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Darlington suburb profile

Darlington is a vibrant and eclectic inner-city suburb of Sydney, nestled just 3km south of the CBD. Known for its youthful energy and creative spirit, Darlington is home to a diverse community, including students, artists, and professionals. The suburb is adjacent to the University of Sydney, contributing to its lively atmosphere and cultural vibrancy. With a mix of historic terrace houses and modern apartments, Darlington offers a unique urban living experience. Its proximity to bustling Newtown and Redfern, along with excellent public transport options, makes it a convenient and attractive location for those seeking a dynamic city lifestyle.

Darlington property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,535,000Past 3 months

Property growth-5.1%Past 12 months

Darlington's property market shows interesting trends over the last year. House values have increased by 10.5%, while unit prices have remained stagnant. No median house or unit prices are available, indicating limited data or transactions. Only seven houses and one unit were sold in the past year, suggesting low market activity or availability. Interestingly, no median days on the market were recorded recently for these property types.

The rental market tells a different story, with house rents increasing by 10.5%, reaching an average of $1,050 per month. Unit rents saw a smaller rise of 2.9%, averaging $700, reflecting steady demand for rental properties despite limited sales activity. This indicates a potentially competitive rental market in Darlington.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
10.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
71
Median days on market
Past 12 months
N/AN/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1050$700
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.5%2.9%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Darlington demographics

Darlington, nestled in the heart of Sydney, is a vibrant and youthful suburb known for its close proximity to the University of Sydney and the bustling Newtown area. With a median age of just 27, it is a hub for students and young professionals who are drawn to its dynamic atmosphere and convenient location. The suburb's small population of 2,597 contributes to a tight-knit community feel, while its eclectic mix of cafes, bars, and cultural venues offers plenty of entertainment options.

Housing in Darlington is predominantly rental-based, with 60.9% of properties being rented, reflecting its appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements. This high rental rate is indicative of the transient student population and young professionals who prefer the convenience of renting. The suburb also has a significant proportion of couple families without children, making up 61.9% of the family demographic, which aligns with the lifestyle preferences of many residents.

Despite its urban setting, Darlington maintains a sense of community with its mix of family households, including 24% couple families with children and 10.9% one-parent families. The suburb's property market is balanced, with 17.7% of homes owned outright and 21.4% owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable yet accessible housing market. Darlington's unique blend of youthful energy, cultural vibrancy, and community spirit makes it a desirable location for those seeking an engaging urban lifestyle.

Darlington infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Darlington continues to benefit from its close integration with the University of Sydney, with ongoing campus upgrades and student accommodation projects helping to support steady rental demand and a strong café and retail presence along key local streets.[1][6][7] The suburb’s walkable access to Redfern and Macdonaldtown train stations and nearby employment hubs in the CBD and Tech Central precinct reinforces its appeal to students and young professionals, underpinning both rental and resale demand.[1][6]

Local planning by the City of Sydney emphasises higher-density living around transport and university edges while retaining heritage terraces, which is likely to limit detached housing supply and support values for existing stock over time.[1][6] With no major new transport corridors or greenfield land releases available within such a compact footprint, most change is occurring via infill redevelopment and refurbishment of existing buildings, enhancing overall amenity rather than dramatically increasing supply, which generally supports price growth and long-term desirability.[1][6]

Darlington rental market trends

The rental market in Darlington has experienced growth, with house rents increasing 10.5% over the past year to $1,050 per week, while unit rents edged up 2.9% to $700 per week. With ongoing demand and investment in local infrastructure, Darlington offers promising opportunities for both renters and investors in a vibrant city setting.

Suburbs near Darlington

Some popular suburbs near Darlington include:

How does Darlington compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Darlington’s median house price is 12.3% lower than Redfern’s.
  • Median unit prices: Darlington’s median unit price is 10.2% higher than Waterloo’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Darlington have grown 1.6% higher than in Waterloo.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Redfern have risen 33.5% more than in Darlington over the past year.
  • Investment considerations: In Darlington, the rental yield for house is 16.3% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 14.8% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Darlington have grown 3.8% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Darlington have grown 16.6% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Darlington

  • Is Darlington a nice place to live?

    Darlington is a charming and lively suburb that offers a unique blend of urban living and community spirit. Its close proximity to the heart of Sydney makes it an attractive location for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb is known for its youthful energy, largely due to its adjacency to the University of Sydney, which brings a vibrant mix of students, artists, and professionals. This diversity is reflected in the suburb's eclectic mix of cafes, bars, and cultural venues, providing plenty of entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.

    Families will find Darlington a welcoming place, with its strong sense of community and access to amenities such as parks and schools. The suburb's walkability and excellent public transport options make it easy to explore nearby areas like Newtown and Redfern, which are known for their lively atmospheres and additional amenities. Safety is generally not a major concern, although, as with any inner-city area, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings.

    Living in Darlington does come with some trade-offs. The high demand for rental properties, driven by the transient student population and young professionals, means that housing is predominantly rental-based. This can lead to a competitive rental market, and the availability of larger family homes may be limited due to the focus on higher-density living. However, the suburb's vibrant culture and convenient location make it a desirable place for those seeking a dynamic and engaging urban lifestyle.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Darlington?

    Living in Darlington, a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, can be quite costly, especially when it comes to renting. Although there are currently no median house or unit prices available, the rental market provides a clear picture of the expenses involved. The average rent for houses in Darlington is approximately $1,050 per week, while units average around $700 per week. These figures suggest that renting in Darlington can take a significant chunk out of your budget.

    When comparing this to the average weekly earnings in Sydney, which are about $1,600, or roughly $83,000 annually, it's evident that a substantial portion of one's income would be needed to cover rent in Darlington. The median total household income in the suburb is $2,392 per week, which is higher than the average individual earnings, indicating that dual-income households may find it more manageable to afford living here.

    Overall, while Darlington offers the perks of inner-city living with its proximity to Sydney's amenities and lifestyle, the cost of renting makes it a more expensive option. If you're considering making Darlington your home, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the costs associated with living in this lively 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 Darlington a good place to invest?

    Darlington is shaping up to be a promising spot for property investment. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a significant 10.5% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. While unit values have remained stable, the steady rental increase of 2.9% for units suggests a consistent demand from renters, which is always a good sign for investors looking for reliable rental income.

    The rental market for houses in Darlington has also experienced a healthy 10.5% rise, reflecting the suburb's appeal to tenants and the potential for solid rental returns. This growth in rental prices, coupled with the increase in house values, highlights the suburb's attractiveness to both buyers and renters. Darlington's proximity to the city and its vibrant community atmosphere make it a desirable location, further supporting its investment potential.

    Overall, Darlington offers a balanced mix of capital growth and rental income opportunities. While units might not have seen the same value increase as houses, the steady rental demand ensures they remain a viable investment option. With its strong market performance and appealing lifestyle, Darlington stands out as a solid choice for those looking to invest in the real estate market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Darlington

Choosing the right real estate agent in Darlington can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 23 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 40.5% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.88% to 2.06%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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