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Little Bay

NSW 2036LGA: Randwick City

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Little Bay is a premium coastal suburb in Sydney's eastern suburbs, offering an enviable beachfront lifestyle just 14km from the CBD. With a population of 4,200 and median age of 42, it attracts professionals and families seeking coastal living with urban convenience. The suburb is dominated by apartments and units (68% of dwellings), reflecting significant new development activity that has transformed the area. Property values are strong, with median house prices at $1.85M and units at $920K, supported by the coastal location and proximity to amenities like Prince of Wales Hospital and UNSW. The community enjoys excellent safety ratings, beautiful beaches, and recreational facilities including NSW Golf Club. While public transport options are limited to bus services, the suburb compensates with high walkability scores and direct beach access. Investment fundamentals are solid with low vacancy rates (1.8%), strong rental yields, and consistent capital growth driven by the premium coastal position and ongoing development.

Strengths

  • •Premium coastal location with direct beach access and scenic views
  • •Strong property fundamentals with consistent capital growth and low vacancy rates
  • •High safety ratings and family-friendly environment with quality amenities
  • •Proximity to major medical facilities (Prince of Wales Hospital) and UNSW

Opportunities

  • •Continued gentrification and development of remaining sites
  • •Infrastructure improvements along Anzac Parade corridor enhancing connectivity
  • •Growing appeal to downsizers and retirees seeking coastal lifestyle
  • •Potential for premium rental returns from proximity to hospitals and university

Considerations

  • •Limited public transport options with bus-only services to major hubs
  • •Higher property prices creating affordability barriers for first-time buyers
  • •Limited local shopping requiring travel to Eastgardens or Maroubra for major retail
  • •Parking constraints during peak beach season and in new developments

A decision, not just a search · Little Bay

Does a promising suburb make this the right property decision?

No. Suburb data can help you shortlist, but it cannot establish the value, condition or suitability of a particular property. Compare buying, retaining your current property and waiting against your household cash flow, finance conditions and intended holding period.

Questions that could change the answer

  • What would make this location unsuitable even if its median price rises?
  • Could you meet the costs if income falls, the property is vacant or repairs are needed?
  • Are you comparing a specific property with genuinely comparable sales—or only an area average?

Evidence to obtain—not yet verified here

  • Comparable property evidence with transaction dates and relevant differences.
  • Current loan terms, household commitments and a realistic cash-flow buffer.
  • Property inspections, contract advice and ownership/tax advice where relevant.

Other options: Shortlist another property, retain what you own, reduce the budget or delay. Growth expectations alone are not a reason to proceed.

Next action: Ask a Property Advisor to connect the property evidence with your priorities, and identify the finance, tax or legal professional required for unresolved questions.

When to revisit: Revisit if the price, lending terms, inspection findings or household circumstances change.

General decision guidance—not a property assessment, personal recommendation or verified client result. Dates on surrounding market content apply to that content, not to checks on your property.

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Property Market

Median House

$1.85M

+8.5% 1yr

Median Unit

$920K

+7.2% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$1.35M

Rent (House)

$1,150/wk

Rent (Unit)

$720/wk

Days on Market

32

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

74.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+8.5%+22.3%+38.7%
Unit+7.2%+19.8%+35.4%

Rental Yields

House Yield

3.2%

Unit Yield

4.1%

Townhouse Yield

3.6%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential82/100
Cashflow Score72/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)72/100
Affordability Index52/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.80

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Little Bay at median house price

Stamp Duty Estimate
Standard transfer
$84,140
First Home Buyer
$84,140
Foreign buyer surcharge
$148,000

+8% surcharge

Negative Gearing Position

Wage offset available until 1 July 2027

An established purchase today falls under the 2026 reforms. From 1 July 2027, losses on established residential property can only offset residential rental income or residential capital gains — not your salary.

Annual rent income
$59,800

$1150/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$96,200
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$46,250
Net rental position
-$82,650

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$32,234

Reduces taxable income until 1 July 2027

After-tax holding cost
$50,416/yr

~$970/week

Land Tax Exposure
Est. land value
$1.11M

~60% of median price

Individual threshold
$1,075,000

Annual: $660

Trust/company threshold
$25,000 (trust)

Annual: $17,460

CPA Note: Land tax applies to your total NSW land holdings, not individual properties. Portfolio holders should aggregate all investment land values.

CGT Projection

Based on 7.7% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), CPI indexation + 30% minimum rate, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$2.69M
Capital gain
$742,304
Assessable gain
$486,927
CGT payable
$189,902

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$3.90M
Capital gain
$1.96M
Assessable gain
$1.41M
CGT payable
$550,364

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$84,140

After-tax yield

1.95%

Weekly holding cost

$970/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$550,364

Estimates based on FY2025 NSW rates at median house price. Assumes 80% LVR, 6.5% interest rate, 39% marginal tax rate ($135K-$190K bracket). This calculator provides estimates for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results depend on assumptions that may not reflect your actual situation. Tax laws, interest rates, and market conditions change frequently. Always consult a qualified professional — such as a CPA, mortgage broker, or financial adviser — before making financial decisions. Local Knowledge Group of Companies provides integrated advisory through Local Knowledge (CPA), Local Knowledge Finance (Mortgage Brokerage), and Local Knowledge Property (Licensed Agency).

Demographics

Population

4,200

Median Age

42

Median Income

$95K

per annum

Family Households

58.0%

Professionals

52.0%

University Educated

48.0%

Unemployment

3.2%

Born Overseas

38.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 25%Units: 68%Townhouses: 7%Total: 1,850

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability72/100
Public Transport6/10
Schools Rating7/10
Safety8/10
Family Friendly8/10
Cafes & Restaurants

12

Parks

8

Hospitals

2

Distance to CBD

14.0 km

Nearest Station: Maroubra Junction

Premium coastal living with direct beach access, golf course, coastal walks, and proximity to cafes and recreational facilities, balanced with easy access to major medical and educational institutions.

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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 11 April 2026.

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