Most in-demand share suburbs in Sydney

Ever dreamed of living in the heart of Australia’s most popular city? While Covid-19 has put the brakes on entertainment and nightlife for now, that won’t last forever. Why not position yourself for maximum fun when the lockdowns lift in one of Sydney’s top share suburbs?

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Here’s our list of the most in-demand share suburbs in sunny Sydney. Peak season for share accommodation is Dec-Feb. Why not get ahead of the action and make the move to your dream suburb before the crowds return?

1. Surry Hills, 2010

• Average weekly rent for room: $332
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 18,299
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 6,305

The hottest suburb in Sydney right now, Surry Hills is wedged between Central Station and three parks: Hyde, Prince Albert and Moore. It’s a stone’s throw from the CBD, so your commute time will reflect your walking pace, and it’s the same short distance from Bondi. With an artsy, progressive feel and plenty of great places to eat and drink — from cheap and cheerful to fine dining and classy bars — uber-social Surry Hills gets busy on the weekends. If you love nightlife, this is the perfect spot to join or set up a share house.

2. Newtown, 2042

• Average weekly rent for room: $303
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 11,272
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 4,073

Grungy, alternative, artistic Newtown lies just south of the University of Sydney campus, and a 15-minute train ride from the city (30 minutes in peak hour). So there’s a mix of people here, from students to professionals and even families, although rents aren’t cheap. The key to enjoying Newtown seems to be open-mindedness and a laid-back attitude and locals attest to a village atmosphere on King Street, where gyms, cafes and bars rub shoulders with thrift shops and gourmet food stores. Narrow streets and nightlife mean things can get (and stay) lively here, especially on the weekends, so Newtown’s ideal if you’re looking for a buzzy, busy neighbourhood with an eclectic personality.

3. Ultimo, 2007

• Average weekly rent for room: $320
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 11,170
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 4,285

If you’re looking for a place close to, well, everything, look no further than Ultimo. With Sydney’s University of Technology on its southern boundary, and Chinatown to the east, Ultimo is very popular with students. If you have a car, proximity to both the ANZAC and Harbour bridges means it’s easy to venture out of the city too (though don’t bother in peak hour!). You certainly won’t need wheels, though: Ultimo has Central Station a few minutes from its southern edge, and it’s a mere 2km from the city centre. See? It really is close to everything!

4. Pyrmont, 2009

• Average weekly rent for room: $370
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 7,598
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 3,145 ^{Getty Images}

Waterside Pyrmont takes in the promontory immediately east of the city, so it’s as close to the CBD as you’ll get without actually living there. Beautiful views combine with parks and in many places, a vibrant, village feel that locals love. But it’s also an entertainment destination, thanks to the Star City Casino complex and the glamorous hotels and highrises of Darling Harbour. While it’s not well-serviced by public transport — light rail is the most reliable option — it’s so close to the city that you’ll probably prefer to walk anyway.

5. Bondi Beach, 2026

• Average weekly rent for room: $359
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 10,463
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 3,134

It’s one of the most expensive suburbs on this list, but if you’ve ever been to Bondi, you’ll know why. Living in Australia’s most iconic seaside suburb is a dream-come-true for beach lovers who want to spend their mornings soaking up the surf (and/or a coffee sipped over million-dollar views), and their weekends sun-bathing, people-watching and generally taking life easy. A tourist destination in its own right, Bondi attracts a huge range of people all year round, and yet the streets stretching back from the beach have a distinctly village-y vibe. The weekly Bondi Markets are much-loved by bargain hunters and make a regular Saturday outing for many in the area. Enjoy!

6. Randwick, 2031

• Average weekly rent for room: $301
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 9,045
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 2919

Backed by parks and close to some of the city’s best ocean beaches, Randwick is much loved by those who live there. Encompassing TAFE NSW and a University of NSW campuses, Randwick has its fair share of students, but varied facilities — from schools and shopping strips, to cinemas and sporting clubs — attract families, professionals and retirees too. If you’re looking for a strong neighbourly atmosphere that’s a short stroll from the beach and a quick train ride to the city, Randwick’s a top pick.

7. Sydney, 2000

• Average weekly rent for room: $390
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 8,648
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 3,420

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Living in the Sydney CBD isn’t for everyone — obviously it’s very commercial, worker- and tourist-heavy, and rents through the roof— but there’s a lot to be said for finding your place in Australia’s busiest CBD. You’ll enjoy gorgeous heritage buildings, a glorious waterfront, world-class dining, entertainment and nightlife, all in the shadow of The Bridge! There are also plenty of parks and green spaces in and on the doorstep of the CBD. Countless public transport options, from bus to ferry, put every part of the surrounding city — and state — at your fingertips.

8. Chippendale, 2008

• Average weekly rent for room: $322
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 8,195
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 3,501

It’s fair to say those who live in Chippendale love it. With a strong family contingent backing up the professionals and students, there’s a community feel, with locals enjoying a picnic on Chippendale Green just as much as a meal in one of the great restaurants and cafes in the area. Often described as tranquil, Chippendale itself has a flourishing creative scene and places like Kensington Street are a testament to what that means for the community. (Hint: it means intrigue and adventure right on your doorstep!) Public transport is good, but there’s so much within walking and biking distance that you won’t need to travel far to have fun!

9. Redfern, 2016

• Average weekly rent for room: $315
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 8,094
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 3,581

While Redfern has strong migrant and Indigneous communities, it also attracts professionals and students, since it’s so convenient to the city. Far from a simple springboard though, Redfern has its own unique style, with a growing number of cafes, restaurants and pubs, a healthy arts scene and a quirky mix of residents and visitors. Almost all train services that pass through Redfern Station stop here, so public transport is never a problem. But given how close you are to the city, Darling Harbour, Centennial Park and more, you might prefer to walk instead.

10. Darlinghurst, 2010

• Average weekly rent for room: $335
• Enquiries on Flatmates.com.au: 6,451
• Rooms available on Flatmates.com.au: 3,177

Darlinghurst puts everything from beautiful beaches to exciting nightlife right on your doorstep. Step north to the city’s most popular parks, King’s Cross and the waterfront; go south and you’ll meet the vibrant Oxford street shopping strip — and glamour-hub for the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras! Choose your next meal from a multitude of cuisines along Victoria Street, which is equally good for a late-night bite or lazy brunch. Darlinghurst is popular with professionals and families too, so if you’re looking for a real community close to the city, this is it.

The data above shows the most in-demand suburbs on our site from Dec 2019- Feb 2020, which is the peak season on our site. We’re now in August and rents have dropped in many areas due to COVID. Why not get ahead of the crowd and find your dream house now, without the stress of peak-time competition?