Clint Ballard
8/523 Bunnerong Road, Matraville, NSW 2036
Auction 27th June
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Open Saturday 6 June 9:00 am Auction Saturday 27 June 9:00 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Matraville — Bidjigal Country
Originally established as a 'Soldiers Settlement' following World War I to provide housing for returning servicemen and their families. The suburb evolved from a sandy, scrub-filled landscape into a significant residential and industrial hub during the mid-20th century.
Matraville today is a gentrifying suburb popular with families seeking detached housing and larger blocks than those found in Maroubra or Coogee.
Overall Score
7.2
A solid performer for families, though industrial proximity and transport limitations cap its ceiling.
Name Origin
Named after James Matra, a midshipman on the HMS Endeavour who proposed the settlement of New South Wales.
Established
Gazetted 1917
Soldiers Settlement
One of the first planned post-WWI veteran housing schemes in Australia.
Heffron Park
Adjacent to one of Sydney's largest sporting and recreational reserves.
Port Proximity
Historically linked to the development of Port Botany and local manufacturing.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6.8
Steady demand as buyers are priced out of Maroubra and Malabar.
Amenity
7.5
Excellent access to Heffron Park and local shopping strips on Bunnerong Road.
Schools
7.8
Strong local primary options and proximity to reputable high schools in the Randwick precinct.
Transport
5.2
Relies heavily on bus networks with no rail or light rail access; Bunnerong Road experiences heavy congestion.
Risk Profile
5.5
Impacted by industrial hazards, flight paths, and proximity to Long Bay Correctional Centre.
Liveability
7.6
High for families due to block sizes and proximity to eastern beaches.
Demographics
7.1
Transitioning from traditional working-class to professional families and multi-generational households.
Rental Demand
7.9
High demand for 3-4 bedroom houses from families seeking coastal lifestyle without the Coogee price tag.
Growth Potential
7.4
Strong long-term prospects as the 'ripple effect' from more expensive coastal suburbs continues.
Affordability
3.5
Expensive by national standards, though relatively affordable within the Sydney Eastern Suburbs context.
Crime & Safety
6.8
Generally safe, though some pockets near industrial boundaries and social housing require due diligence.
Walkability
6.2
Pockets near the Peninsula Village are walkable, but most errands require a vehicle.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$2,580,000
Est. March 2026
Median Unit
$1,180,000
Est. March 2026
1yr Growth
5.4%
Steady appreciation
Gross Yield
2.8%
Typical for houses
Family Ratio
72%
High family density
CBD Commute
35-50m
Via Express Bus
✅ Key Advantages
- Larger average block sizes compared to neighboring Maroubra and Malabar.
- Proximity to major recreational hubs like Heffron Park and Des Renford Leisure Centre.
- Strong sense of community within the historic Soldiers Settlement pockets.
- Easier access to uncrowded beaches like Malabar and Little Bay.
- Significant gentrification potential with older stock being renovated or rebuilt.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Heavy truck traffic on Bunnerong Road and Botany Road due to Port Botany.
- Aircraft noise as the suburb sits under certain flight path configurations.
- Proximity to the Botany Industrial Park and associated hazard overlays.
- Lack of high-capacity public transport (no rail or light rail).
- Visual impact of the Long Bay Correctional Centre on the southern boundary.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Family Suburban
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly detached single-storey houses, with increasing duplex and townhouse developments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$1.1m (Units) to $4.5m+ (Modern Luxury Houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Matraville represents the last 'affordable' frontier for detached housing in the Eastern Suburbs. It offers a lifestyle balance between industrial convenience and coastal leisure, making it a strategic long-term hold for families.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$2,580,000
$2.2m – $3.8m
🏢 Unit Median
$1,180,000
$950k – $1.5m
📈 Price Trend
+5.4% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $1,250pw, Units $850pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The house-to-unit ratio favors capital growth in land value, while the rental market remains tight due to limited new supply.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% above Sydney metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
11.5x average household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
2.8% - 3.2%
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While cheaper than the inner-east, it remains inaccessible for most first-home buyers without significant equity or assistance.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.5%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Young professional families and workers associated with the Port and Airport logistics sectors.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong rental yields for units and townhouses. Houses offer lower yields but superior long-term capital growth prospects due to land scarcity.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.4%
1-Year Growth
+18.2%
3-Year Growth
+39.5%
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing gentrification of the Soldiers Settlement area.
- Spillover demand from Maroubra and Malabar.
- Upgrades to local shopping precincts and community facilities.
- Limited supply of new detached housing in the Eastern Suburbs.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising interest rates impacting high-leverage buyers in this price bracket.
- Persistent traffic congestion on major arterial roads.
- Environmental concerns related to historical industrial activity.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect moderate, steady growth outperforming the Sydney average as the suburb's 'industrial' stigma continues to fade in favor of its 'coastal' proximity.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6.8
Safety Score
Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
In line with NSW state averages for suburban areas.
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Break and Enter: Medium
Motor Vehicle Theft: Low
Assault: Low
📋 What to Check Locally
Check specific street data near the Bunnerong Road commercial strip and the southern border near the correctional complex.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Primary risks are environmental and logistical rather than natural disasters like bushfire.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low risk; some localized overland flow issues during extreme rain events near Bunnerong Road.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Negligible risk due to urban density.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply, though proximity to the Botany Industrial Park should be disclosed to insurers.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
R2 Low Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Airport Environs (ANEF), Heritage Conservation (Soldiers Settlement), Acid Sulfate Soils.
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Bunnerong Road corridor for mixed-use; older blocks for duplex conversion.
Zoning protections in the Soldiers Settlement area preserve character but limit high-density development, supporting house prices.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Bus-dependent; express services to CBD are available but subject to traffic.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Excellent local shops, cafes, and proximity to major supermarkets in Hillsdale and Maroubra.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Outstanding access to Heffron Park, Pioneers Park, and nearby coastal reserves.
🏫 Schools
Good selection of public and Catholic primary schools; catchment for Matraville Sports High.
🏥 Healthcare
Close to Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A diverse mix of long-term residents and an increasing influx of young professional families.
💵 Median Income
$105,000 pa
🏠 Ownership
65% owner-occupied, 35% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 38
🎓 Education
Increasing percentage of tertiary-educated residents moving into the area.
📊 Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy rate and family focus contribute to a stable, community-oriented market.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Focus is on infrastructure and local center revitalisation rather than high-rise residential.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Bunnerong Road streetscape and safety upgrades.
- Heffron Centre sporting facility improvements.
- Modernisation of the Peninsula Village shopping precinct.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased port-related truck movements.
- Construction noise from ongoing duplex and townhouse infill.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Maroubra
Position
North
Price
20-30% more expensive
Lifestyle
More urban, better beach access, busier.
Best for
Beach-focused buyers with higher budgets.
📍Chifley
Position
South-West
Price
5-10% cheaper
Lifestyle
Quieter, more isolated, smaller blocks.
Best for
Value-seeking families.
📍Malabar
Position
East
Price
15-25% more expensive
Lifestyle
Quiet coastal village feel, golf courses.
Best for
Lifestyle buyers wanting sea views.
📍Hillsdale
Position
West
Price
40% cheaper (mostly units)
Lifestyle
High-density, retail-focused, less green space.
Best for
First home buyers and investors.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Pagewood
NSW
7.5/10
Similar family demographic and industrial history.
Caringbah
NSW
7.3/10
Mix of residential and industrial with coastal proximity.
Altona
VIC
7.0/10
Coastal suburb with significant industrial neighbors.
Port Adelaide
SA
6.5/10
Historic port proximity and heritage housing stock.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the large backyards and community feel, though many express frustration with traffic and the lack of a train line.
★★★★☆
Family Life
It's the best place for kids. We have a huge yard and the park is just a walk away.
Space
Parks
★★★☆☆
Transport
The bus to the city takes forever in the morning. Bunnerong Road is a nightmare.
Traffic
Commute
★★★★☆
Value
We couldn't afford Maroubra, but Matraville gave us a house instead of an apartment.
Affordability
Housing Type
★★★★☆
Community
The local shops are getting much better. More cafes are opening up every year.
Amenities
Growth
★★★★★
Investment
I've never had a vacancy longer than a week. Families really want to be in this catchment.
Demand
Vacancy
★★★☆☆
Industrial Noise
The trucks are getting louder and more frequent. It's not as quiet as it used to be.
Noise
Traffic
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize the 'Soldiers Settlement' pocket for heritage character and stable value.
- Check the ANEF aircraft noise contours for specific properties.
- Look for older bungalows with scope for a second-storey addition (STCA).
- Inspect properties during peak hour to assess truck noise impact.
- Verify if the property is within the Botany Groundwater Management Zone.
- Focus on streets with easy walking access to Heffron Park.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is the property under a primary flight path for Sydney Airport?
- Are there any heritage restrictions within the Soldiers Settlement zone for this house?
- Has a soil contamination report been conducted given the industrial history of the area?
- What are the typical peak-hour travel times to the CBD from this specific street?
- Are there any planned major developments for the nearby industrial sites?
- How does the local school catchment boundary affect this address?
- What is the history of the property's foundations given the sandy soil profile?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight backyard size and 'work from home' potential in marketing.
- Modernize kitchens and bathrooms to appeal to the young professional demographic.
- Emphasize proximity to Malabar and Maroubra beaches.
- Use professional floor plans to show extension or duplex potential.
- Address any noise concerns upfront with double glazing or landscaping.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'lifestyle upgrade' from apartment living, focusing on land value and the family-friendly community atmosphere.
💼 Investment Case
Strong capital growth play with reliable rental income from families.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Low rental yields and potential for industrial-related environmental issues.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-bedroom houses on 500sqm+ blocks.
- Consider properties with R3 zoning for future medium-density potential.
- Ensure the property is well-serviced by bus routes to the CBD/UNSW.
- Perform thorough environmental due diligence regarding historical land use.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Apply early as 3-bedroom houses are highly competitive.
- Look for properties with off-street parking due to narrow streets.
- Check for air conditioning as older houses can be poorly insulated.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Great for families needing space and proximity to parks.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Public transport to the city is slow during peak times.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Maintain gardens to attract long-term family tenants.
- Consider allowing pets to significantly increase the tenant pool.
- Install security features like sensor lights and alarms.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarms and pool fences meet current NSW legislation.
🤝 Agent Insights
- Stock levels remain low, keeping prices resilient.
- Buyers are increasingly coming from the Inner West seeking coastal proximity.
- Renovated 'turn-key' properties are achieving significant premiums.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Best Value House in the East' and 'Gateway to the Coast'.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young families upgrading from apartments in Maroubra, Coogee, or Randwick.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Review Randwick Council LEP for zoning and height restrictions.
✓
Check the ANEF (Aircraft Noise) maps for the 2036 postcode.
✓
Obtain a Section 10.7 Certificate to check for land contamination or flooding.
✓
Inspect for structural cracks common in sandy soil foundations.
✓
Assess the proximity to the Botany Industrial Park hazard zones.
✓
Verify the property's position relative to the Long Bay Correctional Centre.
✓
Test for groundwater contamination if planning to install a bore.
✓
Evaluate the impact of Port Botany truck routes on local street noise.
✓
Check the school catchment via the NSW Department of Education portal.
✓
Review the heritage status of the property if in the Soldiers Settlement area.
✓
Assess the availability and frequency of bus services during peak hours.
✓
Conduct a thorough pest inspection for termites, common in older coastal homes.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 randwick.nsw.gov.au
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 planningportal.nsw.gov.au
🔗 education.nsw.gov.au
🔗 epa.nsw.gov.au
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on historical data and market projections as of March 2026. It does not constitute financial or investment advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional legal and financial counsel before making any property purchase.
