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: