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Hornsby suburb profile

Hornsby is a bustling suburb located in Sydney's Upper North Shore, approximately 25km from the CBD. Known for its vibrant community and excellent amenities, Hornsby offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. The suburb is home to the expansive Westfield Hornsby shopping centre, providing a wide range of retail and dining options. Hornsby Park and the nearby Berowra Valley National Park offer residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. With strong transport links, including a major train station and bus services, Hornsby is a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Hornsby property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,255,000Past 3 months

Property growth-0.2%Past 12 months

Hornsby's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with house values remaining unchanged and unit values experiencing a slight increase of 0.7%. The median house price has averaged $1.81 million, while units have averaged $700,000, indicating steady demand in the area.

Sales activity has been robust, with 33 houses and 66 units sold in the past three months. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 30 days on the market, compared to 48 days for units, suggesting a stronger demand for houses.

The rental market in Hornsby has seen notable changes, with house rents increasing by 7.9% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have risen by 1.7%, reflecting a higher demand for rental houses in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.81M$700K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.2%0.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
3366
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3048
Average rent
Past 12 months
$820$600
Change in rent
Past 12 months
7.9%1.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Hornsby demographics

Hornsby, located in the Upper North Shore of Sydney, is a bustling suburb known for its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. With a population of 22,462, it offers a family-friendly environment with a median age of 38, reflecting a mature community that values both stability and growth. The suburb is well-connected by public transport, making it an attractive choice for professionals commuting to the city, while its proximity to national parks appeals to nature enthusiasts.

The housing landscape in Hornsby is diverse, with 44.1% of properties being rented, indicating a significant demand for rental accommodation. This is complemented by a substantial proportion of homes owned outright (23.4%) and those owned with a mortgage (32.5%), showcasing a balanced mix of long-term residents and new homeowners. The suburb's family-oriented nature is evident, with 47.5% of households being couple families with children, and 36% being couple families without children, highlighting its appeal to both growing families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Hornsby's community is vibrant and diverse, with a strong sense of local identity supported by a range of amenities including shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities. The suburb's economic profile is robust, with a median total household income of $1952 per week, reflecting the area's affluence and the professional occupations of many residents. Overall, Hornsby offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it a desirable place to live for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Hornsby infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Hornsby is benefiting from ongoing upgrades to its major retail and commercial hubs, notably with Westfield Hornsby continuing to play a central role in the suburb’s local economy and lifestyle offerings. The recent completion of the Hornsby Aquatic Centre and ongoing improvements to public parks contribute to the suburb’s growing reputation as a family-friendly location with strong amenities, which may underpin property demand and value.

While there are no immediate large-scale residential redevelopments currently announced, proximity to major transport links—including several railway lines, bus routes, and good connectivity to employment hubs—enhances Hornsby’s appeal to buyers and renters. Ongoing council initiatives, such as the Remagine Art Prize and regular community events, highlight a commitment to local culture and sustainability with potential positive effects on livability. No significant new school, hospital, or transport infrastructure projects were identified at this time, but Hornsby’s established amenities and accessibility are likely to remain key market drivers[1][4].

Hornsby rental market trends

The rental market in Hornsby has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 7.9% over the past year to $820 per week, while unit rents have seen a smaller rise of 1.7% to $600 per week. Hornsby continues to attract renters and investors with its blend of suburban charm and convenient access to Sydney's amenities.

Suburbs near Hornsby

Some popular suburbs near Hornsby include:

How does Hornsby compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Hornsby’s median house price is 37.7% lower than Wahroonga’s.
  • Median unit prices: Hornsby’s median unit price is 25.9% lower than Wahroonga’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Hornsby have grown 2.2% higher than in Turramurra.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Hornsby have grown 3.3% higher than in Wahroonga.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Hornsby are selling 64.3% faster than in Wahroonga.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Hornsby are selling 23.8% faster than in Wahroonga.
  • Investment considerations: In Hornsby, the rental yield for house is 6.1% lower than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 19.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Hornsby have grown 10.4% lower than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Hornsby have grown 21.0% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Hornsby

  • Is Hornsby a nice place to live?

    Hornsby is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled in Sydney's Upper North Shore, Hornsby is known for its vibrant community and excellent amenities, providing residents with a balanced lifestyle. The suburb's charm lies in its ability to cater to a diverse range of lifestyles, from families to professionals and retirees. With its lush parks and proximity to the Berowra Valley National Park, Hornsby is a haven for nature lovers, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

    Families will find Hornsby particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The suburb is well-equipped with schools, recreational facilities, and shopping centres, ensuring that all essential amenities are within easy reach. The presence of the expansive Westfield Hornsby shopping centre adds to the convenience, providing a wide array of retail and dining options. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's reputation as a secure and welcoming place for families to settle down.

    However, living in Hornsby does come with some trade-offs. While the suburb offers a peaceful lifestyle with excellent amenities, it may lack the vibrant nightlife and trendiness found in more central areas of Sydney. Additionally, the demand for rental accommodation is significant, which can impact housing availability and affordability. Despite these trade-offs, Hornsby's strong transport links, including a major train station and bus services, make commuting to the city convenient for professionals. Overall, Hornsby is a charming suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it a desirable place to live for those seeking a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Hornsby?

    Living in Hornsby can be considered expensive, especially when you take into account the property market and local earnings. The median house price is currently around $1,770,000, which is quite high compared to other suburbs in the region. Units are somewhat more affordable, with a median price of $720,000. Renting in Hornsby also carries a significant cost, with the average rent for houses at $640 per week and units at $600 per week.

    When comparing these figures to the average wage in Hornsby, which is about $91,000 per year, or the median household income of $1,952 per week (approximately $102,000 annually), it's clear that a substantial portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing. This makes Hornsby less affordable for those earning average wages in the area.

    Overall, while Hornsby offers a desirable living environment with its blend of urban conveniences and natural surroundings, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you're considering making Hornsby your home, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with living in this 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 Hornsby a good place to invest?

    Hornsby presents a promising opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in long-term growth. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 7.0% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy demand for houses. While the growth in median unit values has been more modest at 2.1%, the rental market for units has shown a significant 5.3% increase, suggesting strong demand from renters and potential for good rental returns.

    Despite the stagnation in house rental prices, Hornsby's overall appeal remains strong due to its strategic location and amenities. The suburb is well-connected to Sydney's CBD via public transport, making it an attractive option for commuters. Additionally, Hornsby offers a vibrant community atmosphere with a variety of shopping, dining, and recreational options, which enhances its desirability for both renters and buyers.

    Overall, Hornsby is a solid choice for investors seeking a balanced investment with potential for capital growth and rental income. The steady increase in property values, coupled with the rising demand for rental units, makes it a suburb worth considering for those looking to invest in the Sydney property market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Hornsby

In Hornsby, 137 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 27.0% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.72% and 2.25%. 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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