Ultimo suburb profile
Ultimo is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, situated just 2km southwest of the CBD. Known for its educational institutions, including the University of Technology Sydney and TAFE NSW, it attracts a diverse student population. The suburb boasts a mix of historic and modern architecture, with heritage-listed buildings alongside contemporary developments. Ultimo is home to the Powerhouse Museum, offering cultural and educational experiences. Its proximity to Darling Harbour and Chinatown provides residents with a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With excellent public transport links, Ultimo is a convenient and dynamic place to live.
Ultimo property market performance
Current median dwelling price$1,096,250Past 3 months
Ultimo's property market is predominantly unit-focused, with no significant house sales activity reported. The median unit price has increased by 5.7% over the past 12 months, reaching $700,000. Sales figures show 43 units sold with a substantial median time on market of 68 days, indicating a balanced demand.
The rental market in Ultimo has seen considerable shifts, with house rents soaring by 15% to an average of $1,150 per week. Unit rents have also risen by 5.3%, now averaging $790 per week, reflecting ongoing interest in the area.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | $700K |
Change in value Past 12 months | N/A | 5.7% |
Sold Past 3 months | 7 | 43 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | N/A | 68 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $1150 | $790 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 15.0% | 5.3% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Ultimo demographics
Ultimo, located in the heart of Sydney, is a bustling suburb known for its proximity to the Central Business District and its vibrant, youthful atmosphere. With a median age of 30, Ultimo is home to a dynamic mix of students, young professionals, and families. The suburb's close proximity to educational institutions like the University of Technology Sydney and TAFE NSW makes it a popular choice for students seeking convenience and accessibility.
Housing in Ultimo is predominantly rental-based, with 73.4% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects the suburb's appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, particularly students and young professionals who value the convenience of living close to the city center. The suburb's household composition is diverse, with a significant proportion of couple families without children (59.8%), highlighting its appeal to young couples and professionals.
The workforce in Ultimo is varied, with many residents employed in professional and technical fields, reflecting the suburb's proximity to Sydney's business and technology hubs. The median total household income of $1805 per week indicates a relatively comfortable standard of living, attracting individuals and families who appreciate the blend of urban convenience and vibrant community life. Ultimo's mix of modern apartments, cultural attractions, and green spaces makes it a desirable location for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.
Ultimo infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Ultimo continues to benefit from its role within the broader Tech Central innovation precinct, with ongoing investment around Central Station and South Eveleigh supporting demand from students and technology workers and underpinning rental and buyer interest in the suburb.[4] Major education providers including the University of Technology Sydney and TAFE NSW Ultimo keep a steady flow of domestic and international students in the area, supporting high-density living and sustained demand for smaller apartments and rental stock.[4][7]
Proximity to Central Station, the CBD, Darling Harbour and Chinatown ensures strong public transport connectivity and walkability, which remains a key driver of buyer appeal for investors and owner-occupiers seeking car-light lifestyles.[4][5] There are no widely publicised new rail lines, schools or hospital projects within Ultimo itself at this time, but incremental upgrades to nearby public spaces and education precincts, combined with its established cultural and employment hubs, continue to support the suburb’s long-term desirability and property values.[4][7]
Ultimo rental market trends
The rental market in Ultimo has experienced significant growth, with house rents increasing 15% over the past year to $1,150 per week and unit rents rising 5.3% to $790 per week. Ultimo's strategic location, coupled with ongoing development and vibrant community life, continues to attract both renters and investors seeking robust returns in an urban setting.
Suburbs near Ultimo
Some popular suburbs near Ultimo include:
How does Ultimo compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Ultimo’s median house price is 3.6% higher than Redfern’s.
- Median unit prices: Ultimo’s median unit price is 22.5% lower than Chippendale’s.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Ultimo have grown 3.9% higher than in Haymarket.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in Ultimo are selling 2.9% faster than in Chippendale.
- Investment considerations: In Ultimo, the rental yield for house is 27.4% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 1.5% higher.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Ultimo have grown 9.2% lower than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Ultimo have grown 18.4% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

