‘We never really needed to move’: Sydney suburbs where home owners stick around

Meredith Bernays and her husband Shane Doyle have lived in Wareemba, a small inner west suburb of Sydney, for over 30 years. The couple bought their semi-detached home in 1994 after a lengthy house-hunting process that left them exhausted. Bernays, 66, a former nurse and family day care worker, described the decision as pragmatic, “it was in the budget at the time”, but added that the property had a “good feeling.” Doyle, 62, a consultant engineer, recalled the moment they decided to take the final listing: “I was well and truly over it. But Meredith said, ‘Why don’t we look at this last one?’” That choice led them to remain in Wareemba, where they raised their daughter and extensively renovated their home. The couple is not unique in their long tenure. According to Cotality research, Wareemba ranks among Sydney’s most tightly held suburbs. The median hold period for homes sold in the 12 months to June was 27 years, placing it third behind Bringelly, in the south-west, at 28.1 years, and Northwood in the Lane Cove area at 27.3 years. This contrasts sharply with the citywide median of 10.3 years. Gerard Burg, Cotality’s head of research, explained that many of these tightly held properties are located in higher-value suburbs with strong amenities and convenient access to the city. As Sydney has expanded, the appeal of inner ring suburbs has grown due to their transport links, parks, schools, and proximity to shopping centers. These factors make it difficult for residents to consider leaving, even as their circumstances change. The couple’s decision to sell their home comes after their daughter has moved away. Despite this, they plan to split their time between Sydney and the South Coast and are searching for a “city bolthole.” Their current situation reflects broader trends in Sydney housing. According to the 2021 Census, 40.5 percent of homes in Wareemba were owned outright, compared to 31.5 percent statewide. A further 27.9 percent were rented, indicating a mix of ownership types in the suburb. Mark McCrindle, a demographer from McCrindle, noted that long-held areas often share characteristics such as strong natural and built amenities, a sense of community, and high levels of owner occupation. Financial and emotional ties also play a role, with some homeowners reluctant to move due to the costs associated with selling and purchasing new properties. One of the key reasons people choose to stay in places like Wareemba is the deep connection they develop with their surroundings. Steven Siewert, a local observer, remarked that “the location becomes part of their identity. They’re an inner west person or a harbourside person.” This sentiment aligns with the experiences of Bernays and Doyle, who expressed that they could not see the point in moving. “The house suits us, the area suits us, and why pack up and move?” Doyle asked. He pointed out that the expenses linked to real estate transactions, such as stamp duty and agent commissions, made relocation unappealing. Antonio Ariola, a director at Belle Property in Five Dock and the couple’s selling agent, has observed the tight holding patterns in Wareemba for over two decades. He described the suburb as “very small” but tightly held, reflecting both its desirability and the reluctance of residents to leave. The combination of affordability, quality of life, and community ties continues to draw families into the area, even as the city evolves around them. For Bernays and Doyle, the decision to sell marks a new chapter, though their attachment to Wareemba remains evident. As they seek a new home, their story underscores the enduring appeal of certain Sydney suburbs, and the personal and economic factors that keep residents rooted in place.