Westfield: The Lifestyle Powerhouse Driving Property Demand
Westfield isn’t just a shopping centre operator; it’s a lifestyle brand woven into the fabric of Australia’s suburbs. Our Area Hotlist data reveals that Westfield centres dominate local amenity rankings: across 29 Westfield locations used in our study, 13 hold the #1 position and 8 another #2. The average rank across all Westfield centres is just 3.6, reflecting how consistently agents and buyers see these malls as top lifestyle anchors. Westfield’s footprint is wide. In other words, wherever Australians live, there’s usually a Westfield nearby.
This prominence isn’t accidental. At Westfield Kotara in Newcastle, the centre sits at the top of the local lifestyle hotlist, ahead of beaches and parks. In Brisbane’s north, Westfield Chermside is billed as one of Australia’s largest retail centres and holds the #1 spot in its catchment. From Perth to Sydney, Westfield malls routinely outrank competing amenities because they deliver a complete experience – retail, dining, cinema and community events under one roof.
What makes Westfield so appealing to buyers and renters? The answer lies in convenience and brand trust. Each centre offers a curated mix of national brands and local favourites, alongside supermarkets, pharmacies and services. Many feature rooftop dining precincts, children’s play zones and modern design. For a prospective resident, being near a Westfield means everyday chores are effortless and social time is enjoyable. Agents leverage this by mentioning the centre early in their listings, knowing that it conjures an aspirational lifestyle.
Yet there is still untapped potential. Our research shows that fewer than five per cent of rental listings include photos of local amenities, and only around half of for‑sale listings feature lifestyle images. The main obstacle is cost – property managers rarely commission professional photos of nearby landmarks. Suburbtrends can change that by partnering with sponsors to create a library of high‑quality images for agents to use. Providing polished photos not only enriches property marketing but also turns every listing into a free billboard for your centre.
The stakes are high. Around 90 per cent of new movers are open to trying new brands, and 85 per cent will go with the first business that reaches out. Early engagement can make a household up to five times more likely to become a loyal customer. By ensuring that your centre features prominently in property listings and following up with welcome campaigns, Westfield can cement its role as the heart of the community and drive long‑term foot traffic.
Below is our Westfield hotlist, showing where each centre ranks in its local market. Each entry links to the Area Hotlist for that suburb, so you can explore the broader context and see how you stack up against other lifestyle anchors.