Strathfield at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Council | Mostly Strathfield Council; east of The Boulevarde is Burwood Council; a small area north of the railway is City of Canada Bay |
| Postcode | 2135 |
| Typical homes | Federation and interwar houses on large garden lots; apartments near the station |
| Heritage | Strathfield Council has 17 conservation areas, including Redmyre Road and Churchill Avenue |
| Watch for | Which council applies; heritage rules on fences, garages and additions; large roofs and gutter runs |
Which council covers my Strathfield home?
Most of Strathfield is in Strathfield Council. But the area east of The Boulevarde is in Burwood Council, and a small section north of the main railway line is in the City of Canada Bay. The split goes back to the 1880s boundaries. Strathfield Council's own area also takes in Strathfield South, Homebush and Homebush West, so neighbours a few streets apart can deal with different councils.
Each council has its own LEP, DCP, heritage list and permits. Check your rates notice or the NSW Planning Portal, then tell trades which council you're in so they quote for the right approvals.
Strathfield garden-suburb heritage
Strathfield grew on the idea of a house on a large piece of land. Conservation areas such as Redmyre Road and Churchill Avenue are mainly Federation period, and Churchill Avenue's Federation houses were built from about 1904 to 1906 on the Railway Station Estate. Other areas, such as Abbotsford Road, Homebush Road and Meredith Street, add interwar and later homes.
Strathfield Council's heritage controls sit in Part P of its DCP, which has been under review, including how each property in a conservation area is classified. The amendment was on exhibition until January 2026, so check the adopted version before you plan an addition, garage or front fence. Big lots tempt owners to add pools, garages or a second dwelling. Each can affect the garden setting that council treats as part of the heritage character, so check before you design.
Looking after a big old Strathfield house
Large Federation and interwar homes bring large jobs. Slate and terracotta roofs often need scaffolding, specialist roofers and matching tiles. Long gutter runs and box gutters fill with leaves from mature gardens. Many homes have been extended several times, so bathrooms, kitchens and wiring vary in age.
- Roof restoration and gutter replacement on big, steep roofs
- Driveways, paths and front fences in heritage-appropriate styles
- Bathroom and kitchen renovations inside original rooms
- Pool removal or renewal on large blocks where an old pool is past its best
Strathfield's clay soils swell and shrink with moisture, much like Burwood's next door. Fix drainage and leaking pipes around the footings before chasing cracks inside, and get an engineer to look at cracks that keep growing.
See the Inner West hub for nearby suburbs.
Popular jobs in Strathfield
Roof restoration
Understand whether repairing and restoring your existing roof is a sensible alternative to replacement.
Get quotesGutter replacement
Plan gutters and downpipes as a connected drainage system, with attention to overflow and the condition of the supporting fascia.
Get quotesBathroom renovations
Plan a bathroom around layout, water management, ventilation and finishes before comparing prices.
Get quotesKitchen renovations
Resolve appliance locations, useful storage and circulation before selecting cabinet finishes.
Get quotesConcrete driveways
Plan access, levels and drainage before selecting a driveway finish.
Get quotesFence installation
Define the boundary, purpose and installation scope before choosing a fence.
Get quotesLocal service guides
Common questions
Is Strathfield in Strathfield Council or Burwood Council?
It can be either, or even the City of Canada Bay. Most of the suburb is in Strathfield Council, but east of The Boulevarde is Burwood Council and a small area north of the railway is Canada Bay. Check your rates notice or the NSW Planning Portal before you apply for approval.
Do I need approval for a new front fence in Strathfield?
If your home is a heritage item or in a conservation area, usually yes. Council will look at height, style and materials so the fence suits the house and street. Outside those areas, some low fences can be exempt development if they meet every NSW condition. Check with your council first.
Why are roof jobs on Strathfield houses often expensive?
Many homes have large, steep roofs in slate or terracotta, with valleys, box gutters and chimneys. They need scaffolding, safe access and matching materials, and leaves from mature trees add to the work. This page doesn't list prices, but our roof restoration cost guide explains what drives the cost.