Off-the-plan apartments for under $700k in Sydney's growth hotspots

The NSW government has an ambitious target to construct 377,000 new homes by 2029, but over the past two years, the state has completed an average of just 12,000 homes each quarter.

To help speed things up, a new way of approving housing projects might make a big difference. 

For large projects over $60 million in Greater Sydney and $30 million in regional NSW, developers can skip local council approvals and apply directly to the Housing Delivery Authority. 

This change could make the approval process much quicker. 

At the same time, the rise in new home inflation has slowed down to 2.8% over the 12 months to November 2024, the lowest since July 2021.  

Several suburbs are seeing new residential projects with off-the-plan apartments under the $700,000 mark.  

Here are some areas offering one- and two-bedroom apartments starting from $480,000. 

Tallawong

Tallawong is emerging as one of New South Wales' high-growth suburbs, drawing attention for its strategic location and outstanding infrastructure.

Ophora offers a blend of modern design and convenience across is 81 apartments. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

The suburb benefits from the Sydney Metro Northwest, the newly opened metro line bringing connectivity to the area.  

One development fuelling this growth is Ophora by KDMC, a project offering 81 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.  

Apartments blend modern design and convenience with features such as Fisher & Paykel appliances, stone benchtops and undermount sinks.  

There are also communal rooftop BBQ spaces among the amenities, ideal for families.  

• One-bed, one-bath from $480,000 

• Two-bed, two-bath from $610,000 

Lakemba

Located 12km south-west of Sydney’s CBD, Lakemba is gaining traction with buyers seeking affordable housing outside the immediate Sydney CBD area. 

Luminar apartments include high-end and practical finishes. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

The area is seeing revitalisation through upgrades such as the Lakemba Town Centre Renewal project, which is set to improve infrastructure and liveability. 

Lakemba also made an appearance on the 2025 REA Group Hot 100, for its affordability, location and amenities.  

Luminar by TQM Group has a range of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, with each having ILVE appliances, stone benchtops, parking and storage. Residents can also enjoy a communal garden. 

When the Sydney Metro City and Southwest upgrade is completed, residents will benefit from services every four minutes during peak periods between Lakemba and Central. 

• One-bed, one-bath from $490,000 

• Two-bed, two-bath from $685,000 

Auburn

Another Western Sydney suburb seeing growth is Auburn, which has a $562,000 median unit price, a 1.5% increase over the last year. 

Amenities include a communal rooftop with BBQ areas and an open-air cinema. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

Infrastructure improvements focus on road safety and easing traffic, with local schools being upgraded too. 

Auburn Square by Tian is one development here offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.  

Each apartment has Westinghouse appliances, ample storage, split system air-conditioning and underground storage. 

MORE: The two states where new apartment approvals have exploded 

Among the amenities are a communal rooftop garden with views of Sydney Olympic Park and the CBD. There’s an open-air cinema, BBQ areas and outdoor fitness equipment.  

Auburn Square is a seven-minute drive to Auburn Botanic Gardens and a three-minute walk to Auburn Central for shopping, the train station and amenities.

• One-bed, one-bath from $533,000 

• Two-bed, two-bath from $711,000 

Mount Druitt 

Further west, Mount Druitt is another suburb seeing significant growth.  

GLP Developments’ 1 ZOE aims to bring a touch of modern urban living to Mount Druitt.  

With a median unit price of $430,000, a 3% increase from the last year, key projects include the Revitalisation of Mount Druitt Hub, bringing new life to the city centre.  

The area is also noted for its extensive transport links, including train services that connect to Sydney and beyond, making it an attractive option for commuters. It’s also close to the new Western Sydney Airport, which is set to open in 2026.  

GLP Developments’ 1 ZOE aims to bring a touch of modern urban living to Mount Druitt.  

Offering a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, the development prioritises sleek design and practical amenities, meeting the needs for a variety for lifestyles.  

Residents are also close to the Mount Druitt train station and bus interchange, with quick commutes to Parramatta and Sydney CBD.  

• Two-bed, two-bath from $580,000 

This article first appeared on realestate.com.au and has been republished with permission.