August may feel quiet—but smart property players know it’s actually the launchpad for Spring. With new tenancy laws, shifting rental trends, and anticipated rate cuts, 2025’s August is more strategic than ever.
At RnJ Realty, we’re tracking these five trends closely—to help clients stay ahead, not catch up.
🔍 1. RBA Rate Cut on the Horizon
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to begin easing interest rates as early as May 2025, following a peak at 4.35% in late 2024. Analysts predict borrowing power to rebound, with property prices growing around 3–5% annually in Sydney through 2025–2027.
What landlords should do: Consider financing reviews or refinancing strategies to optimise cash flow as borrowing terms ease.
📉 2. Rents Still Rising, But Vacancy Eases
Despite seasonal fluctuation, Sydney’s vacancy rate is now at ~5%, up slightly from record lows—yet rental pressure remains high in many suburbs.
Nationally, rent growth is forecast at ~4% in 2025, though inner-city rental demand remains tight.
What to do: Plan your annual rent review carefully (now legally limited to 1 increase per 12 months in NSW) and benchmark against comparable suburbs to retain tenants fairly and competitively—without relying on turnover
🏡 3. Unit vs House Pricing: Apartment Window of Opportunity
Sydney’s median house price stands at ~$1.56M, while median unit price is ~$860K—just 56% of house value. With strong demand and limited supply, well-located apartments and townhouses are now appealing to investors and first-home buyers alike.
What to know: Identify areas where units offer both convenience and capital appreciation potential—especially inner or middle-ring suburbs undergoing redevelopment.
📜 4. Rental Law Reform: Annual Rent Caps & No‑Ground Evictions
NSW’s May 2025 tenancy overhaul introduced two key changes:
– Rent increases only once per 12-month period
– No-grounds evictions abolished—landlords must now provide specific legal reasons to evict tenants.
What to act on: Adopt a proactive, relationship-based approach—build tenant trust, communicate review details early, and avoid unnecessary turnover.
🚧 5. Infrastructure Gains Are Shaping Local Demand
Major projects like WestConnex, NorthConnex, and Metro extensions are realigning Sydney’s growth corridors. Middle‑ring suburbs with improved access are becoming increasingly attractive for renters and buyers.
What this signals: Expect rental demand to rise near new transport links. These neighbourhood shifts can boost occupancy and capital growth.
August isn’t downtime—it’s prime opportunity. With interest rate cuts, rental law reform, and infrastructure catalysts at play, decisions made now have outsized impact. RnJ Realty helps you interpret the signals, plan ahead, and act with confidence.
Prepare now, benefit later. Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or investor in Greater Sydney, these August signals define your property strategy for the months ahead.
