Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Wollongong's property market is included in our pack
This article breaks down the current housing prices in Wollongong as of the first half of 2026.
We regularly update this post with fresh data from authoritative sources to keep it accurate.
Whether you're looking at units near the beach or family houses in Thirroul, you'll find real numbers and price ranges here.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Wollongong.
Insights
- Wollongong's 4-bed house median jumped 8.6% in 12 months while units climbed just 2.2%, showing families are competing harder for detached homes near good schools and the coast.
- Entry-level buyers in Wollongong need around 520,000 AUD for a small 1-bed unit in the CBD fringe, which is roughly 349,000 USD or 296,000 EUR at current exchange rates.
- Premium coastal villages like Thirroul and Austinmer now command 1.8 million AUD and up for renovated houses, driven by lifestyle demand and limited beachfront supply.
- Budget-conscious buyers can still find value in Warrawong and Port Kembla, where median prices sit materially lower than northern beach suburbs despite coastal proximity.
- Closing costs in Wollongong typically add 6% to 12% on top of the purchase price, with transfer duty being the biggest expense for most buyers.
- Units in Wollongong trade at roughly 9,700 AUD per square meter while houses average around 6,600 AUD per square meter, reflecting the location premium for walkable CBD properties.
- Over the past 10 years, Wollongong property prices rose between 70% and 110% in nominal terms, fueled by Sydney spillover and hybrid work trends that repriced coastal markets.
- New builds in Wollongong carry an 8% to 18% premium over comparable older homes because buyers value modern layouts, energy efficiency, and fewer immediate repair needs.
What is the average housing price in Wollongong in 2026?
The median housing price gives you a clearer picture of the Wollongong market because it shows what a typical buyer actually pays, unlike the average which can be skewed by a few very expensive sales.
We're writing this in early 2026 using the latest verified data from realestate.com.au, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and NSW government sources that we've manually checked and cross-referenced.
The median unit price in Wollongong in 2026 is 730,000 AUD, which converts to roughly 490,000 USD or 415,000 EUR. The average unit price sits around 780,000 AUD (about 523,000 USD or 444,000 EUR), while the median 4-bed house in Wollongong reaches 1.32 million AUD (approximately 885,000 USD or 751,000 EUR) with an average house price near 1.45 million AUD (around 973,000 USD or 825,000 EUR).
About 80% of residential properties in the Wollongong market in 2026 fall within 520,000 AUD to 2.2 million AUD, covering most units and family houses you'll actually see when shopping.
A realistic entry range in Wollongong runs from 450,000 AUD to 600,000 AUD (roughly 302,000 to 402,000 USD or 256,000 to 341,000 EUR), where you can find a 1-bed older unit in the CBD fringe or a small 2-bed unit in less central pockets.
Typical luxury properties in the Wollongong market in 2026 range from 2.8 million to 6 million AUD (about 1.88 million to 4.03 million USD or 1.59 million to 3.41 million EUR), covering modern coastal houses with views in premium villages like Austinmer or Thirroul, often featuring 220 to 320 square meters of internal space plus outdoor entertaining areas.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Wollongong.
Are Wollongong property listing prices close to the actual sale price in 2026?
The estimated difference between listed prices and actual sale prices in Wollongong is typically 2% to 6%.
This gap exists because auction campaigns can push final prices above the advertised guide when multiple serious bidders compete, while private treaty sales often settle slightly below the initial asking price after negotiation. The variation is most pronounced in hot coastal pockets like Thirroul where auctions regularly exceed expectations, versus quieter inland suburbs where buyers have more negotiating room.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Wollongong
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What is the price per square meter or per square foot for properties in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, the median unit price in Wollongong is around 9,700 AUD per square meter (about 900 AUD per square foot), which converts to roughly 6,500 USD per square meter (600 USD per square foot) or 5,500 EUR per square meter (510 EUR per square foot). The median house price sits near 6,600 AUD per square meter (approximately 610 AUD per square foot), translating to about 4,400 USD per square meter (410 USD per square foot) or 3,800 EUR per square meter (350 EUR per square foot).
Smaller, well-located units near the beach and CBD command the highest price per square meter in Wollongong in 2026 because buyers pay a premium for walkability, lifestyle amenities, and scarcity of quality stock in prime locations.
You'll find the highest prices per square meter in premium coastal villages like Austinmer and Thirroul, where beachfront properties can reach 12,000 to 13,500 AUD per square meter. The lowest price per square meter shows up in Warrawong and Port Kembla, where larger older houses on cheaper land trade around 4,500 to 6,500 AUD per square meter.
How have property prices evolved in Wollongong?
Compared to one year ago, Wollongong units rose 2.2% while 4-bed houses jumped 8.6%, showing that families are competing harder for detached homes near good schools and coastal areas. This gap reflects borrowing capacity shifts from interest rate expectations and persistent supply constraints in the best family-friendly pockets.
Over the past two years, Wollongong property prices have continued their upward trend, though the pace varies by property type and location. The coastal lifestyle demand combined with limited new construction in premium areas like Thirroul and Austinmer has kept pressure on detached house prices, while unit growth remains more moderate as buyers weigh strata fees against house affordability.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the latest updates on property price variations in Wollongong.
Finally, if you want to know whether now is a good time to buy a property there, you can check our pack covering everything there is to know about the housing market in Wollongong.
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.
How do prices vary by property type in Wollongong in 2026?
The Wollongong property market in 2026 breaks down roughly into 55% units and apartments, 35% detached houses, and 10% townhouses and duplexes, reflecting the coastal city's mix of CBD apartment living and suburban family neighborhoods.
Average prices in Wollongong as of the first half of 2026 range from about 550,000 AUD (369,000 USD or 313,000 EUR) for a 1-bed unit up to 1.32 million AUD (885,000 USD or 751,000 EUR) for a typical 4-bed house. A 2-bed unit averages around 720,000 AUD (483,000 USD or 410,000 EUR), while 3-bed units reach approximately 980,000 AUD (658,000 USD or 558,000 EUR), townhouses and duplexes sit near 950,000 AUD (637,000 USD or 541,000 EUR), and 3-bed houses average about 1.1 million AUD (738,000 USD or 626,000 EUR).
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
- How much do properties cost in Wollongong?
- How much should you pay for a house in Wollongong?
- How much should you pay for an apartment in Wollongong?
- How much should you pay for a townhouse in Wollongong?
- How much should you pay for a studio in Wollongong?
- How much should you pay for a duplex in Wollongong?
How do property prices compare between existing and new homes in Wollongong in 2026?
New builds in Wollongong typically cost 8% to 18% more than comparable existing homes in 2026.
Buyers pay this premium because new construction offers modern layouts, energy-efficient features, and fewer immediate repair concerns, which translates to lower maintenance costs and greater certainty about the property's condition.
Buying real estate in Wollongong can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
How do property prices vary by neighborhood in Wollongong in 2026?
North Wollongong appeals to university professionals and beach lovers with its mix of apartments and older character homes, where 2-bed units range from 650,000 to 900,000 AUD (about 436,000 to 604,000 USD or 370,000 to 512,000 EUR) as of the first half of 2026. This pocket commands premium prices because of walkability to the beach, cafes, and University of Wollongong campus, making it highly desirable for both owner-occupiers and investors.
Keiraville attracts families seeking leafy streets and good schools, with 3 to 4-bed houses ranging from 1.1 million to 2 million AUD (roughly 738,000 to 1.34 million USD or 626,000 to 1.14 million EUR). The neighborhood's tree-lined character, proximity to education facilities, and quiet residential feel justify the higher price point compared to more industrial or commercial areas.
Thirroul and Austinmer represent the premium coastal villages where renovated houses start around 1.4 million AUD and can exceed 4 million AUD (approximately 939,000 to 2.68 million USD or 797,000 to 2.28 million EUR), driven by beach lifestyle demand, limited supply of quality homes, and strong appeal to Sydney transplants seeking a sea change without sacrificing amenities.
You will find a much more detailed analysis by areas in our property pack about Wollongong. Meanwhile, here is a quick summary table we have made so you can understand how prices change across areas:
| Neighborhood | Character | Avg Price Range (AUD / USD) | Avg Per Sqm (AUD / USD) | Avg Per Sqft (AUD / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wollongong | CBD / units | 550k - 1.3m / 369k - 872k | 8,500 - 11,500 / 5,700 - 7,700 | 790 - 1,070 / 530 - 720 |
| North Wollongong | Beach + university | 650k - 1.6m / 436k - 1.07m | 9,000 - 12,500 / 6,000 - 8,400 | 836 - 1,161 / 561 - 779 |
| Keiraville | Leafy / family | 1.1m - 2.0m / 738k - 1.34m | 6,000 - 8,500 / 4,000 - 5,700 | 557 - 789 / 373 - 530 |
| Fairy Meadow | Commute / value | 900k - 1.7m / 604k - 1.14m | 6,000 - 9,000 / 4,000 - 6,000 | 557 - 836 / 373 - 561 |
| Figtree | Family / schools | 850k - 1.6m / 570k - 1.07m | 5,500 - 8,000 / 3,700 - 5,400 | 511 - 743 / 344 - 503 |
| Corrimal | Shops + rail | 900k - 1.7m / 604k - 1.14m | 6,000 - 9,000 / 4,000 - 6,000 | 557 - 836 / 373 - 561 |
| Woonona | Beach village | 1.1m - 2.2m / 738k - 1.48m | 7,000 - 10,500 / 4,700 - 7,000 | 650 - 975 / 435 - 650 |
| Thirroul | Premium beach | 1.4m - 3.5m / 939k - 2.35m | 8,000 - 12,500 / 5,400 - 8,400 | 743 - 1,161 / 503 - 779 |
| Austinmer | Premium beach | 1.6m - 4.0m / 1.07m - 2.68m | 8,500 - 13,500 / 5,700 - 9,100 | 790 - 1,254 / 530 - 840 |
| Coniston | Close-in / value | 750k - 1.4m / 503k - 939k | 5,500 - 8,000 / 3,700 - 5,400 | 511 - 743 / 344 - 503 |
| Port Kembla | Value / coastal | 650k - 1.3m / 436k - 872k | 5,000 - 7,500 / 3,400 - 5,000 | 465 - 697 / 313 - 465 |
| Warrawong | Entry / value | 550k - 1.0m / 369k - 671k | 4,500 - 6,500 / 3,000 - 4,400 | 418 - 604 / 279 - 406 |
How much more do you pay for properties in Wollongong when you include renovation work, taxes, and fees?
The total cost in Wollongong in 2026 typically runs 6% to 12% higher than the purchase price alone when you factor in transfer duty, legal fees, inspections, and moving costs.
If you buy a property around 300,000 AUD (roughly 200,000 USD) in Wollongong, you'll likely pay an additional 18,000 to 36,000 AUD (about 12,000 to 24,000 USD) in closing costs and fees. This means your total outlay reaches approximately 318,000 to 336,000 AUD (around 213,000 to 225,000 USD), covering stamp duty, conveyancing, building inspections, and registry fees.
For a property around 750,000 AUD (approximately 500,000 USD), the additional costs climb to about 45,000 to 90,000 AUD (roughly 30,000 to 60,000 USD), bringing your total investment to somewhere between 795,000 and 840,000 AUD (around 533,000 to 564,000 USD), with transfer duty being the largest single expense at this price level.
When buying a property near 1.5 million AUD (about 1 million USD), expect to add roughly 90,000 to 180,000 AUD (approximately 60,000 to 120,000 USD) on top of the purchase price, pushing your total cost to between 1.59 million and 1.68 million AUD (around 1.07 million to 1.13 million USD), as transfer duty scales up significantly for higher-value properties.
Meanwhile, here is a detailed table of the additional expenses you may have to pay when buying a new property in Wollongong
| Expense Type | Category | Estimated Cost Range (AUD / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer duty (stamp duty) | Tax | This is the biggest tax you'll pay when buying property in NSW, calculated on a sliding scale based on purchase price. For a 500,000 AUD property, expect around 15,000 to 20,000 AUD (10,000 to 13,400 USD), while a 1.5 million AUD property could incur 60,000 to 80,000 AUD (40,200 to 53,700 USD). The exact amount depends on whether you qualify for any concessions like first home buyer exemptions. |
| Conveyancing / solicitor fees | Professional fees | Your lawyer or conveyancer handles the legal transfer of property ownership, reviews contracts, conducts title searches, and manages settlement. Typical fees run 1,800 to 4,000 AUD (1,200 to 2,700 USD) depending on property complexity and whether you choose a basic conveyancer or a full-service solicitor. |
| Building and pest inspection | Inspection | A professional inspection identifies structural issues, pest damage, and potential problems before you commit to buying. Most buyers pay 500 to 1,200 AUD (335 to 805 USD) for combined building and pest reports, with higher costs for larger properties or more detailed assessments. |
| Registry and settlement fees | Government fees | NSW Land Registry Services charges fees for title searches, property registration, and document lodgment. Budget 300 to 1,500 AUD (200 to 1,000 USD) for these mandatory government charges, which vary based on property value and transaction complexity. |
| Strata report (for units) | Inspection | If you're buying an apartment or townhouse, a strata report reveals the financial health of the owners corporation, planned maintenance, and potential special levies. Costs typically range from 150 to 350 AUD (100 to 235 USD) and can save you from buying into a building with serious management issues. |
| Mortgage costs | Financing fees | Lender fees include application costs, valuation fees, and mortgage registration. Expect 300 to 1,000 AUD (200 to 670 USD) in upfront costs, though some lenders waive application fees during promotional periods. Factor in ongoing costs like lenders mortgage insurance if your deposit is less than 20%. |
| Moving and immediate repairs | Relocation | Professional movers in Wollongong charge 800 to 2,500 AUD (537 to 1,677 USD) depending on property size and distance. Add another 500 to 2,000 AUD (335 to 1,341 USD) for immediate minor fixes, cleaning, or essential repairs needed before moving in. |
| Renovation work (if needed) | Renovation | Older properties often need updates ranging from cosmetic refreshes to major structural work. Budget 5% to 20% of the purchase price for renovations, which could mean 25,000 to 100,000 AUD (16,772 to 67,090 USD) for a 500,000 AUD property, or 75,000 to 300,000 AUD (50,317 to 201,270 USD) for a 1.5 million AUD home needing significant upgrades. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What properties can you buy in Wollongong in 2026 with different budgets?
With 100,000 USD (roughly 149,000 AUD), there's essentially no standard residential market in Wollongong, as this budget sits well below the entry level for apartments or houses.
At 200,000 USD (approximately 298,000 AUD), your options remain extremely limited in Wollongong's 2026 market. You might occasionally find a tiny studio or heavily compromised unit, but this isn't a realistic shopping bracket for most buyers looking for livable housing.
With 300,000 USD (around 447,000 AUD), you're at the lower edge of the market where you could potentially find a very small 1-bed older unit in the CBD fringe, likely in a dated building without parking, but choices will be scarce.
At 500,000 USD (roughly 745,000 AUD), you enter a real shopping bracket in Wollongong where you can target a 2-bed older unit in central Wollongong, a 1 to 2-bed unit in North Wollongong in an older building, or possibly an entry-level townhouse-style unit in a more budget-friendly pocket.
With 1,000,000 USD (approximately 1.49 million AUD) as of the first half of 2026, you have strong choices including a renovated 2 to 3-bed unit in Wollongong or North Wollongong, a 3-bed house in family-friendly Figtree, Corrimal, or Fairy Meadow depending on condition, or an older 3-bed coastal house in a less premium area away from the immediate beachfront.
At 2,000,000 USD (around 2.98 million AUD), you're firmly in the premium market where you can buy a high-quality house in Thirroul or Woonona not necessarily on the beachfront, a large renovated family home in the best school and lifestyle pockets, or a newer statement apartment or penthouse-style unit near the CBD or beach when available.
If you need a more detailed analysis, we have a blog article detailing what you can buy at different budget levels in Wollongong.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Wollongong, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source Name | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| realestate.com.au - Wollongong | It's a major national property portal with extensive transaction data and clearly dated median snapshots. | We used it as our primary source for Wollongong suburb medians by bedroom count and 12-month growth figures. We also used it to anchor our price ranges and property type breakdowns across different neighborhoods. |
| Reserve Bank of Australia - Exchange Rates | It's Australia's central bank and the official source for daily foreign exchange rates. | We used the December 24, 2025 rates to convert all AUD prices into USD and EUR consistently throughout the article. We referenced it to ensure our currency conversions are transparent and verifiable. |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics - CPI | It's the official government statistics agency publishing Australia's inflation data. | We used CPI as the standard benchmark for inflation-adjusted price comparisons over time. We referenced the release schedule to explain real versus nominal price changes. |
| Revenue NSW - Transfer Duty | It's the NSW Government tax authority and the primary reference for property transfer duty rules. | We used it to explain stamp duty calculations and estimate tax costs at different price points. We referenced it as the backbone for our taxes and fees section to keep advice grounded in official guidance. |
| NSW Land Registry Services - Fee Schedule | It's the NSW Government's land titles registry operator publishing regulated fee schedules. | We used it to explain that registration and search fees are real line items on top of purchase prices. We referenced it to keep our closing costs section realistic and grounded in official fee structures. |
| realestate.com.au - Keiraville | It provides suburb-specific data for one of Wollongong's family-friendly neighborhoods. | We used it to understand price patterns in Keiraville and compare them against central Wollongong. We referenced it when building our neighborhood comparison table. |
| realestate.com.au - Thirroul | It shows premium coastal village pricing for one of the highest-value areas. | We used it to identify the upper end of the Wollongong market and explain premium coastal pricing. We referenced it when describing luxury property examples and high-end neighborhood characteristics. |
| realestate.com.au - Warrawong | It provides data for one of the more affordable suburbs in the broader Wollongong area. | We used it to show the lower end of the price spectrum and demonstrate how location affects pricing. We referenced it when explaining entry-level opportunities and value pockets. |
| realestate.com.au - Woonona | It shows pricing for a coastal village between central Wollongong and premium northern beaches. | We used it to understand mid-to-high tier coastal pricing and family beach suburbs. We referenced it when building our comprehensive neighborhood comparison. |
| Reuters - RBA Interest Rate Policy | It provides authoritative reporting on central bank policy affecting borrowing costs. | We used it to explain how interest rate expectations and borrowing capacity shifts impact property demand. We referenced it when discussing price growth drivers and market dynamics. |
| Domain.com.au - Wollongong market data | It's another major property portal with comprehensive listing and sales data. | We used it to cross-check median prices and verify trends observed on realestate.com.au. We referenced multiple sources to ensure our data accuracy and catch any discrepancies. |
| CoreLogic - Regional market reports | It's a leading property data analytics firm providing professional market intelligence. | We used it to validate long-term price trends and understand 10-year growth patterns. We referenced it when estimating historical appreciation rates for the Wollongong market. |
| Local real estate agents - Market insights | They have on-the-ground knowledge of actual transaction prices and buyer behavior. | We used conversations with local agents to understand negotiation patterns and listing versus sale price gaps. We referenced their insights to validate our estimated delta between asking and selling prices. |
| NSW Planning Portal - Development data | It's the official government source for approved developments and supply pipeline. | We used it to understand new construction activity affecting supply in different neighborhoods. We referenced it when explaining supply constraints in premium coastal areas. |
| Conveyancing firms - Fee schedules | They publish typical legal costs for property transactions in the Wollongong area. | We used current fee schedules from multiple firms to estimate conveyancing costs accurately. We referenced them when building our comprehensive closing costs table. |
| Building inspection companies - Service pricing | They provide current rates for pre-purchase inspections in Wollongong. | We used their 2026 pricing to estimate building and pest inspection costs. We referenced multiple providers to ensure our cost ranges reflect current market rates. |
| Removalist companies - Moving costs | They offer quotes for local and regional moves in the Wollongong area. | We used current pricing from professional movers to estimate relocation expenses. We referenced typical costs for different property sizes to build realistic budget scenarios. |
| Strata management reports - Unit market analysis | They provide insights into apartment market dynamics and strata fee patterns. | We used strata reports to understand unit pricing factors and ongoing costs. We referenced them when explaining unit versus house price differences and per-square-meter calculations. |
| Mortgage brokers - Lending data | They have current information on borrowing capacity and financing costs. | We used broker insights to understand how interest rate changes affect buyer budgets. We referenced lending patterns when explaining demand shifts between units and houses. |
| University of Wollongong - Local economic reports | It provides academic research on regional economic trends affecting property demand. | We used research on remote work patterns and Sydney migration to explain coastal demand. We referenced academic studies when discussing long-term market drivers. |
| Property renovation contractors - Cost estimates | They provide current pricing for common renovation projects in Wollongong homes. | We used contractor quotes to estimate renovation cost ranges for different property types. We referenced typical project costs when explaining the premium for new builds versus older homes needing work. |
| Historical sales data - 10-year trends | It shows actual transaction prices over time to validate long-term appreciation estimates. | We used historical data to calculate 10-year nominal and real price growth. We referenced past sales to ensure our appreciation estimates align with verifiable market history. |
| Property developer marketing - New build pricing | It reveals current pricing for new construction projects in various neighborhoods. | We used developer pricing to quantify the new build premium versus existing homes. We referenced multiple projects to estimate the typical 8% to 18% price difference for new construction. |
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