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Wollongong's property market has become one of Australia's strongest regional markets, with median house prices reaching $1.26 million as of September 2025.
The coastal city continues to attract buyers seeking lifestyle properties at prices still 24% below Sydney levels, while offering steady capital growth and solid rental returns across different property types and suburbs.
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Wollongong property prices range from $545,000 for smaller apartments to over $2.5 million for luxury beachfront homes, with median house prices at $1.26 million and units at $690,000-$750,000.
The market shows consistent growth with houses up 6.4% and apartments up 7.4% annually, while premium suburbs like Coledale and emerging areas like Fairy Meadow offer different investment opportunities.
| Property Type | Median Price (Sept 2025) | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Detached House | $1,260,000 | 6.4% |
| Apartment/Unit | $690,000 - $750,000 | 7.4% |
| Townhouse | $800,000 - $1,200,000 | 6.8% |
| 3-Bedroom House | $900,000 | 6.2% |
| Luxury Beachfront | $2,500,000+ | 8.1% |
| Budget Apartments | $545,000 - $620,000 | 5.9% |
| Premium Units (CBD) | $720,000 - $830,000 | 7.8% |
What's the average property price in Wollongong right now?
As of September 2025, the median house price in Wollongong sits at $1.26 million, representing a 6.4% increase over the past 12 months.
For apartments and units, the median price ranges between $690,000 and $750,000, showing even stronger growth at 7.4% annually. Three-bedroom houses specifically average around $900,000, making them a popular choice for families entering the Wollongong property market.
Luxury properties, particularly beachfront homes in premium locations like Coledale and Wombarra, regularly exceed $2.5 million. These high-end properties have seen some of the strongest price appreciation, with luxury segments growing at 8% or more annually.
The Wollongong property market remains approximately 24% more affordable than Sydney's median prices, yet significantly more expensive than other regional Australian cities like Newcastle, where median house prices sit around $837,000.
How do prices vary depending on the type of property, like houses, apartments, or townhouses?
Property prices in Wollongong show significant variation across different types, with detached houses commanding the highest premiums.
Detached houses dominate the upper price range at $1.26 million median, while townhouses occupy the middle segment between $800,000 and $1.2 million depending on location and size. The wide range in townhouse pricing reflects varying quality levels, from basic developments to premium coastal complexes.
Apartments offer the most affordable entry point into Wollongong's property market, with median prices between $690,000 and $750,000. However, premium apartments in the CBD or with ocean views can reach $830,000 or higher, while budget units in outer suburbs start around $545,000.
Larger houses with premium land or ocean views command a 25% or higher price premium over standard inland properties. The strongest growth has been in the apartment sector at 7.4% annually, compared to 6.4% for houses, suggesting increasing demand for more affordable housing options.
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Which suburbs or neighborhoods in Wollongong are the most expensive, which are up-and-coming, and which are the most budget-friendly?
Wollongong's property market shows distinct price tiers across different suburbs, with coastal locations commanding premium prices.
| Suburb Category | Example Suburbs | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Most Expensive | Coledale, Wombarra, Towradgi | $2,000,000 - $2,500,000+ |
| Premium Central | Wollongong CBD, North Wollongong | $1,240,000 (houses), $720,000 (units) |
| Up-and-Coming | Fairy Meadow, Dapto | $770,000 - $1,100,000 |
| Budget-Friendly | Berkeley, Warrawong, Warilla | $740,000 - $780,000 |
| Affordable Units | Various suburbs | $545,000 - $620,000 |
| Growth Hotspots | Fairy Meadow (9% growth) | $1,100,000 houses, $622,500 units |
How do property prices compare across different areas of Wollongong?
Property prices in Wollongong vary dramatically based on proximity to the coast, infrastructure, and neighborhood characteristics.
Coastal suburbs like Coledale, Wombarra, and Towradgi represent the premium tier, with luxury properties regularly exceeding $2 million due to ocean access and lifestyle appeal. The Wollongong CBD and North Wollongong areas command strong prices at $1.24 million for houses and $720,000 for units, benefiting from employment centers and transport links.
Emerging suburbs show compelling value propositions, with Fairy Meadow delivering 9% annual growth while maintaining relative affordability at $1.1 million for houses. Dapto has emerged as the fastest-growing affordable suburb, with properties between $770,000 and $795,000.
Budget-conscious buyers gravitate toward suburbs like Berkeley, Warrawong, and Warilla, where houses remain in the $740,000-$780,000 range. However, these areas may present challenges including higher crime rates or lower rental yields that buyers should carefully consider.
What's the price difference between smaller and larger properties in terms of land size or living space?
Property size significantly impacts pricing in Wollongong, with larger homes and prime land positions commanding substantial premiums.
Houses with larger lots, particularly those featuring ocean views or prime coastal land, command a 25% or higher price premium compared to smaller inland properties. This premium reflects both the scarcity of large coastal lots and strong buyer demand for lifestyle properties.
In the apartment sector, larger floor plans, penthouses, or units with premium finishes can exceed $1 million, significantly above the $690,000-$750,000 median. Smaller apartments and units offer entry-level pricing starting around $545,000, making them attractive to first-time buyers and investors.
The land size premium is most pronounced in established coastal suburbs where subdivision opportunities are limited. Properties with substantial land holdings in areas like Coledale or Wombarra can reach $2.5 million or higher, while similar-sized homes in inland areas might sell for $1.5-$1.8 million.
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When buying, what's the total cost including fees, taxes, and other charges?
Purchasing property in Wollongong involves significant additional costs beyond the purchase price, typically adding $40,000-$60,000 for a $1.2 million home.
Stamp duty represents the largest additional expense, calculated at approximately $49,070 for a $1.26 million property, plus $5.50 for each $100 over $1.212 million. For properties between $900,000 and $1.2 million, stamp duty ranges from $33,000 to $45,000.
Professional services add substantial costs, with conveyancing fees ranging from $1,200 to $2,500, building and pest inspections costing $400-$800 each, and mortgage establishment fees between $200 and $2,000. These professional services are essential for protecting your investment but represent unavoidable transaction costs.
Additional expenses include property insurance, moving costs, ongoing council rates, and maintenance reserves. First-time buyers should budget for these ongoing costs, as council rates alone can range from $2,000-$4,000 annually depending on the property's location and value.
If I take a mortgage, what does the average repayment look like for a typical property in Wollongong?
Mortgage repayments in Wollongong reflect both the city's higher property prices and current interest rate environment, with typical monthly payments ranging from $4,800 to over $6,000.
For the median house price of $1.26 million with an 80% loan-to-value ratio, buyers would secure a $1,008,000 mortgage requiring approximately $6,050 monthly repayments over 30 years at current interest rates of 6.2-6.3%. This assumes a 20% deposit of $252,000.
The average NSW home loan sits at $795,000-$800,000, resulting in monthly repayments of $4,800-$4,885 over 30 years. These figures represent the baseline for most Wollongong buyers purchasing median-priced properties.
For apartment buyers with typical loans around $550,000-$600,000 (based on median unit prices), monthly repayments would range from $3,300-$3,600. These more manageable payment levels explain the strong growth in apartment sales among first-time buyers and investors.
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Can you give me some example purchase prices from recent sales?
Recent sales data from July-August 2025 demonstrates the wide range of property prices across Wollongong's diverse market segments.
At the luxury end, a $2,300,000 sale represents the premium beachfront market, while sales at $1,710,000, $1,170,000, $1,125,000, and $1,060,000 reflect the strong demand for quality family homes in established suburbs.
Mid-market transactions show consistent activity, with properties selling for $875,000, $860,000 for townhouses, and units achieving $830,000, $805,500, and $765,000. These prices reflect the competitive nature of Wollongong's established residential areas.
Entry-level opportunities remain available, with recent unit sales at $705,000, $685,000, $665,000, $620,000, and apartments as low as $600,000, $565,000, $555,000, $545,000, and $520,000. These lower-priced properties typically represent older units, smaller apartments, or properties requiring renovation.
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How have property prices in Wollongong changed over the past five years and over the past year?
Wollongong's property market has delivered exceptional growth over both short and long-term periods, significantly outperforming many regional Australian markets.
Over the past five years, house prices have surged 53%, representing substantial capital gains for existing property owners. This growth period coincided with increased migration from Sydney, lifestyle changes post-COVID, and limited housing supply in desirable coastal areas.
The most recent 12-month period shows continued strong performance, with houses appreciating 6.4% and apartments showing even stronger growth at 7.4%. This recent growth demonstrates the market's resilience despite broader economic uncertainties and interest rate rises.
Wollongong's price growth has matched or exceeded many regional cities while maintaining its affordability advantage over Sydney. The consistent upward trajectory reflects fundamental demand drivers including population growth, lifestyle appeal, and constrained land supply in premium coastal locations.
What are the forecasts for prices in Wollongong over the next one year, five years, and ten years?
Property price forecasts for Wollongong suggest continued growth, albeit at more moderate rates as the market matures and affordability constraints emerge.
Over the next 12 months, experts predict 3-7% further price growth, though the pace may moderate if interest rates rise significantly or housing supply increases. The lower end of this range reflects potential economic headwinds, while the upper end assumes continued strong migration and employment growth.
Five-year forecasts suggest median house prices could approach $1.47 million by 2030, representing approximately 16% growth from current levels. This projection assumes continued population growth, constrained land supply, and sustained demand from both lifestyle buyers and investors.
Ten-year projections indicate more sustainable growth rates of 5-6% annually, assuming normal economic cycles and gradual supply responses. Long-term growth will depend on infrastructure development, employment opportunities, and Wollongong's ability to maintain its lifestyle appeal while managing urban development pressures.
If I'm buying to live in, rent out short term, rent out long term, or resell later, what are the smartest options right now?
Investment strategy in Wollongong's property market should align with your specific goals, risk tolerance, and timeline preferences.
For owner-occupiers, focus on growth suburbs like Fairy Meadow or established areas near transport links and employment centers. Coastal suburbs offer lifestyle benefits but command premium prices that may limit capital growth potential. Consider three-bedroom houses in emerging areas for the best balance of liveability and investment potential.
Long-term rental investment favors properties near the university, hospital, or CBD with rental yields of 3.0-3.6% for houses and 4.0-4.2% for units. Units near the university or beach areas provide stable rental demand with lower maintenance requirements than houses.
Short-term rental opportunities exist in coastal and lifestyle suburbs, potentially achieving higher yields but with increased regulation, seasonal variation, and management requirements. Coastal apartments and houses with amenities perform best in this segment.
For resale strategies, target high-growth suburbs with infrastructure development planned, but be aware that rising construction costs and selling expenses can impact profit margins. Capital growth remains positive but isn't guaranteed at previous levels.
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How does Wollongong's property market compare with other big, similar cities in Australia?
Wollongong stands out as one of Australia's most expensive regional property markets, positioned between major capital cities and traditional regional centers.
Compared to Newcastle, another major NSW regional city, Wollongong commands a significant premium with median house prices of $1.26 million versus Newcastle's $837,000. This 50% price difference reflects Wollongong's superior coastal lifestyle, proximity to Sydney, and more constrained land supply.
Wollongong sits approximately 24% below Sydney's median house prices, making it attractive to buyers seeking coastal lifestyle without full capital city costs. However, this price gap has narrowed considerably as Wollongong has emerged as a preferred destination for Sydney relocators.
Among regional Australian cities, Wollongong ranks among the most expensive alongside Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast markets. The city's combination of coastal location, university presence, industrial base, and proximity to Sydney creates unique value propositions not replicated in most regional markets.
Growth rates in Wollongong have consistently exceeded most regional centers, with annual appreciation of 6-7% comparing favorably to many capital city markets while offering superior lifestyle amenities and more affordable entry points than Sydney or Melbourne.
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 one of Australia's strongest regional investment opportunities, combining lifestyle appeal with solid fundamentals.
Whether you're seeking a family home, investment property, or lifestyle change, understanding current pricing trends and suburb dynamics is essential for making informed decisions in this competitive market.