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Freshwater suburb profile

Freshwater is a picturesque coastal suburb located on Sydney's Northern Beaches, just 17km north-east of the CBD. Known for its stunning beach, which is a popular spot for surfing and swimming, Freshwater offers a relaxed, beachside lifestyle. The suburb features a mix of charming older homes and modern apartments, catering to a diverse community. Freshwater Village provides a variety of cafes, shops, and local amenities, contributing to its vibrant community feel. With its beautiful natural surroundings and easy access to the city, Freshwater is a sought-after destination for families, professionals, and beach lovers alike.

Freshwater property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,318,750Past 3 months

Property growth+2.6%Past 12 months

Freshwater’s property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. The median house price remains stable at $3.4 million, while unit values have appreciated by 7.1% to reach a median of $1.24 million. This reflects a stronger demand for units in the area.

In terms of sales activity, 15 houses and 29 units were sold in the past three months. Notably, houses are spending more time on the market, with 38 median days compared to 16 days for units, indicating higher buyer interest in units.

The rental market in Freshwater has also seen upward movement, with house rents increasing by 6.1% and units by 9%, bringing average rents to $1,750 and $850, respectively, suggesting strong demand for rental properties.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.40M$1.24M
Change in value
Past 12 months
-2.0%7.1%
Sold
Past 3 months
1529
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3816
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1750$850
Change in rent
Past 12 months
6.1%9.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Freshwater demographics

Freshwater, a picturesque suburb located on Sydney's Northern Beaches, is renowned for its stunning coastline and relaxed beachside lifestyle. With a population of 9,186, Freshwater offers a blend of family-friendly living and vibrant community spirit. The median age of 37 suggests a balanced mix of young families and established residents who appreciate the suburb's natural beauty and proximity to the city.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being owned outright (28.3%) or with a mortgage (34.0%), indicating a stable and established community. However, with 37.6% of properties being rented, Freshwater also attracts those seeking the flexibility of rental living, including young professionals and families drawn to the area's lifestyle offerings.

Family life is a cornerstone of Freshwater, with 46.3% of households being couple families with children, and 41.2% being couples without children. This highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and those enjoying a quieter, child-free lifestyle. The presence of one-parent families (11.6%) and other family types (0.9%) adds to the suburb's diverse demographic tapestry. With its beautiful beaches, community events, and excellent schools, Freshwater is a sought-after location for those seeking a harmonious blend of coastal living and urban convenience.

Freshwater infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Freshwater continues to benefit from its strong coastal amenity, with Freshwater Beach, the ocean pool and nearby cafes and restaurants reinforcing the suburb’s appeal to lifestyle-focused buyers and supporting premium pricing relative to many inland areas.[2][3] Inclusion in the Manly–Freshwater National and World Surfing Reserve underlines the long-term protection and promotion of the beachfront, which is likely to preserve the area’s natural character and ongoing desirability for both residents and visitors.[2][3]

Local planning is overseen by Northern Beaches Council, which is generally focused on managing density, protecting neighbourhood character and improving public domain upgrades along key village and foreshore areas, all of which can underpin steady capital growth rather than large-scale redevelopment volatility.[5][6] Proximity to major employment and transport hubs in nearby Manly and the broader Northern Beaches, combined with multiple parks and recreational spaces within the suburb, continues to drive strong demand from families and professionals, even in the absence of any single headline infrastructure project.[1][2]

Freshwater rental market trends

The rental market in Freshwater has shown steady growth, with house rents increasing by 6.1% over the past year to $1,750 per week, while unit rents have risen by 9.0% to $850 per week. With its appealing coastal lifestyle and strong demand, Freshwater continues to be a desirable location for both renters and property investors.

Suburbs near Freshwater

Some popular suburbs near Freshwater include:

How does Freshwater compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Freshwater’s median house price is 29.0% lower than Curl Curl’s.
  • Median unit prices: Freshwater’s median unit price is 34.1% higher than Manly Vale’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Curl Curl have risen 13.8% more than in Freshwater over the past year.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Freshwater have grown 8.5% higher than in Queenscliff.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Freshwater are selling 15.6% faster than in North Manly.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Freshwater are selling 46.7% faster than in Queenscliff.
  • Investment considerations: In Freshwater, the rental yield for house is 93.8% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 9.3% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Freshwater have grown 94.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Freshwater have grown 41.7% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Freshwater

  • Is Freshwater a nice place to live?

    Freshwater is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of coastal beauty and a relaxed lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled on Sydney's Northern Beaches, it boasts a serene atmosphere that is perfect for families and individuals seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb is known for its welcoming community vibe, where residents enjoy a mix of older homes and modern apartments, reflecting a diverse and inclusive community spirit.

    Living in Freshwater means having easy access to a variety of amenities, including local cafes, shops, and recreational spaces, which contribute to its vibrant and lively atmosphere. The suburb's proximity to the beach is a major drawcard, offering residents the opportunity to indulge in surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the ocean. Families will find Freshwater particularly appealing due to its excellent schools and safe environment, providing a nurturing setting for children to grow and thrive.

    However, living in such a picturesque location does come with some trade-offs. The demand for property in Freshwater can lead to premium pricing, which might be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. Additionally, while the suburb offers a tranquil lifestyle, it may not have the same level of nightlife or cultural activities found in more urban areas. Despite these trade-offs, Freshwater's strong sense of community, natural beauty, and convenient access to both the city and the beach make it a highly desirable place to live for families and professionals alike.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Freshwater?

    Living in Freshwater, a charming beachside suburb in Sydney, is quite expensive. The median house price in Freshwater is a hefty $3,400,000, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in the region. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is around $1,750 per week, while units are more affordable at $850 per week.

    When comparing these costs to the average full-time wage in Sydney, which is about $108,000 per year, it's clear that a large portion of one's income would be required to cover housing expenses in Freshwater. The median total household income in Freshwater is $2,726 per week, which is higher than the Sydney average, yet the high property prices and rental costs still make it a pricey place to live.

    Overall, Freshwater offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle with its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, but the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher end. If you are thinking of living in Freshwater, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure you can comfortably manage 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 Freshwater a good place to invest?

    Freshwater presents an interesting opportunity for property investors, especially those looking at units. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in Freshwater has increased by 7.1%, indicating a strong demand for this type of property. This growth is complemented by a 9.0% rise in rent for units, suggesting that rental demand is robust and could provide a steady income stream for investors.

    While the median house value has remained stable with no change over the past year, the rental market for houses has seen a healthy increase of 6.1%. This indicates that while capital growth for houses might be currently flat, there is still a strong rental demand, which can be attractive for those seeking rental yield.

    Overall, Freshwater's appeal lies in its ability to offer both stability and growth potential, particularly in the unit market. The suburb's coastal lifestyle, proximity to beaches, and vibrant community make it a desirable location for renters and buyers alike. For investors, Freshwater offers a balanced mix of rental income potential and capital growth, especially in the unit sector, making it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to invest in the property market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Freshwater

In Freshwater ,67 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 41.5% 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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