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St Ives Chase

NSW 2075LGA: Ku-ring-gai Council

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

St Ives Chase is an exclusive, low-density residential suburb nestled within the Upper North Shore of Sydney, situated approximately 22 kilometres north of the CBD within the Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area. Characterised by generous land parcels averaging around 920 square metres, the suburb is predominantly defined by detached family homes surrounded by natural bushland reserves and national park corridors, creating a serene, leafy environment that commands significant premium positioning in the Sydney property market. With a modest population of approximately 1,850 residents, St Ives Chase maintains an intimate community atmosphere that distinguishes it from larger, more urbanised neighbouring suburbs. The demographic profile is strongly skewed toward affluent, highly educated professional families, with median household incomes of $145,000 per annum — well above Sydney and national averages. The suburb attracts a significant cohort of established professionals and executives, many of whom prioritise the prestigious school catchments, safety, and lifestyle amenity that St Ives Chase consistently delivers. Property values reflect this premium positioning, with median house prices sitting at $2,650,000, underpinned by constrained supply, strict zoning controls limiting higher-density development, and persistent strong demand from family buyers. The verified comparable sale at 7 Aplin Close ($2.10M in November 2025) provides recent market evidence, noting that this transaction sits below the suburb median, likely reflecting a specific property or block configuration rather than broader market softening. Low vacancy rates of 1.2%, auction clearance rates of 78%, and just 28 days on market collectively confirm robust demand dynamics. The suburb's primary challenges centre on limited public transport connectivity — with Gordon Station being the nearest rail access — and a high affordability threshold that narrows the buyer pool. Infrastructure investment in the broader Upper North Shore corridor and Sydney Metro planning may gradually improve connectivity. For investors, the suburb offers strong long-term capital growth credentials with 32.8% five-year house price growth, though rental yields remain compressed at 2.8% for houses, reflecting the wealth-driven, owner-occupier dominated nature of the market. St Ives Chase represents a blue-chip, low-risk capital growth proposition suited to long-horizon investors and owner-occupiers seeking prestige, safety, and family lifestyle excellence.

Strengths

  • Premium blue-chip suburb with consistent long-term capital growth of 32.8% over five years
  • Exceptionally low crime index of 15/100 and outstanding safety rating creating highly secure family environment
  • Elite school catchments including St Ives North Public School, Killara High School and proximity to leading private schools
  • Dominant owner-occupier rate of 84% ensuring neighbourhood stability and strong community cohesion

Opportunities

  • Broader Sydney Metro North West and Upper North Shore transport improvements could materially improve connectivity and drive price uplift
  • Continued strong migration of high-income families from Asia, particularly China and South Korea, sustaining premium demand
  • Potential for sympathetic knockdown-rebuild projects on large 920 sqm+ blocks to capture significant value uplift
  • Land subdivision opportunities where block configurations and council zoning permit dual occupancy or dual lot creation

Considerations

  • Very low public transport score of 4/100 making the suburb highly car-dependent, limiting appeal to non-drivers
  • Extremely high entry price point of $2,650,000 median house price significantly narrows the buyer and investor pool
  • Compressed rental yields of 2.8% for houses make cashflow-positive investment strategies very difficult to achieve
  • Limited retail and dining amenity within the suburb itself, requiring residents to travel to St Ives or Gordon precincts

Property Market

Median House

$2.65M

+6.2% 1yr

Median Unit

$1.25M

+4.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$1.85M

Rent (House)

$1,450/wk

Rent (Unit)

$850/wk

Days on Market

28

Vacancy Rate

1.2%

Auction Clearance

78.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+6.2%+18.5%+32.8%
Unit+4.8%+15.2%+28.4%

Rental Yields

House Yield

2.8%

Unit Yield

3.6%

Townhouse Yield

3.1%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential82/100
Cashflow Score58/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)75/100
Affordability Index45/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 2.20

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for St Ives Chase at median house price

Stamp Duty Estimate
Standard transfer
$128,140
First Home Buyer
$128,140
Foreign buyer surcharge
$212,000

+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
$75,400

$1450/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$137,800
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$66,250
Net rental position
-$128,650

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$50,174

Reduces taxable income until 1 July 2027

After-tax holding cost
$78,476/yr

~$1,509/week

Land Tax Exposure
Est. land value
$1.59M

~60% of median price

Individual threshold
$1,075,000

Annual: $8,340

Trust/company threshold
$25,000 (trust)

Annual: $25,140

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 6.6% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), CPI indexation + 30% minimum rate, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$3.64M
Capital gain
$849,579
Assessable gain
$482,767
CGT payable
$188,279

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$5.00M
Capital gain
$2.21M
Assessable gain
$1.43M
CGT payable
$557,425

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$128,140

After-tax yield

1.71%

Weekly holding cost

$1509/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$557,425

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

1,850

Median Age

43

Median Income

$145K

per annum

Family Households

78.0%

Professionals

68.0%

University Educated

72.0%

Unemployment

3.2%

Born Overseas

42.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 88%Units: 8%Townhouses: 4%Total: 680

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability35/100
Public Transport4/10
Schools Rating9/10
Safety9/10
Family Friendly10/10
Cafes & Restaurants

8

Parks

12

Hospitals

1

Distance to CBD

22.0 km

Nearest Station: Gordon Station

Residents enjoy a peaceful, nature-immersed lifestyle with access to extensive bushwalking trails, national park reserves, and local sporting facilities. The St Ives Chase Reserve provides recreational space, while proximity to St Ives Shopping Village and Gordon's retail and dining precinct ensures convenient access to urban amenities. The suburb suits families who prioritise space, safety, and school access over inner-city convenience.

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

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