Redfern
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Redfern, NSW 2016.
About Redfern
Welcome to Redfern
Redfern sits just south of Sydney's CBD, a few minutes by train from Central Station, making it one of the inner city's most connected and historically significant suburbs. Once known chiefly for its rail yards and industrial past, it has evolved into a dense, character-filled pocket of terrace houses, warehouse conversions and new apartment developments, all within walking distance of the city.
With a population of around 13,072 and a median age of 36, Redfern attracts a mix of young professionals, students, long-term locals and creatives drawn to its heritage streetscapes and proximity to everything the CBD and inner south offer. It borders Chippendale, Darlington, Waterloo, Ultimo and Haymarket, placing it firmly within Sydney's inner-city core rather than on its fringe.
Lifestyle & dining
Redfern's café and dining scene has grown substantially alongside its gentrification, with a strong lineup of coffee roasters, casual eateries and pubs concentrated around Redfern Street and spilling towards neighbouring Chippendale and Darlington. The area has a distinct, unpolished energy that sets it apart from more manicured inner-city strips, and its proximity to Chippendale's laneway bars and Ultimo's university crowd broadens the options considerably.
The suburb's Aboriginal history and community remain a defining part of its identity, visible in street art, community organisations and cultural events that give Redfern a texture and depth not found in every inner-city neighbourhood.
Getting around
Redfern's transport credentials are hard to beat. Redfern Station is a major rail interchange serving multiple lines, giving residents fast access to Central, the CBD, and destinations across greater Sydney. Its position also makes it a practical base for those needing regular access to Sydney's south, west and inner west via both road and rail.
The suburb is highly walkable, with Central Station, Haymarket and Chinatown all within easy reach on foot, while bus routes and nearby light rail options through Ultimo and the CBD add further flexibility for those without a car.
Schools & families
While Redfern is best known as a magnet for renters and professionals, it does cater to families and students through schools including Redfern Jarjum College, Key College and Warakirri College - Redfern, each offering distinct educational approaches within the local area. Families looking for a broader range of schooling options often look to nearby Ultimo, Waterloo and the wider inner-city network.
The suburb's compact scale and inner-city density mean much of daily life, from schools to shops to transport, is within a short walk or ride, which appeals to families prioritising convenience over space.
Housing & architecture
Redfern's housing stock reflects its layered history: rows of Victorian and Federation terraces sit alongside converted warehouses and newer apartment buildings that have filled in former industrial sites. Current listings show apartments and units make up the majority of the market at 56%, with houses accounting for 31%, townhouses 7% and other dwelling types making up the remainder.
This mix gives buyers and renters genuine choice, from heritage terraces with period detail to low-maintenance apartments suited to professionals wanting lock-up-and-leave convenience close to the city.
The property market
Redfern's property market reflects its inner-city position and heritage appeal. The median house price sits at $2.25 million, having recorded modest recent growth of 1.1%, while units and apartments offer a considerably more accessible entry point with a median of $785,000. Median rent across the suburb is $1,220 per week, underlining strong ongoing demand from tenants wanting inner-city proximity without CBD prices.
The gap between house and unit prices is significant here, and with apartments dominating current listings, Redfern tends to suit buyers and investors focused on the unit market, while house buyers are competing for a smaller, more tightly held pool of terraces and freestanding homes.
Market snapshot
Redfern property market
Median sale price
$2.25m
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$1,220
per week
Gross rental yield
2.8%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$1.72m
Median
$2.25m
Premium
$3.54m
Days on market
—
Auction clearance
55%
Sold this year
30
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +3.0% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Redfern by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Redfern, NSW 2016.
Population
13,072
residents (2021)
Median age
36
years
Household income
$2,145
median, per week
Median rent
$500
per week
Median mortgage
$2,811
per month
Mortgage / income
30%
stretched (>30%)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Redfern
Independent & Catholic schools
Warakirri College - Redfern
Recent results
Recently sold in Redfern
$1.02m
113/219-227 Chalmers Street
Sold ~July 2026
$970k
1503/157 Redfern Street
Sold ~July 2026
$950k
203/1-9 Marian Street
Sold ~July 2026
$1.66m
1A Short Street
Sold ~July 2026
$2.10m
13 Vine Street
Sold ~July 2026
$2.10m
11 Telopea Street
Sold ~July 2026
$1.40m
58/1A Turner Street
Sold ~July 2026
$945k
15/292-296 Chalmers 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 Redfern
Compare the area
Price map around Redfern
Every listing for sale near Redfern, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Nearby suburbs
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Common questions
Redfern suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Redfern?
The median unit price in Redfern, NSW is $785k for a 1-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have fallen about 4.8%.
How much is rent in Redfern?
The median weekly rent in Redfern is around $750 per week.
Is Redfern a good place to live?
Redfern is an inner southern suburb of Sydney located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of the Sydney central business district and is part of the local government area of the City of Sydney. Redfern is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 13,072 and 3 schools in the area.
What is the population of Redfern?
Redfern has a population of 13,072 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 36.
What schools are in Redfern?
There are 3 schools in or near Redfern, including Redfern Jarjum College, Key College and Warakirri College - Redfern.
How long do homes take to sell in Redfern?
Properties in Redfern take around 37 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 70%.
How much do you need to buy in Redfern?
Entry-level properties in Redfern start around $591k, while premium homes reach $1.34m.
What suburbs are near Redfern?
Suburbs near Redfern include Chippendale, Darlington, Waterloo, Ultimo and Haymarket.
Fresh to market
New this week in Redfern
Wide terrace with commenced renovations on Redfern's east side
Stylish urban haven in the sought-after `Regency' complex
Ground Floor Residence with an Extraordinary Courtyard
Chic Urban Living Awaits
Available now