If you’re buying, investing, or refinancing in Surry Hills, hfinance is your local mortgage broker. Based in Stanmore just 4km away we help Surry Hills buyers access competitive home loans across 30+ lenders at no cost to you.
About Surry Hills
Surry Hills NSW 2010 is one of Sydney’s most sought-after inner-city suburbs, sitting approximately 2km south of the CBD. Bordered by Darlinghurst, Redfern, and the city, it has transformed over two decades from an industrial neighbourhood into a premium address known for heritage terrace homes, the Crown Street dining and cafe strip, and consistent demand from professionals.
Based on the 2021 Census, Surry Hills has a population of approximately 15,800 people. The dominant age group is 30 to 39 year olds, the majority working in professional occupations. The suburb falls within the City of Sydney local government area and is walking distance from Central Station and Museum Station.
| Postcode | 2010 |
|---|---|
| LGA | City of Sydney Council |
| Distance to CBD | 2 km south — walkable to Central Station |
| Population (2021 Census) | 15,828 |
| Dominant age group | 30–39 years |
| Property types | Apartments, terrace houses, townhouses |
| Train access | Central Station, Museum Station |
The Sydney Property Market: February 2026
Sydney’s housing market has moderated in early 2026, with growth slowing relative to the stronger conditions seen through mid-2025. According to the Cotality Monthly Housing Chart Pack released March 2026, Sydney dwelling values rose 6.0% over the 12 months to February 2026, with values currently sitting 0.1% below the record high recorded in November 2025. On a quarterly basis, values edged down 0.1%, the first mild quarterly softening since mid-2024.
The Cotality report notes a clear two-speed dynamic developing: Sydney and Melbourne growth has flattened, while mid-sized capitals like Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth continue to record stronger momentum. Total listings nationally were 14% lower year-on-year as at March 1 2026, keeping competition elevated for quality inner-city stock like Surry Hills terrace homes.
For the Sydney rental market, rents rose 5.8% annually to February 2026. The national vacancy rate fell back to 1.5% in February, tracking near record lows and sustaining upward pressure on rents across the inner city.
Source: Cotality Monthly Housing Chart Pack, March 2026 (data to February 2026). Published by RP Data Pty Ltd t/as Cotality.
Surry Hills Property Market: Suburb Data
| Median house price | $2,501,000 |
|---|---|
| House price growth (12 months) | +18.7% |
| Median unit price | $880,000 |
| Unit price growth (12 months) | −5.9% |
| Median weekly rent — houses | $1,225 per week |
| Median weekly rent — units | $795 per week |
| Rental yield — houses | 2.7% |
| Rental yield — units | 4.4% |
| Median days on market — houses | 35 days |
| Median days on market — units | 45 days |
Source: realestate.com.au, [march 2026]
Surry Hills historically splits between house and unit performance. Terrace homes scarce and rarely traded tend to record stronger capital growth driven by land value and owner-occupier competition. Units offer stronger rental yields and represent the entry point for buyers looking to get into this postcode.
Why Buyers Choose Surry Hills
- 2km from Sydney CBD walking distance to Central and Museum stations
- Crown Street dining and cafe precinct one of Sydney’s best restaurant strips
- Heritage terrace homes on quiet residential streets attract strong owner-occupier demand
- Tight rental market with rents growing 5.8% annually strong investor income
- Tech Central precinct development around Central Station continuing to attract professional renters
- Consistent long-term outperformance relative to the broader Sydney market
Financing in Surry Hills: What Buyers Should Know
Surry Hills prices put most buyers in the $900k to $2.5M+ range. On 17 March 2026 the RBA raised the cash rate by a further 25 basis points to 4.10% — the second consecutive hike in 2026. Average variable mortgage rates for owner-occupiers were recorded at 5.51% in January 2026 (Cotality), and are estimated at approximately 5.76% following the March increase. Investor variable rates were 5.67% in January and are estimated at approximately 5.92% post-March.
- Older walk-up apartments (pre-1980, no lift) attract lender LVR restrictions some lenders cap at 70–80% for certain building types. Check before making an offer.
- Terrace homes attract standard residential lending at up to 90–95% LVR with LMI.
- First home buyers: the Federal First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) is available — first home buyer lending rose 6.8% by volume in Q4 2025 nationally. Surry Hills houses typically exceed the NSW price cap; units may qualify.
- The new APRA debt-to-income cap effective February 2026 imposes a 20% limit on high-DTI lending. Relevant for higher-priced Surry Hills purchases where total debt may approach 6x income.
RBA cash rate: 4.10% effective 18 March 2026. Source: rba.gov.au | Variable rates: 5.51% OO / 5.67% investor (Jan 2026). Estimated post-March: ~5.76% OO / ~5.92% investor. Source: Cotality Monthly Housing Chart Pack, March 2026.
How hfinance Can Help
hfinance is based in Stanmore 4km from Surry Hills. We work with Inner City Sydney buyers regularly and know which lenders are most competitive for terrace homes and Inner City apartments. We compare across 30+ lenders at no cost to you.
Ready to Buy in Surry Hills?
hfinance is a local mortgage broker based in Sydney (Stanmore) and the Gold Coast (Highland Park). Whether you’re buying, investing or refinancing in Surry Hills, we compare rates across 30+ lenders at no cost to you.