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Balgowlah suburb profile

Balgowlah is a picturesque suburb located on Sydney's Northern Beaches, approximately 12km from the CBD. Known for its stunning coastal views and relaxed lifestyle, Balgowlah offers a mix of modern apartments and traditional family homes. The suburb is well-served by local amenities, including shopping centres, cafes, and parks, making it a convenient and desirable place to live. Its proximity to Manly Beach and the scenic Spit to Manly walk enhances its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. With a strong sense of community and excellent transport links, Balgowlah is a sought-after destination for families and professionals alike.

Balgowlah property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,266,250Past 3 months

Property growth+0.5%Past 12 months

Balgowlah’s property market has shown stability for houses, with no change in median house values over the past 12 months, maintaining a median price of $3.02 million. In contrast, unit values have grown by 3.1%, with the median price reaching $1.51 million, indicating healthy demand in the area.

Sales activity is robust, with 35 houses and 21 units sold in the past 12 months. The market momentum appears stronger for units, which have a median time on market of just 24 days compared to 35 days for houses, suggesting quicker transactions in the unit sector.

In the rental market, house rents have remained stable over the past year at $1,500 per week. However, unit rents have seen an increase of 5.6%, reaching an average of $845, aligning with the rising demand for units in Balgowlah.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.02M$1.51M
Change in value
Past 12 months
-2.1%3.1%
Sold
Past 3 months
3521
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3524
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1500$845
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A5.6%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Balgowlah demographics

Balgowlah, located in Sydney's Northern Beaches, is a charming suburb known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to both the city and the coast. With a population of 8,068, Balgowlah offers a serene lifestyle with easy access to Manly Beach and the bustling Sydney CBD. The median age of 41 reflects a mature community, with many families and long-term residents enjoying the suburb's peaceful ambiance and excellent amenities.

The suburb's housing market is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 34.8% of properties owned outright and 33.4% owned with a mortgage. This stability is complemented by a rental market that accounts for 31.8% of properties, providing options for those seeking flexibility. Balgowlah's family-oriented nature is evident, with 48.8% of households being couple families with children, and 36.3% being couple families without children, highlighting its appeal to both growing families and established couples.

Balgowlah's community is supported by a range of local amenities, including quality schools, parks, and shopping centers, making it an ideal location for families seeking a balanced lifestyle. The suburb's strong sense of community, combined with its natural beauty and convenient location, makes Balgowlah a highly desirable place to live for those looking to enjoy the best of Sydney's coastal and urban offerings.

Balgowlah infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Balgowlah continues to benefit from the presence of the modern Stockland Balgowlah shopping centre on Sydney Road, which provides a strong retail and services hub that underpins local amenity and supports steady buyer demand.[2] Convenient bus connections along Sydney Road and access to the Manly ferry for CBD commuting remain key drawcards, enhancing the suburb’s attractiveness for professionals and families seeking good connectivity without direct train access.[2][3]

Local schools with solid reputations, along with ample parks and green spaces, continue to support strong family appeal and underpin demand for houses and larger apartments.[2] There are currently no widely publicised major new infrastructure or planning changes specific to Balgowlah beyond incremental retail and transport improvements, so market performance is more likely to be driven by its established amenities, proximity to the harbour and Northern Beaches, and ongoing upgrade activity in surrounding suburbs.

Balgowlah rental market trends

The rental market in Balgowlah remains steady, with house rents holding firm at $1,500 per week over the past year. Unit rents, however, have increased by 5.6%, reaching $845 per week. With its desirable location and high demand, Balgowlah continues to offer stable rental opportunities for both investors and residents.

Suburbs near Balgowlah

Some popular suburbs near Balgowlah include:

How does Balgowlah compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Balgowlah’s median house price is 27.7% lower than Fairlight’s.
  • Median unit prices: Balgowlah’s median unit price is 64.0% higher than Manly Vale’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Balgowlah have grown 0.5% higher than in Balgowlah Heights.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Fairlight have risen 13.6% more than in Balgowlah over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Balgowlah are selling 5.4% faster than in Fairlight.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Balgowlah are selling 38.5% faster than in Fairlight.
  • Investment considerations: In Balgowlah, the rental yield for house is 66.1% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 8.6% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Balgowlah have grown 66.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Balgowlah have grown 50.2% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Balgowlah

  • Is Balgowlah a nice place to live?

    Balgowlah is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of coastal charm and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled on Sydney's Northern Beaches, it provides a serene and picturesque setting that appeals to those who appreciate a relaxed lifestyle. The suburb is known for its welcoming community vibe, where families find a supportive environment with excellent schools and ample green spaces. The proximity to Manly Beach and the scenic Spit to Manly walk makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

    Living in Balgowlah means having easy access to a range of amenities, including shopping centres, cafes, and parks, which cater to daily needs and leisure activities. The suburb's strategic location offers convenient connectivity to the Sydney CBD, making it an attractive choice for professionals who desire a coastal lifestyle without sacrificing urban accessibility. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal for families seeking a secure and peaceful environment.

    However, living in Balgowlah does come with some trade-offs. The absence of direct train access means reliance on buses and ferries for commuting, which might not suit everyone. Additionally, the desirability of the area can lead to competitive property markets, which may pose challenges for those looking to enter the housing market. Despite these considerations, Balgowlah's charming atmosphere, strong community spirit, and proximity to both the city and the coast make it a highly appealing suburb for families and individuals alike.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Balgowlah?

    Living in Balgowlah, a charming suburb nestled in Sydney's Northern Beaches, comes with a hefty price tag. The current median house price is a staggering $3,020,000, while units are more affordable but still pricey at $1,512,500. If you're considering renting, expect to pay around $1,500 per week for a house or $845 for a unit. These figures highlight the high cost of housing in Balgowlah, which is significantly above the Sydney average.

    When comparing wages, the average individual income in Balgowlah is approximately $95,000 per year, which is higher than the average in Sydney. However, even with a relatively high income, the substantial property prices and rental costs in Balgowlah mean that a significant portion of your earnings would go towards housing. This makes living in Balgowlah quite expensive, especially when compared to other Sydney suburbs where property prices and rents might be more in line with average incomes.

    Despite the high cost of living, Balgowlah offers a desirable lifestyle with its proximity to beautiful beaches, parks, and a vibrant community atmosphere. If you're thinking of living in Balgowlah, it's essential to consider your financial situation and whether it aligns with the expenses associated with this sought-after suburb.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Balgowlah a good place to invest?

    Balgowlah presents an interesting opportunity for investors, especially those considering units. Over the past year, the median unit value in Balgowlah has increased by 3.1%, while unit rents have risen by 5.6%. This suggests a growing demand for units, likely driven by the suburb's appealing lifestyle and proximity to the beach and city. The steady rise in unit rents indicates a strong rental market, which is attractive for investors seeking reliable rental income.

    While the median house value and rent have remained stable over the past year, this stability can be seen as a positive in a fluctuating market. Balgowlah's desirable location, with its easy access to Manly and the Northern Beaches, makes it a sought-after area for families and professionals. This consistent demand helps maintain property values, providing a level of security for investors.

    Overall, Balgowlah offers a balanced investment opportunity. The suburb's strong rental market for units and its stable house prices make it a solid choice for those looking to invest in a well-established area with a mix of growth potential and steady returns. Whether you're interested in units or houses, Balgowlah's appeal and location make it a worthwhile consideration for property investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Balgowlah

Choosing the right real estate agent in Balgowlah can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 73 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 34.3% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.88% to 2.46%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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