Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Russell Lea

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Russell Lea suburb profile

Russell Lea is a picturesque suburb in Sydney's Inner West, nestled along the Parramatta River. Known for its tranquil residential streets and waterfront views, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city while still being conveniently close to the CBD, approximately 9km away. The suburb features a mix of charming Federation-style homes and modern residences, appealing to families and professionals alike. Russell Lea is well-served by public transport and boasts several parks, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its community-oriented atmosphere and proximity to vibrant dining and shopping precincts enhance its appeal as a desirable place to live.

Russell Lea property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,213,500Past 3 months

Property growth-4.3%Past 12 months

Russell Lea's property market has shown a positive trend in house values over the past 12 months, with an increase of 6.6%, bringing the median house price to $3.36 million. However, the unit market has remained stagnant, with no change in median value. Over the last three months, 17 houses and 6 units were sold, indicating a stronger demand for houses.

Houses in Russell Lea are taking longer to sell, with a median of 69 days on the market, while the unit market data is limited. The rental market for houses has remained stable, with no change in average rent, while units have seen a 6.2% increase in rent, suggesting a growing interest in the unit rental sector.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.36MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
6.6%-15.3%
Sold
Past 3 months
176
Median days on market
Past 12 months
69N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1100$690
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A6.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Russell Lea demographics

Russell Lea, nestled in Sydney's Inner West, is a charming suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. With a population of 4,920, it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while still providing convenient access to urban amenities. The median age of 43 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's peaceful environment and proximity to the Parramatta River.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 38.2% of properties owned outright and 35.7% owned with a mortgage. This stability is appealing to families and long-term residents who value a sense of community and security. The rental market, comprising 26.1% of properties, caters to those seeking flexibility, including young professionals and smaller households.

Family life is at the heart of Russell Lea, with 51.2% of households being couple families with children, and 34.7% being couple families without children. The presence of quality schools, parks, and recreational facilities makes it an ideal location for raising a family. The suburb's strong community spirit is further enhanced by local events and activities that bring residents together, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Russell Lea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Russell Lea remains a quiet, tree-lined suburb with limited large-scale redevelopment or infrastructure changes currently underway. The area benefits from ongoing maintenance of local parks and waterfront reserves, enhancing recreation and lifestyle, but no major commercial or residential construction projects are reported.

Russell Lea Public School continues to service the community, and proximity to established schools in neighbouring suburbs supports family demand. Public transport is available via frequent bus routes, with no train or metro extension planned for Russell Lea; however, easy road access keeps commute times competitive. No significant changes to local council planning or infrastructure are currently impacting the property market, and suburb desirability remains steady due to its safety, walkability, and access to amenities.

Russell Lea rental market trends

The rental market in Russell Lea has shown stability, with house rents remaining unchanged over the past year at $1,100 per week. Meanwhile, unit rents have experienced a modest increase of 6.2%, reaching $690 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters with its appealing lifestyle and proximity to Sydney's CBD, offering a balanced market for both investors and tenants.

Suburbs near Russell Lea

Some popular suburbs near Russell Lea include:

How does Russell Lea compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Russell Lea’s median house price is 38.6% higher than Drummoyne’s.
  • Median unit prices: Russell Lea’s median unit price is 9.1% higher than Five Dock’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Russell Lea have grown 9.4% higher than in Five Dock.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Chiswick have risen 12.8% more than in Russell Lea over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Russell Lea are selling 12.7% faster than in Drummoyne.
  • Investment considerations: In Russell Lea, the rental yield for house is 26.0% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 7.4% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Russell Lea have grown 71.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Russell Lea have grown 22.5% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Russell Lea

  • Is Russell Lea a nice place to live?

    Russell Lea is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to call home. With its charming streets and picturesque surroundings, this suburb provides a peaceful retreat while still offering convenient access to the vibrant city life of Sydney. The community vibe in Russell Lea is warm and welcoming, with a strong sense of belonging that appeals to families and professionals alike. The suburb is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for leisurely strolls or family picnics, and its proximity to the Parramatta River adds to its natural allure.

    Families will find Russell Lea particularly appealing due to its excellent schools and safe, community-oriented atmosphere. The suburb's housing options, ranging from charming Federation-style homes to modern residences, cater to a variety of preferences and provide a stable environment for raising children. While the suburb does not boast a bustling nightlife, it compensates with its proximity to vibrant dining and shopping precincts, ensuring that residents have access to a variety of amenities without the need to venture far from home.

    One trade-off of living in Russell Lea is the lack of a train or metro extension, which means reliance on bus routes and road access for commuting. However, the suburb's location ensures that commute times remain competitive, and the peaceful lifestyle more than makes up for this minor inconvenience. Safety is generally not a concern, and the suburb's walkability enhances its appeal for families and individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle. Overall, Russell Lea is a charming and desirable suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it a lovely place to live for those seeking tranquility and community in close proximity to the city.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Russell Lea?

    Living in Russell Lea can be quite costly, especially when you consider the current property market. The median house price in Russell Lea is a staggering $3,360,000, which is significantly higher than many other suburbs in Sydney. If you're looking to rent, the average rent for houses over the past year has been around $1,100 per week, and for units, it's about $690 per week. These figures highlight that housing in Russell Lea demands a substantial financial commitment.

    When we compare these costs to the average wage in Sydney, which is approximately $86,000 per year, it's clear that a significant portion of one's income would need to be allocated towards housing expenses in Russell Lea. The median total household income in the suburb is $2,658 per week, which is relatively high, but the high property prices and rents still make it a challenge for many to comfortably afford living here.

    Overall, while Russell Lea offers a desirable location with its proximity to the city and a charming suburban feel, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher end. If you're thinking of living in Russell Lea, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this affluent 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.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Russell Lea a good place to invest?

    Russell Lea presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in the stability and potential of the Sydney property market. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 6.6% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy demand for housing in the area. This growth suggests that Russell Lea is maintaining its appeal among buyers, which is a positive sign for potential investors looking for capital appreciation.

    While the median unit values have remained stable over the last 12 months, the rental market for units has seen a notable 6.2% increase. This rise in rental prices reflects a growing demand for rental properties, making units an attractive option for investors seeking reliable rental income. The stability in house rents suggests a steady market, providing a sense of security for those considering long-term investments.

    Overall, Russell Lea offers a balanced mix of growth and stability, making it a promising suburb for investment. With its appealing location and consistent market performance, it provides a solid foundation for both capital growth and rental income potential. For investors looking to enter the Sydney market, Russell Lea's combination of increasing house values and rising unit rents makes it a suburb worth considering.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Russell Lea

In Russell Lea, 50 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 28.7% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.66% and 2.15%. 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.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.