Sydney waterfront property commands the highest price premium globally at 118%

Waterfront property in Sydney commands the highest price premium out of eight global cities analysed in Knight Frank’s 2023 Waterfront Homes report.

The city has retained the top spot in Knight Frank’s Global Waterfront Index from last year, with a waterfront property generating a 118% premium on average in 2023, down only marginally from 121% in 2022.

The Global Waterfront Index measures the potential value uplift for prime homes on the water’s edge or absolute waterfront, compared with similar properties located further inland without access to, or a view of, water.

Sydney’s waterfront premium is more than double the city, sitting in second place in this year’s rankings, with a waterfront home in Auckland commanding a 58% premium.

European destinations, including Monaco (42%), Cap D’Antibes (40%) and Paris (38%) complete the top five.

Geneva (35%) comes in next, followed by Vienna (15%) and Hong Kong (12%).

The average premium of waterfront property across the eight global markets was 45%.

When it comes to the type of waterfront, the Knight Frank research found beachfront homes have the biggest uplift overall and have extended their lead since last year, with these homes enjoying a 76% premium, up from 63% in 2022.

Harbour homes were next, commanding a 61% premium, followed by riverside (39%), coastal (36%) and lake (35%).

Premiums for riverside locations have swelled over the past 12 months, rising from 29% to 39%.

Knight Frank Head of Residential Research Michelle Ciesielski said the scale of the uplift in waterfront premiums was attributable to supply and demand, with demand well outstripping supply.