For many homeowners in Sydney’s Lower North Shore, news about property markets can feel confusing. Headlines talk about “slowing growth”, but for those who already own a home in suburbs like Mosman, Neutral Bay or Cremorne, the long-term picture tells a very different story.
The reality is that consistent price growth over the past decade has allowed many homeowners to accumulate significant equity. For those looking to upsize – whether it’s a larger family home, a more modern layout or a property better suited to your lifestyle – this equity can allow your next strategic move.
Long-term capital growth
SQM Research data highlights just how strongly the Lower North Shore has performed. Over the past ten years, houses in the area have grown by an average of 8.5% per year, substantially above Sydney’s overall growth of 6.68% average per year. Lower North Shore units have also appreciated, albeit at a slower pace, averaging around 2.5% per year over the same period.
Put another way, the current median house in the Lower North Shore sits around $4 million, up roughly $2.2 million from its value a decade ago. The median unit sits around $1.26 million, having gained around $300,000 in value over ten years.
By comparison, the median Sydney house has increased by about $1.07 million over the same period. That’s more than $1.1 million in additional capital for a Lower North Shore homeowner which can be solid financial foundation for anyone thinking about upsizing.
Even when headlines focus on softening growth, these long-term trends show that premium suburbs continue to generate substantial equity. For homeowners who have held their properties over time, the accumulated capital opens the door to your next home, whether upgrading from a house to a larger family home or moving from a unit to your ideal house.
Unlocking your home’s equity through a sale
Equity is ‘paper wealth’ until it’s realised. To move from your current home to a larger, more suitable property in the Lower North Shore, you need a clear plan to sell – and sell well – to turn the growth your home has built into real buying power.
Careful planning of the sale helps you capture the most value possible. Once you unlock this capital, it can be used toward your next home, giving you several key advantages:
Lower deposit
Selling a long-held home in the Lower North Shore today can generate a healthy deposit for a larger or more modern property. This reduces borrowing pressure and can improve your loan terms, giving you more financial flexibility.
Less reliance on borrowing
The bigger your cash buffer, the less new debt you need to take on. Given our current uncertain interest rate environment, where lenders are more cautious and borrowing costs can fluctuate, this can make the difference between a comfortable purchase and a stressful one.
Lifestyle-led choices
With substantial equity, you can prioritise what really matters, whether that’s a larger floorplan, a garden for the family or a property in the catchment zone of your preferred school. Rather than compromise based on budget alone, using the capital you’ve earned from your previous property allows you to make lifestyle-led decisions.
Strategic upsizing is within reach
For homeowners in the Lower North Shore, the capital built in your current home can be used to unlock your next property – one that better fits your family’s needs and lifestyle. By understanding the equity you’ve accumulated and acting strategically, you can turn long-term growth into a meaningful upgrade.
Thinking about upsizing in the Lower North Shore and wondering how to turn the equity in your current home into your next property? The team at R&W Mosman/Neutral Bay can help you plan a strategic sale and guide you through your options, so you can make the most of your accumulated growth. Get in touch today.