Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Balmain

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

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

Current median dwelling price$2,185,000Past 3 months

Property growth+7.8%Past 12 months

Balmain's property market has shown stability and growth over the past 12 months. While the median house price has remained steady at $2.97 million, unit values have surged by 17.8%, bringing the median unit price to $1.4 million. This indicates a strong demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 29 houses and 15 units sold in the past three months. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 42 days on the market, compared to 68 days for units, suggesting a more competitive market for houses.

The rental market in Balmain has seen modest increases, with house rents rising by 4.5% and unit rents by 3% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $1,150, while units average $750, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.97M$1.40M
Change in value
Past 12 months
-2.1%17.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
2915
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4268
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1150$750
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.5%3.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

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 experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing 4.5% over the past year to $1,150 per week, while unit rents have risen 3.0% to $750 per week. Balmain continues to attract renters and investors with its charming village atmosphere, proximity to the city, and strong community vibe, making it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced urban lifestyle.

Suburbs near Balmain

Some popular suburbs near Balmain include:

How does Balmain compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Balmain’s median house price is 31.7% higher than Rozelle’s.
  • Median unit prices: Balmain’s median unit price is 16.7% higher than Rozelle’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Balmain have grown 0.1% higher than in Rozelle.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Balmain have grown 26.4% higher than in Rozelle.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Balmain are selling 46.8% faster than in Drummoyne.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Balmain are selling 26.9% faster than in Drummoyne.
  • Investment considerations: In Balmain, the rental yield for house is 31.7% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 0.7% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Balmain have grown 34.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Balmain have grown 58.1% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

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.

    Down Pointer
  • 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.
    Down Pointer
  • 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.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Balmain

Currently, there are 63 real estate agents working in Balmain—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 63 agents sold 33.7% of all properties in Balmain over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Balmain typically charge a commission of 1.66% to 2.15%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.