All Suburbs

Paddington

NSW 2021LGA: City of Sydney

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Paddington NSW 2021 is an affluent inner-eastern Sydney suburb located just 3km from the CBD, renowned for its Victorian terrace houses and sophisticated urban lifestyle. The area attracts young professionals, creative industries workers, and affluent families who value the combination of heritage architecture, cultural amenities, and excellent city connectivity. The suburb features the famous Paddington Markets, vibrant Oxford Street dining and entertainment precinct, and proximity to Centennial Park. With a median house price exceeding $2.5 million, Paddington represents premium inner-city living with strong capital growth potential driven by limited supply due to heritage restrictions and consistent demand from high-income demographics. The community is highly educated, culturally diverse, and includes a significant LGBTQ+ population, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Investment prospects remain strong despite premium pricing, supported by excellent transport links, ongoing gentrification, and the suburb's established reputation as one of Sydney's most desirable addresses.

Strengths

  • Premium location 3km from Sydney CBD with excellent connectivity
  • Heritage-listed Victorian terraces creating unique character and supply constraints
  • Strong demographic profile with high-income professionals and university-educated residents
  • Vibrant cultural scene including Paddington Markets, galleries, and Oxford Street precinct

Opportunities

  • Continued gentrification and heritage restoration projects
  • Growing creative industries and tech sector employment nearby
  • Enhanced cycling infrastructure and sustainable transport initiatives
  • Boutique apartment developments in appropriate locations

Considerations

  • Very high property prices limiting affordability for many buyers
  • Limited supply of quality family homes with adequate space
  • Parking constraints and narrow streets in heritage areas
  • Limited local schooling options requiring travel to quality education

Property Market

Median House

$2.65M

+7.2% 1yr

Median Unit

$1.35M

+6.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$2.20M

Rent (House)

$1,425/wk

Rent (Unit)

$875/wk

Days on Market

28

Vacancy Rate

1.2%

Auction Clearance

78.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+7.2%+22.8%+42.5%
Unit+6.8%+20.4%+38.2%

Rental Yields

House Yield

2.8%

Unit Yield

3.4%

Townhouse Yield

3.0%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential82/100
Cashflow Score68/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)75/100
Affordability Index45/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 2.30

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Paddington at median house price

Standard transfer
$128,140
First Home Buyer
$128,140
Foreign buyer surcharge
$212,000

+8% surcharge

Annual rent income
$74,100

$1425/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$137,800
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$66,250
Net rental position
-$129,950

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$50,681

Reduces taxable income

After-tax holding cost
$79,270/yr

~$1,524/week

Based on 8.5% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$3.98M
Capital gain
$1.19M
After discount
$596,650
CGT payable
$232,694

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$5.99M
Capital gain
$3.20M
After discount
$1.60M
CGT payable
$624,042

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$128,140

After-tax yield

1.71%

Weekly holding cost

$1524/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$624,042

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

37

Median Income

$95K

per annum

Family Households

42.0%

Professionals

58.0%

University Educated

68.0%

Unemployment

3.2%

Born Overseas

38.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 65%Units: 32%Townhouses: 3%Total: 5,850

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability85/100
Public Transport8/10
Schools Rating6/10
Safety8/10
Family Friendly7/10
Cafes & Restaurants

85

Parks

4

Hospitals

2

Distance to CBD

3.0 km

Nearest Station: Museum Station

Cosmopolitan lifestyle with weekend markets, boutique shopping, fine dining, gallery openings, and easy access to both city amenities and Centennial Park recreation.

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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 28 March 2026.

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