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Hornsby suburb profile

Hornsby is a vibrant suburb located in the Upper North Shore region of Sydney, approximately 25km from the CBD. Known for its lush greenery and family-friendly atmosphere, Hornsby offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. The suburb is a major commercial hub, featuring the popular Westfield Hornsby shopping centre, diverse dining options, and excellent public transport links, including a major train station. With its proximity to the scenic bushland of Berowra Valley National Park and a variety of quality schools, Hornsby is a sought-after location for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Hornsby property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,162,500Past 3 months

Property growth+2.6%Past 12 months

Hornsby's property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 2.3% and unit values by 2.1%. The current median house price stands at $1.71 million, while the median unit price is $730,000, reflecting steady demand across property types.

In recent months, sales have been robust, with 40 houses and 92 units sold. Units are moving quicker with a median of 21 days on market, compared to 39 days for houses, indicating a strong interest in the unit market.

The rental market in Hornsby has seen notable changes, particularly for units, with a rent increase of 8% over the last year. Average house rents have risen slightly by 2.4%, with average prices at $850 for houses and $648 for units.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.60M$725K
Change in value
Past 12 months
3.0%2.1%
Sold
Past 3 months
3788
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4420
Average rent
Past 12 months
$850$645
Change in rent
Past 12 months
2.4%7.5%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Hornsby demographics

Hornsby, located in the Upper North Shore of Sydney, is a bustling suburb known for its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. With a population of 22,462, it offers a vibrant community atmosphere that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. The median age of 38 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's family-friendly environment and excellent amenities.

The suburb is characterized by a significant proportion of couple families with children, making up 47.5% of the population. This highlights Hornsby's appeal to families seeking a supportive and nurturing environment. Additionally, 36% of households are couple families without children, indicating a diverse demographic that includes both young professionals and older couples. One-parent families account for 14.4%, reflecting a supportive community for various family structures.

In terms of housing, Hornsby offers a mix of ownership and rental options. Approximately 23.4% of properties are owned outright, while 32.5% are owned with a mortgage, showcasing a stable housing market with opportunities for both established homeowners and new buyers. The rental market is also robust, with 44.1% of properties being rented, catering to those seeking flexibility or temporary accommodation.

Hornsby's strategic location provides residents with easy access to shopping centers, schools, and public transport, making it a convenient choice for those working in Sydney's CBD or surrounding areas. The suburb's proximity to national parks and recreational facilities further enhances its appeal, offering a balanced lifestyle that combines urban living with the tranquility of nature.

Hornsby infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Hornsby continues to benefit from its role as a major commercial and transport hub on the Upper North Shore, with strong rail connectivity and a large retail core supporting day-to-day convenience and buyer demand. Its established shopping, healthcare and education amenities help underpin long-term appeal for families and downsizers.

The opening of the first stage of Hornsby Park at the former crusher plant adds a significant new open-space asset for the area, which can improve livability and nearby housing desirability. Hornsby’s leafy setting and access to bushland and regional parks remain important lifestyle drivers that support the local property market. There are no other major new developments in the supplied information that materially change the outlook at this time.

Hornsby rental market trends

Hornsby's rental market shows moderate growth, with house rents rising 2.4% over the past year to $850 per week, while unit rents have increased by 8.0% to $648 per week. With a strong community focus and ongoing development, Hornsby continues to attract renters seeking convenience and quality of life.

Suburbs near Hornsby

Some popular suburbs near Hornsby include:

How does Hornsby compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Hornsby’s median house price is 9.1% lower than Asquith’s.
  • Median unit prices: Hornsby’s median unit price is 0.3% higher than Asquith’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Hornsby have grown 13.6% higher than in Waitara.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Hornsby have grown 4.2% higher than in Asquith.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Hornsby are selling 6.4% faster than in Normanhurst.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Hornsby are selling 25.9% faster than in Waitara.
  • Investment considerations: In Hornsby, the rental yield for house is 6.7% lower than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 17.5% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Hornsby have grown 11.7% lower than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Hornsby have grown 19.9% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Hornsby

  • Is Hornsby a nice place to live?

    Hornsby is a delightful suburb that offers a fantastic blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled in the Upper North Shore, it provides a vibrant community atmosphere that is both welcoming and family-friendly. The suburb is well-known for its lush greenery, providing a serene backdrop to daily life. With excellent public transport links, including a major train station, commuting to Sydney's CBD or surrounding areas is a breeze, adding to the suburb's appeal for professionals and families alike.

    Families will find Hornsby particularly attractive due to its variety of quality schools and the supportive community environment. The suburb's proximity to the scenic bushland of Berowra Valley National Park offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a haven for nature lovers. The presence of the popular Westfield Hornsby shopping centre ensures that residents have access to diverse dining options and retail therapy right at their doorstep. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's reputation as a secure and peaceful place to raise a family.

    While Hornsby offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. The bustling nature of the suburb, being a major commercial hub, means it can get quite busy, particularly around the shopping centre. Additionally, while the suburb provides a balanced lifestyle with urban and natural elements, those seeking a more vibrant nightlife might find it lacking compared to inner-city areas. However, for those prioritizing a family-oriented environment with excellent amenities and a connection to nature, Hornsby is a charming choice.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Hornsby?

    Living in Hornsby can be considered on the pricier side, especially when you look at the housing market. The median house price stands at $1,705,000, which is quite significant. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is around $850 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $648 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs are a considerable expense for anyone thinking of living in Hornsby.

    When comparing the average personal wage in Hornsby, which is about $46,000 per year, to the median total household income of $1,952 per week, it becomes evident that the cost of living, especially in terms of housing, can take up a large portion of one's earnings. This is particularly true when you consider that the average salary in the broader Sydney area is higher, around $85,000 per year. Therefore, while Hornsby offers a pleasant lifestyle with its suburban charm and proximity to nature, the financial commitment required for housing might be a stretch for those earning the average wage in the 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 Hornsby a good place to invest?

    Hornsby presents a promising opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in the rental market. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced modest growth in median house and unit values, with increases of 2.3% and 2.1% respectively. While these figures suggest steady, rather than explosive, capital growth, the real standout is the rental market. Rental prices for units have surged by 8.0%, indicating strong demand and potential for attractive rental yields.

    The suburb's appeal is further bolstered by its strategic location and amenities. Hornsby is known for its excellent transport links, including a major train station that connects residents to Sydney's CBD, making it a convenient choice for commuters. The area also boasts a range of shopping, dining, and recreational options, contributing to its desirability among both renters and buyers. This combination of factors suggests that Hornsby is well-positioned for continued demand and stable investment returns.

    Overall, while Hornsby may not offer the highest capital growth rates, its strong rental market and desirable location make it a solid choice for investors seeking reliable rental income and gradual property appreciation. The suburb's balanced growth and lifestyle appeal ensure it remains a competitive option in the Sydney property market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Hornsby

In Hornsby ,129 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 26.4% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.72% and 2.25%. 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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