If you’re considering selling in Sydney in 2026, your postcode may have a bigger impact on your result than you think.
From red-hot inner west suburbs with clearance rates above 80% to tightly held beachside pockets with more selective buyer demand, location is shaping outcomes across the city.
Here’s what the latest data — and real buyer stories — reveal about selling in today’s Sydney market.
Marrickville: A Standout Performer in 2025
For Danielle Dalvi, buying in Marrickville was a dream come true.
After six months of searching, she and her partner secured an unrenovated three-bedroom cottage in January 2025 — a move from their one-bedroom apartment in Eveleigh into what they now call their “forever home.”
Beyond the lifestyle perks — proximity to cafes, medical services, the local shopping strip and Marrickville Library — the suburb has also proven strong from a market performance perspective.
According to data from Domain, Marrickville recorded:
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298 reported auctions in 2025
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81.9% auction clearance rate
That places it among Sydney’s top-performing suburbs for auction success.
Why Marrickville Is So Popular
Several factors are driving demand:
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Strong lifestyle appeal
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Family-friendly community atmosphere
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Consistent comparable sales data
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Infrastructure upgrades, including the upcoming Marrickville Metro station
Buyer demand remains robust, and when pricing is aligned with market expectations, competition can be strong.
Newtown: Consistent Inner-West Demand
Nearby Newtown recorded an even higher 82.6% clearance rate across 235 reported auctions in 2025.
Newtown continues to attract:
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Professionals working near universities and hospitals
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Lifestyle-focused buyers
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Investors seeking strong rental returns
Agents report that while buyer interest is steady, realistic pricing remains critical. Overpriced properties risk sitting on the market, even in high-demand areas.
Affordable Suburbs Can Spike Higher
Interestingly, some suburbs with smaller volumes recorded even stronger results.
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Airds achieved a 100% clearance rate (20 auctions).
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North Strathfield recorded 93.9% clearance (33 auctions).
These results often reflect:
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Affordability
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Appeal to first-home buyers
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Larger land sizes compared to inner-city alternatives
However, lower auction volumes can amplify clearance percentages.
Not Every Postcode Is Performing Equally
At the other end of the spectrum, Greenhills Beach near Cronulla recorded a 25% clearance rate in 2025.
This beachside enclave remains desirable, but properties above $2.5 million have seen more selective buyer activity. Premium markets are often more sensitive to price positioning and economic shifts.
Interest Rates and Buyer Confidence
According to research leaders at Domain, three cash rate cuts in 2025 helped lift buyer confidence, increasing auction participation and competitive bidding.
While Sydney’s clearance rate dipped to 56.6% in December, it rebounded to 77% early in the year — reflecting the typical seasonal bounce when stock levels are lower.
Looking ahead:
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Clearance rates may soften from peak levels
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They’re expected to stabilise above the 50% range
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Stronger-performing suburbs are likely to continue outperforming
What This Means If You’re Selling in 2026
Your strategy should be suburb-specific.
In High-Demand Areas (e.g. Marrickville, Newtown)
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Auction campaigns can be effective
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Competitive pricing attracts strong bidding
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Presentation and marketing still matter
In Premium or Niche Markets (e.g. Greenhills Beach)
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Pricing precision is crucial
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Buyer pools may be smaller but highly qualified
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Longer campaigns may be required
The Key Takeaway: Postcode Matters More Than Ever
Sydney is not one uniform market.
Two properties listed at the same time — just a few kilometres apart — can deliver dramatically different outcomes depending on:
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Local buyer demographics
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Infrastructure developments
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Price point
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Supply levels
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Comparable recent sales
If you’re thinking about selling this year, understanding your suburb’s specific performance metrics — not just Sydney-wide headlines — could make a significant difference to your result.
