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Woolloomooloo suburb profile

Woolloomooloo is a vibrant harbourside suburb located just east of Sydney's CBD, known for its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Famous for the iconic Finger Wharf, which houses luxury apartments, restaurants, and a hotel, the suburb offers stunning waterfront views and a lively dining scene. Woolloomooloo's proximity to the Royal Botanic Garden and the Art Gallery of New South Wales enhances its appeal to both residents and visitors. With a mix of historic terraces and contemporary developments, the suburb attracts professionals and creatives seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle with easy access to Sydney's cultural and recreational amenities.

Woolloomooloo property market performance

Woolloomooloo’s property market has shown contrasting trends over the past 12 months. With no current median house price change and only 2 house sales, the suburb’s unit market tells a different story, experiencing a significant 22.7% increase in median value, now sitting at $975,000. This reflects a strong demand for units despite houses showing no movement in market value.

Unit sales remained relatively active with 25 transactions over the past three months, even though they are taking longer to sell, with a median of 74 days on market. This contrasts with the stagnant house market, as no houses changed owners recently.

The rental market in Woolloomooloo saw a 6.2% rise in unit rent, averaging $850, while house rents remained unchanged at $1,065, suggesting stable demand. Unit rental growth indicates a healthy interest in rental properties within the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/A$975K
Change in value
Past 12 months
N/A22.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
225
Median days on market
Past 12 months
N/A74
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1065$850
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-1.4%6.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Woolloomooloo demographics

Woolloomooloo, a harbourside suburb of Sydney, is renowned for its unique blend of history, culture, and modern urban living. Nestled close to the Sydney CBD, it offers residents the convenience of city life with the charm of a waterfront community. The median age of 39 suggests a mature population, with a mix of professionals, families, and long-term residents who appreciate the suburb's vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

Housing in Woolloomooloo is predominantly rental-based, with 72.3% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects its appeal to those seeking flexible living arrangements, including young professionals and transient residents who are drawn to the area's proximity to the city and its cultural attractions. The suburb's household composition is diverse, with a significant proportion of couple families without children (63.3%), indicating a preference for a lifestyle that balances work and leisure.

The suburb's rich history is complemented by its modern amenities, making it a desirable location for those who enjoy a dynamic urban environment. Woolloomooloo's iconic Finger Wharf, vibrant dining scene, and easy access to the Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Opera House enhance its appeal. For investors, the high rental demand signals potential for consistent returns, while residents benefit from the suburb's unique blend of culture, convenience, and scenic beauty.

Woolloomooloo infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Woolloomooloo is a tightly held inner-city suburb where limited land supply means most change is occurring through smaller-scale residential and mixed-use redevelopments, particularly around the Finger Wharf and surrounding streets, which continue to enhance the harbourside dining and lifestyle precinct.[1][7] Ongoing gentrification alongside one of Sydney’s largest public housing estates is gradually lifting the quality of local amenities and streetscapes, supporting buyer demand while maintaining a diverse resident base.[1][7]

Excellent walkability to the CBD, Kings Cross station, and major employment hubs, together with access to nearby parks and harbourfront walks, remains a key driver of property desirability and rental demand in Woolloomooloo.[1][2][7] There are currently no major new transport corridors, schools or large-scale infrastructure projects publicly flagged within the suburb itself, so market performance is likely to be shaped more by its established inner-city location, ongoing incremental upgrades, and broader City of Sydney planning policies than by any single new development.[1][7]

Woolloomooloo rental market trends

In Woolloomooloo, the rental market shows stability, with house rents remaining steady at $1,065 per week over the past year, while unit rents have increased by 6.2% to $850 per week. As a vibrant suburb with close proximity to the city, Woolloomooloo continues to attract renters seeking urban convenience and dynamic living opportunities.

Suburbs near Woolloomooloo

Some popular suburbs near Woolloomooloo include:

How does Woolloomooloo compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median unit prices: Woolloomooloo’s median unit price is 5.4% higher than Potts Point’s.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Woolloomooloo have grown 9.5% higher than in Potts Point.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Woolloomooloo are selling 3.9% faster than in Sydney.
  • Investment considerations: In Woolloomooloo, the rental yield for house is 17.9% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 9.3% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Woolloomooloo have grown 17.0% lower than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Woolloomooloo have grown 38.7% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Woolloomooloo

  • Is Woolloomooloo a nice place to live?

    Woolloomooloo is a charming and vibrant suburb that offers a delightful blend of urban living and waterfront tranquility. Its harbourside location provides stunning views and a unique atmosphere that is both lively and relaxed. The suburb is known for its rich history and cultural vibrancy, making it an attractive place for professionals and creatives who enjoy a dynamic lifestyle. With its close proximity to Sydney's CBD, residents have easy access to a plethora of amenities, including shopping, cafes, and cultural attractions, ensuring that everything you need is just a short walk away.

    Families will find Woolloomooloo appealing for its community feel and access to green spaces like the nearby Royal Botanic Garden. While the suburb is predominantly rental-based, it offers a diverse range of housing options, from historic terraces to modern apartments, catering to various lifestyle preferences. Safety is generally not a major concern, although, like any urban area, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings.

    One trade-off of living in Woolloomooloo is the high rental demand, which can make finding a long-term home challenging. Additionally, while the suburb offers a vibrant dining scene and cultural amenities, it may lack the quieter, more spacious living that some families seek. However, for those who thrive in a bustling, culturally rich environment with easy access to the city and beautiful waterfront views, Woolloomooloo is an exceptional place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Woolloomooloo?

    Living in Woolloomooloo can be quite expensive, especially when considering the property market and cost of living in this inner-city Sydney suburb. The median unit price is around $975,000, which is a significant investment compared to other areas. Renting is also on the higher side, with units averaging $850 per week and houses at $1,065 per week. These figures highlight the premium you pay for living in such a central location.

    When comparing the average wage in Woolloomooloo, which is approximately $108,000 per year, to the median household income of $2,001 per week, it becomes evident that a considerable portion of income would be dedicated to housing costs. This is especially true when you factor in the high rental prices. While the earnings in Woolloomooloo are slightly above the average for Sydney, the cost of housing remains a significant expense.

    Overall, if you are thinking of living in Woolloomooloo, it's important to consider the high costs associated with this vibrant and centrally located suburb. The lifestyle benefits of being close to the city and the waterfront come with a price tag that reflects its desirability and convenience.

    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 Woolloomooloo a good place to invest?

    Woolloomooloo presents an intriguing opportunity for investment, particularly in the unit market. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a significant 22.7% increase in median unit values, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth in this segment. This surge suggests that units in Woolloomooloo are becoming increasingly desirable, possibly due to the suburb's proximity to the Sydney CBD and its vibrant lifestyle offerings.

    While house prices and rents have remained stable, the unit market's performance highlights a shift in demand that investors might find appealing. The 6.2% increase in unit rents further supports the attractiveness of investing in units, as it suggests a healthy rental market with the potential for steady income. Woolloomooloo's unique character, combined with its central location, makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in a suburb with strong growth potential in the unit sector.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Woolloomooloo

Choosing the right real estate agent in Woolloomooloo can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 60 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 37.2% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.77% to 2.03%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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