Question 1

Is Birchgrove a nice place to live?

Accepted Answer

Birchgrove is a compact harbourside suburb on the Balmain peninsula with a village atmosphere. Tree-lined streets of Victorian and Federation cottages and sandstone terraces sit beside a handful of waterfront apartment blocks, and residents make the most of foreshore parks, harbour views, moorings and waterside walks around the green expanse of Birchgrove Park. A small shopping strip with cafes and pubs covers everyday needs, and ferry services plus road links connect to the city and neighbouring Balmain and Rozelle, which appeals to professionals, families and downsizers seeking a relaxed harbour lifestyle.

The suburb is home to 3,228 people, with a median age of 46 and a median total household income of $3,603 a week (roughly $187,400 a year). Couple families dominate the family mix and owner-occupation is common (72.5%). Council-led upgrades to Birchgrove Park are under way, and the local ferry wharf was rebuilt as part of a wharf upgrade program; some transport project documents note it may be closed temporarily during tunnelling works but would be reopened after construction. Whether Birchgrove suits you comes down to the sort of harbour-front, heritage suburb you want to live in.

Question 2

Is it expensive to live in Birchgrove?

Accepted Answer

Buying a house in Birchgrove sits well above local incomes at the last Census. At a median house price of $3,030,000, that works out to about 16.2 times a typical local household's annual income at the last Census. On the rental side, a house renting for $1,375 a week would take about 38.2% of a typical local household's weekly income at the last Census, which is a sizeable share, while a unit at $800 a week would take about 22.2%, a moderate share. On these figures, renting looks less stretched than buying, but whether that feels expensive depends on your own income and circumstances.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

Question 3

Is Birchgrove a good place to invest?

Accepted Answer

Over the past 12 months in Birchgrove the market split sharply between houses and units. Median unit values jumped 19.6%, a strong rise, while median house values fell 9.8%.

Rents followed a similar split: unit rents rose 13.0% while house rents rose 8.9%, so units outpaced houses both for price movement and rental income over the year. For someone prioritising rental income, the 13.0% rise in unit rents is the most relevant figure; for price movement, the 19.6% jump in unit values versus the 9.8% fall in house values is what the data show.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

	Houses	Units
Median price Past 3 months	$3.03M	N/A
Change in value Past 12 months	-9.8%	19.6%
Sold Past 3 months	12	3
Median days on market Past 12 months	48	N/A
Average rent Past 12 months	$1375	$800
Change in rent Past 12 months	8.9%	13.0%

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