Paddington
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Paddington, NSW 2021.
About Paddington
Welcome to Paddington
Paddington sits just under three kilometres east of the Sydney CBD, a tight grid of Victorian terrace streets wedged between Darlinghurst, Centennial Park, Darling Point, Rushcutters Bay and Edgecliff. It's one of Sydney's most instantly recognisable inner-city suburbs, known for its wrought-iron balconies, gaslamp-era street plan and a village atmosphere that has barely changed in outline even as the shops and residents around it have.
These days Paddington suits professionals, creatives and downsizers who want heritage character and walkability over a big backyard. With a population of 12,701 and a median age of 38, it's a suburb of established households and long-term owners as much as renters chasing the address.
Lifestyle & dining
Paddington's identity was built on Oxford Street and the lanes running off it, where terrace-house boutiques, small bars and long-running cafés sit alongside newer openings. The suburb has always drawn a crowd interested in design and fashion, and that flows through to its restaurants and wine bars, many tucked into converted shopfronts and old pubs. Saturdays revolve around Paddington Markets, a fixture at the top end of Oxford Street since the 1970s, drawing locals and visitors for clothing, art and food stalls.
The adjoining green expanse of Centennial Park gives Paddington a rare combination for the inner city: terrace living within walking distance of open parkland, and an easy stroll to the harbour around Rushcutters Bay.
Housing & architecture
The suburb is defined by its intact rows of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many with ornate iron lacework, though the current listing mix shows the market isn't purely terrace houses: 41% houses, 35% apartments or units, 20% townhouses and 5% other dwelling types. That spread reflects decades of conversions, with grand terraces subdivided into apartments alongside fully restored freestanding homes.
Heritage controls across much of Paddington have kept street facades largely intact, so renovations tend to happen behind original frontages. Buyers are typically choosing between a classic terrace with a courtyard, a boutique apartment in a converted building, or a compact modern townhouse on one of the smaller side streets.
The property market
Paddington's median house price stands at $3.85 million, with house values up 10.0% recently, a sign of continued demand for the suburb's terraces despite the price point. Units and apartments offer a considerably more accessible entry, with a median of $868,000, which explains why they make up such a large share of current listings.
Renters face a median asking rent of $1,650 a week, in keeping with an inner-city suburb where scarcity of stock and heritage-protected housing stock keep both sale and rental competition high. Buyers are typically drawn by long-term capital growth and lifestyle rather than yield.
Getting around
Paddington has no train station of its own, but frequent bus services along Oxford Street connect residents directly to the CBD and out towards Bondi Junction, where the rail network picks up. Edgecliff station, just to the east, is another option for those wanting a direct city or eastern-suburbs rail link.
The suburb's narrow, one-way streets make driving and parking less straightforward than in some neighbouring areas, and many residents lean on walking, cycling or buses for daily trips, with Darlinghurst and the city both close enough to reach on foot for the energetic.
Schools & families
Families are well served locally, with Paddington Public School and Glenmore Road Public School both serving the immediate area, alongside St Francis of Assisi Regional Catholic Primary School for a Catholic option. Sydney Grammar's Edgecliff Preparatory School is also within easy reach for those looking further afield.
While Paddington's terrace streets are more commonly associated with couples and professionals, the presence of these schools, along with the playgrounds and open space of Centennial Park next door, keeps it a genuine option for families wanting an inner-city base.
Market snapshot
Paddington property market
Median sale price
$3.85m
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$1,650
per week
Gross rental yield
2.2%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$2.32m
Median
$3.85m
Premium
$7.04m
Days on market
54
Auction clearance
63%
Sold this year
125
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +3.9% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Paddington by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Paddington, NSW 2021.
Population
12,701
residents (2021)
Median age
38
years
Household income
$3,131
median, per week
Median rent
$650
per week
Median mortgage
$4,000
per month
Mortgage / income
29%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Paddington
Government school catchment
Independent & Catholic schools
Sydney Grammar School - Edgecliff Preparatory School
Recent results
Recently sold in Paddington
$2.45m
3 Albert Square
Sold ~July 2026
$1.40m
7/8 Young Street
Sold ~July 2026
$1.22m
16/1-3 Brodie Street
Sold ~July 2026
$4m
21 Norfolk Street
Sold ~July 2026
$1.35m
27/228 Moore Park Road
Sold ~July 2026
$1.90m
12 West Street
Sold ~July 2026
$2.55m
114 Sutherland Street
Sold ~July 2026
$530k
14/27 Sutherland Street
Sold ~July 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Paddington
Compare the area
Price map around Paddington
Every listing for sale near Paddington, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
Loading price map…
Common questions
Paddington suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Paddington?
The median house price in Paddington, NSW is $3.85m for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 10.0%.
How much is rent in Paddington?
The median weekly rent in Paddington is around $1,650 per week.
Is Paddington a good place to live?
Paddington is a suburb of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Paddington is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 12,701 and 4 schools in the area.
What is the population of Paddington?
Paddington has a population of 12,701 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 38.
What schools are in Paddington?
There are 4 schools in or near Paddington, including Glenmore Road Public School, Paddington Public School and St Francis of Assisi Regional Catholic Primary School.
How long do homes take to sell in Paddington?
Properties in Paddington take around 54 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 63%.
How much do you need to buy in Paddington?
Entry-level properties in Paddington start around $2.32m, while premium homes reach $7.04m.
What suburbs are near Paddington?
Suburbs near Paddington include Darlinghurst, Rushcutters Bay, Centennial Park, Darling Point and Edgecliff.
Available now