Dalston in East London and Redfern in Sydney share very similar qualities. Late to catch on, they are both now creative inner-city hubs with a ‘rough around the edges’ appeal. In Dalston a contemporary, two bedroom apartment in Lutheran Mews, on Dalston Lane, gets you a small spot in a boutique, gated complex with one car park for $AUD 1.8 mil.

The same money spent here in Redfern, would get you something like 266 Chalmers Street. A freestanding, five bedroom terrace with one bathroom, a yard and two car spaces. This property recently sold for $AUD 1.9mil.

266 Chalmers Street, Redfern offering a wide footprint & grand proportions, few other inner Sydney terrace houses would be better poised for growth.

If you want a more modest, ground floor studio in Dalston, at the rear of a internet cafe on the Kingsland Road, you will have to part with £369,181 or $AUD740,000 to get a slice of happening E8. 

No surprises here. London ranks high over Sydney for price and well under for lifestyle.

London quick facts

• Population: 8.5 million
• Median House price: $AUD 1,002,782.72 
• Avg. Household income: $AUD 250,000
• Avg sizeof home: 21 sqm
• Cost per square metre: $AUD 22,000

Jump to:

Sydney versus the world

Wan Chai vs. Darlinghurst

The Hamptons vs. Palm Beach

Mitte vs. Surry Hills

Venice Beach vs. Bondi Beach

Vasastan vs. Elizabeth Bay