All Suburbs

Darlinghurst

NSW 2010LGA: City of Sydney

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Darlinghurst is a vibrant inner-city suburb located just 2km east of Sydney's CBD, renowned for its high population density and apartment-style living. This culturally diverse area is home to a significant LGBTQ+ community, young professionals, and creative industry workers who are drawn to the famous Oxford Street entertainment precinct. The suburb offers an exceptional urban lifestyle with world-class dining, boutique shopping, and nightlife venues, while maintaining close proximity to Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Property market dynamics are dominated by apartments and converted heritage buildings, with strong rental demand driven by CBD workers and lifestyle seekers. The area benefits from excellent public transport connectivity and walkability, though it faces typical inner-city challenges including limited parking, noise levels, and higher living costs. Darlinghurst represents a premium lifestyle choice for those prioritizing convenience, culture, and connectivity over space and affordability.

Strengths

  • Prime location 2km from Sydney CBD with excellent connectivity
  • Vibrant cultural scene with Oxford Street entertainment precinct
  • Strong rental demand from young professionals and CBD workers
  • Excellent public transport access and high walkability scores

Opportunities

  • Sydney Metro expansion improving transport connectivity
  • Heritage building conversion projects adding premium stock
  • Continued gentrification increasing property values
  • Growing demand for inner-city lifestyle properties

Considerations

  • Limited parking availability and high parking costs
  • High noise levels from entertainment precincts
  • Premium pricing for both purchase and rental
  • Limited local schooling options for families

Property Market

Median House

$2.85M

+8.2% 1yr

Median Unit

$1.15M

+6.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$1.95M

Rent (House)

$1,850/wk

Rent (Unit)

$650/wk

Days on Market

28

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

72.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+8.2%+22.5%+35.8%
Unit+6.8%+18.2%+28.5%

Rental Yields

House Yield

3.2%

Unit Yield

4.8%

Townhouse Yield

3.8%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential75/100
Cashflow Score72/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)75/100
Affordability Index45/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.80

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Darlinghurst at median house price

Standard transfer
$139,140
First Home Buyer
$139,140
Foreign buyer surcharge
$228,000

+8% surcharge

Annual rent income
$96,200

$1850/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$148,200
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$71,250
Net rental position
-$123,250

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$48,068

Reduces taxable income

After-tax holding cost
$75,183/yr

~$1,446/week

Based on 7.2% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$4.03M
Capital gain
$1.02M
After discount
$511,929
CGT payable
$199,652

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$5.69M
Capital gain
$2.69M
After discount
$1.34M
CGT payable
$524,041

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$139,140

After-tax yield

1.95%

Weekly holding cost

$1446/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$524,041

Estimates based on FY2025 NSW rates at median house price. Assumes 80% LVR, 6.5% interest rate, 39% marginal tax rate ($135K-$190K bracket). Individual circumstances vary. This is general information only and not personal financial advice. Consult your CPA before making investment decisions. Local Knowledge Pty Ltd — Registered Tax Agent.

Demographics

Population

12,500

Median Age

32

Median Income

$75K

per annum

Family Households

35.0%

Professionals

52.0%

University Educated

48.0%

Unemployment

4.2%

Born Overseas

42.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 25%Units: 68%Townhouses: 7%Total: 8,200

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability95/100
Public Transport9/10
Schools Rating6/10
Safety7/10
Family Friendly5/10
Cafes & Restaurants

180

Parks

8

Hospitals

2

Distance to CBD

2.0 km

Nearest Station: Museum Station

Urban lifestyle with world-class dining, nightlife, boutique shopping, and easy access to parks and cultural attractions

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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 26 March 2026.

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