The REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey results for April 2023 show that residential vacancies in Sydney remain at their lowest level since April 2011.

“In March 2023, vacancies dropped to just 1.3% – a rate we’ve not experienced for more than a decade,” REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said. “Over the last month, while rates have not suffered a further decline for Sydney overall, they’ve certainly not improved, remaining unchanged at 1.3% in April 2023.”

The drop in the rate for Sydney overall is a result of vacancies decreasing in the Outer Ring of Sydney.

“Sydney’s Outer Ring dropped to 1.3%, a decrease of 0.4% for the month,” Mr McKibbin said. “The Inner Ring rose slightly to 1.5% (+0.1%) and the Middle Ring increased to 1.2% (+0.4%).

“Yes, the survey shows that there has been some slight easing – but there is certainly no cause for celebration. Slight fluctuations are to be expected from month to month, but there’s no doubt that the rental crisis continues to maintain its grip on the market in NSW.”

Outside Sydney, vacancy rates rose slightly for the Hunter region, but dropped across the Illawarra.

“In the Hunter region, the vacancy rate increased by 0.3% to be 1.9%,” Mr McKibbin said. “The Illawarra region dropped to 1.5% (-0.3%).”

Vacancies also remain tight across most regional areas of New South Wales, with the Central West, Coffs Harbour, Orana and South Coast areas each recording drops. The Albury, Central Coast, Mid-North Coast, Murrumbidgee, New England, Northern Rivers and South East areas eased slightly.

“Month after month, the story remains the same – rental availability reduces, but rents continue to increase,” Mr McKibbin said. “It’s an extremely tough environment for everyone involved in the market – tenants, landlords and property managers.

“The Premier has acknowledged that supply is the problem and increasing it is the only solution – and the NSW Government can’t do it alone. Solving the crisis requires positive action from all three levels of government.”