Market Update Edition 17

The start of Spring has brought some great news for the Australian residential housing market with the Government announcing it will bring forward its 5% deposit housing scheme for first home buyers to 1 October 2025. Additionally, the Spring season has brought an increase in auction activity across Sydney with both the number and clearance rate of properties increasing. This week’s market wrap will unpack key Sydney property market trends as well as tips and tricks for how to style a master bedroom suite.

Making the Dream of Home Ownership come true sooner for First Home Buyers -
Australian Housing Policy Update

5% Deposit for All First Homebuyers
The Federal Government has brought forward the 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers to the 1st of October 2025.

This scheme will allow first homebuyers of any income to purchase a property (less than or equal to $1.5 million in the Sydney region) with a 5% deposit. In addition, this scheme will take away the burden of first homebuyers paying a lender mortgage insurance penalty.

The Australian Treasury has estimated that this scheme will significantly reduce the number of years it will take first homebuyers to save a deposit for a property. These savings are shown below.

House priceTime to save a 20% deposit*Time to save a 5% deposit*Average rent saved by buying a home sooner**

$500,0007 years2 years~$87,500

$600,0008 years2 years~$126,000

$700,0009 years2 years~$171,500

$800,00011 years3 years~$224,000

$900,00012 years3 years~$283,500

$1,000,00013 years3 years~$350,000

*Assuming a first home buyer with an average annual income of $100,000 who saves 15% of their income every year. This is consistent with the assumptions used in the CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report in November 2024. **Estimated by multiplying national house gross rental yield of 3.5% (as reported in Cotality’s Home Value Index release of 1 July 2025) by the value of the property. Table Source: Treasury
Above: Estimated time and rent saved to save a deposit

Design Inspiration - Master Bedroom &
Walk-in Wardrobe

The master bedroom is one of the most important rooms in a home. It’s a tranquil place where you can relax and unwind after a long day at work. For buyers looking at multiple properties, the interior styling and layout decisions made in these rooms can be a key factor of persuasion. Smart storage in a wardrobe is another key incentive for buyers as they can fit more of the things they love.

In week 4 of the tv show The Block, the contestants were tasked with designing a master bedroom and walk-in-wardrobe. Rooms that scored highly achieved a level of homely sophistication through a balanced textural pallet made up of natural tones and finishes.

The winners for the master bedroom & WIR week were contestants Britt and Taz whose room emphasised the power of natural materials to create interest in a neutral colour pallet room. A neutral colour pallet can be a great go-to when selling your home because it appeals to a wide spectrum of potential buyers through its timeless elegance. But a neutral colour pallet doesn’t have to be boring and bland. The use of natural textures and fibres such as grasscloth wallpaper and soft linens can create a tactile, earthy ambience to a room ultimately achieving the goal of calming luxury. 

Another standout master bedroom design from The Block 2025 was Emma and Ben’s. This room was commended for its consideration of architectural design and colour cohesion. Cohesion between rooms is an important consideration when styling a home. To create visual cohesion the pair incorporated echoes of burgundy across the adjoining rooms in the master wing (master bedroom, walk-in-robe and ensuite) to make the space feel larger and more harmonious. If you’re looking to restyle your home, consider choosing your own signature colour or material to repeat across segments of your home. For homes of larger scale, you may wish to further define spaces by choosing multiple signature colours.

Sydney Property Market Insights

Sales Market Snapshot
For the week ending 24 August, Cotality reported that 729 properties went to auction across the Sydney region, with a clearance rate of 71.6%. This is an increase of 173 properties going to auction in comparison to the previous fortnight results. 

In our local North Sydney to Hornsby sub-region, 115 properties went to auction with a slight drop-in clearance rate to 67.9%.

Looking ahead, 885 properties are scheduled to go to auction this week, an increase of 156 properties from last week. This time last year 874 properties were taken to auction in the Sydney region, forecasting this year to have slightly higher number of properties going to auction for Spring season than last year.

What's on in the Community?
Looking for something to do this September. Here are some great local events:

Roseville Public School Spring Fair – We’re excited to support our local community as the major sponsor of this year’s school fair, held once every
three years.
When: Saturday 6th September 2025 10am - 3pm
Where: Roseville Public School - 19A Archbold Road, Roseville
Come and have a chat with us at the Marshall Group tent – located in the main quadrangle. We’d love to meet you! Enjoy a day full of fun, food, games and entertainment for the whole family proudly brought to you with the support
of The Marshall Group.

Ku-ring-gai Spring Flower Celebration – Flowers have been potted in vibrant displays around St Ives Shopping Village and East Lindfield shops

Community Feedback for Designing a New Public Space at the Former Gordon Bowling Club (4 Pennant Avenue, Gordon) – Ku-ring-gai council is undergoing the first stage of community consultation for the redesign of the former bowling club space. Have your voice hear with consultation open until 10 September 2025.

Australian Plant Society Walks and Talks – Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives. In the month of September, these free walks and talks will be held on 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd of September.

202 Ku-ring-gai Sculpture Trail – This free sculpture exhibition consisting of over 40 sculptures is in the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden and will run from 6 September to 6 October. All the sculptures are made from recycled materials and is a great display of sustainable art.

‘Need a Lift’ Youth Photography Competition – This photography competition is for young people aged 12-24 who live, work or study in the Northern Sydney area. There will be 6x Mastercard Gift Cards up for grabs with values up to $350

Get in Touch with The Marshall Group.
The Marshall Group are leaders in real estate as evident through winning the prestigious North Shore Local Business Award for Outstanding Real Estate Agency as well as winning the Business of the Year Award for 2025.

Whether you're considering selling, leasing, investing, or simply want a clearer picture of the current market, we’re here to help. Visit us at our offices in Lindfield, Gordon, St Ives, or Wahroonga, or get in touch with one of our agents directly.

Your property journey deserves trusted guidance - let The Marshall Group be your partner in 2025.