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Darlinghurst suburb profile

Darlinghurst is a vibrant and eclectic suburb located just east of Sydney's CBD, renowned for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural scene. Known for its historic architecture, bustling Oxford Street, and diverse dining options, Darlinghurst attracts a mix of young professionals, creatives, and LGBTQ+ communities. The suburb is home to iconic landmarks such as the National Art School and St Vincent's Hospital, as well as a variety of boutique shops, galleries, and nightlife venues. With its close proximity to the city, excellent public transport, and a strong sense of community, Darlinghurst offers an exciting urban lifestyle.

Darlinghurst property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,752,500Past 3 months

Property growth+15.0%Past 12 months

Darlinghurst’s property market has exhibited strong growth over the past 12 months, with house values rising by 12.8% and unit values surging by 17.3%. The current median house price stands at $2.33 million, while units have a median price of $1.18 million, indicating robust demand across property types.

In the last year, 13 houses and 74 units were sold, reflecting active market dynamics, especially in the unit sector. Houses and units are spending a similar duration on the market, with median days of 46 and 45 respectively, showcasing stable buyer interest.

The rental market in Darlinghurst has seen a stable trend for houses, with no change in average rent over the last 12 months, while unit rents increased by 7.1%, highlighting a growing demand for rental units.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.33M$1.18M
Change in value
Past 12 months
12.8%17.3%
Sold
Past 3 months
1374
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4645
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1250$750
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A7.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Darlinghurst demographics

Darlinghurst, nestled in the heart of Sydney, is a vibrant suburb known for its eclectic mix of culture, history, and modern urban living. With a population of 10,615 and a median age of 37, it attracts a diverse range of residents, from young professionals to established families. The suburb's proximity to the Sydney CBD makes it a convenient location for those working in the city, while its lively atmosphere and rich cultural scene appeal to those seeking an engaging lifestyle.

Housing in Darlinghurst is predominantly rental-based, with 63.1% of properties being rented. This high rental rate underscores its popularity among those seeking flexibility, including students and professionals. The suburb's household composition is varied, with a significant proportion of couple families without children, making up 73.5% of the family demographic. This reflects the suburb's appeal to couples and individuals who enjoy the vibrant, urban lifestyle that Darlinghurst offers.

The suburb's charm is further enhanced by its historic architecture, trendy cafes, and bustling nightlife. Darlinghurst is also known for its strong sense of community and inclusivity, making it a welcoming place for all. With a median total household income of $2,279 weekly, residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living, supported by the suburb's diverse amenities and easy access to the broader Sydney area. Whether you're drawn to its cultural vibrancy or its convenient location, Darlinghurst offers a unique blend of urban living and community spirit.

Darlinghurst infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Darlinghurst continues to benefit from its proximity to the CBD, major employment hubs and St Vincent’s Hospital precinct, with ongoing upgrades to hospital facilities and nearby medical and research uses supporting steady demand for rental and owner-occupier properties.[3] The suburb’s established café, dining and nightlife strips along Oxford, Crown and Victoria Streets remain a key drawcard, with incremental refurbishments of older commercial stock into contemporary hospitality and boutique retail spaces enhancing street appeal and reinforcing its inner-city lifestyle credentials.[1][2]

Local schools such as Bourke Street Public School and Crown Street Public School, together with Sydney Distance Education Primary School based in the area, underpin demand from young professionals planning for schooling options and add to the suburb’s family-friendly appeal despite its dense, urban character.[1] There are no widely publicised large-scale transport or council-led urban renewal projects specific to Darlinghurst at present, so near-term property market shifts are more likely to be driven by its central location, amenity-rich streetscapes and ongoing small-scale residential and mixed-use redevelopments rather than major new infrastructure.[1][3]

Darlinghurst rental market trends

The rental market in Darlinghurst shows stability, with house rents unchanged over the past year at $1,250 per week, while unit rents have increased 7.1% to $750 per week. With its vibrant lifestyle and strong demand, Darlinghurst continues to attract both renters and investors seeking desirable inner-city living options.

Suburbs near Darlinghurst

Some popular suburbs near Darlinghurst include:

How does Darlinghurst compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Darlinghurst’s median house price is 1.1% higher than Surry Hills’s.
  • Median unit prices: Darlinghurst’s median unit price is 12.4% higher than Paddington’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Darlinghurst have grown 4.2% higher than in Paddington.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Darlinghurst have grown 25.2% higher than in Paddington.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Surry Hills are selling 2.2% faster than in Darlinghurst.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Darlinghurst are selling 39.2% faster than in Woolloomooloo.
  • Investment considerations: In Darlinghurst, the rental yield for house is 38.4% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 3.6% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Darlinghurst have grown 47.9% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Darlinghurst have grown 15.8% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Darlinghurst

  • Is Darlinghurst a nice place to live?

    Darlinghurst is a delightful suburb that offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a rich cultural tapestry. Its proximity to Sydney's CBD makes it an attractive choice for those who value convenience and a lively atmosphere. The suburb is known for its charming historic architecture and an eclectic mix of trendy cafes, boutique shops, and diverse dining options. This creates a dynamic vibe that appeals to a wide range of residents, including young professionals, creatives, and families who appreciate the suburb's unique character.

    Families will find Darlinghurst to be a welcoming place, with local schools such as Bourke Street Public School and Crown Street Public School providing solid educational options. The suburb's strong sense of community and inclusivity further enhance its family-friendly appeal. While the bustling nightlife and vibrant cultural scene are major attractions, they also mean that the suburb can be quite lively, particularly on weekends. This might be a trade-off for those seeking a quieter environment.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Darlinghurst, although, like any urban area, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings. The suburb's excellent public transport links make it easy to explore the broader Sydney area, while the nearby parks and green spaces offer a respite from the urban hustle. Although housing is predominantly rental-based, which may not suit everyone, it provides flexibility for those who prefer it. Overall, Darlinghurst is a fantastic place to live for those who thrive in a vibrant, culturally rich environment with easy access to city amenities.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Darlinghurst?

    Living in Darlinghurst is undeniably pricey, reflecting its status as a vibrant and popular inner Sydney suburb. The median house price is a hefty $2,325,000, while units aren't exactly cheap either, with a median price of $1,180,000. Renting in Darlinghurst also comes with a significant cost, with houses averaging $1,250 per week and units about $750 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average income in Greater Sydney, which is around $129,000 per year, it's clear that a substantial portion of one's earnings would be needed to cover housing costs in Darlinghurst. The median total household income in the suburb is $2,279 per week, which is relatively high but still requires careful budgeting to manage the high property prices and rental rates.

    Overall, while Darlinghurst offers a lively lifestyle with its proximity to the city and rich cultural scene, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is steep. If you're thinking of living in Darlinghurst, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses 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 Darlinghurst a good place to invest?

    Darlinghurst is shaping up to be a promising spot for property investment, especially if you're eyeing the inner-city lifestyle. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a significant boost in property values, with house prices climbing by 12.8% and units even more impressively by 17.3%. This upward trend suggests a strong demand for properties in the area, likely driven by its vibrant culture, proximity to the CBD, and the appeal of city living.

    While rental prices for houses have remained stable, unit rents have increased by 7.1%, indicating a growing interest from renters. This could be due to the suburb's lively atmosphere, with its trendy cafes, bars, and cultural hotspots making it a magnet for young professionals and students. The steady rental growth for units suggests a healthy rental market, which is a positive sign for investors looking for consistent rental income.

    Overall, Darlinghurst offers a dynamic mix of capital growth potential and rental demand, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a bustling urban environment. Its ongoing popularity and central location ensure that it remains a desirable choice for both buyers and renters alike.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Darlinghurst

Currently, there are 146 real estate agents working in Darlinghurst—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 146 agents sold 24.5% of all properties in Darlinghurst over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Darlinghurst typically charge a commission of 1.77% to 2.03%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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