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Fairlight suburb profile

Fairlight is a picturesque suburb located on Sydney's Northern Beaches, just a short distance from Manly. Known for its stunning harbour views and relaxed coastal lifestyle, Fairlight attracts families, professionals, and retirees seeking a serene environment. The suburb offers a mix of charming heritage homes and modern apartments, with easy access to scenic walking trails and Fairlight Beach. Its proximity to Manly provides residents with a variety of dining, shopping, and recreational options, while excellent public transport links ensure convenient connectivity to Sydney's CBD. Fairlight's blend of natural beauty and urban convenience makes it a highly desirable location.

Fairlight property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,988,750Past 3 months

Property growth+22.7%Past 12 months

Fairlight's property market has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 28.6% and unit values rising by 16.8%. The median house price has reached $4.18 million, while units are at $1.80 million, indicating strong demand across the suburb.

Over the last three months, sales activity has been balanced, with 21 houses and 22 units sold. Houses and units are moving quickly, with median days on market at 37 and 39, respectively, suggesting a competitive market environment.

Fairlight's rental market has also seen mixed changes, with house rents increasing by 3.2% and unit rents soaring by 13.1%, reflecting varying demand dynamics between property types.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$4.17M$1.80M
Change in value
Past 12 months
28.6%16.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
2122
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3739
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1750$995
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.2%13.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Fairlight demographics

Fairlight, nestled in Sydney's Northern Beaches, is a picturesque suburb known for its stunning coastal views and family-friendly atmosphere. With a population of 6,141, Fairlight offers a serene yet vibrant community, attracting both families and professionals who appreciate its proximity to Manly and the Sydney CBD. The median age of 39 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the balance of a peaceful lifestyle and easy access to urban amenities.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (34.1%) or with a mortgage (30.2%), indicating a stable and established community. Renting is also a popular option, with 35.7% of properties being rented, appealing to those seeking flexibility or a taste of the coastal lifestyle without long-term commitment. The high median household income of $3,251 per week reflects the affluence of the area, supported by its desirable location and quality of life.

Family life is a cornerstone of Fairlight, with 46.2% of households being couple families with children, and 42.9% being couple families without children. This demographic mix highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those enjoying a quieter, child-free lifestyle. The presence of one-parent families (10%) and other family types (0.9%) adds to the suburb's inclusive and diverse community fabric. Fairlight's charm lies in its blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and convenient access to both beachside relaxation and city excitement.

Fairlight infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Fairlight continues to benefit from its established harbourside setting, strong proximity to Manly, and easy access to Sydney Road and local bus connections, all of which support steady buyer demand. The suburb’s limited local retail and schooling means residents rely heavily on nearby centres, which helps preserve its quiet, residential feel and reinforces its appeal to owner-occupiers.

A small amount of new housing activity is still occurring, including approved low-scale townhouse-style development, but there are no major large-scale redevelopments currently reshaping the suburb. With no significant new transport or civic projects identified in the immediate area, Fairlight’s property market is likely to remain driven mainly by its lifestyle, waterfront access, and scarcity of housing supply.

Fairlight rental market trends

The rental market in Fairlight has shown varied growth, with house rents rising 3.2% over the past year to $1,750 per week, while unit rents have surged 13.1% to $995 per week. The suburb's appealing coastal location and continued residential demand contribute to its status as a desirable area for both investors and renters.

Suburbs near Fairlight

Some popular suburbs near Fairlight include:

How does Fairlight compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Fairlight’s median house price is 38.2% higher than Balgowlah’s.
  • Median unit prices: Fairlight’s median unit price is 19.2% higher than Balgowlah’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Fairlight have grown 30.7% higher than in Balgowlah.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Fairlight have grown 13.6% higher than in Balgowlah.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Fairlight are selling 58.9% faster than in Manly.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Balgowlah are selling 38.5% faster than in Fairlight.
  • Investment considerations: In Fairlight, the rental yield for house is 93.8% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 27.9% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Fairlight have grown 115.5% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Fairlight have grown 99.6% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Fairlight

  • Is Fairlight a nice place to live?

    Fairlight is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and charming lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled on Sydney's Northern Beaches, Fairlight is known for its relaxed coastal vibe and stunning natural beauty. The suburb is a haven for families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and the sense of community that thrives here. With its mix of heritage homes and modern apartments, Fairlight provides a diverse range of living options to suit different tastes and preferences.

    Living in Fairlight comes with the advantage of being close to a variety of amenities. The suburb's proximity to Manly means residents can enjoy a plethora of dining, shopping, and recreational activities just a short distance away. For those who love the outdoors, Fairlight Beach and scenic walking trails offer perfect spots for relaxation and leisure. The suburb's excellent public transport links ensure easy connectivity to Sydney's CBD, making it convenient for daily commutes.

    Fairlight is particularly appealing to families, with its safe and welcoming environment. The community spirit is strong, and the suburb's tranquil setting provides an ideal backdrop for raising children. However, it's worth noting that while Fairlight offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited local retail and schooling options mean residents often rely on nearby centres for these amenities. This trade-off helps maintain the suburb's quiet, residential feel, which is a significant draw for many.

    Overall, Fairlight is a charming suburb that balances natural beauty with urban convenience. Its family-friendly atmosphere, combined with the allure of coastal living, makes it a highly desirable place to reside. While the scarcity of housing supply and limited local amenities may pose some challenges, the suburb's unique charm and lifestyle opportunities make it a lovely place to live for those who value a serene and picturesque environment.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Fairlight?

    Living in Fairlight is quite expensive, which is reflective of its prime location near Sydney's Northern Beaches and its stunning views. The median house price in Fairlight stands at a staggering $4,175,000, while units are priced at a median of $1,802,500. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is $1,750 per week, and for units, it's about $995 weekly. These figures highlight the premium you pay for residing in this desirable suburb.

    The average full-time salary in Sydney is around $108,000 per year, which aligns with the earnings in Fairlight. However, when you compare this to the median total household income in Fairlight, which is $3,251 per week, it becomes evident that living here requires a substantial financial commitment. The high property prices and rents mean that a significant portion of your income would be dedicated to housing costs, making it less affordable for those earning an average salary.

    Overall, while Fairlight offers an enviable lifestyle with its beautiful beaches and proximity to the city, the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, is significantly high. If you're thinking of living in Fairlight, it's crucial to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this exclusive 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 Fairlight a good place to invest?

    Fairlight is an attractive suburb for investment, particularly given its impressive growth in property values over the past year. With a remarkable 28.6% increase in median house values and a 16.8% rise in unit values, Fairlight demonstrates strong capital growth potential. This upward trend suggests a robust demand for properties in the area, making it a promising choice for investors seeking appreciation in property value.

    In addition to capital growth, Fairlight offers appealing rental prospects. The rental market for units has seen a significant 13.1% increase, indicating a strong demand from renters, which can translate into reliable rental income for investors. While the rental growth for houses is more modest at 3.2%, it still reflects a stable market. The combination of rising property values and rental demand positions Fairlight as a suburb with both immediate and long-term investment potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Fairlight

In Fairlight ,41 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 47.6% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.88% and 2.46%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

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