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Balmain suburb profile

Balmain is a charming and historic suburb located on the Balmain Peninsula, just 6km west of Sydney's CBD. Known for its rich maritime history and heritage-listed buildings, Balmain offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern living. The suburb is famous for its vibrant village atmosphere, with a plethora of cafes, pubs, and boutique shops lining Darling Street. Balmain's waterfront parks and scenic views of Sydney Harbour make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. With excellent public transport links, including ferry services, Balmain is a sought-after location for professionals and families seeking a lively yet relaxed lifestyle.

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 $2.39 million. In contrast, unit values have increased by 6.1%, bringing the median unit price to $2.25 million, indicating a rising demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been active, with 52 houses and 27 units sold in the past three months. Houses are selling slightly faster than units, with a median of 44 days on the market compared to 51 days for units, suggesting a balanced demand across both property types.

The rental market in Balmain has seen minimal changes over the last 12 months. House rents have remained unchanged, averaging $995, while unit rents have increased by 2.6%, reaching an average of $800, reflecting a modest demand for rental units.

Median price - houses$2.40MPast 3 months

Median price - units$1.87MPast 3 months

Change in value - houses-2.6%12 months

Change in value - units8.9%12 months

Houses sold41Past 3 months

Units sold22Past 3 months

Median DOM - houses45Past 12 months

Median DOM - units51Past 12 months

Average rent - houses$975Past 12 months

Average rent - units$800Past 12 months

Change in rent - houses-2.0%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 unique blend of urban convenience and village-like charm. The median age of 42 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's relaxed yet sophisticated lifestyle. The area is popular among families, with 42.6% of households being couple families with children, and 43.4% being couple families without children, reflecting its appeal to both growing families and established couples.

Housing in Balmain is characterized by a mix of ownership and rental options. A significant portion of properties, 29.1%, are owned outright, indicating a stable and established community. Meanwhile, 28.7% of properties are owned with a mortgage, and 42.2% are rented, highlighting the suburb's appeal to both long-term residents and those seeking rental opportunities. The high median household income of $3,039 per week underscores the area's affluence and desirability.

Balmain's rich cultural heritage, coupled with its proximity to Sydney's CBD, makes it a sought-after location for professionals and families alike. The suburb is well-served by public transport, boutique shops, cafes, and parks, offering a balanced lifestyle that combines the best of city living with a close-knit community feel. Its historic architecture and vibrant local events further enhance Balmain's reputation as a desirable place to live, attracting those who appreciate both its history and modern amenities.

Balmain infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Balmain is undergoing several developments that may impact its property market. The $1 billion redevelopment of the former Balmain Tigers site on Darling Street is set to create a new mixed-use precinct with retail, residential and community spaces by 2026. This major project is expected to revitalize the area and potentially boost property values. Additionally, upgrades to local schools like Balmain Public School are enhancing education facilities to meet growing demand.

Transport improvements include the planned Balmain East ferry wharf upgrade and ongoing work on the WestConnex motorway, which may improve connectivity to the CBD. Balmain's heritage charm, waterfront location and proximity to the city continue to underpin strong property demand. While no major infrastructure projects are currently underway within Balmain itself, these surrounding developments are likely to sustain the suburb's desirability and property market in the coming years.

Balmain rental market trends

The rental market in Balmain has remained relatively stable, with house rents holding steady at $995 per week over the past year, while unit rents have experienced a modest increase of 2.6% to $800 per week. Balmain continues to be a desirable location, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, appealing to both renters and investors.

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 spirit and picturesque waterfront views. The area exudes a lively yet relaxed vibe, with its bustling village atmosphere and a plethora of cafes, pubs, and boutique shops that line the streets. Families will find Balmain particularly appealing due to its strong community feel and excellent amenities, including parks and green spaces that provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Balmain, as it maintains a welcoming and secure environment for its residents. The suburb is well-connected to Sydney's CBD, making it an attractive choice for professionals who appreciate the convenience of public transport options, including ferry services. While Balmain offers a fantastic lifestyle, it's important to consider that the demand for property in this sought-after location can lead to higher housing costs. Additionally, the ongoing developments in and around the suburb may bring some changes, but they are likely to enhance the area's appeal further.

    For families, Balmain provides a supportive environment with access to good schools and a range of recreational activities. The suburb's rich cultural heritage and community events add to its charm, making it a desirable place for those who value both history and modern amenities. While the trade-offs may include higher property prices and potential changes due to development, the overall lifestyle and community spirit make Balmain a truly nice place to live for families and individuals alike.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Balmain?

    Living in Balmain is undeniably on the pricier side, especially when compared to other Sydney suburbs. The median house price in Balmain is a staggering $2,395,000, while units aren't much cheaper at $2,250,000. This places Balmain well above the average property prices in Sydney, highlighting its status as a premium location.

    When it comes to renting, the costs are also steep. The average rent for houses is about $995 per week, and for units, it's around $800 per week. These figures suggest that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated to housing expenses if you're considering living in Balmain.

    Comparing these costs to the average wage in Sydney, which is approximately $108,000 per year, it's clear that Balmain's high property prices and rental rates could be challenging for those earning an average salary. However, the suburb offers a charming lifestyle with its waterfront views, vibrant community, and proximity to the city, which might justify the expense for some. If you're thinking of living in Balmain, it's crucial to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the costs associated with this desirable 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 Balmain a good place to invest?

    Balmain presents an interesting opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in units. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in Balmain has increased by 6.1%, indicating a strong demand for this type of property. This growth suggests that units in Balmain are becoming more desirable, possibly due to their affordability compared to houses and the lifestyle the suburb offers.

    While the median house value and rent for houses have remained stable over the past year, this stability can be appealing for investors seeking a low-risk investment. The suburb's charm, with its historic architecture and proximity to the Sydney CBD, continues to attract both renters and buyers. The slight increase in unit rents by 2.6% also points to a healthy rental market, making units a potentially lucrative investment for those looking to capitalize on rental income.

    Overall, Balmain offers a balanced investment landscape. The steady house market provides security, while the growing unit market offers potential for capital growth. With its vibrant community, waterfront views, and easy access to the city, Balmain remains a desirable location that can appeal to a wide range of tenants and buyers, making it a promising choice for property investors.

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