06 May 2025
Northern Beaches Rental Snapshot
April saw continued momentum across the Northern Beaches rental market, with Cunninghams leasing 37 properties for the month and 168 year-to-date—a notable increase on the same period last year (148 leased). Our average days on market remain low at just 6 days, down from 9 days in April 2024, a reflection of sustained demand and proactive leasing strategies.
In Manly, we’re seeing a resurgence in the unit market, particularly for quality properties priced between $1,000–$1,200 per week. These homes are attracting high enquiry volumes and multiple applications, marking a return in popularity for the premium beachside suburb. While Dee Why drew greater interest last year, Manly is bouncing back—likely fuelled by the return of professionals and lifestyle-driven renters who value its unique coastal appeal.
Upcoming Rental Reforms – What You Need to Know
New tenancy reforms are due to come into effect on 19 May, and our property management team will be attending two upcoming industry briefings hosted by REINSW and the Office of Fair Trading to ensure we’re across all legislative changes.
Key points raised by the Real Estate Institute of NSW include concerns over new pet legislation, which will permit tenants to keep up to four animals in a rental property. REINSW has flagged the potential impact on investor confidence, noting that such changes could exacerbate current supply constraints if landlords begin exiting the market.
REINSW is also calling for urgent additional funding for NCAT in anticipation of increased tenancy disputes once the reforms are in place. The upcoming Residential Tenancies Amendment Regulation 2025 will introduce changes to lease conditions, increased compliance penalties, and expanded data collection on tenancy outcomes. Without adequate resourcing, delays similar to those experienced interstate could impact dispute resolution timelines.
We’ll continue to keep you updated and will provide a detailed summary ahead of the 19 May commencement date.
Federal Election: Spotlight on Housing Policy
As we head towards the 2025 Federal Election, housing affordability and supply are again front and centre. Both major parties are putting forward proposals aimed at easing the pressure.
Labor’s commitments include a shared equity ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, expansion of the Housing Australia Future Fund, and broader access to low-deposit loans. The Coalition, on the other hand, is focused on mortgage interest tax deductions for new builds and allowing superannuation access for first-home buyers. Both sides support a temporary ban on foreign investment in existing dwellings.
While these demand-side measures may assist some buyers in the short term, experts and REINSW continue to stress that boosting housing supply and addressing planning bottlenecks are essential to making meaningful long-term change.
And finally…
Despite these upcoming reforms and broader policy discussions, there are no immediate changes for investors at this stage. As always, our team is here to support you through each shift in the market, ensuring your property is managed proactively, compliantly, and with your investment goals front of mind.
If you have any questions about the upcoming changes or your property strategy, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help.
