New report links $1.02 trillion in transport projects to real estate opportunity across five states and territories
A joint report by Plenitude Wealth and Hotspotting has identified 10 Australian property markets positioned for capital growth, driven by what it describes as the country's largest sustained period of transport infrastructure investment.
The Roads to Riches Report catalogued 664 transport infrastructure projects each valued at more than $100 million — spanning planned, design, pre-construction and active construction phases — with a combined pipeline value of $1.02 trillion.
"Real estate that lies in the path of progress usually has superior rates of capital growth," said Andrew Courtney, founder of Plenitude Wealth. "The best strategy for investors chasing capital growth is to focus on markets where the spending on new infrastructure, particularly transport infrastructure, is growing."
Courtney (pictured right) said projects of this scale generate significant employment, producing what the report terms a "massive" effect on real estate demand in surrounding areas.
Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are identified as the states set to benefit most, accounting for nine of the 10 markets on the list.
NSW contributes four markets. Bankstown, in Sydney's south-west, is expected to benefit from an extended metro line, urban renewal activity and an influx of young professionals and families.
Parramatta and St Marys (Penrith LGA) represent two further western Sydney hotspots. Parramatta's growth case rests on both the metro project and the Parramatta light rail, reinforcing its role as Sydney's secondary CBD. St Marys is being redeveloped as a major transport interchange connecting trains, metro and bus services through an $11 billion infrastructure expansion that will link the suburb to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
Raymond Terrace, in the Port Stephens LGA, is set to benefit from the $2.1 billion Pacific Motorway extension, currently under construction and reportedly ahead of schedule, as well as proximity to employment hubs in the Newcastle area.
Three Queensland locations feature on the list. Woolloongabba in Brisbane is positioned alongside the $19.04 billion Cross River Rail project and has been flagged as a priority urban renewal precinct following the 2032 Olympic Games.
Logan Central is expected to gain from motorway and rail upgrades, while Mountain Creek on the Sunshine Coast is linked to The Wave, a $5.5 billion public transport programme.
Victoria accounts for two markets. Ballarat is described as an affordable option for investors, with rail and road upgrades including the $650 million Melton line and the West Gate Tunnel improving its connection to Melbourne.
Sunshine, in the Brimbank LGA, is the subject of a $4.1 billion redevelopment into a "transport super hub" integrating Melbourne Airport rail, the Metro Tunnel, regional services and future electric lines — placing it within 45 minutes of the CBD.
The sole Tasmanian entry is Bridgewater in greater Hobart, underpinned by the $786 million Bridgewater Bridge, which opened to traffic in 2025.
Terry Ryder (pictured right), founder of Hotspotting, said infrastructure spending was among the most consistent indicators of property market outperformance. "Investors seeking long-term growth are well advised to follow the infrastructure trail," he said.
"Many different types of infrastructure, such as hospitals or industrial estates can have a positive impact on real estate markets, but where transport infrastructure is superior is that it dramatically improves connectivity which makes suburbs more accessible and more attractive to renters and buyers."
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