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Wollongong's property market has experienced remarkable growth, with median house prices reaching $1.26 million as of September 2025. The coastal city offers diverse property options from budget-friendly areas starting around $800,000 to premium beachfront homes exceeding $2.5 million.
Property prices vary significantly across different neighborhoods and property types, with apartments averaging $690,000 and townhouses ranging from $800,000 to $1.2 million. Understanding these price variations is crucial for making informed buying decisions in this dynamic market.
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As of September 2025, Wollongong's median house price stands at $1.26 million, with apartments at $690,000 and townhouses ranging from $800,000 to $1.2 million.
The market has grown 53% over five years and 6.4% in the past year, making it more expensive than comparable regional cities like Newcastle ($950,000) and Geelong ($900,000).
| Property Type | Median Price (Sept 2025) | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Detached Houses | $1.26 million | 6.4% |
| Apartments/Units | $690,000 | 5-8% |
| Townhouses | $800,000-$1.2 million | 5-8% |
| Luxury Properties | $2.5+ million | Stable |
| Most Expensive (Coledale) | $2.07+ million | Premium market |
| Budget-Friendly (Dapto) | $795,000 | Entry level |
| Up-and-Coming (Fairy Meadow) | $900,000-$1.2 million | 7.8% |
What is the current average house price in Wollongong?
The median house price in Wollongong reached $1.26 million as of September 2025.
This represents a significant increase from previous years, with the market experiencing strong growth momentum. Detached houses dominate the higher price range, while luxury beachfront properties command well above $2.5 million.
Three-bedroom houses typically fall within the $900,000 to $1.1 million range, depending on location and condition. The Wollongong property market has shown consistent growth, with prices rising 6.4% over the past 12 months alone.
These figures reflect the strong demand for coastal living combined with proximity to Sydney, making Wollongong an attractive destination for both residents and investors.
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How do prices differ between apartments, townhouses, and detached houses?
Property prices in Wollongong vary significantly across different housing types, with clear price hierarchies established in the market.
| Property Type | Median Price Range | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments/Units | $690,000 | 1-3 bedrooms, strata living |
| Townhouses | $800,000-$1.2 million | 2-4 bedrooms, some land |
| Detached Houses | $1.26 million | 3+ bedrooms, full land ownership |
| Premium Townhouses | $1.1-$1.2 million | New builds, premium locations |
| Luxury Houses | $2.5+ million | Beachfront, large lots |
| Entry-Level Units | $500,000-$600,000 | Older buildings, outer suburbs |
| Family Townhouses | $900,000-$1.0 million | Established areas, good schools |
What are the average prices across different neighborhoods in Wollongong?
Wollongong's neighborhood prices vary dramatically based on proximity to beaches, city center, and amenities.
Premium coastal suburbs like Coledale command the highest prices at $2.07+ million median, followed by Thirroul at $1.8 million. These areas offer beachfront access and premium lifestyle amenities that justify the premium pricing.
Mid-range neighborhoods include Keiraville, Mount Ousley, and Towradgi, where median prices range from $1.1 million to $1.4 million. These suburbs offer good access to amenities while maintaining more affordable price points than the premium coastal areas.
Budget-friendly options exist in Dapto ($795,000 median), Warrawong, and Lake Illawarra, where buyers can find properties under $800,000. These areas typically offer larger lots and family-friendly environments at more accessible price points.
Growth suburbs like Fairy Meadow have shown strong appreciation at 7.8% annual growth, with median prices between $900,000 and $1.2 million.
Which areas are considered the most expensive, the most budget-friendly, and the most up-and-coming?
Wollongong's property market clearly segments into distinct price categories based on location, amenities, and growth potential.
Most Expensive Areas:
- Coledale - $2.07+ million median, premium beachfront living
- Thirroul - $1.8 million median, established coastal community
- Kiama - $1.5 million median, tourist destination with lifestyle appeal
- Austinmer - $1.6+ million, pristine beaches and clifftop homes
- Bulli - $1.4+ million, elevated positions with ocean views
Budget-Friendly Areas:
- Dapto - $795,000 median, family-oriented with growth potential
- Warrawong - Under $800,000, industrial heritage area
- Lake Illawarra - Under $800,000, lakeside living
- Kanahooka - $850,000 median, outer suburb value
- Horsley - $750,000-$850,000, developing infrastructure
Up-and-Coming Areas:
- Fairy Meadow - 7.8% growth, $900,000-$1.2 million range
- Wongawilli - $800,000-$1 million, new development areas
- Koonawarra - $850,000-$1 million, infrastructure improvements
- Albion Park - $800,000-$950,000, transport connections
- Shellharbour - $900,000+, coastal development boom
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How much do prices vary depending on the size and surface area of the property?
Property prices in Wollongong correlate directly with size and location, with price per square meter varying significantly across property types and neighborhoods.
Apartments typically cost $10,000-$15,000 per square meter in central and beachfront locations, while outer suburban units range from $7,000-$10,000 per square meter. Premium apartments with ocean views command the highest per-square-meter rates.
Townhouses generally cost $7,000-$10,000 per square meter, with newer developments and premium locations commanding higher rates. Size variations significantly impact total price, with larger townhouses offering better value per square meter.
Detached houses range from $6,000-$10,000 per square meter, with premium coastal areas like Coledale and Thirroul at the higher end and budget-friendly areas like Dapto at the lower end. Larger blocks often provide better land value ratios.
House sizes typically range from 150-300 square meters, with luxury properties exceeding 400 square meters. Land components add significant value, especially in coastal and established neighborhoods.
What are some concrete examples of recent purchase prices in Wollongong?
Recent sales data from September 2025 provides clear examples of current market pricing across different property types and locations.
| Property Type | Location | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2-bed, 2-bath Apartment | Central Wollongong | $700,000-$800,000 |
| 3-bed Townhouse | Towradgi | $900,000 |
| 4-bed Townhouse | Keiraville | $1.1 million |
| 3-bed House | Kanahooka | $850,000 |
| 6-bed House | Mount Ousley | $2.5+ million |
| Beachfront Home | Coledale | $2.8 million |
| Beachfront Home | Thirroul | $3.2 million |
What additional costs should buyers expect, including fees, taxes, and stamp duty?
Stamp duty represents the largest additional cost for Wollongong property buyers, calculated on a sliding scale based on purchase price.
For a typical $850,000 property, buyers pay approximately $32,839 in NSW stamp duty. Properties over $1.212 million incur $49,069 plus $5.50 per $100 over that amount. A $1.26 million median house would cost about $51,709 in stamp duty.
First-home buyers receive substantial concessions for properties under $1 million, potentially saving $10,000-$40,000 in stamp duty costs. These concessions phase out gradually for properties between $1 million and $1.25 million.
Legal and conveyancing fees typically range from $700-$1,300, while building and pest inspections cost $400-$800. Additional costs include loan application fees, registration costs, and mortgage insurance for deposits under 20%.
Moving costs, utility connections, and immediate maintenance should also be budgeted, typically adding $2,000-$5,000 to the total purchase cost.
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What would a typical mortgage look like for an average property in Wollongong today?
A typical mortgage for Wollongong's median house price of $1.26 million requires careful financial planning and substantial deposits.
With a 20% deposit of $252,000, buyers need to finance $1.008 million. At current interest rates of 6-6.8% for fixed loans, monthly repayments range from $6,000-$7,000 over a 30-year term.
For apartment purchases around $690,000, a 20% deposit requires $138,000, leaving a $552,000 loan. Monthly repayments typically range from $3,300-$3,700 over 30 years at current rates.
Buyers with smaller deposits face mortgage insurance costs, adding approximately 1-3% of the loan amount to total costs. Interest-only options exist but result in higher long-term costs and no principal reduction.
Current lending criteria require household income of approximately $180,000-$200,000 to service a median house purchase comfortably, assuming minimal other debts and good credit history.
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What are the smartest buying choices right now for different investment goals?
Investment strategy in Wollongong should align with specific goals, risk tolerance, and budget constraints in the current market environment.
Owner-occupiers should consider outlying growth suburbs like Dapto, Fairy Meadow, or Wongawilli for family lifestyle and lower entry prices. These areas offer good value while maintaining growth potential and access to amenities.
Short-term rental investors should focus on tourist-facing coastal suburbs like Kiama, Thirroul, or Austinmer. These areas command higher Airbnb yields but require careful management and compliance with council regulations.
Long-term rental investors should target university-adjacent areas and CBD-proximate units and townhouses. These properties offer stable occupancy rates around 3.3% yield for houses and 4.2% for units, with stronger tenant demand.
Buy-to-resell investors face challenges with high entry and exit costs, particularly stamp duty. This strategy only works with careful suburb selection and longer hold periods to justify transaction costs.
Premium coastal properties remain stable but offer limited growth potential due to already elevated prices, while growth suburbs present better capital appreciation prospects.
How have prices changed over the past five years, and over the past year?
Wollongong's property market has experienced exceptional growth over the past five years, significantly outpacing many comparable regional centers.
Five-year growth reached 53%, accelerated by post-2020 market conditions including low interest rates, lifestyle migration, and Sydney price pressures. This represents approximately 8.9% compound annual growth over the period.
The past 12 months showed continued strong performance with 6.4% growth for houses, while apartments and townhouses grew 5-8% depending on location and type. This recent growth rate exceeds many metropolitan areas.
Growth patterns varied by suburb, with Fairy Meadow leading at 7.8% annual growth, while premium areas like Coledale and Thirroul showed more modest but stable appreciation due to already elevated price levels.
The market demonstrated resilience through interest rate rises, supported by strong population growth, limited supply, and continued Sydney spillover demand. Price corrections have been minimal compared to other high-growth regional markets.
What are the forecasts for average house prices in one year, five years, and ten years?
Property price forecasts for Wollongong indicate continued growth, albeit at more moderate rates than the exceptional gains of recent years.
One-year forecast (2026): Property prices are likely to grow 3-7%, depending on interest rate movements and economic conditions. Most analysts expect the lower end of this range due to affordability constraints and higher borrowing costs.
Five-year forecast (2030): Cumulative growth of 15-30% is anticipated if current trends moderate to sustainable levels. This assumes continued population growth and controlled supply increases balancing market dynamics.
Ten-year forecast (2035): While theoretical projections suggest 50-100% growth, experts expect the lower half of this range due to affordability pressures and market maturation. Sustainable long-term growth likely ranges 3-5% annually.
These forecasts assume continued infrastructure development, maintained lifestyle appeal, and stable economic conditions. Significant interest rate changes, economic downturns, or major supply increases could alter these projections substantially.
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How does Wollongong compare with other major Australian cities with similar size and profile?
Wollongong commands significantly higher property prices than comparable regional Australian cities, reflecting its unique market position and Sydney proximity.
| City | Median House Price | Price Difference vs Wollongong |
|---|---|---|
| Wollongong | $1.26 million | Base comparison |
| Newcastle | $950,000 | -$310,000 (-25%) |
| Geelong | $900,000 | -$360,000 (-29%) |
| Hobart | $670,000 | -$590,000 (-47%) |
| Ballarat | $650,000 | -$610,000 (-48%) |
| Launceston | $580,000 | -$680,000 (-54%) |
| Sydney (comparison) | $1.65 million | +$390,000 (+31%) |
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Wollongong's property market represents a premium regional option with strong growth potential but elevated entry costs.
Buyers should carefully consider their budget, investment goals, and long-term plans when entering this competitive market.
Sources
- BambooRoutes - Average House Price Wollongong
- BambooRoutes - Wollongong Property
- Ray White Wollongong - Sold Properties
- Money.com.au - NSW Stamp Duty Calculator
- LoanSeek - Wollongong First Home Buyers Guide
- Entry Conveyancing - Hidden Costs
- Illawarra Credit Union - Fixed Home Loans
- Money.com.au - Home Loan Statistics
- RealEstate.com.au - Wollongong Market Data
- Propertyology - 2025 Market Outlook