Sydney’s eastern suburbs could look very different over the next two decades, with the NSW Government proposing almost 9,400 new homes across Woollahra and Edgecliff.
The ambitious plan aims to increase housing supply close to public transport, jobs, parks and local services, bringing significant change to one of Sydney’s most established and exclusive areas.
High-Rise Development Around Transport Hubs
Under the draft rezoning plans, new buildings could reach up to 34 storeys around Edgecliff Station and up to 32 storeys near Woollahra’s long-discussed “ghost” train station.
The proposed rezoning covers around 168 hectares and is designed to create a greater mix of housing in an area currently known for its large homes, leafy streets and low-rise apartment buildings.
A major part of the proposal is the planned completion of Woollahra Station.
The station was partly constructed in the 1970s but was never completed after strong opposition from local residents. Today, parts of the unfinished station can still be seen from trains travelling between Edgecliff and Bondi Junction.
The NSW Government is now planning to complete the station by 2029, with new housing planned around it.
More Homes Close to Public Transport
The government expects up to 40 per cent of the proposed new homes to be located within 200 metres of Woollahra or Edgecliff stations.
The idea is to encourage more people to live close to public transport, reducing the need for long car trips and making it easier for residents to access employment, shops and other services.
The proposed developments would also include a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, providing housing options for different household sizes and needs.
New Parks, Walking and Cycling Connections
The plan is not only focused on new housing.
It includes:
- Seven new parks
- Nine kilometres of new walking and cycling connections
- A new Woollahra local centre
- More local jobs and services
- A wider range of apartment sizes and housing choices
The government says the new local centre would help create employment opportunities while providing residents with easier access to everyday services.
Why Is the Government Targeting Woollahra?
NSW Premier Chris Minns said Sydney needs to distribute population growth more evenly across the city.
The government argues that established suburbs with strong transport links, employment opportunities and existing infrastructure should also contribute to meeting Sydney’s growing housing needs.
The proposal has already attracted attention because of its scale, particularly in an area where property prices are among the highest in Sydney.
Local Opposition Expected
The size of the proposal is likely to generate further debate among local residents and Woollahra Council.
Woollahra Council has previously proposed a significantly smaller plan, supporting around 3,600 new homes around the station.
The state government’s proposal of approximately 9,400 homes is therefore considerably larger than the council’s alternative.
For local residents, the key concern is likely to be how increased housing density could affect the area’s existing character, traffic, infrastructure and streetscape.
What Could It Mean for Property in Woollahra?
Woollahra is already one of Sydney’s most expensive residential markets.
According to the latest Domain House Price Report, the suburb’s median house price is around $4.91 million, while the median unit price is approximately $1.46 million.
The proposed changes could create a significant shift in the local property landscape over the coming years.
More apartments could provide additional housing options, particularly for people looking to live close to transport and established amenities. At the same time, major redevelopment could change the character and density of parts of Woollahra and Edgecliff.
For property owners, buyers and investors, the progress of the rezoning proposal and the planned Woollahra Station will be important developments to watch.
What Happens Next?
The draft rezoning proposal is currently on public exhibition until October 7.
Feedback from residents, councils and other stakeholders will form part of the next stages of the planning process.
If approved, the changes could reshape Woollahra and Edgecliff significantly over the next 20 years — bringing thousands of new homes, taller buildings and improved connections while also creating an ongoing discussion about how Sydney’s established suburbs should grow.
A Changing Sydney Property Landscape
The proposed transformation of Woollahra and Edgecliff highlights a broader challenge facing Sydney: how to provide more housing in well-connected areas while protecting the character and liveability of established communities.
With thousands of new homes planned and Woollahra Station potentially returning to the city’s transport network, the eastern suburbs could become an important part of Sydney’s future housing strategy.
