Double Bay is one of the prettiest suburbs in Sydney’s east and has long been a by‑word for glamour. The harbourside village oozes glitz and sophistication with high‑end fashion boutiques, classy restaurants, leafy streets and charming heritage architecture. Designer shopping abounds along Bay, Knox and Cross streets, where boutiques, jewellers and bespoke milliners cater to film stars and luxury seekers. Locals and visitors alike unwind on the soft sand at Seven Shillings Beach and the neighbouring Redleaf Beach/Murray Rose Pool; the enclosed tidal pool, floating pontoons and walkway offer safe swimming and relaxed strolls. Adjoining Blackburn Gardens provide manicured lawns, secret gardens and harbour views. When it’s time to dine, Double Bay’s tree‑lined streets reveal an array of cafés, wine bars and restaurants – from Indigo and Bibo Wine Bar to Matteo, China Diner and Little Jean – plus a weekly produce market in Guilfoyle Park. The area is also home to lively pubs such as the Royal Oak Hotel and the Golden Sheaf, and the five‑star InterContinental Double Bay with a rooftop bar and day spa.
Double Bay is easy to reach. A scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay brings you to Double Bay Wharf in under 20 minutes. Bus services along New South Head Road link the suburb to Bondi Junction, Watsons Bay and the city, and Edgecliff station is a short walk away. The commercial area centred on New South Head Road and extending along Knox, Cross and Bay streets features hotels, shopping, restaurants, supermarkets, offices and cafés.
During the 12 months to 31 March 2026 there were 146 residential sales in Double Bay (24 houses and 122 apartments) according to the supplied dataset. Houses traded at a median price of around $7.1 million and apartments at a median of about $2.6 million. For context, realestate.com.au reports a median house price of $8.3 million for the same period with annual growth of 16.9 %, just 5 houses available and 26 sold. The median unit price is $2.0275 million with 29 units available, 126 sold and a rental yield of 3.2 %. The table below summarises key metrics from the dataset.
| Metric (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) | Houses (24 sales) | Units/Apartments (122 sales) |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price* | $7.09 M | $2.60 M |
| Average sale price* | $7.85 M | $6.08 M (affected by several $19 M+ apartment block sales) |
| Highest recorded sale* | $20 M (historic waterfront house) | $20 M (art‑deco penthouse) |
| Lowest sale price* | <$1 M (small apartment) | <$1 M (studio apartments) |
| Median time on market† | 25 days (houses) | 28 days (units) |
| Rental yield† | 2.1 % (houses) | 3.2 % (units) |
Prestige houses. The dataset shows the top house sale was a waterfront estate at 21 Gladswood Gardens, which changed hands in July 2025 for $20 million. A Realestate.com.au news report notes that this five‑bedroom sandstone mansion sits on a 978 m² block and was once the coach house of the historic Gladswood Estate; a previous $22 million deal fell through before the property sold for $20 million to a new buyer. Other high‑value house transactions include 43 William Street ($15 M), 12 Court Road ($12.425 M) and 14 Manning Road ($12 M), highlighting strong demand for freestanding homes.
Trophy apartments. On the apartment side, the biggest deal was the sale of a four‑bedroom art‑deco penthouse at 3/9 Gladswood Gardens for $20 million in March 2026. According to Realestate.com.au, the dual‑level penthouse spans 492 m² and fetched $3 million above its $17 million guide. The apartment occupies the top floors of a boutique block of three and had not traded in nearly 40 years. Several apartments in Henrietta Street also recorded extraordinary prices – a 14‑unit block at 5 Henrietta Street sold for $19.2 million to an executive buyer planning to refurbish and extend the building, and multiple units at 5 Henrietta Street each sold for just over $19 million in October 2025.
Other highlights. There were additional off‑market and prestige deals that underscored Double Bay’s desirability, including the resale of a 978 sqm coach house on the waterfront, redevelopment of older apartment blocks under the new Low‑Medium Rise Housing policy, and continued demand for penthouses with harbour views. These results illustrate how scarcity and proximity to the harbour drive values at both ends of the market.
Living in Double Bay combines village charm with cosmopolitan energy. Shoppers browse boutiques and high‑end jewellers along Bay, Knox and Cross streets, while beachgoers enjoy Seven Shillings and Redleaf beaches and the adjacent Murray Rose Pool. Blackburn Gardens offers manicured lawns and harbour views for picnics. Foodies can sample Mediterranean plates at Bibo Wine Bar, modern Italian at Matteo or yum‑cha favourites at China Diner, then unwind at the long‑running Royal Oak Hotel or the Golden Sheaf’s beer garden. Staycations at the InterContinental Double Bay bring rooftop cocktails and spa treatments. Commuters appreciate the quick ferry to Circular Quay and buses to the city and Bondi Junction.
Double Bay offers a rare blend of exclusive harbourside lifestyle and urban convenience. Glitzy boutiques, fine dining and calm beaches attract residents and visitors year‑round. Heritage architecture sits alongside modern penthouses, and new low‑rise development policies are unlocking opportunities in ageing apartment blocks. Market data shows a median house price around $8.3 million and units at about $2.0 million, reflecting strong demand and limited supply. Recent sales north of $20 million underscore Double Bay’s status as a trophy market. For buyers and investors, the suburb offers blue‑chip security, proximity to the CBD and world‑class amenities; for sellers, it delivers premium prices when properties are scarce.
Thinking of buying or selling in Double Bay? Connect with Alan Weiss for tailored advice and access to off‑market opportunities. His local expertise and network will help you navigate this prestigious harbour‑side market with confidence.
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