Wahroonga Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Market
Wahroonga NSW Investment Analysis
SUBURB INVESTMENT BRIEF — Wahroonga, NSW 2076 LGA: Generated: 2026-04-11 | Estait AI Analysis
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall Score: 66/100 — Buy
Wahroonga rates as "Buy" due to tight rental market (1.5% vacancy).
Wahroonga sits in a growth 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.
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MARKET POSITION
Median house price: $3,000,000 Median unit price: $559,533 Median weekly rent: $1,220/week Days on market: 29 days (stable)
Wahroonga commands a premium position in the NSW property landscape. Properties are spending an average of 29 days on market, suggesting balanced supply-demand dynamics.
Comparable suburbs: - Zetland (NSW): Median $2,610,153, yield 2.0%, 1yr growth 8.7% - Glebe (NSW): Median $2,700,000, yield 1.8%, 1yr growth 3.3% - Watsons Bay (NSW): Median $2,733,804, yield 3.1%, 1yr growth 14.7%
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RENTAL MARKET
Gross rental yield: 2.1% Net rental yield: 0.6% Vacancy rate: 1.5% (improving) Rental demand: High
The rental market in Wahroonga is characterised by high demand with a vacancy rate of 1.5%, which is well below the national average of approximately 2.5%. Vacancy is trending improving, supporting landlord pricing power.
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 $63,440/year may offer comparable or better risk-adjusted returns given lower management overhead.
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GROWTH OUTLOOK
Population growth (5yr): 0.8% Price CAGR (5yr): 3.3% Capital growth (3yr forecast): 3.7% Supply pipeline: Moderate
Development activity consistent with long-term averages
Infrastructure & transport: - No major infrastructure projects identified. Transport: Well-connected inner-city location
If Wahroonga maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 1.0%, median prices could reach $3,450,000 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.
At current trajectory (0.8% growth, 1.5% vacancy, 2.1% yield), Wahroonga offers steady returns with moderate capital appreciation in line with broader market trends.
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RISK ASSESSMENT
Market cycle position: Growth Vacancy risk: Low
Key risks: - 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%: $15,967/month - At 8%: $17,610/month - At 9%: $19,311/month
A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Wahroonga pull back 10-15% from $3,000,000, with vacancy rising to 2.7% and rental yields softening as tenants gain leverage.
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LIVEABILITY
Affluence rating: Very High Safety score: 7.0/10 Walkability: 65/100 Owner-occupied: 29%
Schools: - Wahroonga Public School (primary): Rating 10.0/10 - Wahroonga East Public School (primary): Rating 9.5/10 - Wahroonga West Public School (primary): Rating 9.0/10 - Wahroonga High School (secondary): Rating 10.0/10
Wahroonga is a highly sought-after residential area with good safety ratings and moderate walkability. The 29% owner-occupier rate indicates a predominantly rental market.
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RECOMMENDATION — BUY
Wahroonga presents a compelling investment opportunity. The combination of solid fundamentals and high rental demand supports entry at current price levels.
Conditions: Proceed with due diligence on specific properties. Target gross yields above 2.1% and prioritise properties with value-add potential. Consider timing entry around the current growth phase of the market cycle.
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KEY ACTION ITEMS
1. Shortlist properties in the $2,700,000 - 3,300,000 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 Wahroonga market expertise for off-market opportunities
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Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.
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Analyse a Property →Data sourced from ABS, state government property sales, and Airbnb market analytics. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.