How the new Sydney rail corridor could transform one of Australia's most exciting regions

Not so long ago, Sydney's outer southwestern fringes were mainly paddocks. Now, these formerly rural areas have transformed into shiny new communities of contemporary family homes that cost less than a one-bedroom apartment in the city's inner suburbs.

With Western Sydney International Airport set to open in 2026, the area is bustling with new employment opportunities and amenities — plus streets and streets of relatively affordable new homes.

And people are coming. Sydney's south west region is forecast to provide 16% of New South Wales' population growth between 2021 and 2046, and swell from a population of around 300,000 to 430,000 in that time, according to independent population forecasters.

Now, the federal government’s $1 billion commitment to securing land for a rail corridor linking these southwest suburbs with the airport could pave the way for metro or train extensions. These would give residents improved connections around the area as well as to Sydney's CBD and, through the airport, the rest of the world.

REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh said the infrastructure injection could attract more buyers to the area, bringing a tidy boost to property values for homeowners and investors alike.

"The federal government's commitment may have positive impacts on property values in the surrounding areas," she said.

"Historically, suburbs in gentrifying regions that benefit from transport upgrades tend to experience property value appreciation, allowing investors and homeowners to capitalise on long-term price growth."

REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh says property investors can look to capitalise in Sydney's growing south west. Picture: supplied

Creagh added the new infrastructure would also attract more renters to the area, shaking up the market.

"If the enhanced transport links see stronger rental demand, landlords may be able to command higher rents."

The new rail line, proposed in the past but shelved under the Coalition government in 2014, would link Bradfield, just south of the airport, to Leppington and also booming suburbs in the Macarthur region, with stations proposed in the past for Oran Park and Narellan.

Currently, Leppington residents who want to reach Bradfield, which lies within the aerotropolis precinct around 13km away, have to drive for 15 minutes or take buses, which are not direct and can take up to two hours.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the current transport options were insufficient.

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"We don't want residents of Sydney's southwest to have to rely on buses to get to the airport. We want them to have fast, frequent rail access, and our investment today will help deliver that."

It is unclear when the new rail corridors will be delivered, with timelines to be finalised with the state government.

Western Sydney International Airport will link up to Sydney's existing rail network via a new $11 billion metro that's expected to be operational in late 2026 (though reports have suggested this may be pushed back until 2027).

Creagh says a completed rail extension to southwest Sydney could change the face of the area over time.

"This can attract businesses and lead to job creation, economic growth, and an overall uplift in the desirability of the area. In turn, these changes can attract a mix of new residents, businesses, and amenities, driving gentrification.

"This transition often results in higher-end property developments and an uplift in the suburb’s appeal," she added.

"The new infrastructure would provide easier access to employment hubs, retail precincts and lifestyle amenities. "

Below are some properties that may enable you to enter the local market at a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere in the Harbour City.

Four-bedroom duplex, Oran Park

The buyer of this contemporary duplex at 14A Holden Drive, Oran Park will be just a five-minute walk to the proposed Oran Park train station.

This Oran Park property was last sold in 2022 for $930,000. The median sold price in the area in the last year was $1,115,000. Picture: realestate.com.au

The property, set on just over 250sqm, offers four bedrooms, two with walk-in robes, a master bedroom with ensuite and balcony, plus a covered terrace overlooking an enclosed lawn — all for the price of $1m - $1.25m.

Former display home, Leppington

A former display home built by Adenbrook Homes at 29 Saturn Street in Leppington is a four-bedroom freestanding home on the market for $1.3m-$1.375m.

This four-bedroom property is located just a short drive from Leppington train station. Picture: realestate.com.au

The beautifully presented property boasts an open-plan living and dining area, a media lounge, an upstairs retreat plus an alfresco terrace on 301 sqm and is just a four-minute drive to Leppington train station.

Family home off the plan, Oran Park

With the area being developed so quickly, there are plenty of properties for sale off the plan, some currently under construction, some still vacant blocks of land.

Artist image of the fixed price-home and land package product, which is on the market for $1,279,500. Picture: realestate.com.au

If you buy Lot 3595 Webber Loop, Oran Park, being offered by Everyday Homes, you'll have a five-bedroom, three-bathroom home on 300sqm by the end of 2025 for the price of $1.28m.

The property also offers a living area with a double-storey window, a kitchen with butler's pantry, an ensuite master with balcony plus landscaped gardens.

Original 1970s home, Narellan

An eight-minute walk from the proposed Narellan train station, this four-bedroom home at 11 Doncaster Avenue in the original pocket of Narellan is on the market for $1.15m. With front and rear lawns and four parking spaces on a generous 714sqm, this home was first sold in 1977 but now comes with DA-approved plans for a pair of two-storey, five bedroom homes.

This Narellan house was last sold in April 2001 for $225,000. Picture: realestate.com.au

If you're not interested in developing, this single-level home is ripe for renovation, or you could knock it down and make the most of this sizeable block to build your dream home.

Family home, Harrington Park

Situated between Oran Park and Narellan, Harrington Park was once a grand estate, owned by the Fairfax family but has recently been developed as a residential suburb.

The-five bedroom house on Jenolan Circuit is located just moments from the outer Western Sydney bypass. Picture: realestate.com.au

This five-bedroom home located in the master-planned community of Harrington Grove at 20 Jenolan Circuit offers a choice of living and dining areas, including a covered alfresco terrace with an outdoor kitchen that overlooks a spa – all for $1.7m - $1.8m.