Willoughby
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Willoughby, NSW 2068.
About Willoughby
Welcome to Willoughby
Willoughby sits on Sydney's lower north shore, about eight kilometres from the CBD, tucked between Naremburn, Northbridge, Willoughby East, North Willoughby and Castlecrag. It's a leafy, established pocket known for its tree-lined streets, character homes and easy access to both the city and the bushland reserves that fringe Middle Harbour.
With a population of just over 7,100 and a median age of 40, Willoughby has long appealed to families and professionals wanting a quieter, village-like alternative to the busier lower north shore centres, without giving up proximity to the city or the harbour.
Lifestyle & dining
Willoughby's main village strip along Willoughby Road has a settled, neighbourhood feel, with cafes, bakeries and small restaurants that draw a steady local crowd rather than passing traffic. It's the sort of place where you can get to know the barista, and where weekend mornings are spent over coffee before a walk through the surrounding streets. The pace suits families and downsizers alike, and the proximity to Chatswood and Northbridge means a wider spread of dining and entertainment options is never far away.
Shopping
For day-to-day needs, the Willoughby Road shops cover groceries, specialty stores and everyday services, while Chatswood's Westfield and Victoria Avenue precinct, just a short drive or bus ride away, provides the bigger retail fix with major department stores, fashion and a large dining hall. Northbridge's small village shops offer another nearby option for those after a quieter errand run.
Getting around
Willoughby is well served by buses connecting to Chatswood, North Sydney and the city, making it a practical base for commuters who don't want to rely on a car. Chatswood station, with its train and metro links, is within easy reach and opens up fast connections across the north shore and into the CBD. The suburb's position also gives quick access to the Warringah Freeway and Gore Hill Freeway for drivers heading to the city or up to the northern beaches.
Schools & families
Families are well catered for locally, with Willoughby Public School and St Thomas' Catholic Primary School both serving the area, and Willoughby Girls High School providing a well-regarded public secondary option nearby. The mix of established homes, parks and schools within walking distance has made the suburb a consistent drawcard for families wanting to put down roots on the lower north shore.
Parks & recreation
Green space is one of Willoughby's strongest assets, with Willoughby Park and the surrounding bushland reserves offering walking tracks, sports fields and picnic areas. The suburb's proximity to Castlecrag and Northbridge also means residents are close to the bushwalks and waterfront reserves that run down towards Middle Harbour, a drawcard for those who like their weekends outdoors.
The property market
Willoughby's property market reflects its status as a tightly held, character-filled pocket of the lower north shore. The median house price sits at $4.21 million, with houses making up 52% of current listings, having risen 10.8% recently, underlining sustained demand for the suburb's freestanding homes. Units and apartments, which account for 44% of listings, carry a median price of $1.38 million, offering a comparatively more accessible entry point, while townhouses remain a rarity at just 1% of stock. Median rent across the suburb sits at $1,850 a week, reflecting the premium placed on Willoughby's location, schools and lifestyle.
Market snapshot
Willoughby property market
Median sale price
$4.21m
House · 4 bed
Median rent
$1,850
per week
Gross rental yield
2.3%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$2.81m
Median
$4.21m
Premium
$5.58m
Days on market
—
Auction clearance
52%
Sold this year
22
Median sold price trend · House 4 bed
Compound growth +4.7% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Willoughby by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Willoughby, NSW 2068.
Population
7,124
residents (2021)
Median age
40
years
Household income
$2,995
median, per week
Median rent
$583
per week
Median mortgage
$3,500
per month
Mortgage / income
27%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Willoughby
Government school catchment
Independent & Catholic schools
Recent results
Recently sold in Willoughby
$1.40m
G02/2 Scott Street
Sold ~July 2026
$5.70m
5 Alpha Road
Sold ~July 2026
$295k
46/595 Willoughby Road
Sold ~July 2026
$1.72m
2/11 Clanwilliam Street
Sold ~July 2026
$2.50m
38 Bedford Street
Sold ~July 2026
$5.80m
26 Cambridge Street
Sold ~June 2026
$700k
101/562 Willoughby Road
Sold ~June 2026
$5.80m
11 Sydney Street
Sold ~June 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 Willoughby
Compare the area
Price map around Willoughby
Every listing for sale near Willoughby, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
Loading price map…
Common questions
Willoughby suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Willoughby?
The median unit price in Willoughby, NSW is $1.38m for a 2-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 8.9%.
How much is rent in Willoughby?
The median weekly rent in Willoughby is around $975 per week.
Is Willoughby a good place to live?
Willoughby is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 7,124 and 3 schools in the area.
What is the population of Willoughby?
Willoughby has a population of 7,124 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 40.
What schools are in Willoughby?
There are 3 schools in or near Willoughby, including St Thomas' Catholic Primary School, Willoughby Public School and Willoughby Girls High School.
How long do homes take to sell in Willoughby?
Properties in Willoughby take around 50 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 84%.
How much do you need to buy in Willoughby?
Entry-level properties in Willoughby start around $884k, while premium homes reach $1.61m.
What suburbs are near Willoughby?
Suburbs near Willoughby include Naremburn, Northbridge, Willoughby East, North Willoughby and Castlecrag.
Fresh to market
New this week in Willoughby
The perfect balance of modern living and easy connection
Fully renovated family home of contemporary flair
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