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Paddington suburb profile

Paddington is a chic and historic suburb located just 3km east of Sydney's CBD, renowned for its Victorian terrace houses and vibrant cultural scene. This fashionable area is a hub for art, fashion, and dining, with Oxford Street serving as a bustling artery lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Paddington Markets, held weekly, attract visitors with their unique crafts and local produce. The suburb's leafy streets and heritage architecture provide a picturesque setting, while its proximity to Centennial Park offers ample recreational opportunities. Paddington's blend of urban sophistication and historic charm makes it a sought-after destination for residents and visitors alike.

Paddington property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,267,500Past 3 months

Property growth-2.3%Past 12 months

Paddington’s property market has shown stability and moderate growth over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 8.6%, with the current median house price reaching $3.89 million. Meanwhile, unit values have remained steady, with no change over the year, and the median unit price averaging $1.05 million.

In terms of sales activity, 66 houses and 29 units were sold in the past year. Houses are taking slightly longer to sell, with a median of 46 days on market, compared to units which are selling faster at 33 days, indicating stronger demand in the unit sector.

Rental prices for houses in Paddington have remained unchanged over the last 12 months, holding steady at an average of $1,495 per week. In contrast, unit rents have increased by 6.9%, with units averaging $695, signaling a higher demand for rental units.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.25M$1.28M
Change in value
Past 12 months
2.8%-7.4%
Sold
Past 3 months
6732
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5038
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1500$700
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A9.4%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Paddington demographics

Paddington, located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, is renowned for its charming Victorian terraces, boutique shopping, and vibrant arts scene. With a population of 12,701 and a median age of 38, the suburb attracts a mix of professionals, families, and long-term residents who appreciate its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The median total household income of $3,131 per week reflects the affluence of the area, making it one of Sydney's more desirable places to live.

Family life in Paddington is well-represented, with 37% of households being couple families with children and 50.1% being couple families without children. This indicates a strong community of both young families and established couples enjoying the suburb's lifestyle. The presence of 11.4% one-parent families adds to the diversity of family structures in the area, while the small percentage of other families (1.5%) highlights its traditional family-oriented nature.

In terms of property ownership, Paddington showcases a balanced mix. Approximately 27.9% of properties are owned outright, and 26.2% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable property market with a significant number of long-term residents. Meanwhile, 45.9% of properties are rented, appealing to those seeking flexibility and the vibrant lifestyle that Paddington offers. The suburb's proximity to the Sydney CBD, coupled with its cultural and historical appeal, makes it a sought-after location for both residents and investors alike.

Paddington infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Paddington continues to benefit from its proximity to major inner-city infrastructure, including easy bus access along Oxford Street and links to nearby train services at Edgecliff, which support strong demand from professionals seeking convenient commutes.[7][9] Ongoing heritage conservation within the suburb, including the protection of its extensive Victorian terrace streetscapes, helps preserve character and underpins buyer interest in well-maintained period homes.[5][3]

Local amenities such as Paddington Reservoir Gardens, community facilities around Paddington Town Hall, and nearby green spaces in Centennial Park and Moore Park contribute to walkability and lifestyle appeal, which are key drivers for both owner-occupiers and tenants.[5][7][8] At present, there are no widely reported new large-scale transport or school infrastructure projects specific to Paddington beyond routine upgrades, so market performance is likely to remain driven by its established café, retail and cultural scene, as well as its close connection to the CBD.[5][7]

Paddington rental market trends

In Paddington, house rents have remained stable over the past year at $1,495 per week, while unit rents have increased by 6.9% to $695 per week. This stability in house rents combined with a modest rise in unit rents suggests a balanced rental market, making Paddington an attractive option for steady investment and urban living.

Suburbs near Paddington

Some popular suburbs near Paddington include:

How does Paddington compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Paddington’s median house price is 51.2% higher than Darlinghurst’s.
  • Median unit prices: Paddington’s median unit price is 14.0% higher than Darlinghurst’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Paddington have grown 13.5% higher than in Edgecliff.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Darlinghurst have risen 23.4% more than in Paddington over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Paddington are selling 35.1% faster than in Woollahra.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Paddington are selling 15.6% faster than in Darlinghurst.
  • Investment considerations: In Paddington, the rental yield for house is 64.7% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 10.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Paddington have grown 92.2% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Paddington have grown 7.4% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Paddington

  • Is Paddington a nice place to live?

    Paddington is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern sophistication, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its picturesque Victorian terraces and vibrant cultural scene, Paddington exudes a chic and fashionable vibe that attracts a diverse mix of residents. The suburb's proximity to Sydney's CBD, just 3km away, ensures that all the amenities of city life are within easy reach, while still providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.

    Families will find Paddington particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and the availability of excellent local amenities. The suburb is home to a variety of cafes, boutiques, and galleries, providing plenty of options for leisurely weekends. The nearby Centennial Park offers a vast green space for outdoor activities, making it ideal for families who enjoy spending time in nature. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly atmosphere.

    However, living in Paddington does come with some trade-offs. The area is known for its affluence, which is reflected in property prices, making it a more expensive option compared to other suburbs. Additionally, while the heritage architecture adds to its charm, it may also mean that homes require more maintenance. Despite these considerations, Paddington's vibrant lifestyle, cultural richness, and convenient location make it a highly desirable place to call home for those who can afford it.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Paddington?

    Living in Paddington is undeniably expensive, reflecting its status as one of Sydney's most desirable inner-city suburbs. The median house price in Paddington is a staggering $3,892,500, while units are priced at a median of $1,050,000. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is approximately $1,495 per week, and for units, it's around $695 per week. These figures highlight the high cost of housing in Paddington.

    Comparing these costs to the average wage in Greater Sydney, which is about $81,000 per year, it becomes clear that a significant portion of one's income would be required to afford living in Paddington. The median total household income in Paddington is $3,131 per week, which is higher than the average, but still, the housing prices and rental costs are substantial. If you are thinking of living in Paddington, it's important to consider these financial aspects and ensure that your budget can accommodate the high cost of living in this vibrant and sought-after 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 Paddington a good place to invest?

    Paddington is a suburb that stands out for its investment potential, especially for those interested in the housing market. Over the past year, the median house value in Paddington has increased by 8.6%, indicating strong demand and a healthy appreciation in property values. This growth suggests that the suburb is highly sought after, likely due to its charming Victorian terraces, vibrant culture, and proximity to the city center. While the median unit value has remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a notable increase of 6.9%, highlighting a growing demand for rental properties in the area.

    The stability in house rents, despite the increase in property values, suggests that Paddington remains an attractive option for long-term tenants, providing a steady rental income for investors. The suburb's unique blend of historical architecture, trendy boutiques, and cafes, along with its close-knit community feel, adds to its appeal for both renters and buyers. Overall, Paddington offers a promising mix of capital growth and rental yield potential, making it a compelling choice for investors looking to tap into a vibrant and dynamic real estate market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Paddington

Choosing the right real estate agent in Paddington can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 105 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 53.0% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.77% to 2.03%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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