Rose Bay Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Market
Rose Bay NSW Investment Analysis
SUBURB INVESTMENT BRIEF — Rose Bay, NSW 2029 LGA: Generated: 2026-04-11 | Estait AI Analysis
======================================================================
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall Score: 66/100 — Buy
Rose Bay rates as "Buy" due to tight rental market (1.0% vacancy).
Rose Bay sits in a trough phase of the property cycle with an overall investment score of 66 out of 100. This assessment reflects the suburb's growth trajectory, rental market health, economic resilience, and infrastructure positioning within the NSW market.
======================================================================
MARKET POSITION
Median house price: $4,900,000 Median unit price: $1,026,447 Median weekly rent: $1,070/week Days on market: 39 days (stable)
Rose Bay commands a premium position in the NSW property landscape. Properties are spending an average of 39 days on market, suggesting balanced supply-demand dynamics.
Comparable suburbs: - Mosman (NSW): Median $5,800,000, yield 1.5%, 1yr growth -3.2% - Bronte (NSW): Median $5,800,000, yield 1.2%, 1yr growth 0.4% - Woollahra (NSW): Median $5,000,000, yield 1.6%, 1yr growth 12.8%
======================================================================
RENTAL MARKET
Gross rental yield: 1.1% Net rental yield: -0.4% Vacancy rate: 1.0% (worsening) Rental demand: Very High
The rental market in Rose Bay is characterised by very high demand with a vacancy rate of 1.0%, which is well below the national average of approximately 2.5%. Vacancy is trending worsening, warranting careful monitoring.
Short-term rental data indicates a median nightly rate of $195 with an estimated occupancy of 68%. This translates to an estimated annual STR revenue of $48,399 before expenses. Long-term rental at $55,640/year may offer comparable or better risk-adjusted returns given lower management overhead.
======================================================================
GROWTH OUTLOOK
Population growth (5yr): 2.7% Price CAGR (5yr): -24.4% Capital growth (3yr forecast): -27.4% Supply pipeline: Moderate
Strong population growth likely attracting new development approvals
Infrastructure & transport: - No major infrastructure projects identified. Transport: Well-connected inner-city location
If Rose Bay maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 0.8%, median prices could reach $5,635,000 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.
At current trajectory (2.7% growth, 1.0% vacancy, 1.1% yield), Rose Bay offers steady returns with moderate capital appreciation in line with broader market trends.
======================================================================
RISK ASSESSMENT
Market cycle position: Trough Vacancy risk: Low
Key risks: - Negative price growth suggests a softening market - Premium price point limits buyer pool and increases interest rate sensitivity
Interest rate sensitivity (est. monthly repayment on median house price, 80% LVR): - At 7%: $26,080/month - At 8%: $28,764/month - At 9%: $31,541/month
A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Rose Bay pull back 10-15% from $4,900,000, with vacancy rising to 1.8% and rental yields softening as tenants gain leverage.
======================================================================
LIVEABILITY
Affluence rating: Very High Safety score: 7.2/10 Walkability: 80/100 Owner-occupied: 33%
Schools: - Rose Bay Public School (primary): Rating 10.0/10 - Rose Bay East Public School (primary): Rating 9.5/10 - Rose Bay West Public School (primary): Rating 9.0/10 - Rose Bay High School (secondary): Rating 10.0/10
Rose Bay is a highly sought-after residential area with good safety ratings and strong walkability. The 33% owner-occupier rate indicates a predominantly rental market.
======================================================================
RECOMMENDATION — BUY
Rose Bay presents a compelling investment opportunity. The combination of solid fundamentals and very high rental demand supports entry at current price levels.
Conditions: Proceed with due diligence on specific properties. Target gross yields above 1.1% and prioritise properties with value-add potential. Consider timing entry around the current trough phase of the market cycle.
======================================================================
KEY ACTION ITEMS
1. Shortlist properties in the $4,410,000 - 5,390,000 range for deeper analysis 2. Verify current vacancy and rental rates with local property managers 3. Assess STR regulatory environment with local council 4. Model cash flow at 7%+ interest rates before committing 5. Engage a buyer's agent with Rose Bay market expertise for off-market opportunities
======================================================================
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.
Analyse a Property in Rose Bay
Get instant STR rules, granny flat feasibility, rental yield, and full investment strategy comparison for any address in Rose Bay.
Analyse a Property →Data sourced from ABS, state government property sales, and Airbnb market analytics. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.