The Hills Shire has officially taken the lead as New South Wales’ fastest-growing local government area, with a wave of new housing and infrastructure projects underway to meet the surging demand for homes.
According to The Hills Shire Council’s 2025 plan, the region recorded an impressive 4.36% population growth between 2022 and 2023—far outpacing Greater Sydney’s average growth rate of 2.77%.
Government projections reveal that by 2041, The Hills is expected to be home to over 328,000 residents, a staggering 71% increase from its current population of around 192,000. This population surge has sparked a flurry of development activity from some of Australia’s biggest property players, all eager to shape the future of this vibrant north-western Sydney hub.
New Communities Rising in Box Hill and Beyond
Leading the charge is Daiwa House, in collaboration with Odakyu, with their expansive 233-hectare masterplanned community, The Hills Carmel in Box Hill. The project offers a mix of house-and-land packages and move-in-ready homes, perfectly suited for families seeking space, comfort, and community.
Daiwa House Australia’s Marketing and Sales Manager, Hiroki Sakashita, highlighted the district’s enduring appeal:
“The Hills Shire continues to stand out as one of Sydney’s most desirable regions—offering families an exceptional lifestyle surrounded by nature, quality education, and world-class amenities.”
He added that the development is designed to foster a strong sense of belonging, with tree-lined streets, nearby schools, and thoughtfully designed open spaces that encourage family living.
Rouse Hill Town Centre Expands to Meet Demand
In nearby Rouse Hill, the GPT Group is delivering a $200 million redevelopment of the Rouse Hill Town Centre—its largest retail project in a decade. Once complete, the expansion will add over 10,500 sqm of new retail space and introduce more than 50 new shops, bringing fresh fashion, dining, and leisure experiences to the area.
GPT’s CEO, Russell Proutt, said the growth mirrors the rapid population surge:
“The Hills District population is growing five times faster than the Sydney metro average, and Rouse Hill Town Centre remains the beating heart of this thriving community.”
Sekisui House Strengthens Its Presence
Another key player, Sekisui House Australia, continues to shape the region with ongoing developments at The Orchards in Norwest and its SHAWOOD homes at The Gables.
Sekisui House’s Sales and Marketing Director, Craig Barnes, acknowledged the state’s housing pressures:
“New South Wales still faces a significant housing shortfall, but it’s inspiring to see more families discovering areas like The Hills—where modern living, natural surrounds, and community values truly come together.”
He added that the area’s outdoor lifestyle—complete with cycling tracks, wetlands, and scenic green corridors—makes it ideal for families who want both convenience and nature at their doorstep.
Families Embrace the Hills Lifestyle
For many residents, the Hills District represents the perfect blend of peaceful living and urban convenience. Shalini and Clement, future residents of SHAWOOD at The Gables, are relocating from Dubai and say the area instantly felt like home.
“We were drawn to the Hills because it’s so scenic and family-friendly,” Shalini said. “It’s relaxed, surrounded by greenery, and feels residential rather than overly commercial. Plus, having family nearby made the decision even easier.”
The couple shared their excitement about the growing local amenities, from new supermarkets and eateries to family-friendly entertainment options like The Vineyard.
“It’s amazing to see The Gables evolve,” Clement added. “There’s a masterplan in place that includes a new town centre, lakes, schools, childcare facilities, and fitness spaces—it’s clear there’s a lot of thought going into creating a well-rounded community.”
A Bright Future for the Hills
With its rapid population growth, strong infrastructure pipeline, and focus on sustainable, family-oriented living, The Hills District is fast becoming one of Sydney’s most dynamic and desirable regions. As new developments continue to take shape, the area’s balance of nature, connectivity, and community spirit cements its position as a true growth hotspot in Greater Sydney.
