Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Islington

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Islington suburb profile

Islington is a vibrant suburb located in the heart of Newcastle, New South Wales, known for its eclectic mix of culture, history, and modern living. Situated just a few kilometers from the Newcastle CBD, Islington offers a unique blend of heritage charm and contemporary amenities. The suburb is renowned for its lively arts scene, diverse dining options, and boutique shopping experiences. With its close proximity to public transport and major roadways, Islington provides easy access to both the city and surrounding areas. Its community-focused atmosphere and dynamic lifestyle make it a popular choice for young professionals, families, and creatives.

Islington property market performance

Current median dwelling price$991,750Past 3 months

Property growth+15.6%Past 12 months

Islington’s property market has demonstrated robust growth over the past 12 months, with house values rising by 16.3% and unit values by 14.9%. Despite the recorded increase, median house and unit prices currently stand at zero, reflecting atypical data reporting, possibly due to limited sales figures or measurement anomalies.

Sales numbers are modest, with just 7 houses and 4 units changing hands over the past 12 months. However, properties are selling rapidly, with houses spending a median of 28 days on the market and units even less at 20 days, indicating strong buyer interest despite low turnover.

In the rental sector, Islington has seen notable increases, with house rents rising by 6.7% to an average of $720 and unit rents jumping by 14% to $650, suggesting rising demand and limited supply in the area’s rental market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
16.3%14.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
74
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2820
Average rent
Past 12 months
$720$650
Change in rent
Past 12 months
6.7%14.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Islington demographics

Islington, located in the heart of Newcastle, is a suburb that offers a blend of urban convenience and a close-knit community feel. With a population of 2,026 and a median age of 35, Islington attracts a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and long-term locals. The suburb's proximity to Newcastle's vibrant city center, along with its own array of cafes, shops, and parks, makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The housing landscape in Islington is varied, with nearly half of the properties being rented, reflecting its appeal to those seeking flexibility, such as students and young professionals. Meanwhile, 20.8% of homes are owned outright, and 31.4% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable community with a mix of long-term residents and new homeowners. The suburb's family dynamics are equally diverse, with 33.1% of families being couples with children, and 45.1% being couples without children, highlighting its suitability for both family-oriented and independent lifestyles.

Islington's community is enriched by its cultural diversity and active local scene. The suburb's median total household income of $1,828 per week suggests a comfortable standard of living, with residents enjoying the benefits of both urban amenities and a relaxed suburban atmosphere. With its strategic location, vibrant community, and diverse housing options, Islington continues to be a desirable place to live for a wide range of Australians.

Islington infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Islington continues to benefit from its inner-urban location close to Newcastle CBD, with ongoing infill residential projects and mixed-use redevelopment along key corridors steadily increasing housing density and supporting local retail and hospitality businesses.[1][6] The presence of Islington Public School and access to nearby secondary and tertiary education options remain a drawcard for young families and renters, underpinning steady demand for well-located homes.[1][4]

Good connectivity via major arterial roads into Newcastle and proximity to employment centres, Beaumont Street dining, and nearby beaches all contribute to Islington’s appeal for commuters and lifestyle-focused buyers.[5][6] There are currently no widely publicised large-scale new transport or social infrastructure projects specific to Islington, so recent property performance is being driven more by its established amenity, walkability, and inner-city character than by new catalytic developments.[1][5]

Islington rental market trends

The rental market in Islington has shown notable increases, with house rents up 6.7% over the past year to $720 per week, while unit rents have surged 14.0% to $650 per week. As an increasingly popular suburb, Islington offers dynamic living options and strong returns for investors, driven by its vibrant culture and community appeal.

Suburbs near Islington

Some popular suburbs near Islington include:

How does Islington compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Islington’s median house price is 2.2% higher than Hamilton’s.
  • Median unit prices: Islington’s median unit price is 21.1% higher than Wickham’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Islington have grown 7.9% higher than in Hamilton.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Islington have grown 8.9% higher than in Hamilton.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Islington are selling 20.0% faster than in Hamilton.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Islington are selling 57.4% faster than in Wickham.

Common questions about Islington

  • Is Islington a nice place to live?

    Islington is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of urban convenience and a welcoming community atmosphere. Known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse dining options, Islington is a place where culture and modern living coexist harmoniously. Its proximity to Newcastle's city center makes it an attractive choice for those who appreciate easy access to urban amenities while enjoying the benefits of a more relaxed suburban lifestyle. The suburb's eclectic vibe is complemented by boutique shopping experiences and a lively local scene, making it a hub for creatives and young professionals.

    Families will find Islington particularly appealing due to its community-focused environment and access to quality education options, including Islington Public School. The suburb's green spaces and parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family outings. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a family-friendly location. However, it's worth noting that Islington's popularity and inner-city location can lead to higher property prices and a competitive rental market, which might be a consideration for those seeking more affordable housing options.

    While Islington may not offer the tranquility of more suburban areas, its dynamic lifestyle and cultural richness make it a unique place to call home. The suburb's excellent connectivity via major roads and public transport ensures that residents can easily commute to work or explore the surrounding areas. For those who value a vibrant community, diverse cultural experiences, and the convenience of city living, Islington is a fantastic place to live.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Islington?

    Living in Islington, an inner suburb of Newcastle, presents a mixed picture when it comes to affordability. While the current median house and unit prices are not available, rental costs can provide some insight into the cost of living. The average rent for houses in Islington is approximately $720 per week, while units average around $650 per week. These rental prices suggest that living in Islington could be somewhat expensive, especially when compared to the average wage in New South Wales, which is about $108,000 per year.

    With a median total household income of $1,828 per week in Islington, residents might find that a significant portion of their earnings goes towards rent. This could make it challenging for individuals or families earning around the state average to comfortably manage their finances, particularly if they are renting. However, Islington's appeal lies in its vibrant community and proximity to Newcastle's amenities, which might justify the higher living costs for those who value convenience and lifestyle.

    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.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Islington a good place to invest?

    Islington is shaping up to be a promising spot for property investment, thanks to its impressive growth in both house and unit values over the past year. With a 16.3% increase in median house values and a 14.9% rise in unit values, the suburb is clearly on an upward trajectory. This kind of growth indicates a strong demand for properties in the area, which is always a positive sign for investors looking for capital appreciation.

    In addition to the rising property values, Islington has also seen a notable increase in rental prices. House rents have gone up by 6.7%, while unit rents have surged by 14.0% over the last 12 months. This suggests a robust rental market, making it an attractive option for those seeking steady rental income. The combination of capital growth and rental yield makes Islington a well-rounded choice for investment.

    Overall, Islington offers a compelling mix of growth potential and rental demand. Its recent performance in both property values and rental prices highlights its appeal to both buyers and renters. For investors looking to tap into a suburb with strong growth prospects and a vibrant rental market, Islington stands out as a solid option.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Islington

In Islington ,33 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 41.2% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.87% and 3.25%. 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.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.