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As of September 2025, Wollongong's property market shows strong performance with a median house price of $1.26 million and apartments averaging $690,000-$750,000. The coastal city continues to attract investors and homebuyers with its proximity to Sydney and lifestyle appeal.
Property prices in Wollongong have increased by 6.4% for houses and 7.4% for units over the past year, while premium suburbs like Coledale command over $2 million for houses. Budget-conscious buyers can still find opportunities in areas like Dapto and Warrawong with median prices around $800,000.
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Wollongong's property market in September 2025 shows median house prices at $1.26 million with 6.4% annual growth, while apartments average $690,000-$750,000 with 7.4% growth.
Premium coastal suburbs like Coledale and Thirroul command $2+ million, while budget areas like Dapto offer entry points around $800,000.
| Property Type | Median Price (Sep 2025) | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Detached Houses | $1,260,000 | 6.4% |
| Apartments/Units | $690,000-$750,000 | 7.4% |
| Townhouses | $800,000-$1,200,000 | 5-8% |
| Luxury Beachfront | $2,000,000+ | Stable |
| Budget Areas (Dapto) | $795,000-$800,000 | 4-6% |
| Premium Areas (Coledale) | $2,070,000+ | 3-5% |
| Up-and-Coming (Fairy Meadow) | $1,100,000-$1,300,000 | 7.8% |
What's the current average price per square metre in Wollongong?
As of September 2025, the average price per square metre for Wollongong properties varies significantly by property type and location.
For detached houses, the average sits between $2,000-$2,100 per square metre based on the median house price of $1.26 million and typical block sizes around 600 square metres. However, this figure represents the total property value divided by land area, not construction costs.
New construction costs provide a clearer picture of actual building value, starting around $3,000 per square metre for architecturally designed homes in the region. Premium waterfront builds can reach up to $8,000 per square metre for luxury specifications.
Premium coastal suburbs command much higher rates, with some properties in Coledale and Thirroul exceeding $3,500 per square metre when considering both land and dwelling value. Budget areas like Dapto typically see rates closer to $1,800-$2,000 per square metre.
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How does the average price differ by property type?
Property prices in Wollongong vary substantially across different dwelling types, with detached houses commanding the highest median prices.
| Property Type | Median Price Range | Target Market |
|---|---|---|
| Detached Houses | $1,260,000 | Families, premium buyers |
| Apartments/Units | $690,000-$750,000 | First-time buyers, investors |
| Townhouses | $800,000-$1,200,000 | Middle market, young families |
| Luxury Beachfront | $2,000,000+ | Premium lifestyle buyers |
| Budget Houses | $795,000-$850,000 | Entry-level buyers |
| Premium Houses | $1,800,000-$2,500,000+ | Luxury market |
| Investment Units | $650,000-$800,000 | Rental yield focused |
Which areas are most expensive, up-and-coming, and budget-friendly?
Wollongong's property market shows clear geographical price variations, with coastal proximity and established amenities driving premium pricing.
The most expensive suburbs include Coledale with median house prices exceeding $2.07 million, Thirroul around $1.8 million, and Kiama at approximately $1.5 million. These coastal locations offer premium lifestyle amenities, established infrastructure, and proximity to beaches.
Budget-friendly areas provide entry opportunities for first-time buyers, with Dapto leading at median house prices around $795,000-$800,000. Warrawong and Lake Illawarra also offer affordable options just under $800,000, representing significant savings compared to premium coastal areas.
Up-and-coming suburbs show strong growth potential, particularly Fairy Meadow with 7.8% price growth over 12 months. Wongawilli and Koonawarra have also demonstrated above 5% recent growth, indicating emerging investor interest and development activity.
These growth areas typically offer better value propositions while maintaining access to Wollongong's amenities and employment opportunities.
Can you provide example purchase prices for typical properties?
Real-world property prices in Wollongong demonstrate the market's diversity across different suburbs and property types.
- 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in Central Wollongong: $700,000-$800,000
- 3-bedroom townhouse in Towradgi: $900,000
- 4-bedroom townhouse in Keiraville: $1.1 million
- 3-bedroom house in Kanahooka: $850,000
- 6-bedroom house in Mount Ousley: $2.5+ million
- Beachfront home in Coledale or Thirroul: $2-3+ million
- Entry-level unit in Warrawong: $650,000-$700,000
- Family home in Fairy Meadow: $1.2-1.4 million
How have property prices changed compared to one year ago?
Wollongong's property market has demonstrated strong growth over the past 12 months, with both houses and units showing solid appreciation.
Detached houses have increased by 6.4% over the year, while apartments and units have performed even better with 7.4% growth. This outpaces many regional Australian markets and reflects continued demand for Wollongong properties.
Townhouses in growth areas have seen increases between 5-8%, with premium locations maintaining steady appreciation. The rental yield market has remained stable throughout this growth period, supporting investment fundamentals.
These increases reflect sustained buyer interest, limited supply in desirable areas, and Wollongong's appeal as both a lifestyle destination and Sydney alternative. The growth has been consistent across most property types, indicating broad market strength rather than isolated pocket performance.
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How do today's prices compare with five years ago?
Wollongong's property market has experienced exceptional growth over the five-year period from 2020 to 2025.
House prices have increased by approximately 53% from around $822,000 in 2019-2020 to the current median of $1.26-1.27 million. This represents one of the strongest performing regional markets in Australia during this period.
The growth significantly outpaced inflation and most investment alternatives, driven by factors including Sydney spillover demand, lifestyle migration trends, and limited supply in desirable coastal areas. Remote work adoption during and after the pandemic particularly boosted demand for Wollongong's combination of lifestyle and proximity to major employment centers.
Unit prices have also shown strong appreciation over this period, though with slightly more moderate growth rates than detached houses. The premium coastal suburbs have generally led this growth, with budget areas also benefiting from overall market strength.
What are the forecasts for Wollongong property prices?
Property price forecasts for Wollongong show continued growth expectations but at more moderate rates than recent years.
Over the next 12 months, analysts forecast 3-7% further growth, representing a slowdown from the current year's performance as the market begins to mature. This moderation reflects affordability constraints and market saturation in some segments.
Five to ten-year forecasts suggest continued appreciation but at sustainable rates. Historical 10-year growth of 118% exceeded most regional markets, but future growth is expected to moderate due to affordability ceilings and increased supply in some areas.
Long-term upside potential depends on infrastructure investment, continued migration patterns, and broader economic trends. The market's fundamentals remain strong, supported by lifestyle appeal, Sydney proximity, and limited coastal land availability.
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How do Wollongong's prices compare with similar Australian cities?
Wollongong commands a significant premium in the Australian regional city market due to its unique combination of coastal lifestyle and Sydney proximity.
| City | Median House Price | Median Unit Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $1,650,000 | ~$800,000 |
| Wollongong | $1,260,000 | $690,000-$750,000 |
| Newcastle | $837,000 | Not specified |
| Gold Coast | ~$900,000 | ~$650,000 |
| Sunshine Coast | ~$850,000 | ~$600,000 |
| Geelong | ~$750,000 | ~$500,000 |
| Central Coast | ~$900,000 | ~$650,000 |
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What's the total purchase cost including all fees and taxes?
Property purchase costs in Wollongong extend significantly beyond the listed sale price, requiring careful budgeting for additional expenses.
Stamp duty represents the largest additional cost at approximately 4-5% of the purchase price, potentially exceeding $50,000 on high-end homes. Conveyancing fees typically range from $1,500-$3,000, while pest and building inspections cost $500-$1,000.
Loan establishment fees can reach $1,000, and Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) applies when deposits are below 20%, potentially exceeding $10,000 on larger loans. Moving costs, council rates, and insurance represent additional ongoing expenses.
Total transaction costs typically require budgeting for 6-7% over the sale price for a standard home purchase. On a median $1.26 million house, this means approximately $75,000-$88,000 in additional costs beyond the purchase price.
What would an average mortgage look like for a standard property?
Mortgage requirements for Wollongong's median-priced properties require substantial financial capacity and careful consideration of serviceability.
For a $1.26 million house with a standard 20% deposit, buyers need $252,000 upfront, leaving a loan amount of $1.008 million. At current interest rates around 6.0% over 30 years, monthly repayments would be approximately $6,000.
Serviceability requirements typically mandate household income of at least $200,000-$220,000 to comfortably service this loan level. Banks also assess expenses, existing debts, and apply interest rate buffers in their calculations.
Many current buyers are stretching borrowing capacity, with loan repayment-to-income ratios near record highs. This creates vulnerability to interest rate increases and emphasizes the importance of maintaining financial buffers for ongoing property costs.
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What are the smartest investment choices for different strategies?
Investment strategy selection in Wollongong depends on individual goals, risk tolerance, and market positioning preferences.
For owner-occupiers planning long-term residence, prioritizing established growth suburbs like Fairy Meadow or Keiraville offers strong amenity access and appreciation potential. Budget-conscious buyers might consider Dapto or Warrawong to enable future upsizing as equity builds.
Short-term rental strategies should focus on apartments or townhouses in popular coastal locations including Wollongong CBD, North Wollongong, and Thirroul. Properties with ocean views, parking, and walking distance to cafes or beaches command premium rental rates.
Long-term rental investments benefit from stable yields of 3.3% for houses and 4.2% for units. Target university-adjacent areas like Gwynneville and Keiraville, or transport-rich suburbs for consistent tenant demand.
Buy-to-resell strategies should focus on up-and-coming areas like Fairy Meadow and Wongawilli, though investors must consider high transaction costs and moderate short-term growth forecasts in the maturing market.
What are the most strategic options for buyers today?
Strategic property decisions in Wollongong's current market require matching buyer profiles with appropriate market segments and timing considerations.
Budget buyers should consider Dapto, Warrawong, and Lake Illawarra for entry opportunities with potential upside as the broader market grows. These areas offer significant savings compared to premium locations while maintaining access to Wollongong's employment and amenity base.
Premium lifestyle buyers will find value in Coledale, Thirroul, and Kiama, which offer exclusivity, established amenity, and continued growth potential despite higher entry costs. These areas provide the lifestyle premium that attracted many buyers to Wollongong originally.
Investors should focus on up-and-coming suburbs with above-average growth potential, or consider the unit market for higher rental yields. University proximity and transport access remain key factors for rental demand sustainability.
The market remains competitive and dynamic, but affordability constraints are increasingly evident. Smart buyers are targeting value in outer suburbs, leveraging upcoming growth pockets, or paying premiums for beachside lifestyle and Sydney proximity based on long-term lifestyle and financial goals.
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 in September 2025 presents diverse opportunities across price points, from budget-friendly options in Dapto around $800,000 to premium coastal properties exceeding $2 million in Coledale and Thirroul.
With median house prices at $1.26 million showing 6.4% annual growth and apartments at $690,000-$750,000 with 7.4% growth, the market demonstrates continued strength while facing affordability challenges that may moderate future growth rates.
Sources
- Average House Price Wollongong - BambooRoutes
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a House - RealEstate.com.au
- HTW Month in Review March 2025
- Wollongong Price Forecasts - BambooRoutes
- Illawarra's Most Expensive and Affordable Housing Suburbs - View.com.au
- Real Estate Investment Areas in Wollongong Illawarra
- SQM Research Wollongong Property Prices
- Housing Affordability Price Per Square Metre - Domain