All Suburbs

Rushcutters Bay

NSW 2011LGA: City of Sydney

Investment Score

82

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Rushcutters Bay is an exclusive harbourside suburb located just 3km east of Sydney CBD, renowned for its premium waterfront lifestyle and proximity to the city. This small, affluent enclave is dominated by high-end apartment living, with limited house stock driving premium pricing. The suburb attracts young professionals, empty nesters, and affluent investors seeking inner-city convenience with harbour access. Rushcutters Bay Park provides rare harbour frontage with recreational facilities, while residents enjoy easy access to Kings Cross entertainment and Potts Point's renowned dining scene. The property market is characterized by strong price growth driven by scarcity, harbour views, and CBD proximity. Limited new development due to heritage constraints and small suburb size maintains exclusivity but restricts supply. Excellent transport connectivity via Kings Cross Station and multiple bus routes supports a car-free lifestyle, though parking remains challenging. The community enjoys a sophisticated urban lifestyle with strong cafe culture, though local amenities are limited with residents relying on nearby suburbs for shopping and schooling.

Strengths

  • Prime harbourside location with waterfront park and recreational facilities
  • Exceptional proximity to Sydney CBD (3km) with excellent transport links
  • Exclusive small suburb with limited supply driving property value stability
  • High-end apartment market with strong rental yields and capital growth

Opportunities

  • Future Sydney Metro improvements enhancing connectivity and property values
  • Potential for apartment renovations and upgrades in older stock
  • Growing demand from downsizers seeking luxury inner-city lifestyle
  • Increasing appeal to international buyers and investors

Considerations

  • Limited local amenities requiring travel to nearby suburbs for shopping and services
  • No local schools necessitating commute to educational facilities
  • Very limited parking availability creating transport constraints
  • High property prices limiting affordability for many buyers

Property Market

Median House

$3.20M

+12.5% 1yr

Median Unit

$1.35M

+10.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$2.80M

Rent (House)

$2,000/wk

Rent (Unit)

$1,050/wk

Days on Market

28

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

78.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+12.5%+28.0%+45.0%
Unit+10.8%+24.5%+38.0%

Rental Yields

House Yield

3.2%

Unit Yield

4.1%

Townhouse Yield

3.5%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score82/100
Growth Potential85/100
Cashflow Score75/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)75/100
Affordability Index45/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 2.10

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Rushcutters Bay at median house price

Standard transfer
$158,390
First Home Buyer
$158,390
Foreign buyer surcharge
$256,000

+8% surcharge

Annual rent income
$104,000

$2000/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$166,400
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$80,000
Net rental position
-$142,400

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$55,536

Reduces taxable income

After-tax holding cost
$86,864/yr

~$1,670/week

Based on 9.0% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$4.92M
Capital gain
$1.55M
After discount
$774,603
CGT payable
$302,095

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$7.58M
Capital gain
$4.20M
After discount
$2.10M
CGT payable
$819,229

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$158,390

After-tax yield

1.95%

Weekly holding cost

$1670/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$819,229

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

1,850

Median Age

39

Median Income

$95K

per annum

Family Households

35.0%

Professionals

52.0%

University Educated

48.0%

Unemployment

3.2%

Born Overseas

42.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 15%Units: 78%Townhouses: 7%Total: 950

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability85/100
Public Transport9/10
Schools Rating6/10
Safety8/10
Family Friendly6/10
Cafes & Restaurants

18

Parks

3

Hospitals

2

Distance to CBD

3.0 km

Nearest Station: Kings Cross Station

Premium harbourside lifestyle with access to waterfront recreation, fine dining, and cultural attractions. Strong cafe culture and walking-friendly environment.

Interested in Rushcutters Bay?

Get a personalised buyer brief with AI-powered property intelligence for this suburb.

Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 29 March 2026.

Browse all suburbsContact DING