Sydney’s CBD Living Boom: The Rise of Urban Apartments and Luxury Views

Sydney’s skyline is changing, and it’s not just new office towers defining the transformation. Inner-city living has become a lifestyle choice for many, with Sydney CBD apartments offering unparalleled convenience and breathtaking views.

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Most big cities around the world have featured a large residential population right in the heart of their central business district, but for Sydney, inner-city living is a relatively new ideology. 

That said, we have caught on fast, and the market for residential apartments right in the heart of all the action has grown considerably. In fact, buildings that were once office towers are being knocked down to allow more customised residential high-rises to take their place. 

Some people, even those who work in the city, can’t wait to leave the hustle and bustle and head out home to the quiet, leafy suburbs. Others are choosing a complete lifestyle overhaul in the bush or by the sea, but there are many who are tantalised by the notion of being an elevator ride away from buzzing cafes, bars, nightclubs, theatres, restaurants, and the beautiful glistening waters of Sydney Harbour. 

Lifestyle and convenience are the two main incentives for wanting an apartment in the CBD. If you look at the price of properties here, you’ll quickly learn that those things, aka location, play a big role. However, there’s one other thing that will significantly inflate the ultimate mortgage — the view. 

The big ticket property sales feature apartments way up in the clouds that have breathtaking views. In fact, when you look at the listing images, you’ll realise that in some cases, a magnificent view has come at the price of square metres and some other luxuries. 

Nevertheless, it seems plenty of cashed-up punters are happy to pay for a view. 

Here are two Sydney CBD apartments that were sold this year. 

71A/88 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

$17,200,000

Sold on 19 Aug 2024

4 🛏️ 3 🛁 2 🚙  218m sq

This is the first apartment to come to market after the completion of the much-lauded Barangaroo building. It features views across the city from every room. 

The fixtures and finishings have been curated by international designers and are of the highest order. There’s a marble kitchen, polished hardwood floors, glass walls, and zoned air-con among many more features. It is also quite spacious.  

801/71 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

$16,000,000

Sold on 23 Feb 2024

3 🛏️ 2 🛁 2 🚙

This apartment is in the distinctive Opera Residences building on Bennelong Point. It is a sub-penthouse and offers views across to the Sydney Opera House, Bridge and harbour, Botanical Gardens and Circular Quay. Well-appointed with finishings including Italian marble, travertine, and Herringbone floors, it boasts a gourmet kitchen with copper inlays and marble surrounds. 

The listing images show off the views but also betray some limited space in the bedrooms and other parts of the apartment.