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: