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St Leonards

NSW 2065LGA: North Sydney Council

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

St Leonards is a dynamic high-density suburb on Sydney's prestigious Lower North Shore, positioned as a major commercial and residential hub just 9km from the CBD. With a population of 12,500, the area has undergone significant urban transformation, featuring predominantly apartment living (82%) that attracts young professionals and families seeking proximity to Sydney's business districts. The suburb boasts excellent transport connectivity via St Leonards Station and upcoming Metro improvements, while maintaining strong employment opportunities with Royal North Shore Hospital and various commercial developments. Property values reflect its premium location with median house prices at $2.85 million and units at $925,000, supported by solid rental yields and consistent growth. The community benefits from quality healthcare, diverse dining options, and access to both urban amenities and natural recreation areas like Lane Cove National Park.

Strengths

  • Exceptional transport connectivity with direct CBD rail access and future Metro enhancements
  • Major employment hub anchored by Royal North Shore Hospital and commercial developments
  • High-quality urban amenities including shopping centers, dining, and healthcare facilities
  • Strong property market fundamentals with consistent growth and solid rental yields

Opportunities

  • Sydney Metro expansion enhancing connectivity and property values
  • St Leonards South precinct development creating additional commercial and retail opportunities
  • Growing demand from young professionals working in North Sydney and CBD
  • Infrastructure improvements supporting continued urban renewal

Considerations

  • High property prices creating affordability barriers for first-home buyers
  • Limited housing diversity with heavy reliance on apartment living
  • Ongoing construction and development creating temporary disruption
  • High population density reducing green space per resident

Property Market

Median House

$2.85M

+8.5% 1yr

Median Unit

$1.15M

+6.2% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$1.75M

Rent (House)

$1,550/wk

Rent (Unit)

$920/wk

Days on Market

32

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

72.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+8.5%+22.0%+35.0%
Unit+6.2%+18.5%+28.0%

Rental Yields

House Yield

2.8%

Unit Yield

4.2%

Townhouse Yield

3.4%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential82/100
Cashflow Score72/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)72/100
Affordability Index65/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.40

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for St Leonards at median house price

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

+8% surcharge

Annual rent income
$80,600

$1550/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$148,200
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$71,250
Net rental position
-$138,850

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$54,152

Reduces taxable income

After-tax holding cost
$84,699/yr

~$1,629/week

Based on 7.0% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$4.00M
Capital gain
$993,882
After discount
$496,941
CGT payable
$193,807

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$5.61M
Capital gain
$2.60M
After discount
$1.30M
CGT payable
$507,583

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$139,140

After-tax yield

1.71%

Weekly holding cost

$1629/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$507,583

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

8,500

Median Age

35

Median Income

$95K

per annum

Family Households

42.0%

Professionals

52.0%

University Educated

48.0%

Unemployment

3.2%

Born Overseas

45.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 25%Units: 68%Townhouses: 7%Total: 4,200

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability85/100
Public Transport9/10
Schools Rating8/10
Safety8/10
Family Friendly7/10
Cafes & Restaurants

35

Parks

4

Hospitals

1

Distance to CBD

8.0 km

Nearest Station: St Leonards Station

Vibrant urban lifestyle with excellent dining, shopping, healthcare, and recreational opportunities, complemented by easy access to both city amenities and natural areas.

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

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