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Willoughby suburb profile

Willoughby is a charming suburb located on Sydney's Lower North Shore, approximately 8km from the CBD. Known for its leafy streets and family-friendly atmosphere, Willoughby offers a mix of heritage homes and modern residences. The suburb boasts excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal location for families. Willoughby Road is a bustling hub with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, contributing to the suburb's vibrant community feel. With convenient access to public transport and major roads, Willoughby combines suburban tranquility with urban convenience, appealing to a diverse range of residents.

Willoughby property market performance

Current median dwelling price$2,348,875Past 3 months

Property growth+10.0%Past 12 months

Willoughby’s property market has shown robust growth over the past 12 months. The median house price has increased by 12.7% to $3.6 million, while units have seen a 7.4% rise, reaching a median of about $1.1 million. This reflects a continued demand for both property types in the area.

Sales activity has been steady, with 23 houses and 26 units sold recently. Homes and units are spending a similar time on the market, with medians of 56 and 53 days respectively, indicating comparable buyer interest across both segments.

Willoughby’s rental market has also experienced noticeable growth, with house rents up by 8.3% to $1,300 and unit rents surging by 10.4%, averaging $828. The growth suggests rising demand for rentals in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$3.60M$1.10M
Change in value
Past 12 months
12.7%7.4%
Sold
Past 3 months
2326
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5653
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1300$828
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.3%10.4%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Willoughby demographics

Willoughby, located on Sydney's Lower North Shore, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With a population of 7,124, it is a family-friendly area characterized by its leafy streets and community-oriented atmosphere. The median age of 40 suggests a mature community, with many residents likely to be established professionals and families who appreciate the suburb's proximity to the city while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.

The suburb's housing market reflects a stable and affluent community, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (33.8%) or with a mortgage (34.7%). This indicates a strong sense of homeownership and investment in the area. Rental properties make up 31.4% of the housing, catering to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area. The median total household income of $2,995 per week underscores the suburb's affluence and appeal to higher-income families.

Family life is a central aspect of Willoughby, with 53.5% of households being couple families with children, and 30.6% being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights the suburb's suitability for both growing families and those who enjoy a family-oriented environment. The presence of quality schools, parks, and community facilities further enhances its attractiveness to families. With its blend of convenience, community, and comfort, Willoughby remains a sought-after suburb for those seeking a balanced lifestyle close to Sydney's bustling city center.

Willoughby infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Willoughby has a generally strong local appeal supported by established school catchments and close access to the lower North Shore’s employment, retail and transport network. This combination typically underpins steady buyer demand, particularly from families and professionals seeking convenience and lifestyle.

Willoughby City Council has recently endorsed its submission on the Draft Sydney Plan, which may shape longer-term land use and infrastructure priorities in the area. At present, there are no clearly identified major local projects in the available information that would materially change the suburb’s property market in the immediate term.

Willoughby rental market trends

The rental market in Willoughby has shown robust growth, with house rents increasing 8.3% over the past year to $1,300 per week, and unit rents climbing 10.4% to $828 per week. Willoughby's appeal is boosted by its excellent schools, parks, and proximity to Sydney's CBD, making it a highly sought-after suburb for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Willoughby

Some popular suburbs near Willoughby include:

How does Willoughby compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Willoughby’s median house price is 10.8% higher than Naremburn’s.
  • Median unit prices: Willoughby’s median unit price is 5.4% higher than Artarmon’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Willoughby have grown 8.5% higher than in North Willoughby.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Willoughby have grown 0.1% higher than in Artarmon.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Willoughby are selling 39.8% faster than in Castlecrag.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Willoughby are selling 1.9% faster than in Artarmon.
  • Investment considerations: In Willoughby, the rental yield for house is 44.0% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 6.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Willoughby have grown 107.6% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Willoughby have grown 64.5% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Willoughby

  • Is Willoughby a nice place to live?

    Willoughby is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban charm and urban convenience, making it a fantastic place to call home. Nestled on Sydney's Lower North Shore, it is renowned for its leafy streets and welcoming atmosphere, which create a serene environment for residents. The suburb's vibrant community is enriched by a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, providing a lively yet relaxed vibe that appeals to a diverse range of people.

    Families will find Willoughby particularly appealing due to its excellent schools and abundance of parks and recreational facilities. The suburb's strong sense of community and safety make it an ideal place for raising children. While Willoughby offers a peaceful lifestyle, it also provides easy access to the bustling city center, thanks to its proximity to public transport and major roads. This makes it a convenient choice for professionals who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter, more family-oriented environment.

    However, living in Willoughby does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's desirability and proximity to the city mean that property prices can be on the higher side, which may be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. Additionally, while the area is generally safe, the tranquility of the suburb might not suit those seeking a more vibrant nightlife or the trendiness of inner-city living. Nonetheless, for those who value a balanced lifestyle with a strong community feel and access to both nature and urban amenities, Willoughby is a wonderful place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Willoughby?

    Living in Willoughby is quite expensive, especially when you consider the current property market and the average earnings in the area. The median house price in Willoughby is a staggering $3,600,000, while the median unit price is $1,097,750. These figures are significantly higher than many other suburbs in Sydney, reflecting Willoughby's desirability and proximity to the city center. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is $1,300 per week, and for units, it's $828 per week, which are both on the higher end of the spectrum.

    When comparing this to the average income, the median personal income in Willoughby is about $66,000 per year, or $1,264 per week. This is in line with Sydney's average but still makes the cost of living in Willoughby quite steep. The high property prices and rents mean that a significant portion of one's income would go towards housing costs, making it a challenging suburb to afford for those on an average salary.

    Overall, while Willoughby offers a great lifestyle with its blend of urban convenience and suburban charm, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is high. If you are thinking of living in Willoughby, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this upscale 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 Willoughby a good place to invest?

    Willoughby is shaping up to be a promising investment suburb, thanks to its impressive growth in both property values and rental returns over the past year. The median house value has surged by 12.7%, while units have also seen a healthy increase of 7.4%. This upward trend in property values indicates strong demand and a robust market, making it an attractive option for investors looking for capital growth.

    In addition to property value appreciation, Willoughby has experienced significant rental growth, with house rents climbing by 8.3% and unit rents by 10.4% over the last 12 months. This suggests a strong rental market, which is appealing for investors seeking reliable rental income. The suburb's proximity to the city, coupled with its family-friendly amenities and vibrant community, further enhances its appeal to both renters and buyers.

    Overall, Willoughby offers a compelling mix of capital growth potential and strong rental demand, making it a solid choice for investors. Its consistent performance in both property values and rental returns highlights its resilience and attractiveness in the current market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Willoughby

In Willoughby ,64 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 41.1% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.75% and 2.42%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

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