Bernadette Summers
9/1 Fewings Street, Clovelly, NSW 2031
Contact Agent
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Open Thursday 5 November 10:00 am Auction Saturday 5 December 11:00 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Clovelly — Gadigal and Bidjigal Country
Originally known as Little Coogee, the area was renamed in 1913 to distinguish it from its neighbor. It developed rapidly in the 1920s as a residential seaside suburb, centered around the unique narrow bay and protected swimming conditions.
A sophisticated residential enclave dominated by renovated Californian bungalows and contemporary architectural homes, catering to high-income professionals and young families.
Overall Score
8.8
A premier lifestyle suburb with exceptional safety and community appeal.
Aboriginal Name
Mundarrah— "Thunder"
Name Origin
Named after the village of Clovelly in Devon, England, by Sir John Robertson.
Established
Gazetted 1913
Geoff James Pool
Famous concrete ocean pool at the bay's southern end.
Waverley Cemetery
Bordering the north, it is one of the world's most scenic burial grounds.
Transport
Historically served by trams until 1957, now exclusively bus-dependent.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.2
Steady demand with low inventory keeps prices resilient despite broader market fluctuations.
Amenity
9.1
World-class coastal walks, protected swimming, and high-quality local cafes.
Schools
9.4
Clovelly Public School is one of the highest-rated primary schools in the state.
Transport
4.8
Significant weakness due to lack of rail and heavy reliance on congested bus routes.
Risk Profile
8.2
Low crime and high social stability, though environmental risks are present.
Liveability
9.5
Exceptional quality of life for families who value the outdoors and quiet nights.
Demographics
8.9
High-income professional demographic ensures neighborhood stability.
Rental Demand
8.4
Extremely high for apartments and family homes near the beach.
Growth Potential
6.8
Limited by already high entry prices, but scarcity of land provides a floor.
Affordability
1.2
One of Sydney's most expensive suburbs with a very high barrier to entry.
Crime & Safety
9.2
Very low incident rates compared to Sydney metropolitan averages.
Walkability
7.9
Hilly terrain but highly walkable to local shops and the beach.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$5,150,000
Estimated March 2026
Median Unit
$2,050,000
High demand for 2-bedders
Family Ratio
48%
Higher than regional average
5yr Growth
42%
Cumulative house growth
Beach Distance
0-1.2km
Entire suburb is coastal
Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Consistently tight market
✅ Key Advantages
- Protected, family-friendly beach with calm waters and ocean pool.
- Top-tier local primary school catchment (Clovelly Public).
- Quiet, community-focused atmosphere compared to Bondi or Coogee.
- Stunning coastal walk access and abundant green space.
- High architectural standards and well-maintained streetscapes.
- Strong historical capital growth and prestige value.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Severe lack of off-street parking in many residential streets.
- High maintenance costs due to salt spray and coastal winds.
- Limited public transport options (bus only to CBD/Bondi Junction).
- Extremely competitive auction environment with low stock levels.
- Hilly topography can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
- Significant 'dead zones' for parking during peak summer weekends.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Coastal Family
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Mix of detached Californian bungalows, modern rebuilds, and 1970s-style low-rise apartments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$1.4m (studio/1-bed) – $15m+ (oceanfront houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Clovelly offers a 'village' feel that is increasingly rare in the Eastern Suburbs. It is the primary choice for affluent families who want the beach lifestyle without the transient tourist crowds of Bondi.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$5,150,000
$4.2m – $12.5m
🏢 Unit Median
$2,050,000
$1.3m – $3.8m
📈 Price Trend
+5.4% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $1,850pw, Units $950pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The high unit percentage reflects the density near the beach, while the house median is driven by land scarcity and significant renovation investment.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
240% above Sydney metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
18.5x average household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
2.1% gross yield for houses
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Clovelly is strictly a premium market. Entry-level options are limited to older 1-bedroom apartments. Most buyers are upgrading from within the Eastern Suburbs or moving from the North Shore.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Corporate couples, young professional families, and medical staff from nearby Prince of Wales Hospital.
💼 Investor Outlook
Low yields are offset by high capital growth potential and extremely low vacancy risk. Blue-chip investment location.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.4%
1-Year Growth
+18.5% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+42% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Finite supply of land with no major new developments possible.
- Ongoing gentrification of older apartment blocks into luxury units.
- Proximity to the expanding Randwick health and education precinct.
- Persistent demand for coastal lifestyle post-pandemic.
⛔ Headwinds
- High interest rate sensitivity for the $4m-$6m 'middle' luxury bracket.
- Increasing insurance premiums for coastal properties.
- Limited infrastructure improvements planned for transport.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect continued outperformance of the broader Sydney market. Scarcity will drive prices as Clovelly remains the 'final destination' for many Eastern Suburbs families.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
9
Safety Score
Excellent
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
45% below metro average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Violent Crime: Very Low
Public Nuisance: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Minor theft from cars is the most common issue; ensure off-street parking is used if available. Summer weekends bring increased foot traffic and parking disputes.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental factors and high entry costs are the primary concerns for buyers in this precinct.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low risk; the suburb is hilly and drains well toward the ocean, though some low-lying spots near the beach can experience flash flooding.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Negligible risk due to lack of dense bushland interface.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Increasingly expensive for oceanfront properties due to coastal erosion projections and salt spray damage.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
R2 Low Density Residential & R3 Medium Density
🔲 Overlays
Heritage Conservation Area (parts), Coastal Risk Management
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Limited to individual site redevelopments and 'duplexing' of larger lots.
Strict heritage and height controls preserve the suburb's character but make major renovations or developments complex and expensive.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Poor; bus-only service with long commute times to the CBD during peak hours.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Excellent; high-end cafes on Clovelly Road and world-class coastal recreation.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Very Good; Burrows Park and the coastal reserve provide significant open space.
🏫 Schools
Exceptional; Clovelly Public is a major drawcard for young families.
🏥 Healthcare
Excellent; 5-minute drive to Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
An affluent, highly educated population with a high proportion of managers and professionals.
💵 Median Income
$3,250 per week household
🏠 Ownership
58% owner-occupied, 39% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 38
🎓 Education
62% hold a Bachelor degree or higher
📊 Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy and income levels contribute to a stable, well-maintained neighborhood with strong community engagement.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
No large-scale residential developments are planned within Clovelly itself due to zoning restrictions.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Preservation of village atmosphere.
- Protection of property values through scarcity.
- Upgrades to Randwick light rail (nearby) improve indirect access.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Lack of new housing supply keeps prices prohibitively high.
- Construction noise from constant private home renovations.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Coogee
Position
South
Price
15-20% cheaper
Lifestyle
More commercial, busier beach, higher nightlife activity.
Best for
Younger professionals and renters.
📍Bronte
Position
North
Price
10-15% more expensive
Lifestyle
Higher prestige, more 'glamorous', steeper hills.
Best for
Ultra-high-net-worth families.
📍Randwick
Position
West
Price
30% cheaper
Lifestyle
Inland, better transport (Light Rail), more diverse housing.
Best for
Families seeking value and convenience.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Cottesloe
WA
8.9/10
Premium coastal feel with a protected beach and high-end family demographic.
Fairlight
NSW
8.5/10
Quiet harbor/ocean-side suburb with high-performing schools and limited transport.
Sunshine Beach
QLD
8.7/10
Exclusive coastal enclave with high architectural standards and village vibe.
Beaumaris
VIC
8.4/10
Strong focus on family lifestyle, mid-century architecture, and coastal proximity.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents are fiercely loyal to the 'Clovelly Bubble,' citing the safety and the beach as the primary reasons for never wanting to leave.
★★★★★
Family Life
The best place in Sydney to raise kids. They can walk to the beach and the school is incredible.
Safety
Community
★★★★☆
Maintenance
Love the views, but be prepared to paint your house every three years. The salt eats everything.
Views
Maintenance
★★★☆☆
Transport
The bus to the city is a nightmare in the morning. I usually end up walking to Randwick for the light rail.
Commute
Lifestyle
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties with existing off-street parking; it adds significant future resale value.
- Check for 'concrete cancer' in balconies and structural steel corrosion.
- Verify if the property is within the Clovelly Public School catchment specifically.
- Attend multiple auctions to understand the local 'emotional premium' often paid.
- Look for older 1970s blocks that are ripe for refurbishment to gain equity.
- Consider the impact of the Waverley Cemetery boundary on privacy and views.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property within the official Clovelly Public School catchment?
- Has a specialized coastal building inspection been performed recently?
- What are the specific parking restrictions on this street during summer?
- Are there any heritage conservation restrictions on external modifications?
- How has the property's structure been treated for salt spray protection?
- What is the history of the building's strata levies and any special levies planned?
- Is there any history of dampness or drainage issues in the lower levels?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight any architectural heritage features or recent coastal-grade renovations.
- Professional styling is mandatory here to meet high buyer expectations.
- Target the 'young family' demographic in marketing materials.
- Ensure all outdoor areas are pristine; the lifestyle is the primary selling point.
- Be transparent about parking arrangements to avoid last-minute deal-breakers.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'forever home' in a supply-constrained market. Emphasize the proximity to the beach and the quiet, safe streetscape.
💼 Investment Case
Capital growth play rather than yield play.
⚠️ Investment Risks
High entry cost and high maintenance overheads due to coastal environment.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 2-bedroom units with parking and ocean glimpses.
- Budget for higher-than-average annual repairs.
- Focus on long-term holding (10+ years) to maximize growth.
- Consider minor cosmetic renovations to appeal to high-income tenants.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Apply immediately after viewing; competition is fierce.
- Look for apartments slightly further up the hill for better value.
- Check mobile reception; some pockets near the cliffs have dead zones.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Access to a world-class beach lifestyle and a very safe environment.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Street parking is nearly impossible on weekends; laundry drying can be difficult due to salt/humidity.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Allow pets to significantly increase your tenant pool and rent premium.
- Install high-quality, corrosion-resistant fixtures.
- Maintain the garden to a high standard to attract premium tenants.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarms and window locks meet NSW standards, especially in older coastal blocks.
🤝 Agent Insights
- Stock levels are at historic lows, leading to aggressive bidding.
- Buyers are increasingly looking for 'turn-key' properties to avoid renovation costs.
- The 'Clovelly Public School' factor is the single biggest driver for house prices.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Bondi alternative'—all the beach, none of the chaos.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
High-income families (35-50) and wealthy downsizers from the North Shore.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Confirm school catchment via School Finder NSW.
✓
Check Randwick Council's Coastal Hazard Map for erosion risk.
✓
Inspect all window frames and external metal for corrosion.
✓
Review strata minutes for mentions of concrete cancer or waterproofing issues.
✓
Verify off-street parking legality on the title.
✓
Assess noise levels during school drop-off and pick-up times.
✓
Check for any planned developments in neighboring properties.
✓
Evaluate the condition of the roof and guttering (coastal wear).
✓
Test mobile signal strength inside the property.
✓
Review the contract for any unique easements related to coastal access.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on projected market data for March 2026 and historical trends. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct independent inspections and consult with professionals before purchasing.
