Scarborough suburb profile
Scarborough is a picturesque coastal suburb located in the northern Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 60km south of Sydney. Known for its stunning ocean views and serene beaches, Scarborough offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb is characterized by its charming seaside village atmosphere, with a mix of traditional cottages and modern homes. Scarborough is popular among surfers and nature enthusiasts, with easy access to the Royal National Park and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. Its peaceful environment and natural beauty make it a desirable location for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Scarborough property market performance
Scarborough's property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with no change in median house or unit values. The median prices for both property types currently stand at $0, reflecting a lack of market movement. Over the past three months, only 1 house was sold, indicating limited sales activity.
The market has experienced no notable change in either house or unit rental prices over the past year, both remaining at a median rent of $0. Median days on market for houses and units were not applicable during this period, suggesting no active sales listings.
Overall, Scarborough's real estate and rental markets have remained static with little to no activity, signalling a period of stagnation in this suburb.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | N/A | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 1 | N/A |
Median days on market Past 12 months | N/A | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | N/A | N/A |
Change in rent Past 12 months | N/A | N/A |
Scarborough demographics
Scarborough, a picturesque coastal suburb in New South Wales, is known for its stunning ocean views and tranquil lifestyle. With a small population of just 325, it offers a tight-knit community atmosphere that is ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 41 suggests a mature community, with many residents likely enjoying the balance of work and leisure that the area provides.
The suburb's family-oriented nature is evident, with half of the couple families having children, while 40% are couples without children. This indicates a balanced mix of young families and established couples who appreciate the serene environment and natural beauty of Scarborough. The presence of one-parent families, although a smaller proportion at 10%, adds to the diversity of family structures within the community.
Property ownership in Scarborough is predominantly stable, with a significant portion of homes owned outright (38.8%) or with a mortgage (42.9%). This reflects a community with strong ties to the area, valuing long-term residence and investment in their homes. The rental market is relatively small, with only 18.4% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those looking for a more permanent place to settle down.
Overall, Scarborough offers a unique blend of coastal charm, community spirit, and family-friendly living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being within reach of larger urban centers.
Scarborough infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Scarborough remains a tightly held seaside enclave with no major new residential or commercial precincts announced, and its small population and constrained land between escarpment and coastline limit large-scale redevelopment, which supports long-term scarcity value and premium pricing.[3] The suburb benefits from proximity to Scarborough Beach and coastal reserves, enhancing lifestyle appeal and underpinning demand from buyers seeking coastal amenity and holiday-style living.[3][4] Access via Lawrence Hargrave Drive and nearby rail connections along the northern Illawarra corridor continue to provide reasonable commuter links to Wollongong and Sydney, supporting its attractiveness to professionals and second-home buyers.[3][8]
Local hospitality and tourism-focused assets, such as the long-established Scarborough Hotel overlooking the coast, help sustain visitor traffic and support short-stay accommodation demand, indirectly lifting the profile and desirability of the area for investors and lifestyle buyers.[6][9][10] There are currently no widely publicised major school upgrades, transport expansions, or council-led infrastructure projects specific to Scarborough, so no significant new developments are expected to materially alter property market dynamics in the short term.[3]
Scarborough rental market trends
The rental market in Scarborough, NSW 2515, has remained stable over the past year, with both house and unit rents showing no change, maintaining a median of $0 per week. This indicates a period of calm in the local market, potentially offering opportunities for future investment as community and economic dynamics shift.
Suburbs near Scarborough
Some popular suburbs near Scarborough include:

