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Waverley suburb profile

Waverley is a picturesque suburb located in Sydney's eastern suburbs, known for its charming residential streets and proximity to iconic beaches. Situated just 7km from the Sydney CBD, Waverley offers a blend of urban convenience and coastal tranquility. The suburb is home to the historic Waverley Cemetery, offering stunning ocean views, and is close to the vibrant Bondi Junction shopping precinct. With a mix of heritage homes and modern apartments, Waverley attracts families, professionals, and retirees seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. Its community-focused atmosphere and access to quality schools and parks make it a desirable place to live.

Waverley property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,402,500Past 3 months

Property growth-1.6%Past 12 months

Waverley’s property market has experienced significant shifts over the past 12 months. House values have seen an increase of 8.6%, bringing the median house price to approximately $3.51 million. The unit market remains unchanged in value, reflecting stability within that sector.

Sales activity has shown 14 houses and 9 units sold within the last year. However, it is important to note that the median days on market for both houses and units are unreported, possibly indicating rapid turnover or data inconsistencies.

In the rental market, house rents have increased by 10.3% to an average of $1,600, while unit rents have risen by 4.7% to $890, showing growing demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.50MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
8.6%-11.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
149
Median days on market
Past 12 months
N/AN/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1600$890
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.3%4.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Waverley demographics

Waverley, nestled in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, is a charming and family-friendly suburb known for its leafy streets and close-knit community. With a population of 4,216, Waverley offers a serene residential atmosphere while still being conveniently close to the bustling city life of Sydney. The median age of 38 suggests a mature community, with many families and established professionals calling this suburb home.

The suburb's housing landscape is quite balanced, with 23.9% of properties owned outright and 31.0% owned with a mortgage, indicating a stable homeowner base. Meanwhile, 45.0% of the properties are rented, providing flexibility for those who prefer not to buy. This mix of ownership and rental options makes Waverley appealing to a diverse range of residents, from young families to retirees.

Family life is a significant aspect of Waverley, with 47.5% of households being couple families with children, and 38.0% being couple families without children. The presence of 13.2% one-parent families also highlights the suburb's inclusive nature. Waverley's proximity to excellent schools, parks, and beaches makes it an ideal location for families seeking a balanced lifestyle. The suburb's high median household income of $2,873 per week reflects the affluence and quality of life enjoyed by its residents.

Waverley infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Waverley is seeing notable planning and infrastructure activity that could shape future property demand. The NSW Government’s housing reforms propose around 2,400 additional dwellings across the Waverley area between 2024 and 2029, with higher-density zoning and increased height limits in key town centres such as Bondi Junction and nearby corridors, which is likely to support medium- to long-term housing supply and redevelopment pressure.[2] Council is also progressing local streetscape and transport upgrades, including the Birrell Street Renewal project, which has delivered extra parking, safer intersections and improved bike routes, enhancing local accessibility and liveability around Waverley.[8]

At a broader level, Waverley Council is working on long-term visions for centres like Bondi Junction, with an emphasis on reshaping the urban environment, which may increase the appeal of nearby suburbs such as Waverley for both residents and investors.[6] These planning and renewal initiatives, alongside Waverley’s established proximity to beaches, parks and the Sydney CBD, are likely to underpin ongoing buyer interest and support property values, even as increased density brings more apartments and infill development to the area.[2][4]

Waverley rental market trends

The rental market in Waverley is experiencing growth, with house rents increasing by 10.3% over the past year to $1,600 per week, and unit rents rising 4.7% to $890 per week. With its desirable location and lifestyle offerings, Waverley continues to attract strong demand, making it a compelling option for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Waverley

Some popular suburbs near Waverley include:

How does Waverley compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Waverley’s median house price is 21.8% higher than Bondi Junction’s.
  • Median unit prices: Waverley’s median unit price is 27.8% lower than Bronte’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Waverley have grown 18.4% higher than in Queens Park.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Queens Park have risen 18.0% more than in Waverley over the past year.
  • Investment considerations: In Waverley, the rental yield for house is 77.2% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 14.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Waverley have grown 86.0% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Waverley have grown 54.4% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Waverley

  • Is Waverley a nice place to live?

    Waverley is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of urban convenience and coastal charm, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its leafy streets and welcoming community, Waverley provides a serene residential atmosphere while being just a short distance from the vibrant heart of Sydney. The suburb is perfect for families, offering access to excellent schools and numerous parks, which contribute to its family-friendly vibe. The proximity to iconic beaches adds a touch of coastal tranquility, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle.

    While Waverley is a peaceful haven, it does come with a few trade-offs. The ongoing development and infrastructure projects in the area, such as the Birrell Street Renewal project, are enhancing local accessibility and liveability but may also bring increased density and more apartments. This could lead to a busier environment in the future. However, these changes are likely to support property values and offer more housing options, which can be appealing to both residents and investors.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Waverley, and the suburb's community-focused atmosphere ensures a welcoming environment for all. While it may lack the nightlife of inner-city areas, the vibrant Bondi Junction shopping precinct nearby offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For families, Waverley provides a balanced lifestyle with its mix of heritage homes and modern apartments, making it a desirable place to call home. Overall, Waverley is a charming suburb that offers a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, perfect for those seeking a blend of urban and coastal living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Waverley?

    Living in Waverley is quite expensive, reflecting its status as an inner-city suburb of Sydney. The median house price is a whopping $3,505,000, which is significantly higher than many other areas. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is $1,600 per week, while units are a bit more affordable at $890 per week.

    When comparing these costs to the average full-time wage in Sydney, which is around $108,000 per year, it's clear that a substantial portion of one's income would need to be allocated towards housing expenses in Waverley. The median total household income in Waverley is $2,873 per week, which is relatively high, yet the high property prices and rents still make it a pricey suburb to call home.

    Overall, while Waverley offers the perks of inner-city living with its proximity to Sydney's amenities and attractions, the cost of living, particularly housing, is on the higher end. If you're thinking of living in Waverley, it's important to consider whether your financial situation can comfortably support the expenses associated with this desirable 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 Waverley a good place to invest?

    Waverley is an attractive suburb for investment, especially if you're looking at houses. Over the last year, the median house value in Waverley has increased by 8.6%, which is a strong indicator of the suburb's growing appeal and potential for capital growth. The rental market is also thriving, with house rents jumping by 10.3% in the same period. This suggests a high demand for rental properties, making it a promising area for investors seeking rental income.

    While the median unit value hasn't changed over the past year, the rental market for units has seen a 4.7% increase. This indicates a steady demand for units, which could be appealing for investors interested in rental returns. Waverley's location and lifestyle offerings, combined with its strong house market performance, make it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in a suburb with both growth potential and rental demand.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Waverley

Currently, there are 36 real estate agents working in Waverley—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 36 agents sold 37.1% of all properties in Waverley over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Waverley typically charge a commission of 1.77% to 2.03%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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