St Ives is one of Sydney’s more affluent suburbs and one of the prettiest. Age-old trees pepper the landscape and the many large, historical homes have colourful, beautifully groomed gardens.
European settlement in the area dates back to 1812. It originated as a region of timber plantations and orchards and remained officially “rural” until 1959 when it was rezoned “residential”.
At that time the population was roughly 3000, but by 1976 it had swelled to 18,521. Interestingly, the most recent census (2021) shows that the population has actually diminished in the past 50 years, now standing at 18,384.
That trend in population growth is the inverse of what has happened to property prices. Like most of Sydney, land value in St Ives has risen exponentially across the decades. To illustrate the point, we looked at four of the highest-priced properties sold within the last year or so, and compared their most recent sale price with previous sale prices.
36 Waterhouse Ave
5 🛏️ 5 🛁 2 🚙
This impressive, very modern recently-built home achieved a record price for St Ives when it sold in May 2023 for $7,850,000. The thoughtfully designed house features clean white lines, soft curves, and large windows that make it distinctive yet unobtrusive. It has every mod con including a home theatre, pool, pizza oven, gas-lit fireplace, and much more, plus views to die for.
Obviously, the state-of-the-art elements of this new house need to be taken into consideration when compared with previous sales prices.
Previous sales
June 2020 $2.5 million
March 1997 $510,000
11 Jefferson Ave
5 🛏️ 3 🛁 4 🚙
Sold at auction in December 2023, this incredible property fetched $7,100,000, not least because of the generous land size — 3560sqm. With a pool, tennis court and meditative walking paths, this home feels like a country retreat. It has a rustic, comfy feel inside and lots of entertainment areas outside. The sales history shows relatively modest increments in the two decades from 1990 to 2010.
Previous sales
March 2010 $3.5 million
Dec 2005 $2.05 million
Apr 1999 $1.5 million
May 1992 $1.42 million
19 Willis Ave
5 🛏️ 6 🛁 2 🚙
A modern mansion with hints of Georgian architecture, this place sold at auction in July 2024 for a cool $6,805,000. Newly built to a bespoke design, it includes dozens of new-age push-button features, spacious rooms, a pool and spa, a showcase garden, and a classic pebbled circular driveway.
Dominating the interior is a magnificent staircase and chandelier. There is only one previous sale statistic available and it shows a remarkable appreciation in a short time.
Previous sales
Dec 2022 $3.02 million
17 Oxley Ave
5 🛏️ 4🛁 2 🚙
Another bespoke, freshly-built mansion and a street record sale at $6,505,000 in May 2024. Gorgeous interior features include an elegant black and white check tiled entryway; stunning sintered stone kitchen-top and splash-back; and spacious bedrooms with walk-in robes. Outside is a pool and a large entertainment area. French doors at the back open onto a generous patio and leafy outlook. The distinct upgrade from what was on the property four years ago is reflected in the price difference.
Previous sales
Aug 2021 $2.97 million
May 2004 $926,000
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