NSW government to reshape commercial property landscape.

The NSW Government has earmarked $30.8 billion for infrastructure investment aimed at creating new business hubs beyond traditional CBDs. According to Ray White Group Head of Research Vanessa Rader, the substantial infrastructure commitment outlined in the recent budget will establish new commercial nodes throughout Western Sydney, changing how and where commercial development occurs.

"The government is actively repositioning commercial value away from traditional business centres," Ms Rader said. "Transport investment, health and education infrastructure, and innovation precincts will redefine where and how commercial property is developed."

The investment includes a $5.5 billion roads package and $123.6 million for Aerotropolis development, which will redirect commercial demand toward transport-oriented and mixed-use precincts across the region. Innovation and technology sectors receive significant attention with $79.2 million allocated for an Innovation Blueprint and $38.5 million for the Tech Central Hub, designed to attract knowledge-based industries requiring flexible, technology-enabled spaces.

A newly established Investment Delivery Authority will expedite non-residential projects valued over $1 billion, potentially unlocking up to $50 billion in commercial investment annually. Perhaps the most innovative measure is the $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee, the first of its kind in Australia.

The scheme will see the state guarantee pre-sales on up to 5,000 apartments, helping developers secure financing to build an estimated 15,000 homes over a five-year period. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey described the guarantee as "a canny use of our state's balance sheet" designed to overcome feasibility challenges that have stalled construction projects throughout NSW.

"Industry can spend less time and resources having to convince their banks that there are buyers of these apartments and more time building them," Mr Mookhey said. Ms Rader said it was increasingly important to have creative and mixed-use commercial formats, supported by $586.2 million in creative economy funding. The pre-sale guarantee also has potential to activate integrated developments that combine residential and commercial spaces.

The budget further commits $12.4 billion to health infrastructure and $10.4 billion to education facilities, which are expected to generate stable commercial demand near new precincts in Bankstown, Westmead, Rouse Hill and Wollongong.

These growth initiatives come alongside a $9.4 billion reduction in state debt, enhancing fiscal confidence for long-term investors. Treasury now projects a return to budget surplus by 2027-28, though the treasurer cautioned that "a lot needs to go right for us."