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Waterloo suburb profile

Waterloo is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, located just 3km south of the CBD. Known for its dynamic mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces, Waterloo has undergone significant urban renewal, attracting young professionals and creatives. The suburb features a blend of modern apartments and historic terraces, offering diverse living options. With its proximity to the bustling precincts of Surry Hills and Redfern, residents enjoy easy access to trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. Waterloo's excellent public transport links and community amenities make it a convenient and appealing choice for those seeking an urban lifestyle.

Waterloo property market performance

Waterloo's property market has shown stability and growth over the past 12 months. House values have remained steady, with no change, maintaining a median price of $1.48 million. In contrast, unit values have increased by 5%, bringing the median unit price to $970,000, indicating a stronger demand for units.

Sales activity has been more robust in the unit market, with 83 units sold compared to just 2 houses over the past 12 months. Houses are selling slightly faster, with a median of 30 days on the market, while units take 36 days, reflecting a balanced demand.

The rental market in Waterloo has seen notable changes, with unit rents increasing by 7% over the last 12 months, reaching an average of $950. House rents have seen a modest rise of 2.2%, averaging $920, suggesting a stronger rental demand for units.

Median price - houses$1.48MPast 3 months

Median price - units$978KPast 3 months

Change in value - houses-0.4%12 months

Change in value - units4.4%12 months

Houses sold1Past 3 months

Units sold72Past 3 months

Median DOM - houses29.5Past 12 months

Median DOM - units34Past 12 months

Average rent - houses$920Past 12 months

Average rent - units$950Past 12 months

Change in rent - houses2.2%Past 12 months

Change in rent - units6.7%Past 12 months

Waterloo demographics

Waterloo, an inner-city suburb of Sydney, is known for its vibrant urban lifestyle and diverse community. Its proximity to the Central Business District and various educational institutions makes it a popular choice for students and young professionals. The median age of 33 reflects its youthful population, with many residents drawn to the area's dynamic atmosphere and convenient access to work, study, and leisure opportunities.

Housing in Waterloo is predominantly rental-based, with over 75% of private dwellings being rented. This high rental rate highlights its appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, including students and professionals. The suburb's household composition is diverse, comprising family households (37.2%), single-person households (38.5%), and group households (24.3%), contributing to a lively and communal environment.

The workforce in Waterloo is varied, with a significant proportion of residents employed as professionals (36.3%), followed by managers (13.5%), and community and personal service workers (11.0%). This occupational distribution underscores the suburb's appeal to a broad spectrum of individuals seeking an engaging urban lifestyle.

Waterloo infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Waterloo is undergoing significant redevelopment as part of the Waterloo Estate renewal project. The NSW government has released plans to build approximately 6,800 new homes in the area over the next 20 years, including a mix of social, affordable and private housing. This large-scale urban renewal is likely to transform the suburb and could impact property values in the long-term.

The new Waterloo Metro Station, set to open in 2024, will greatly enhance public transport connectivity in the area. Additionally, the nearby Green Square precinct continues to develop, with new community facilities, parks and commercial spaces. These infrastructure improvements are expected to boost Waterloo's appeal and potentially drive demand for housing in the suburb.

Waterloo rental market trends

The rental market in Waterloo shows moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 2.2% over the past year to $920 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 7.0% to $950 per week. This suburb continues to attract interest due to its strategic location and ongoing development, making it appealing for both investors and residents seeking urban convenience.

Suburbs near Waterloo

Some popular suburbs near Waterloo include:

Common questions about Waterloo

  • Is Waterloo a nice place to live?

    Waterloo is a fantastic place to live, offering a lively and diverse urban lifestyle that appeals to a wide range of residents. This charming suburb is known for its vibrant community and dynamic atmosphere, making it an attractive choice for families, young professionals, and students alike. With its close proximity to the Sydney CBD, Waterloo provides easy access to a plethora of amenities, including trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, ensuring that residents have everything they need right at their doorstep.

    Families will find Waterloo to be a welcoming environment, with a variety of housing options ranging from modern apartments to historic terraces. The suburb's ongoing redevelopment projects promise to enhance the local infrastructure, providing even more community facilities and green spaces for families to enjoy. Safety is generally not a major concern, although, like any bustling urban area, it's always wise to remain vigilant, especially at night.

    While Waterloo offers an exciting urban lifestyle, there are some trade-offs to consider. The high rental rates and predominantly rental-based housing market may not suit everyone, particularly those looking for long-term homeownership. Additionally, the ongoing construction and development projects may cause some temporary disruptions. However, these changes are set to bring significant improvements to the area, including the new Waterloo Metro Station, which will further enhance connectivity and convenience for residents.

    Overall, Waterloo is a delightful suburb that combines the best of urban living with a strong sense of community. Its vibrant culture, excellent amenities, and promising future developments make it a highly desirable place to call home for those seeking a dynamic and convenient lifestyle in Sydney.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Waterloo?

    Waterloo, located just a stone's throw from Sydney's bustling city centre, is known for its urban charm and vibrant community. However, living in Waterloo comes with a hefty price tag. The median house price is around $1,481,000, and if you're considering a unit, expect to pay a median price of $970,000. Renting isn't much easier on the wallet, with houses averaging $920 per week and units at $950 per week.

    When you compare this with the average annual wage in Waterloo, which is approximately $85,000, it becomes clear that a significant portion of one's income would be dedicated to housing costs. This is especially true when you consider that the median total household income in the area is $2,028 per week. While this income level is decent, the high property prices and rents in Waterloo mean that living here could be challenging for those earning an average salary.

    While Waterloo offers a convenient location and a lively atmosphere, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is on the higher side. If you're thinking of living in Waterloo, it's essential to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this dynamic 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 Waterloo a good place to invest?

    Waterloo presents a promising opportunity for investment, particularly in the unit market. Over the past year, the median unit value in Waterloo has increased by 5.0%, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth. This is complemented by a significant 7.0% rise in rent for units, suggesting a robust rental market that can offer investors attractive rental yields.

    While the median house value has remained stable with no change over the last 12 months, the rental market for houses has seen a modest increase of 2.2%. This stability in house prices, combined with a slight uptick in rental income, may appeal to investors seeking a more steady and predictable investment.

    Waterloo's appeal is further enhanced by its proximity to the Sydney CBD, making it a desirable location for both renters and buyers who value convenience and accessibility. The suburb's vibrant atmosphere, with its cafes, parks, and cultural amenities, adds to its attractiveness, ensuring continued demand. Overall, Waterloo offers a balanced mix of growth potential and rental income, making it a viable option for investors looking to tap into Sydney's dynamic property market.

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