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Waitara suburb profile

Waitara is a vibrant suburb located in Sydney's Upper North Shore, approximately 21km from the CBD. Known for its leafy streets and family-friendly atmosphere, Waitara offers a mix of modern apartments and traditional homes. The suburb is well-served by public transport, with Waitara railway station providing easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Residents enjoy proximity to Hornsby Westfield for shopping and dining, as well as nearby parks and recreational facilities. With its blend of convenience and suburban charm, Waitara is a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Waitara property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,702,250Past 3 months

Property growth-1.8%Past 12 months

In Waitara, the property market has demonstrated notable activity in the unit segment over the past 12 months while the house market has remained static. The median unit price increased by 4.3% to $800,000. Conversely, house sales data is minimal, reflecting a stagnant segment with only one house sold and no change in value.

Over the past three months, 36 units were sold, with a median of 29 days on the market, indicating a healthy demand. However, houses showed no market activity, highlighting a lack of movement in this segment.

In the rental market, unit rents saw an increase of 5.9%, with an average rent of $720, while house rents remained unchanged at $800, underscoring a stronger demand for units in Waitara over the last year.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/A$800K
Change in value
Past 12 months
-7.9%4.3%
Sold
Past 3 months
136
Median days on market
Past 12 months
N/A29
Average rent
Past 12 months
$800$720
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-5.9%5.9%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Waitara demographics

Waitara, located in the Upper North Shore of Sydney, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With a population of 7,837 and a median age of 36, Waitara is home to a diverse community that includes young families, professionals, and long-term residents. The suburb's proximity to Hornsby and its excellent transport links make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with easy access to the city.

The family-oriented nature of Waitara is evident, with 51.8% of households being couple families with children, and 33.2% being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights the suburb's appeal to families who value the area's schools, parks, and community facilities. Additionally, 13.3% of households are one-parent families, reflecting a supportive environment for diverse family structures.

Housing in Waitara is a mix of ownership and rental, with 18.9% of properties owned outright and 29.9% owned with a mortgage. The rental market is also significant, with 51.3% of properties being rented, catering to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area. This balance of ownership and rental options makes Waitara an accessible suburb for a wide range of residents. The suburb's median total household income of $2,106 per week indicates a relatively affluent community, attracted by the area's amenities and lifestyle offerings.

Waitara infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Waitara continues to see steady medium-density redevelopment, with multiple new and off-the-plan apartment projects along key residential streets adding to housing supply and supporting a more modern unit market.[1] The suburb benefits from its close proximity to Westfield Hornsby, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital and a growing cluster of local cafes and dining options along the Pacific Highway, which enhance day-to-day amenity and underpin buyer demand for convenient, low-maintenance living.[6] Established green spaces such as Waitara Oval and nearby recreational facilities, including the Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail, contribute to family appeal and support the suburb’s livability profile.[6]

Transport connectivity remains a major drawcard, with Waitara railway station on the Sydney Trains network and several bus routes providing regular links to the CBD, Chatswood and surrounding employment centres, while easy access to the Pacific Highway and Pennant Hills Road favours commuters.[6] Local schooling options, including Waitara Public School and nearby private colleges like St Leo’s Catholic College and Barker College, continue to attract families and help sustain demand for both owner-occupier and rental properties.[6] At present there are no widely publicised new major infrastructure or school projects specific to Waitara beyond ongoing residential infill and upgrades in the broader Hornsby Shire, so the property market is being driven primarily by location, transport and existing amenity rather than large-scale new developments.[3][8]

Waitara rental market trends

The rental market in Waitara has remained stable for houses, with rents holding steady over the past year at $800 per week. Unit rents have seen a moderate increase of 5.9%, reaching $720 per week. This balance suggests a steady demand in the area, appealing to both renters and investors seeking reliable returns in a well-established suburb.

Suburbs near Waitara

Some popular suburbs near Waitara include:

How does Waitara compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Waitara’s median house price is 52.1% higher than Hornsby’s.
  • Median unit prices: Waitara’s median unit price is 9.6% higher than Hornsby’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Waitara have grown 2.0% higher than in Warrawee.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Waitara have grown 2.2% higher than in Hornsby.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Waitara are selling 50.0% faster than in Wahroonga.
  • Investment considerations: In Waitara, the rental yield for house is 11.4% lower than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 7.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Waitara have grown 22.9% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Waitara have grown 13.7% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Waitara

  • Is Waitara a nice place to live?

    Waitara is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled in Sydney's Upper North Shore, it is known for its leafy streets and welcoming atmosphere. The suburb boasts a vibrant community feel, characterized by a mix of modern apartments and traditional homes, catering to a diverse range of residents. Families, in particular, find Waitara appealing due to its excellent schooling options and abundance of parks and recreational facilities, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family bonding.

    The suburb's livability is further enhanced by its proximity to essential amenities. Residents enjoy easy access to Hornsby Westfield, a major shopping and dining hub, ensuring that daily conveniences are just a short trip away. Waitara's connectivity is a significant advantage, with the railway station offering seamless links to the city and surrounding areas, making it an ideal location for commuters. The suburb's safety and community-oriented vibe make it an attractive choice for families and professionals alike, fostering a sense of belonging and security.

    However, living in Waitara does come with some trade-offs. While the suburb offers a peaceful lifestyle, the ongoing medium-density redevelopment may lead to increased population density and traffic over time. Additionally, the focus on existing amenities and transport links means that there are no major new infrastructure projects on the horizon, which might limit future growth in certain aspects. Despite these considerations, Waitara remains a charming suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it a nice place to call home for those who value convenience, community, and a touch of nature.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Waitara?

    Living in Waitara, a suburb of Sydney, can be considered moderately expensive, especially when looking at housing options. With the median unit price sitting at $800,000, it reflects the typical costs associated with Sydney's inner suburbs. Although there are no current median house prices available, the unit prices suggest a significant investment for those looking to buy property in this area. Renting is slightly more affordable, with units averaging $720 per week and houses around $800 per week.

    When comparing the average wage in Sydney, which is approximately $96,000 annually, to the median total household income in Waitara of $2,106 per week, it shows that residents generally earn a decent income. However, the cost of renting or purchasing property still demands a significant portion of one's earnings. This means that while Waitara offers the convenience and lifestyle of an inner Sydney suburb, the cost of living, particularly in housing, could be challenging for those earning the average wage.

    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 Waitara a good place to invest?

    Waitara presents an interesting opportunity for investors, particularly those looking at the unit market. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in Waitara has increased by 4.3%, indicating a healthy demand for units in the area. This is complemented by a notable 5.9% rise in unit rental prices, suggesting strong rental demand and potential for good rental returns. The suburb's proximity to major amenities and transport links makes it an attractive option for renters, contributing to this demand.

    While the median house value and house rents have remained stable over the past year, the unit market's performance highlights a dynamic segment worth considering. Waitara's appeal lies in its balance of affordability and convenience, making it a desirable location for young professionals and families. The steady growth in unit values and rents suggests that investing in units could offer a promising mix of capital appreciation and rental income. Overall, Waitara's unit market stands out as a compelling investment opportunity in the current real estate landscape.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Waitara

There are 83 real estate agents in Waitara, 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 38.3% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Waitara typically range from 1.72% to 2.25%. 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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