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Balmain suburb profile

Balmain is a historic and picturesque suburb located on the Balmain Peninsula, just 6km west of Sydney's CBD. Known for its charming heritage architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant community, Balmain offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern living. The suburb is famous for its lively dining scene, with an array of cafes, pubs, and restaurants that cater to diverse tastes. Balmain's waterfront parks and scenic views of Sydney Harbour add to its appeal, making it a sought-after location for families, professionals, and creatives. Its proximity to the city and strong community spirit make Balmain a desirable place to call home.

Balmain property market performance

Balmain's property market has shown stability and growth over the past 12 months. House values have remained steady with no change, maintaining a median price of $2.35 million. In contrast, unit values have seen a notable increase of 9.3%, bringing the median unit price to $1.49 million, indicating a rising demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 29 houses and 12 units sold over the last 12 months. Both houses and units have a median time on market of 46 days, suggesting a balanced demand across property types.

The rental market in Balmain has been relatively stable, with house rents remaining unchanged and unit rents experiencing a slight increase of 1.3% over the past year. The average rent for houses is $958, while units average $800, reflecting consistent rental demand.

Median price - houses$2.35MPast 3 months

Median price - units$1.49MPast 3 months

Change in value - houses-1.5%12 months

Change in value - units9.3%12 months

Houses sold29Past 3 months

Units sold12Past 3 months

Median DOM - houses46Past 12 months

Median DOM - units45.5Past 12 months

Average rent - houses$958Past 12 months

Average rent - units$800Past 12 months

Change in rent - houses-3.8%Past 12 months

Change in rent - units1.3%Past 12 months

Balmain demographics

Balmain, a charming suburb located in Sydney's Inner West, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant community, and picturesque waterfront views. With a population of 10,454, Balmain offers a blend of urban convenience and a relaxed village atmosphere. The median age of 42 suggests a mature community, with many families and professionals choosing to call this suburb home. Its proximity to the Sydney CBD, coupled with its unique character, makes it a desirable location for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (29.1%) or with a mortgage (28.7%), reflecting a stable and established community. However, renting remains a popular option, with 42.2% of properties being rented, catering to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area. Balmain's family-friendly environment is evident, with 42.6% of households being couple families with children, while 43.4% are couple families without children, highlighting its appeal to both growing families and couples.

Balmain's vibrant community is complemented by its bustling cafes, boutique shops, and lively markets, offering residents a rich cultural experience. The suburb's strong sense of community, combined with its historical charm and modern amenities, makes it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy a high quality of life in one of Sydney's most iconic suburbs.

Balmain infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Balmain is experiencing revitalization efforts along Darling Street, with boutique shops, quality restaurants and cafes enhancing the commercial district, which could increase foot traffic and boost property values in the vicinity. The 2021 relocation of NSW Water Police headquarters to Cameron Cove represents significant government investment in the area that may have positive spillover effects on nearby residential properties. The suburb's historic buildings, including the Post Office, Court House, Balmain Town Hall, and historic Westpac Bank, provide unique character that continues to attract residents and visitors alike.

With a population of 10,454 as of 2021 and a high proportion of professionals (the predominant occupation), Balmain maintains strong appeal for high-income earners, supporting the robust median house price of $2,650,000. The suburb features a diverse housing mix with 37.6% flats/apartments and 39.9% semi-detached terraced houses or townhouses, offering varied options for potential buyers. Balmain's established infrastructure, historic charm, and proximity to Sydney's CBD continue to underpin its desirability in the property market.

Balmain rental market trends

The rental market in Balmain has remained stable, with house rents holding steady at $958 per week over the past year, while unit rents have seen a modest increase of 1.3% to $800 per week. Balmain continues to be an attractive suburb for renters seeking a vibrant community with a rich history and proximity to Sydney's CBD.

Suburbs near Balmain

Some popular suburbs near Balmain include:

Common questions about Balmain

  • Is Balmain a nice place to live?

    Balmain is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled on the Balmain Peninsula, this suburb is known for its vibrant community and picturesque views of Sydney Harbour. The charming streets are lined with heritage architecture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that appeals to families, professionals, and creatives alike. With its lively dining scene, residents can enjoy a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants that cater to diverse tastes, adding to the suburb's vibrant vibe.

    Living in Balmain comes with the advantage of being close to Sydney's CBD, providing easy access to the city's amenities while maintaining a relaxed village feel. The suburb is well-equipped with local amenities, including boutique shops and lively markets, ensuring that residents have everything they need within reach. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly environment. However, the trade-off for living in such a desirable location is the high property prices, which reflect its popularity and proximity to the city.

    For families, Balmain offers a strong sense of community and access to quality schools, making it an appealing choice for those looking to settle down. The suburb's waterfront parks and green spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. While Balmain may lack the nightlife of more urban areas, its cultural richness and community spirit more than make up for it. Ultimately, Balmain is a charming and vibrant suburb that offers a high quality of life for those who appreciate a blend of history, community, and modern living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Balmain?

    Living in Balmain can be quite pricey, especially when compared to other areas in Sydney. The median house price is currently around $2,345,000, while units are priced at about $1,485,000. These figures are significantly higher than many other suburbs, reflecting Balmain's desirability and proximity to Sydney's city center. Renting isn't exactly cheap either, with the average rent for houses sitting at $958 per week and units at $800 per week.

    When you consider the average wage in Sydney, which is approximately $65,000 per year, the cost of living in Balmain can take a considerable chunk out of one's income. In contrast, the median total household income in Balmain is $3,039 per week, suggesting that residents generally earn more than the average Sydneysider. This higher income level is necessary to comfortably afford the housing prices and rental costs in the area.

    Overall, if you're thinking of living in Balmain, it's important to weigh the costs against the benefits of residing in such a vibrant and well-located suburb. While it offers a charming lifestyle with its waterfront views and bustling community, the expense of living here is something to seriously consider.

    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 Balmain a good place to invest?

    Balmain presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in units. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in Balmain has increased by 9.3%, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth in this segment. This uptick suggests that units in Balmain are becoming increasingly desirable, possibly due to their affordability compared to houses and the lifestyle benefits the suburb offers.

    While the median house value and rent for houses have remained stable, this stability can be seen as a sign of resilience in the housing market. Balmain's charm lies in its vibrant community, historic architecture, and proximity to the Sydney CBD, making it a sought-after location for both renters and buyers. The slight increase in unit rents also points to a steady rental market, which can be appealing for investors seeking consistent rental income.

    Overall, Balmain's unique blend of historical appeal, lifestyle amenities, and proximity to the city make it a compelling choice for investment, especially in the unit market. The recent growth in unit values suggests a promising trend for future appreciation, making Balmain a suburb worth considering for those looking to invest in Sydney's real estate market.

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