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Petersham suburb profile

Petersham is a charming inner-west suburb of Sydney, situated approximately 6km from the CBD. Known for its rich Portuguese heritage, Petersham offers a unique cultural experience with its array of authentic eateries and vibrant festivals. The suburb features a mix of Victorian-era architecture and modern developments, providing a picturesque and diverse streetscape. With excellent public transport options, including a train station and numerous bus routes, Petersham ensures easy connectivity to the city and surrounding areas. Its community-focused atmosphere, coupled with parks and recreational facilities, makes it an appealing choice for families, professionals, and students alike.

Petersham property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,608,500Past 3 months

Property growth+0.8%Past 12 months

Petersham's property market has shown stability and modest growth over the past 12 months. The median house price has remained steady at $2.03 million, while unit values have seen a slight increase of 2%, bringing the median unit price to $940,000. This indicates a consistent demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 16 houses and 25 units sold in the past three months. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 39 days on the market, compared to 63 days for units, suggesting a stronger demand for houses.

The rental market in Petersham has experienced significant changes, particularly for houses, with rents increasing by 16.7% over the last 12 months. Unit rents have also risen, albeit at a slower pace, with a 4.8% increase, reflecting a healthy rental demand in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.32M$900K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.2%2.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
1615
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3367
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1000$650
Change in rent
Past 12 months
7.5%4.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Petersham demographics

Petersham, located in Sydney's Inner West, is a charming suburb known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. With a population of 8,200 and a median age of 36, Petersham attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, young professionals, and long-term locals. The suburb's proximity to the city and its unique blend of historic architecture and modern amenities make it a desirable place to live.

The suburb's housing landscape is varied, with 51.6% of properties being rented, indicating a strong rental market that appeals to those seeking flexibility, such as students and young professionals. Meanwhile, 19.7% of homes are owned outright, and 28.7% are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a stable community with a mix of long-term residents and new homeowners. The median total household income of $2,217 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, with many residents enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

Family dynamics in Petersham are diverse, with 39.4% of households being couple families with children and 45.1% being couple families without children. This balance highlights the suburb's appeal to both families and couples seeking a vibrant yet relaxed urban environment. The presence of one-parent families (13%) and other family types (2.4%) further underscores the suburb's inclusive and welcoming nature. With its rich cultural scene, excellent transport links, and community-focused atmosphere, Petersham continues to be a sought-after suburb for those looking to enjoy the best of Sydney's Inner West.

Petersham infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Petersham continues to draw strong interest from buyers due to its proximity to the city, excellent public transport connections—including a heritage-listed train station and major bus routes—and vibrant local amenities such as diverse cafés, parks, and its renowned Portuguese dining precinct[1][5]. Recent enhancements to public infrastructure, including skate park improvements and ongoing accessibility upgrades around Petersham railway station, further improve local convenience and walkability[1][11].

Education remains a drawcard with well-regarded local schools, while planning data show a stable mix of low- and high-density zoning that is likely to maintain the suburb’s character and limit overdevelopment[9]. The Inner West Council’s community vision continues to prioritise livability enhancements and public space upgrades, supporting long-term demand for residential property in the area[6][11]. No major new redevelopments or transport projects have been announced recently, but Petersham’s strong fundamentals and incremental upgrades suggest ongoing property demand and desirability.

Petersham rental market trends

The rental market in Petersham has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 16.7% over the past year to $1,050 per week, while unit rents have seen a modest rise of 4.8% to $650 per week. This vibrant suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, thanks to its convenient location and diverse amenities.

Suburbs near Petersham

Some popular suburbs near Petersham include:

How does Petersham compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Petersham’s median house price is 10.3% higher than Marrickville’s.
  • Median unit prices: Petersham’s median unit price is 1.7% higher than Leichhardt’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Lewisham have risen 0.2% more than in Petersham over the past year.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Petersham have grown 4.5% higher than in Marrickville.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Petersham are selling 31.3% faster than in Dulwich Hill.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Petersham are selling 28.0% faster than in Lewisham.
  • Investment considerations: In Petersham, the rental yield for house is 14.8% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 13.1% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Petersham have grown 10.4% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Petersham have grown 8.6% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Petersham

  • Is Petersham a nice place to live?

    Petersham is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of cultural richness and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. With its charming streetscape, Petersham is known for its welcoming vibe and strong community spirit. The suburb's proximity to the city, combined with its excellent public transport options, ensures that residents enjoy easy access to the bustling heart of Sydney while still relishing the tranquility of a suburban lifestyle.

    The suburb is particularly appealing to families, thanks to its community-focused atmosphere and access to quality schools. The presence of parks and recreational facilities provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it an ideal environment for children to grow and explore. Petersham's vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by its renowned Portuguese dining precinct, offers a diverse array of eateries and cafes that cater to a variety of tastes, adding to the suburb's lively and inclusive atmosphere.

    While Petersham offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. The suburb's popularity and proximity to the city can lead to higher property prices, which may be a consideration for those looking to buy. Additionally, while the area is generally safe, as with any urban environment, it's wise to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Despite these considerations, Petersham's charm, cultural vibrancy, and family-friendly environment make it a highly desirable place to live for those seeking a balanced urban lifestyle.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Petersham?

    Living in Petersham can be quite pricey, especially when considering its proximity to the Sydney central business district. The current median house price in Petersham is a hefty $2,030,000, while units are more affordable at around $940,000. If you're thinking of renting, the average rent for houses over the past year has been $1,050 per week, with units averaging $650. These figures suggest that housing costs in Petersham are on the higher end.

    When we look at the income side of things, the average wage in Petersham is about $74,000 per year, which is similar to the average wage in Sydney. However, given the high property prices and rental rates, a significant portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing, which could make living in Petersham challenging for those earning average salaries. The median total household income weekly is $2,217, which helps, but the cost of housing remains a substantial financial commitment.

    Overall, while Petersham offers the benefits of inner-city living with its vibrant community and convenient location, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you're considering making Petersham your home, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with living in this desirable 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 Petersham a good place to invest?

    Petersham presents a promising opportunity for investors, particularly those interested in rental income. While the median house value has remained stable over the past year, the rental market tells a different story. House rents have surged by an impressive 16.7%, indicating strong demand from tenants and the potential for solid rental returns. This trend suggests that Petersham is becoming increasingly attractive to renters, possibly due to its convenient location and vibrant community atmosphere.

    Units in Petersham have also shown positive movement, with a 2.0% increase in median value over the last 12 months. This growth, coupled with a 4.8% rise in unit rents, highlights the suburb's appeal to both investors and renters alike. The steady increase in unit values suggests a healthy demand, making units a viable option for those looking to invest in the area.

    Overall, Petersham offers a balanced investment landscape. While capital growth for houses has been flat, the strong rental market provides an attractive alternative for investors seeking consistent income. The suburb's charm, combined with its accessibility and community vibe, makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in Sydney's property market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Petersham

There are 60 real estate agents working in Petersham, 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 42.9% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Petersham typically range from 1.66% to 2.15%. 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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