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Balmain East suburb profile

Balmain East is a picturesque suburb located on the Balmain Peninsula, just 3km west of Sydney's CBD. Known for its stunning waterfront views and historic charm, Balmain East offers a tranquil yet vibrant lifestyle. The suburb features a mix of heritage-listed cottages and modern residences, reflecting its rich history and contemporary appeal. Residents enjoy easy access to the city via ferry services, as well as a variety of local cafes, parks, and boutique shops. With its close-knit community and scenic surroundings, Balmain East is a sought-after destination for those seeking a peaceful urban retreat.

Balmain East property market performance

Balmain East's property market has shown stability and significant growth in different sectors over the past 12 months. The median house price has remained steady at $2.81 million, while unit values have surged by 41.4%, reaching a median price of $941,100. This indicates a strong demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been limited, with only 7 houses and 5 units sold in the past 12 months. However, units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 21 days on the market compared to 41 days for houses, suggesting a quicker turnover in the unit market.

The rental market in Balmain East has remained unchanged over the last 12 months, with average rents for houses at $990 and units at $700, indicating stable rental demand in the suburb.

Median price - houses$2.81MPast 3 months

Median price - units$941KPast 3 months

Change in value - houses-14.3%12 months

Change in value - units41.4%12 months

Houses sold7Past 3 months

Units sold3Past 3 months

Median DOM - houses41Past 12 months

Median DOM - units21Past 12 months

Average rent - houses$950Past 12 months

Average rent - units$700Past 12 months

Change in rent - houses-26.9%Past 12 months

Change in rent - units-6.7%Past 12 months

Balmain East demographics

Balmain East, a charming suburb located on the Balmain Peninsula in Sydney, is renowned for its picturesque waterfront views and historic charm. With a population of 1,900, it offers a tranquil yet vibrant community atmosphere. The median age of 46 suggests a mature population, with many residents likely enjoying the suburb's peaceful environment and proximity to the city. The area is popular among families, with 38% of households being couple families with children, and 51.5% being couple families without children, indicating a strong family-oriented community.

The suburb's housing market reflects a mix of stability and flexibility, with 34.7% of properties owned outright and 24.1% owned with a mortgage. This suggests a significant number of long-term residents who have invested in the area. Meanwhile, 41.2% of properties are rented, appealing to those seeking the flexibility of renting while enjoying the suburb's unique lifestyle. The high median household income of $3,020 per week indicates a relatively affluent community, likely drawn to Balmain East's blend of heritage architecture, leafy streets, and convenient ferry access to Sydney's CBD.

Balmain East's appeal lies in its balance of historic charm and modern convenience. The suburb's rich history is evident in its well-preserved Victorian-era homes and local landmarks, while its vibrant community life is supported by a range of cafes, parks, and cultural events. For those seeking a serene yet connected lifestyle, Balmain East offers an ideal setting, combining the best of Sydney's urban and suburban living.

Balmain East infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Balmain East is experiencing some notable developments that could impact its property market. The ongoing redevelopment of the former Balmain Leagues Club site on Victoria Road, while technically in Rozelle, is set to bring new retail, residential, and community spaces to the area, potentially increasing foot traffic and amenities for nearby Balmain East residents. Additionally, upgrades to the Balmain East ferry wharf have improved public transport connections to the CBD, enhancing the suburb's appeal for commuters.

The Inner West Council has also been focusing on improving local parks and public spaces in the area, with recent upgrades to Illoura Reserve enhancing waterfront access and recreational facilities. These improvements, combined with Balmain East's heritage charm, waterfront location, and proximity to the CBD, continue to make it an attractive suburb for buyers and investors. However, limited new development opportunities within Balmain East itself mean that property values are likely to remain stable, supported by the area's desirable attributes and ongoing improvements to surrounding infrastructure.

Balmain East rental market trends

The rental market in Balmain East has remained stable over the past year, with house rents holding steady at $990 per week and unit rents unchanged at $700 per week. This stability reflects a balanced demand and supply dynamic, making Balmain East an attractive option for renters seeking a consistent and reliable rental environment in a picturesque harborside suburb.

Suburbs near Balmain East

Some popular suburbs near Balmain East include:

Common questions about Balmain East

  • Is Balmain East a nice place to live?

    Balmain East is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of tranquility and vibrancy, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled on the Balmain Peninsula, it boasts a charming atmosphere with its mix of heritage architecture and modern residences. The suburb is known for its serene waterfront views and a strong sense of community, making it especially appealing to families. With its close proximity to Sydney's CBD, residents enjoy the convenience of easy access to the city, particularly via the efficient ferry services.

    Living in Balmain East means being part of a close-knit community that values both its rich history and contemporary lifestyle. The suburb is dotted with boutique shops, inviting cafes, and lush parks, providing plenty of opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly appeal. However, the trade-off for this idyllic setting is the limited availability of new development opportunities, which can make property prices relatively high and competitive.

    For families, Balmain East offers a nurturing environment with access to quality schools and a variety of recreational activities. While it may not have the bustling nightlife of inner-city suburbs, its peaceful streets and community events create a welcoming atmosphere for residents of all ages. Ultimately, Balmain East is a fantastic choice for those seeking a serene yet connected lifestyle, where the charm of historic surroundings meets the convenience of urban living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Balmain East?

    Living in Balmain East can be quite expensive, reflecting its status as an affluent suburb in Sydney. The current median house price is a substantial $2,812,500, while the median unit price is $941,100. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is $990 per week, and for units, it's around $700 per week. These figures indicate that housing costs in Balmain East are significantly high.

    When we look at the income side, the average wage in Balmain East is approximately $156,000 per year, which is notably higher than the national average. This suggests that many residents in Balmain East have the financial capacity to support the high cost of living. However, if your earnings are closer to the average wage in Sydney, you might find it challenging to afford the lifestyle in this suburb without a substantial income.

    Overall, Balmain East offers a desirable lifestyle with its proximity to the city and charming local amenities, but the cost of living is on the higher end. If you're thinking of living in Balmain East, it's important to consider whether your financial situation aligns with the expenses associated with this upscale area.

    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 East a good place to invest?

    Balmain East presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in the unit market. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced a remarkable 41.4% increase in median unit values, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth in this segment. This surge suggests that units in Balmain East are becoming increasingly desirable, possibly due to their affordability compared to houses and the lifestyle appeal of the area.

    While the median house values and rental prices for both houses and units have remained stable, the significant rise in unit values highlights a shift in market dynamics. Balmain East's charming village atmosphere, proximity to the Sydney CBD, and stunning waterfront views make it a sought-after location for both residents and investors. The suburb's unique blend of heritage architecture and modern amenities adds to its appeal, attracting a diverse range of buyers and renters.

    Overall, Balmain East offers a compelling case for investment, particularly in the unit market. The recent growth in unit values suggests strong demand and potential for continued appreciation. This makes Balmain East an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on the suburb's desirable location and vibrant community.

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