Around 2017–2018, growth stalls and dips modestly after APRA’s investor growth cap (2014) and interest‑only cap (2017), which is the effect you’re asking about.
Melrose Park’s transformation from an industrial precinct into a residential and mixed-use community has been a strategically significant shift for Sydney’s urban future. Historically, the area was home to pharmaceutical and light-industrial operations, but over time these industries declined, consolidated elsewhere, or simply outgrew the outdated warehouses and fragmented road layout. Keeping the land zoned industrial would have meant under-utilising a large, strategically located pocket of Sydney at a time when housing demand is at critical levels. Redeveloping Melrose Park allows Sydney to introduce thousands of new homes in an inner-suburban area without pushing growth further to the city’s outskirts. With capacity for around 10,000–11,000 dwellings, plus retail, open space, a new high school and community facilities, the precinct is envisioned as a self-contained, modern neighbourhood with liveability at its core. Instead of being an isolated residential pocket, Melrose Park is being planned as a walkable, amenity-rich town centre where green spaces, urban parks, and mixed-use buildings form a cohesive and sustainable environment. Its location is one of its strongest advantages. Positioned on the Parramatta River, the suburb sits almost exactly halfway between Sydney CBD and Parramatta CBD, making it highly attractive for commuters who want balance, convenience and lifestyle. It is minutes from major employment hubs, established transport corridors like Victoria Road, and future connections that will further integrate the precinct into Sydney’s broader network. The land parcel is also unusually large and contiguous for an inner-suburban area, enabling a full masterplan rather than piecemeal development. Overall, the shift from industrial to residential in Melrose Park wasn’t just a rezoning exercise; it was a strategic realignment of land use to meet Sydney’s changing economic, demographic, and lifestyle needs. Its prime location ensures the precinct will continue to attract demand, support growth, and deliver long-term value for residents and investors alike.
APRA has been explicit that the DTI cap is a financial‑stability tool, but it is deliberately designed not to choke off finance for new housing supply