I’ve lived in the Hills District my whole life, and I’ve spent more than 23 years working in the Sydney property market. So when people ask me what the Hills is really like, or whether now’s a good time to buy or sell here, I don’t just answer as an agent. I answer as someone who calls this place home.
How the Hills has changed
The Hills I grew up in looks very different today. Farmland has become new suburbs like Kellyville, Rouse Hill and Box Hill. The M2 and the Metro have put the city within easy reach, and Castle Hill has grown into a major centre in its own right.
That growth has brought more families, better transport and more choice. It’s also made the Hills one of the most sought-after parts of Sydney to live in.
What hasn’t changed
For all the change, the things that make the Hills special are still here. Drive out through Dural, Kenthurst, Glenorie or Galston and you’ll still find acreage, quiet roads, bushland and a real sense of space. People still know their neighbours. Families stay for generations, and kids who grew up here come back to raise their own families.
That mix of country feel and city convenience is rare in Sydney, and I think it’s why the Hills holds its value so well.
What I’ve learned in property
My career has covered a lot of ground: property development, corporate acquisitions, project marketing, residential and commercial sales, leasing and development approvals. I’ve worked on transactions from $8 million to $80 million. But whether it’s a major development site or a family home, a few things always hold true:
- Know the land. In the Hills, value often comes down to the details: zoning, access, the lie of the land, what can be built and what buyers will pay for.
- Know the buyer. The right campaign starts with understanding who will pay the most for a property and why.
- Give honest advice. Telling people what they want to hear might win a listing, but it doesn’t get the best result. Straight advice does.
Why Guardian is different
Guardian has been part of the Hills since 1973. In more than 50 years, we’ve been involved in over 8,000 property transactions, and today our team of more than 25 people works across sales, leasing and property management from our office in Dural.
We’re a local business through and through. Our property managers have been with us for years, which means landlords and tenants deal with people who know them and know their property. At the same time, we’ve invested heavily in the latest technology, so our clients get the best of both: local knowledge and modern service.
My advice if you’re thinking of a move
- If you’re selling, get advice early. A few months of planning can make a real difference to the result.
- If you’re buying, look beyond the house to the land, the street and what the area will look like in ten years.
- If you’re investing, think long term. The Hills has rewarded patient owners for decades.
- Whatever you’re doing, work with people who know the area and will tell you the truth.
Let’s have a chat
If you’re thinking about buying, selling or leasing in the Hills District, I’d be happy to have a chat, with no pressure and no obligation. You can read more about me here or get in touch with the team.
Stephen Giacomelli
Director, Guardian Realty