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Forestville suburb profile

Forestville is a serene suburb located on Sydney's Northern Beaches, approximately 15km north of the CBD. Known for its lush greenery and family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb is surrounded by Garigal National Park, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as bushwalking and picnicking. Forestville boasts a strong sense of community, with local schools, shopping centers, and sporting facilities catering to families and individuals alike. Its blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience makes Forestville a desirable place to call home.

Forestville property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,079,375Past 3 months

Property growth+0.4%Past 12 months

Forestville’s property market has demonstrated positive trends over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 6.3%, resulting in a current median house price of approximately $2.53 million. However, the market for units shows no significant movement, with no unit sales or value change reported, reflecting a unique market dynamic.

Over the last three months, 29 houses have been sold with houses spending a median of 34 days on the market, indicating a reasonably active market pace. Both sales and the time on the market show singular attention towards houses, with no unit market activity recorded.

In terms of rental performance, houses have seen a 3.3% increase in average rent, reaching $1,240. In contrast, unit rents have remained stable at $600, mirroring the absence of recent unit market action in Forestville.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.53MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
6.3%-5.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
29N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
34N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1240$600
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.3%-3.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Forestville demographics

Forestville, nestled in Sydney's Northern Beaches, is a suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly environment. With a population of 8,659 and a median age of 43, it is a community that appeals to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The suburb is characterized by its lush greenery and proximity to Garigal National Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration.

The suburb's demographic profile highlights its appeal to families, with 58% of households being couple families with children. This is complemented by a significant proportion of couple families without children, making up 28.7% of the community. The presence of one-parent families, accounting for 12.3%, adds to the suburb's diverse family structure. Forestville's strong sense of community is further supported by its local schools, parks, and community facilities, which cater to the needs of its residents.

In terms of property ownership, Forestville is predominantly owner-occupied, with 41.1% of properties owned outright and 38.5% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable and established community, with a smaller proportion of renters at 20.4%. The median total household income of $2,507 per week indicates a relatively affluent suburb, attracting professionals and families who value the balance of suburban tranquility and accessibility to Sydney's amenities. Forestville's charm lies in its blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and convenient living, making it a desirable location for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Forestville infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Forestville continues to benefit from its position between the North Shore and Northern Beaches, with easy access to major employment hubs via Warringah Road and bus services to Chatswood, the CBD and the beaches, supporting steady buyer demand.[1][3] The suburb’s established local shopping village and proximity to larger retail at nearby centres provide convenient amenities without major current redevelopment, which helps preserve its quiet, family-oriented character.[1][3]

Local schools, including public, Catholic and Montessori options, remain a key drawcard for families, reinforcing demand for detached houses in particular.[1][3] Ready access to nearby national parkland and bushwalking tracks adds to lifestyle appeal and underpins long-term desirability, although there are no widely reported new infrastructure or planning changes currently flagged that would significantly alter Forestville’s property market in the near term.[1][3]

Forestville rental market trends

The rental market in Forestville remains stable, with house rents increasing 3.3% over the past year to $1,240 per week, while unit rents have remained unchanged at $600 per week. The suburb offers a balanced rental environment with consistent demand, making it an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking steady returns.

Suburbs near Forestville

Some popular suburbs near Forestville include:

How does Forestville compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Forestville’s median house price is 0.4% higher than Frenchs Forest’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forestville have grown 0.6% higher than in Killarney Heights.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forestville are selling 10.5% faster than in Frenchs Forest.
  • Investment considerations: In Forestville, the rental yield for house is 37.3% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 22.9% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forestville have grown 30.5% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Forestville have grown 43.4% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Forestville

  • Is Forestville a nice place to live?

    Forestville is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it provides a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently located just 15km from Sydney's bustling CBD. The suburb is renowned for its strong sense of community, which is evident in the local schools, parks, and community facilities that cater to families and individuals alike. The proximity to Garigal National Park offers residents ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as bushwalking and picnicking, adding to the suburb's charm and appeal.

    Families will find Forestville particularly appealing due to its safe and welcoming atmosphere. The suburb's established local shopping village and nearby larger retail centers ensure that all necessary amenities are within easy reach, while the presence of public, Catholic, and Montessori schools makes it an attractive choice for those with children. The suburb's accessibility to major employment hubs via Warringah Road and efficient bus services to Chatswood, the CBD, and the beaches further enhances its livability.

    While Forestville offers a tranquil lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The lack of significant new infrastructure or redevelopment projects means that the suburb maintains its quiet, family-oriented character, but it may not appeal to those seeking a more dynamic or rapidly evolving environment. Additionally, while the suburb is predominantly owner-occupied, the high demand for detached houses can make the property market competitive. Nonetheless, for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, Forestville's blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and convenient living makes it a highly desirable place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Forestville?

    Living in Forestville can be quite expensive, especially when you consider the housing market. The median house price is currently around $2,527,500, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in Sydney. If you're thinking of renting, the average rent for houses is about $1,240 per week, while units, which are less common, average around $600 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Forestville are on the higher end, reflecting its desirable location and amenities.

    The average wage in Forestville, aligning with the Sydney average, is approximately $65,000 per year. When you compare this to the median total household income in Forestville, which is $2,507 per week, it becomes clear that many households likely have dual incomes to manage the high cost of living. The substantial gap between average wages and housing costs indicates that living in Forestville could require a significant portion of one's income, making it less affordable for those earning an average salary.

    Overall, while Forestville offers a pleasant suburban lifestyle with its proximity to Sydney and local amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you're considering living in Forestville, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it can accommodate the expenses associated with this 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 Forestville a good place to invest?

    Forestville presents a promising opportunity for investment, particularly for those interested in houses. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 6.3% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy demand and potential for capital growth. This upward trend suggests that Forestville is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers, likely due to its appealing suburban lifestyle and proximity to essential amenities.

    While the median unit values and rents have remained stable, the steady increase in house rents by 3.3% over the last year highlights a growing interest in the rental market. This could be appealing for investors seeking reliable rental income. Forestville's family-friendly environment, with its parks and schools, adds to its desirability, making it a solid choice for long-term investment. Overall, Forestville's consistent growth in house values and rental demand positions it as a worthwhile consideration for investors looking for stability and gradual appreciation.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Forestville

Currently, there are 32 real estate agents working in Forestville—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 32 agents sold 59.8% of all properties in Forestville 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 Forestville typically charge a commission of 1.88% to 2.46%. 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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