing beats the joy of spending an afternoon immersing yourself in a good interior design book. Edited, carefully curated and, above all, designed, these titles take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most beautiful interiors in a considered way. Think of it like the difference between listening to a few tunes on Spotify versus releasing a thoughtfully crafted studio album. We’ve assembled our top six of interior design books on the market right now for your viewing and reading pleasure.
1. Interiors beyond the primary palette
Step inside the world of award-winning interior design duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke in this, their first compendium of their work. A ‘best of’ over more than 15 years working together, it’s a masterclass in working with colour and pattern as seen through 18 projects from around the country. With a focus on the idea of home as sanctuary, this hefty tome offers insight into the mind of the designer with points on where to find inspiration, meeting client briefs and the importance of relationships. Thames & Hudson, $120
2 House of Joy
If there was ever a book title for our times, then this is it. With a subtitle of Playful Homes and Cheerful Living, this book champions fun in interior design, with bold and bright homes from around the world to delight and inspire. While there’s a good dose of the unexpected, like a disco ball in the garden, there’s no mayhem in these spaces. Instead, they’re beautifully executed to tempt even the most colour shy. Gestalten, $105
3. Abigail Ahern Masterclass
Some design books are beautiful to look at, and that’s it. This is not one of those books. A master of colour and pattern, UK designer Ahern offers a practical foundational guide to beautiful interiors, mixing form with function in her latest book, Masterclass. Find the inspiration you need to create a gorgeous home. HarperCollins, $65
4. Interiors Now!
Looking for a visual crash course in international design trends with longevity? This is the book for you. Featuring homes across the globe, from New York to Auckland via Avignon, the biggest dilemma for readers is settling on a style. Many of the projects are owned by designers and creatives, lending a dynamic edge to this tome, now in its 40th year. Taschen, $50
5. Home by the Sea
For many Australians, the ocean holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton lets you imagine, for a little while at least, what it’s like living the dream in a beach shack in Byron Bay. The book tours 18 homes in and around the region and the hinterland owned by artists, designers and makers. With photography by Amelia Fullarton, it champions the good life. Hardie Grant, $60
6. The Layered Interior
Released last year, this is the third volume from award-winning interior designer Greg Natale. Different in format from his earlier books, the eight projects featured are Australian but with a slight Euro-centric focus. The writing is conversational, almost intimate, inviting the reader into the most luxurious spaces beautifully captured by photographer Anson Smart. This coffee table tome is perfect for dreamers and doers alike. Rizzoli, $110
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