Market Update Edition 15

The property market for the month of August is looking optimistic, with an increase in properties going to auction, now is a great time for prospective buyers to start looking for your next dream home. For this week’s market wrap, we’ll unpack what’s happening in the Sydney property market for both sale and rental properties, as well as some exciting news about the Local Business Awards for 2025.

The Local Business Awards
The Marshall Group are excited to share that we have won the prestigious North Shore Local Business Award for Outstanding Real Estate Agency as well as winning the Business of the Year Award for 2025.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us, and for acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our team in making property dreams a reality.

Renovators Inspiration – The Block 2025

Sunday 27th July marked the start of the 21st season of the Australian renovation reality tv show, The Block.

Renovation shows like the Block can be a great form of inspiration for your next home improvement project. To help you learn more about the different trends being used by the contests, in our upcoming market wraps we’ll highlight design decisions that have been winners with the judges.

The beloved show hosted by Scott Cam and Shelley Craft is set this year in the picturesque spa town of Daylesford, Victoria. In a show first, the contestants (aka. Blockheads) will be building their homes from scratch, rather than renovating an existing structure. The house designs for the five properties were developed by architect Julian Brenchley. The layout is the same across all the houses and includes 346 square meters of living space over 2,300 square meters of land. Where the houses differ is in their façade, cladding, roof height, interior and structural design choices made by the contestants. 

The five contestant teams include: Emma and Ben (VIC) – House 1, Han and Can (WA) – House 2, Britt and Taz (WA) – House 3, Sonny and Alicia (QLD) – House 4, and Robby and Mat (SA) – House 5.

Over the course of 12 weeks, the contestants will be renovating a variety of rooms with a set budget of $250,000. For teams that win rooms, perfect 10s, and challenges they will earn extra cash and prizes to help with their home renovation.

Here’s a breakdown of the rooms by week and the budget allocated:

Week 1: Bathroom ($20,000)

Week 2: Kids Room ($15,000)

Week 3: Main Ensuite ($20,000)

Week 4: Main Bedroom & Walk in Wardrobe ($15,000)

Week 5: Living and Dining ($20,000)

Week 6: Rumpus Room ($10,000)

Week 7: Kitchen ($10,000)

Week 8: Guest Suite ($30,000)

Week 9: Laundry, WC, Mud Room, Garage ($20,000)

Week 10: Alfresco Terrace, Shed ($20,000)

Week 11: Backyard & Pool ($50,000)

Week 12: Front Facade ($20,000)

Stay tuned for our next market wrap newsletter where we’ll spotlight standout design features in the Block bathroom and kids room week.

Sydney Property Market Insights

Sales Market Snapshot

For the week ending 27 July 2025, Cotality reported that 597 properties went to auction across the Sydney region, with a clearance rate of 66.6%. The slight increase in the number of properties going to auction is a favourable insight for prospective home buyers particularly as Cotality reported that national listings are tracking -19% below the previous five-year average for this time of the year.

In our local North Sydney to Hornsby sub-region, 72 properties went to auction with a clearance rate of 61.1%, an increase of 19 properties going to auction in comparison to the previous fortnight.

Looking ahead,608 properties are scheduled for auction in Sydney for the week ending 27 July 2025, similar numbers to this time last year.

Rental Market Snapshot

In the rental market, over the past five years, rents have increased by 42.7% nationally. Sydney is the most expensive rental capital, with a median weekly rental value at $796 as of June this year. According to Cotality, the disproportionate increase of rents to wages have seen the portion of pre-tax income going towards rental payments rise from 26% in June 2020 to 33% in December 2024. In the rental market, the low availability of properties has also been a prominent factor. Over the month of June, Cotality recorded only 100,000 rental listings nationally, 23% below the previous five-year average.

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

Ku-ring-gai’s Winter Swimming Happy Hour – Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre. For a gold coin donation swimmers can use the Centre’s heated outdoor pool between 2-3pm, Monday to Friday. Proceeds from this initiative go towards Y’s Community HSC Program that supports Year 12 students’ health and wellbeing with free pool and gym access from September to November while they prepare for their HSC exams.

Cat Adoption Day – Bunnings Pymble, 950 Pacific Highway, Pymble.

St Ives Showground Market –St Ives Showground, 450 Mona Vale Road, St Ives

Roar and Explore Trail – Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, 420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives

A Carpet Ride to Khiva – Zenith Theatre, McIntosh Street & Railway Street, Chatswood

Get in Touch with The Marshall Group.
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.