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Killara suburb profile

Killara is a prestigious suburb located on Sydney's Upper North Shore, approximately 14km from the CBD. Known for its leafy streets and grand homes, Killara offers a serene and affluent lifestyle. The suburb is home to several heritage-listed sites and boasts excellent educational institutions, including the renowned Killara High School. With its proximity to Lane Cove National Park, residents enjoy ample green spaces and recreational opportunities. Killara's convenient access to public transport, including the North Shore railway line, makes it an attractive choice for professionals and families seeking a tranquil yet connected environment.

Killara property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,762,500Past 3 months

Property growth-3.6%Past 12 months

Killara's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with house values experiencing a modest increase of 0.6% and unit values remaining unchanged. The median house price has averaged $4.53 million, while units have maintained a median price of $1 million, indicating steady demand in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 18 houses and 29 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 87 days on the market, compared to 63 days for units, suggesting a more competitive unit market.

The rental market in Killara has seen varied changes, with house rents remaining stable over the last 12 months, while unit rents have increased by 6.7%, reflecting a growing demand for rental units in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$4.53M$1M
Change in value
Past 12 months
0.6%-7.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
1829
Median days on market
Past 12 months
8763
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1500$800
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A6.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Killara demographics

Killara, located on Sydney's Upper North Shore, is a suburb renowned for its leafy streets, prestigious schools, and family-friendly environment. With a population of 10,620, Killara offers a serene residential setting that appeals to families and professionals seeking a peaceful yet well-connected lifestyle. The median age of 42 indicates a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's tranquil atmosphere and proximity to the city.

The suburb is characterized by a high proportion of couple families with children, making up 53.8% of the population, which underscores its appeal to families. Additionally, 31.8% of households are couple families without children, reflecting a mix of young professionals and empty nesters who appreciate the suburb's charm and amenities. The presence of one-parent families at 13.4% adds to the diversity of the community.

Property ownership in Killara is predominantly owner-occupied, with 40.6% of homes owned outright and 33.2% owned with a mortgage. This high level of home ownership reflects the suburb's stability and desirability as a long-term residence. The rental market, comprising 26.2% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility or transitioning into home ownership.

Killara's appeal is further enhanced by its excellent transport links, including a train station that offers easy access to Sydney's CBD, and its proximity to shopping precincts, parks, and recreational facilities. The suburb's blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and convenience makes it a sought-after location for those looking to enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

Killara infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Killara is currently seeing renewed focus on local arts and culture with the ongoing redevelopment of the Marian Street Theatre into a multipurpose arts and cultural facility, expected to enhance community engagement and improve amenity for residents[5]. While there are no major commercial or transit infrastructure projects underway, the suburb continues to benefit from its established reputation for quiet, leafy streets, proximity to premier schools, and access to green spaces, factors that underpin steady property demand and appeal to families[9][10].

Recent property market activity reflects strong interest, with houses and units showing stable turnover and median values remaining high, largely due to the area's heritage homes, prestigious school catchments, and desirable parkside setting[2][9]. At this time, no significant changes to local transport or council planning have been announced that would impact property values in Killara. The ongoing preservation of Killara’s character and amenities supports its reputation as a sought-after residential suburb on Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

Killara rental market trends

The rental market in Killara has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged at $1,500 per week over the past year, while unit rents have experienced a 6.7% increase to $800 per week. This suburb continues to attract interest due to its established community, excellent schools, and proximity to Sydney's CBD, making it a desirable location for families and professionals alike.

Suburbs near Killara

Some popular suburbs near Killara include:

How does Killara compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Killara’s median house price is 28.6% higher than Lindfield’s.
  • Median unit prices: Killara’s median unit price is 4.7% higher than Gordon’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Killara have grown 3.9% higher than in Lindfield.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Killara have grown 5.7% higher than in Lindfield.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Lindfield are selling 10.3% faster than in Killara.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Killara are selling 11.3% faster than in Lindfield.
  • Investment considerations: In Killara, the rental yield for house is 71.8% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 7.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Killara have grown 107.9% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Killara have grown 24.5% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Killara

  • Is Killara a nice place to live?

    Killara is a charming and peaceful suburb that offers a delightful living experience for families and professionals alike. Nestled on Sydney's Upper North Shore, it is known for its leafy streets and grand homes, providing a serene and affluent lifestyle. The suburb's proximity to Lane Cove National Park ensures residents have access to ample green spaces and recreational opportunities, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate nature and outdoor activities. The community vibe in Killara is warm and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on family-friendly living, supported by excellent educational institutions and a mature, stable community.

    Living in Killara comes with the advantage of convenient access to public transport, including the North Shore railway line, which makes commuting to the CBD a breeze. This connectivity, combined with the suburb's tranquil atmosphere, makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. The local amenities, including shopping precincts, cafes, and parks, cater to a variety of interests, ensuring there's always something to do without the hustle and bustle of inner-city life.

    For families, Killara offers a safe and nurturing environment, with the added benefit of prestigious schools and a community that values education and stability. However, the trade-off for this idyllic setting is the higher property prices, which reflect the suburb's desirability and long-term appeal. While the nightlife and commercial activities may not be as vibrant as in more urban areas, the ongoing redevelopment of the Marian Street Theatre into a multipurpose arts and cultural facility promises to enhance community engagement and provide cultural enrichment for residents.

    Overall, Killara is a wonderful place to call home for those who prioritize a peaceful, family-oriented lifestyle with easy access to the city and a strong sense of community. The suburb's blend of natural beauty, excellent amenities, and prestigious schools make it a sought-after location for families and professionals looking to enjoy a high quality of life.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Killara?

    Living in Killara is on the pricier side, reflecting its status as a prestigious suburb on Sydney's North Shore. The median house price is a staggering $4,525,000, which is significantly higher than many other Sydney suburbs. If you're considering renting, houses average around $1,500 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $800 per week.

    When we look at income, the median total household income in Killara is $2,802 per week. This is quite substantial, yet when compared to the average Sydney wage of about $90,000 per year, it becomes clear that living in Killara requires a higher-than-average income to comfortably manage housing costs.

    Overall, Killara offers a luxurious lifestyle with its beautiful surroundings and excellent amenities, but the cost of living, particularly in terms of property prices and rent, is notably high. If you're thinking of living in Killara, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this exclusive 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 Killara a good place to invest?

    Killara presents a unique investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in the rental market. While the change in median house and unit values has been relatively flat over the past year, with house values increasing by just 0.6% and unit values remaining unchanged, the rental market tells a different story. Rental prices for units have surged by 6.7%, indicating strong demand from renters, which could be appealing for investors seeking rental income.

    The suburb's stability in property values suggests a low-risk environment, making it an attractive option for investors looking for steady returns rather than rapid capital growth. Killara's appeal lies in its established community, excellent schools, and lush green spaces, which continue to draw families and professionals alike. This consistent demand supports the rental market, particularly for units, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability compared to houses.

    Overall, Killara offers a balanced investment landscape. While it may not promise explosive growth in property values, its strong rental market, particularly for units, provides a reliable income stream. This makes Killara a solid choice for investors looking for stability and consistent rental returns in a desirable suburb.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Killara

There are 88 real estate agents working in Killara, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 26.5% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Killara typically range from 1.72% to 2.25%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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