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Surry Hills suburb profile

Surry Hills is a vibrant and eclectic inner-city suburb of Sydney, renowned for its creative energy, historic architecture, and bustling cultural scene. Located just 2km from the CBD, it offers a dynamic mix of trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries, making it a hub for artists and young professionals. The suburb's charming streets are lined with Victorian terraces and modern apartments, reflecting its blend of old-world charm and contemporary living. Surry Hills is also known for its diverse dining options, lively nightlife, and strong community spirit, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking an urban lifestyle with character.

Surry Hills property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,534,000Past 3 months

Property growth-0.7%Past 12 months

Surry Hills has experienced a notable rise in house values, with a 10.2% increase over the past 12 months, bringing the median house price to $2.3 million. In contrast, unit values have remained steady with no change, maintaining a median price of $900,000.

Over the last 12 months, 31 houses and 66 units were sold, indicating robust sales activity, particularly in the unit market. Houses have a median time on market of 45 days, while units are selling faster at 34 days, suggesting high demand for units.

The rental market in Surry Hills has shown growth, with house rents rising by 11.3% to an average of $1,295 and unit rents increasing by 5.3%, averaging $800. This indicates a strong demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$2.21M$861K
Change in value
Past 12 months
6.5%-7.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
3276
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4634
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1300$800
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.8%5.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Surry Hills demographics

Surry Hills, located in the heart of Sydney, is a vibrant and eclectic suburb known for its creative flair, bustling cafes, and diverse community. With a population of 15,828 and a median age of 35, it attracts a mix of young professionals, artists, and families who are drawn to its dynamic atmosphere and proximity to the Central Business District. The suburb's median total household income of $2,308 per week reflects its appeal to those seeking a lively urban lifestyle with a touch of sophistication.

Housing in Surry Hills is predominantly rental-based, with 67.1% of properties being rented, highlighting its popularity among those seeking flexible living arrangements. This high rental rate is complemented by a significant proportion of couple families without children, making up 71.4% of the family demographic, which underscores the suburb's appeal to young couples and professionals. The presence of 18.2% of couple families with children and 7.5% of one-parent families adds to the suburb's diverse family structure.

Surry Hills is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with a plethora of art galleries, theaters, and music venues contributing to its reputation as a creative hub. The suburb's workforce is varied, with many residents employed in professional, creative, and service industries. The combination of its rich cultural offerings, convenient location, and diverse community makes Surry Hills a sought-after destination for those looking to experience the best of Sydney's urban lifestyle.

Surry Hills infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Surry Hills continues to benefit from its close proximity to the CBD and ongoing upgrades around Central, including the transformation of the surrounding precinct into a more pedestrian-friendly employment and tech hub, which is likely to support buyer demand and rental appeal over the long term. Urban renewal and infill projects are gradually replacing older commercial and warehouse stock with mixed-use and residential developments, adding modern housing options while reinforcing the suburb’s reputation as a dense, walkable inner-city village.

Council strategies for the broader inner-city area remain focused on improving active transport links, public domain upgrades, and preservation of heritage streetscapes, which together enhance local amenity and street appeal. Access to nearby parks, dining precincts and major employment centres, combined with frequent train, light rail and bus services via Central, continue to underpin strong desirability for both owner-occupiers and investors in Surry Hills, even as additional apartment supply comes online.

Surry Hills rental market trends

The rental market in Surry Hills shows a positive trend, with house rents increasing 11.3% over the past year to $1,295 per week, and unit rents rising 5.3% to $800 per week. This vibrant suburb, known for its lively atmosphere and cultural appeal, continues to attract both renters and investors seeking solid growth opportunities.

Suburbs near Surry Hills

Some popular suburbs near Surry Hills include:

How does Surry Hills compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Surry Hills’s median house price is 4.8% higher than Redfern’s.
  • Median unit prices: Surry Hills’s median unit price is 30.4% higher than Ultimo’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Surry Hills have grown 0.9% higher than in Waterloo.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Redfern have risen 5.6% more than in Surry Hills over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Surry Hills are selling 4.2% faster than in Darlinghurst.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Surry Hills are selling 8.1% faster than in Redfern.
  • Investment considerations: In Surry Hills, the rental yield for house is 42.7% higher than the Sydney average, while the rental yield for units is 2.3% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Surry Hills have grown 27.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Sydney.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Surry Hills have grown 6.1% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Sydney.

Common questions about Surry Hills

  • Is Surry Hills a nice place to live?

    Surry Hills is a delightful suburb that offers a unique blend of urban living with a touch of charm and creativity. Nestled just a stone's throw away from Sydney's bustling CBD, it is a fantastic place to call home for those who appreciate a vibrant lifestyle. The suburb is known for its lively atmosphere, with an array of trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries that cater to a diverse community. The streets are a charming mix of historic Victorian terraces and modern apartments, providing a picturesque backdrop for daily life. Families will find Surry Hills appealing due to its strong community spirit and access to quality amenities, including schools and parks.

    Living in Surry Hills comes with the advantage of being close to a wide range of amenities. The suburb is well-connected with frequent train, light rail, and bus services, making commuting a breeze. Residents can enjoy a variety of dining options, lively nightlife, and cultural experiences, all within walking distance. Safety is generally not a major concern, although, like any inner-city area, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The trade-off for living in such a dynamic area is the higher cost of living and the predominance of rental properties, which may not suit everyone looking for long-term stability.

    For families, Surry Hills offers a unique urban lifestyle with access to green spaces and a strong sense of community. While it may not provide the traditional suburban experience with large backyards, it compensates with its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to the city. The suburb's ongoing urban renewal projects and improvements in active transport links further enhance its appeal, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a lively and convenient place to live. Overall, Surry Hills is a fantastic option for those who thrive in a bustling, creative environment and value the convenience of city living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Surry Hills?

    Living in Surry Hills is definitely on the pricier side when compared to other suburbs in Sydney. With a median house price of $2,300,000 and a median unit price of $900,000, the property market here is quite steep. Renting is also expensive, with average rents for houses at $1,295 per week and units at $800 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Surry Hills are significantly higher than many other parts of Sydney.

    When you compare these housing costs to the average earnings in the area, the picture becomes clearer. The average wage in Surry Hills is about $121,000 per year, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of $108,000 per year. However, even with this higher income, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can take up a large portion of one's salary. This makes Surry Hills an expensive place to live, especially if you're aiming to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

    Overall, while Surry Hills offers a vibrant inner-city lifestyle with its trendy cafes, restaurants, and cultural amenities, the high cost of living is something to seriously consider. If you are thinking of living in Surry Hills, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with 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 Surry Hills a good place to invest?

    Surry Hills is a vibrant and dynamic suburb that offers a promising investment opportunity. Over the past year, the median house value has increased by an impressive 10.2%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. While the median unit value has remained stable, the rental market tells a different story. Rent for houses has surged by 11.3%, and units have seen a 5.3% increase, showcasing a healthy rental demand that can provide a steady income stream for investors.

    The suburb's appeal lies in its eclectic mix of culture, dining, and proximity to the CBD, making it a hotspot for young professionals and creatives. This diverse demographic ensures a constant demand for rental properties, particularly those that offer a unique character and lifestyle. Surry Hills' charm and central location make it a desirable place to live, which in turn supports property values and rental yields.

    Overall, Surry Hills presents a balanced investment opportunity with strong rental returns and potential for capital appreciation, especially in the housing market. Its unique blend of urban living and community feel makes it an attractive choice for investors looking to tap into Sydney's vibrant inner-city market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Surry Hills

There are 134 real estate agents in Surry Hills, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 25.5% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Surry Hills typically range from 1.77% to 2.03%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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