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Kensington suburb profile

Kensington is a vibrant suburb located in Sydney's eastern suburbs, just 6km from the CBD. Known for its proximity to the University of New South Wales, it attracts a diverse mix of students, academics, and professionals. The suburb offers a blend of residential charm and urban convenience, with tree-lined streets, heritage homes, and modern apartments. Kensington is well-served by public transport, providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Its local cafes, parks, and sporting facilities, including the iconic Randwick Racecourse, contribute to its appeal as a lively and convenient place to live.

Kensington property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,318,000Past 3 months

Property growth-9.1%Past 12 months

Kensington’s property market has experienced stable trends over the past 12 months. House values have remained steady, with a median price of $3.69 million, while units have seen a modest increase of 3.2%, reaching a median price of $946,000.

The market activity has seen 13 houses and 40 units sold during this period. Notably, houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 75 days on the market, whereas units are moving more quickly at 41 days, indicating varied demand levels.

Rental prices have shown slight increases, with house rents rising by 3.7% to $1,400 and unit rents increasing by 3.1% to $820, reflecting a stable rental market in Kensington.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.69M$946K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-21.4%3.2%
Sold
Past 3 months
1340
Median days on market
Past 12 months
7541
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1400$820
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.7%3.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Kensington demographics

Kensington, located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, is a vibrant and diverse community known for its proximity to the University of New South Wales and the Royal Randwick Racecourse. With a population of 11,927 and a median age of 32, the suburb attracts a youthful demographic, including students and young professionals who are drawn to its lively atmosphere and convenient access to educational and employment opportunities.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rental rate, with 56.1% of properties being rented. This reflects its appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, particularly students and transient professionals. Meanwhile, 24.9% of properties are owned outright, and 19.1% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable base of long-term residents who appreciate the suburb's blend of urban convenience and suburban charm.

Family dynamics in Kensington are diverse, with 38.5% of families being couples with children and 45.6% being couples without children. This mix contributes to a balanced community atmosphere, where family-oriented amenities coexist with vibrant social and cultural scenes. The presence of one-parent families (12.7%) and other family structures (3.1%) further enriches the suburb's demographic tapestry, making Kensington a dynamic and inclusive place to live.

Kensington infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Kensington continues to benefit from its role as a major education and student hub, anchored by the University of New South Wales and nearby NIDA, with new and recently completed student accommodation such as the Scape buildings in the KEKI (Kensington to Kingsford) precinct adding to local housing density and activating the retail and dining strip along Anzac Parade.[2][7][9] These projects, together with the suburb’s mix of heritage homes and newer apartments, are supporting strong rental demand and underpinning buyer interest from investors, students and university staff.[1][7]

Transport connectivity has been significantly improved by the light rail along Anzac Parade, providing direct links to the CBD and surrounding suburbs and enhancing Kensington’s appeal for commuters.[1][7] Proximity to major amenities such as Randwick Racecourse, Moore Park, nearby beaches and extensive parklands continues to bolster lifestyle appeal, suggesting that demand for well-located properties in Kensington is likely to remain solid over the medium term.[1][4][7]

Kensington rental market trends

The rental market in Kensington shows moderate growth, with house rents increasing 3.7% over the past year to $1,400 per week, while unit rents rose 3.1% to $820 per week. Kensington continues to attract interest from renters and investors alike, owing to its proximity to educational institutions and vibrant local amenities.

Suburbs near Kensington

Some popular suburbs near Kensington include:

How does Kensington compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Kensington’s median house price is 38.6% higher than Kingsford’s.
  • Median unit prices: Kensington’s median unit price is 17.5% higher than Eastlakes’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Kingsford have risen 23.9% more than in Kensington over the past year.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kensington have grown 3.8% higher than in Zetland.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Kingsford are selling 32.0% faster than in Kensington.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Kensington are selling 22.6% faster than in Kingsford.
  • Investment considerations: In Kensington, the rental yield for house is 55.0% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 5.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kensington have grown 71.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Kensington have grown 9.9% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Kensington

  • Is Kensington a nice place to live?

    Kensington is a delightful suburb that offers a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle, making it a fantastic place to live. Its charming streets are lined with a mix of heritage homes and modern apartments, creating a picturesque setting that appeals to a diverse community. The suburb's lively atmosphere is enhanced by its proximity to the University of New South Wales, attracting a blend of students, academics, and professionals who contribute to its energetic vibe. With a variety of local cafes, parks, and sporting facilities, Kensington provides ample opportunities for leisure and recreation, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

    Families will find Kensington particularly attractive due to its family-friendly amenities and strong sense of community. The suburb offers a range of educational facilities and is well-served by public transport, ensuring easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the presence of nearby beaches and extensive parklands adds to the suburb's appeal for families seeking a balanced lifestyle. However, it's worth noting that the high rental rate reflects a transient population, which may not suit those looking for a more stable, long-term community.

    While Kensington offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. The suburb's popularity and proximity to the CBD mean that property prices can be high, and the demand for rental properties is strong. Additionally, the vibrant student and professional population can lead to a bustling atmosphere, which might not be ideal for those seeking a quieter environment. Despite these considerations, Kensington's blend of urban convenience, cultural vibrancy, and family-friendly amenities make it a highly desirable place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Kensington?

    Living in Kensington can be quite expensive, especially when compared to the average earnings in New South Wales. The median house price in Kensington is a staggering $3,690,000, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in Sydney. For those considering apartment living, the median unit price is $946,000, which is still on the higher end of the spectrum.

    Renting in Kensington also comes with a hefty price tag. The average rent for houses is around $1,400 per week, while units average $820 per week. When you consider that the average weekly earnings in New South Wales are about $2,084, a substantial portion of income would be required to cover housing costs in Kensington.

    In summary, if you are thinking of living in Kensington, it's important to be prepared for the high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. While the suburb offers the convenience of proximity to Sydney's city center and a vibrant lifestyle, these benefits come at a premium. Carefully evaluating your financial situation is crucial to determine if living in Kensington aligns with your budget.

    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 Kensington a good place to invest?

    Kensington presents a promising opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in units. Over the past year, the median unit value in Kensington has increased by 3.2%, indicating a steady demand and potential for capital growth. This is complemented by a 3.1% rise in unit rents, suggesting a healthy rental market that can provide consistent returns for investors.

    While the median house value has remained stable with no change over the last 12 months, the rental market for houses has seen a 3.7% increase. This suggests that while capital growth for houses may be slower, there is still a strong demand for rental properties, making it a viable option for those seeking rental income.

    Kensington's appeal lies in its strategic location, offering easy access to the city and a vibrant lifestyle, which continues to attract both renters and buyers. The suburb's mix of residential and commercial areas, along with its proximity to educational institutions, makes it a desirable place to live. Overall, Kensington offers a balanced investment opportunity with potential for both capital growth and rental income, especially in the unit market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Kensington

In Kensington ,99 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 34.5% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.77% and 2.03%. 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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