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Rose Bay suburb profile

Rose Bay is an affluent harbourside suburb located in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 7km from the CBD. Known for its stunning waterfront views and luxurious homes, Rose Bay offers a prestigious lifestyle with a mix of heritage and modern architecture. The suburb is home to picturesque parks, a vibrant café culture, and the iconic Rose Bay Wharf, providing easy access to ferries and recreational boating. With its proximity to Bondi Beach and top-tier schools, Rose Bay attracts families, professionals, and retirees seeking a serene yet connected environment. Its blend of natural beauty and urban convenience makes it a highly sought-after location.

Rose Bay property market performance

Current median dwelling price$4,100,000Past 3 months

Property growth+3.0%Past 12 months

Rose Bay’s property market has experienced varied trends over the past year. House values have increased by 9.9%, bringing the median house price to $6.5 million, while unit values have remained stable at $1.7 million. This suggests a steady demand for units, despite a notable rise in house prices.

In terms of sales, 16 houses and 44 units were sold in the last 12 months. Houses are taking a longer time to sell, with a median of 93 days on the market, compared to 55 days for units, indicating differing buyer preferences.

The rental market in Rose Bay shows varied movements, with house rents remaining stagnant, while unit rents have increased by 11.1%. The average rent now stands at $2,200 for houses and $1,000 for units, reflecting a significant rent shift in the unit sector.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$6.50M$1.70M
Change in value
Past 12 months
9.9%-4.0%
Sold
Past 3 months
1644
Median days on market
Past 12 months
9355
Average rent
Past 12 months
$2200$1000
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-10.1%11.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Rose Bay demographics

Rose Bay, a picturesque suburb located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, is renowned for its stunning harbour views and affluent lifestyle. With a population of 9,911, it offers a serene yet vibrant community atmosphere. The median age of 40 suggests a mature population, with many families and established professionals calling this suburb home. Its proximity to the city and beautiful beaches makes it a desirable location for those seeking a balance between urban convenience and coastal tranquility.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being owned outright (31.2%) or with a mortgage (24.7%), indicating a stable and affluent community. However, renting is also a popular option, with 44.1% of the population choosing this flexible living arrangement. This mix of ownership and rental options caters to a wide range of residents, from young professionals to retirees.

Family life is a prominent feature of Rose Bay, with 40.9% of households being couple families with children and 43.5% being couple families without children. The presence of one-parent families (14.2%) and other family types (1.4%) adds to the suburb's diverse demographic profile. The area's high median household income of $2,539 per week reflects its status as a sought-after location, offering a high quality of life with access to excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities.

Rose Bay infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Rose Bay continues to benefit from its established status as an affluent harbourside suburb with strong access to ferry, bus and road links into the CBD, supporting ongoing buyer demand.[5][6] Local amenities such as waterfront parks, golf courses and proximity to nearby retail and dining hubs contribute to high livability, which typically underpins premium property values and sustained interest from both owner-occupiers and investors.[2][5]

There are no widely publicised new transport corridors, major school redevelopments or large-scale infrastructure projects specific to Rose Bay currently flagged that would materially alter the suburb’s character in the short term.[5] Planning in the broader eastern suburbs remains focused on incremental infill, refurbishment of existing housing stock and small mixed-use projects, which may modestly increase density but are unlikely to significantly disrupt demand for established homes in Rose Bay.[4][5]

Rose Bay rental market trends

In Rose Bay, the rental market shows stability for houses with no change, maintaining a median rent of $2,200 per week. Meanwhile, unit rents have risen by 11.1% to $1,000 per week. With its desirable location and strong demand for units, Rose Bay continues to attract both investors and renters seeking premium lifestyle opportunities.

Suburbs near Rose Bay

Some popular suburbs near Rose Bay include:

How does Rose Bay compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Rose Bay’s median house price is 21.5% higher than North Bondi’s.
  • Median unit prices: Rose Bay’s median unit price is 8.6% higher than North Bondi’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Rose Bay have grown 11.2% higher than in North Bondi.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Rose Bay have grown 2.0% higher than in Bellevue Hill.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby North Bondi are selling 30.1% faster than in Rose Bay.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Rose Bay are selling 12.7% faster than in Bellevue Hill.
  • Investment considerations: In Rose Bay, the rental yield for house is 143.6% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 28.5% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Rose Bay have grown 204.9% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Rose Bay have grown 106.5% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Rose Bay

  • Is Rose Bay a nice place to live?

    Rose Bay is a charming and delightful suburb that offers a serene and luxurious lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled along the harbourside, it boasts breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for families seeking a tranquil yet connected environment. The suburb is known for its vibrant café culture and picturesque parks, providing ample opportunities for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities. With its proximity to the city and iconic beaches, Rose Bay offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and coastal charm.

    For families, Rose Bay is particularly appealing due to its access to excellent schools and a safe, welcoming community. The suburb's blend of heritage and modern architecture adds to its unique character, attracting a diverse mix of residents, from young professionals to retirees. While the area is affluent, it offers a range of housing options, including both ownership and rental opportunities, catering to various lifestyles and preferences.

    However, living in Rose Bay does come with some trade-offs. The prestigious lifestyle and stunning location mean that property prices can be high, and the area may lack the bustling nightlife found in more central suburbs. Additionally, while the suburb is well-connected by ferry and road links, public transport options may not be as extensive as in other parts of Sydney. Despite these considerations, Rose Bay remains a highly desirable location for those seeking a peaceful, family-friendly environment with easy access to both natural beauty and urban amenities.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Rose Bay?

    Living in Rose Bay is quite expensive, reflecting its status as a prestigious suburb with stunning harbor views and proximity to Sydney's city center. The median house price in Rose Bay is a staggering $6,500,000, while units are priced at a median of $1,700,000. These figures are significantly higher than the overall Sydney median house prices, making homeownership in Rose Bay a considerable financial commitment.

    Renting in Rose Bay also comes with a hefty price tag. The average rent for houses is about $2,200 per week, and for units, it's approximately $1,000 per week. When you compare this to the average Sydney wage of $95,000 per year, it's clear that a large portion of income would be required to cover housing costs alone, whether buying or renting.

    While Rose Bay offers a luxurious lifestyle with its beautiful scenery and convenient location, the cost of living is notably high. If you are thinking of living in Rose Bay, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it can support the expenses associated with residing in this upscale 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 Rose Bay a good place to invest?

    Rose Bay is an attractive suburb for property investment, particularly for those interested in the housing market. Over the past 12 months, the median house value in Rose Bay has increased by an impressive 9.9%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This makes it a promising option for investors looking for appreciation in property value. The suburb's appeal is further enhanced by its picturesque location, offering stunning views and a desirable lifestyle, which continues to draw interest from both buyers and renters.

    While the median unit value has remained stable over the past year, the rental market for units has seen a significant boost, with a 11.1% increase in rent. This suggests a growing demand for rental properties, making units a potentially lucrative option for investors seeking rental income. The stability in unit prices, combined with rising rents, offers a balanced investment opportunity with the potential for steady returns.

    Overall, Rose Bay presents a compelling case for investment, with its strong house price growth and increasing rental demand for units. Its scenic beauty and lifestyle appeal ensure ongoing interest, making it a solid choice for those looking to invest in a suburb with both capital growth and rental income potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Rose Bay

In Rose Bay ,84 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 26.7% 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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