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
Wollongong is a coastal city about 80 kilometers south of Sydney, and its housing market has become increasingly attractive to buyers seeking a beachside lifestyle without Sydney prices.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data on house prices in Wollongong, so you always have access to current market information.
Whether you are relocating for work, retiring by the coast, or investing in Australian property, this guide will help you understand what houses cost in Wollongong in 2026.
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.
How much do houses cost in Wollongong as of 2026?
What's the median and average house price in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the median house price in Wollongong is around AUD 1.32 million (about USD 860,000 or EUR 790,000), while the average house price sits higher at approximately AUD 1.45 million (USD 945,000 or EUR 870,000).
The typical price range that covers roughly 80% of house sales in Wollongong stretches from AUD 1.1 million to AUD 1.7 million (USD 715,000 to USD 1.1 million, or EUR 660,000 to EUR 1 million), depending on street location, ocean views, and land size.
The reason the average price in Wollongong is about 10% higher than the median is that a smaller number of premium beachfront and escarpment homes pull the mean up, which tells you the market has a strong top end driven by lifestyle buyers.
At the median price of around AUD 1.32 million in Wollongong, a buyer can typically expect a 3-bedroom house on a standard block of around 500 to 600 square meters, likely within a 10 to 15 minute drive of the beach but not directly on the waterfront.
What's the cheapest livable house budget in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the minimum budget for a livable house in the Wollongong area is around AUD 600,000 to AUD 750,000 (approximately USD 390,000 to USD 490,000, or EUR 360,000 to EUR 450,000).
At this entry-level price point in Wollongong, "livable" typically means an older 2 to 3 bedroom house in reasonable condition, often on a smaller block, with dated but functional kitchens and bathrooms rather than modern renovations.
These cheapest livable houses in Wollongong are usually found in suburbs with an industrial history located southwest of the CBD, including Cringila (with a median around AUD 710,000), Warrawong, Lake Heights, and parts of Port Kembla.
Wondering what you can get? We cover all the buying opportunities at different budget levels in Wollongong here.
How much do 2 and 3-bedroom houses cost in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a 2-bedroom house in Wollongong typically costs around AUD 750,000 (USD 490,000 or EUR 450,000), while a 3-bedroom house typically costs around AUD 1.2 million (USD 780,000 or EUR 720,000).
The realistic price range for a 2-bedroom house in Wollongong is AUD 650,000 to AUD 900,000 (USD 425,000 to USD 585,000, or EUR 390,000 to EUR 540,000), with the lower end representing small cottages or properties needing work, and the upper end being renovated homes in better locations.
For a 3-bedroom house in Wollongong, the realistic price range is AUD 1.05 million to AUD 1.45 million (USD 685,000 to USD 945,000, or EUR 630,000 to EUR 870,000), as this is the mainstream family home segment where most buyers compete.
Moving from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom house in Wollongong typically costs an additional AUD 350,000 to AUD 450,000 (roughly a 50 to 60% premium), reflecting strong demand from growing families who need that extra bedroom.
How much do 4-bedroom houses cost in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a 4-bedroom house in Wollongong typically costs around AUD 1.6 million (approximately USD 1.04 million or EUR 960,000), with most sales falling between AUD 1.35 million and AUD 2.1 million.
The realistic price range for a 5-bedroom house in Wollongong is AUD 1.6 million to AUD 2.6 million (USD 1.04 million to USD 1.7 million, or EUR 960,000 to EUR 1.56 million), though inventory is limited and prices vary significantly based on land size and views.
For a 6-bedroom house in Wollongong, expect to pay between AUD 1.9 million and AUD 3.4 million (USD 1.24 million to USD 2.2 million, or EUR 1.14 million to EUR 2 million), as these larger homes are rare and often come with premium features like ocean views or substantial land.
Please note that we give much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Wollongong.
How much do new-build houses cost in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a new-build 4-bedroom house-and-land package in Wollongong's growth corridor (mainly the West Dapto area) typically costs between AUD 980,000 and AUD 1.2 million (USD 640,000 to USD 780,000, or EUR 590,000 to EUR 720,000).
New-build houses in Wollongong can appear cheaper than established homes, but this is mostly a location trade-off rather than a true discount, because most new construction happens in the West Dapto growth area (including Dapto, Horsley, and Huntley) rather than near the beach or CBD, whereas when you compare like-for-like in the same suburb, new homes typically carry a 10 to 20% premium over older houses.
How much do houses with land cost in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a house with a noticeably larger block (typically 600 to 900 square meters or more) in Wollongong costs between AUD 1.55 million and AUD 2.5 million (USD 1 million to USD 1.63 million, or EUR 930,000 to EUR 1.5 million), while premium land with ocean views or redevelopment potential can exceed AUD 2.5 million.
In Wollongong, a "house with land" typically means a block of at least 600 square meters, which is noticeably larger than the standard suburban lots of 400 to 550 square meters that most newer estates offer.
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Where are houses cheapest and most expensive in Wollongong as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest house prices in Wollongong are Cringila, Warrawong, Port Kembla, Lake Heights, and Unanderra, all located southwest of the CBD with varying distances from the beach.
The typical house price range in these cheapest Wollongong neighborhoods is AUD 700,000 to AUD 1 million (USD 455,000 to USD 650,000, or EUR 420,000 to EUR 600,000), with Cringila offering the lowest median at around AUD 710,000.
These neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Wollongong mainly because they sit near the Port Kembla steelworks and industrial zones, which historically shaped them as working-class areas without the beach access or escarpment views that drive premiums elsewhere.
Which neighborhoods have the highest house prices in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest house prices in the Wollongong region are Austinmer, Thirroul, and the northern beaches strip (including Wombarra and Coledale), along with inner suburbs like Keiraville and Mount Keira.
The typical house price range in these most expensive Wollongong neighborhoods is AUD 1.5 million to AUD 2.5 million (USD 975,000 to USD 1.63 million, or EUR 900,000 to EUR 1.5 million), with Austinmer's median sitting around AUD 1.96 million.
These neighborhoods command the highest house prices in Wollongong because they combine direct beach access or escarpment views with severe scarcity of freestanding homes, as the coastline is narrow and protected bushland limits new development.
The typical buyer in these premium Wollongong neighborhoods is often a Sydney professional or business owner seeking a coastal lifestyle while commuting via the South Coast rail line, or a retiree cashing out of Sydney property to fund a beachfront upgrade.
How much do houses cost near the city center in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a house near Wollongong's city center (including North Wollongong, the CBD fringe, and Gwynneville) typically costs between AUD 1.2 million and AUD 2.2 million (USD 780,000 to USD 1.43 million, or EUR 720,000 to EUR 1.32 million), reflecting both walkability and the scarcity of freestanding homes in the urban core.
Houses near major transit hubs in Wollongong, particularly within easy reach of Wollongong Station or North Wollongong Station on the South Coast Line, typically cost AUD 1.1 million to AUD 1.8 million (USD 715,000 to USD 1.17 million, or EUR 660,000 to EUR 1.08 million), though the transit premium is generally smaller than the beach or view premium in this market.
Houses near top-rated schools in Wollongong, such as Smith's Hill High School (selective), Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts in Fairy Meadow, or The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS), typically cost AUD 1.2 million to AUD 1.8 million (USD 780,000 to USD 1.17 million, or EUR 720,000 to EUR 1.08 million), with families paying a clear premium for catchment access.
Houses in expat-popular areas of Wollongong, notably Keiraville, Gwynneville, and North Wollongong (near the university and beach), typically cost AUD 1.1 million to AUD 1.6 million (USD 715,000 to USD 1.04 million, or EUR 660,000 to EUR 960,000), while those seeking a higher-end beach lifestyle gravitate toward Thirroul and Austinmer at AUD 1.5 million and above.
We actually have an updated expat guide for Wollongong here.
How much do houses cost in the suburbs in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical family house in Wollongong's suburbs (not beachfront, not CBD) costs between AUD 900,000 and AUD 1.6 million (USD 585,000 to USD 1.04 million, or EUR 540,000 to EUR 960,000), with most sales clustering around AUD 1.1 million to AUD 1.3 million.
The typical price difference between suburban houses and city-center houses in Wollongong is around AUD 200,000 to AUD 400,000 (roughly 15 to 30% less in the suburbs), though this gap shrinks considerably when comparing to premium beach suburbs rather than the CBD fringe.
The most popular suburbs for house buyers in Wollongong are Figtree, Cordeaux Heights, Fairy Meadow, and Balgownie, as these offer good schools, family-friendly streets, and reasonable commutes without the full coastal premium.
What areas in Wollongong are improving and still affordable as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas in Wollongong that are improving and still relatively affordable for house buyers include Port Kembla, Warrawong, Lake Heights, and the West Dapto growth corridor (including Dapto, Horsley, and Huntley).
The current typical house price in these improving yet affordable Wollongong areas ranges from AUD 700,000 to AUD 1.1 million (USD 455,000 to USD 715,000, or EUR 420,000 to EUR 660,000), which is significantly below the Wollongong median of around AUD 1.32 million.
The main sign of improvement driving buyer interest in these areas is the West Dapto growth corridor's new road infrastructure and community facilities being delivered by Wollongong City Council, while Port Kembla benefits from its coastal position without the fully-priced northern beaches premium as gentrification slowly spreads south.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property 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.
What extra costs should I budget for a house in Wollongong right now?
What are typical buyer closing costs for houses in Wollongong right now?
Typical total closing costs for house buyers in Wollongong range from about 4% to 6% of the purchase price for Australian residents, though foreign buyers face additional costs that can push this to 8% or higher depending on visa status and FIRB requirements.
The main closing cost categories in Wollongong include transfer duty (stamp duty) which is by far the largest, conveyancing or legal fees (typically AUD 1,800 to AUD 4,000, or USD 1,170 to USD 2,600), building and pest inspections (AUD 500 to AUD 1,200, or USD 325 to USD 780), title and mortgage registration fees (a few hundred dollars), and potentially Lenders Mortgage Insurance if borrowing with a small deposit.
The single largest closing cost for house buyers in Wollongong is transfer duty (commonly called stamp duty), which for a median-priced house of AUD 1.32 million can amount to approximately AUD 55,000 to AUD 60,000 (USD 35,750 to USD 39,000, or EUR 33,000 to EUR 36,000), making it essential to factor this into your budget from the start.
We cover all these costs and what are the strategies to minimize them in our property pack about Wollongong.
How much are property taxes on houses in Wollongong right now?
The typical annual property-related tax for owner-occupiers in Wollongong is council rates, which generally range from AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,500 per year (USD 975 to USD 2,275, or EUR 900 to EUR 2,100), depending on your property's land value and rating category, while investors or owners of non-primary residences may also face NSW land tax if their total landholdings exceed the threshold.
Council rates in Wollongong are calculated by Wollongong City Council based on your land's unimproved value (set by the NSW Valuer General) multiplied by a rate in the dollar that varies by property category, which means two houses with similar prices can have different annual rates if their land values differ.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a page with all the property taxes and fees in Wollongong.
How much is home insurance for a house in Wollongong right now?
The typical annual home insurance cost for a house in Wollongong is around AUD 2,000 to AUD 3,500 (USD 1,300 to USD 2,275, or EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,100), though premiums can be higher for properties in flood-prone areas or with higher rebuild costs.
The main factors affecting home insurance premiums for houses in Wollongong include the property's rebuild cost, its elevation and proximity to waterways (flood and storm risk), the age and construction materials of the home, your chosen excess level, and whether the property has recent claims history.
What are typical utility costs for a house in Wollongong right now?
The typical total monthly utility cost for a house in Wollongong is around AUD 400 to AUD 550 (USD 260 to USD 360, or EUR 240 to EUR 330), covering water, electricity, gas (if connected), and council waste services.
The breakdown of main utility categories for a house in Wollongong is roughly: water and wastewater at about AUD 115 per month (around AUD 1,388 annually based on IPART's typical household bill), electricity at AUD 165 to AUD 225 per month (AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,700 annually if on a default offer), gas at AUD 50 to AUD 80 per month if connected, and waste services at about AUD 33 per month (AUD 391 annually for the standard 3-bin service).
What are common hidden costs when buying a house in Wollongong right now?
Common hidden costs that house buyers in Wollongong often overlook can add AUD 3,000 to AUD 10,000 or more (USD 1,950 to USD 6,500, or EUR 1,800 to EUR 6,000) to your purchase, depending on the property's age and condition.
Typical inspection fees buyers should expect when purchasing a house in Wollongong include building and pest reports at AUD 500 to AUD 1,200 (USD 325 to USD 780, or EUR 300 to EUR 720), with older coastal properties or larger homes often requiring more comprehensive inspections at the higher end of this range.
Other common hidden costs beyond inspections when buying a house in Wollongong include short-term maintenance items like exterior painting and gutter repairs (coastal air accelerates wear), strata searches if applicable, survey costs if boundaries are unclear, and utility connection or transfer fees.
The hidden cost that tends to surprise first-time house buyers the most in Wollongong is the early maintenance spend on older homes near the coast, where salt air and humidity can mean gutters, roofing, and exterior paint need attention within the first year or two of ownership.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Wollongong.
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What do locals and expats say about the market in Wollongong as of 2026?
Do people think houses are overpriced in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, many buyers in Wollongong feel that house prices are high relative to local incomes, but still reasonable compared to Sydney, which makes the market feel "expensive but not insane" for those relocating from the capital.
Houses in Wollongong typically stay on the market for around 50 to 60 days before selling, with the Wollongong 2500 postcode averaging about 57 days and more affordable suburbs like Port Kembla sometimes moving faster at around 41 to 54 days depending on bedroom count.
The main reason locals and expats give for feeling Wollongong house prices are either too high or fairly valued comes down to the comparison point: those who have lived locally for years see prices as having climbed dramatically, while Sydney buyers often feel they are getting coastal lifestyle and more space for significantly less than they would pay in Sydney's eastern suburbs or northern beaches.
Current sentiment on Wollongong house prices has shifted slightly from one to two years ago, when rapid post-pandemic growth made the market feel more heated, whereas now in early 2026 the pace has moderated and buyers report feeling less pressure to make rushed decisions.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Wollongong here.
Are prices still rising or cooling in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, house prices in Wollongong are mostly still rising but at a more moderate pace than the sharp increases seen in 2021 to 2023, with growth varying considerably by suburb and property type.
The estimated year-over-year house price change in Wollongong is around 3% to 6% as of early 2026, which is positive but more subdued than the double-digit gains some suburbs saw during the pandemic-era boom.
Experts and locals expect house prices in Wollongong over the next 6 to 12 months to remain stable or continue modest growth, supported by ongoing Sydney buyer demand and limited new supply in desirable suburbs, though interest rate movements and broader economic conditions could affect this outlook.
Finally, please note that we have covered property price trends and forecasts for Wollongong here.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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 | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| realestate.com.au (Wollongong) | One of Australia's biggest property portals with clear suburb-level metrics. | We used it as our primary source for Wollongong's median house prices. We treated its rolling 12-month data as our early 2026 benchmark. |
| Domain | A major national property portal offering independent suburb reporting. | We used it to cross-check Wollongong price levels against realestate.com.au. We treated it as a second opinion on market direction. |
| PropTrack Home Price Index | A transparent, methodology-driven price index from REA Group. | We used it to verify whether prices were rising or cooling at the regional level. We aligned our narrative with PropTrack's broader market trend signals. |
| Revenue NSW | The official NSW tax authority responsible for stamp duty rules. | We used it to define transfer duty obligations for house buyers. We referenced it for our stamp duty cost estimates. |
| Wollongong City Council (Rates) | The local government that actually sets council rates for properties. | We used it to explain how annual property rates work in Wollongong. We referenced it for ongoing ownership cost estimates. |
| NSW Government (Buying Costs) | The state government's plain-English guide designed for home buyers. | We used it to ensure we covered all standard closing cost items. We kept our cost checklist aligned with official guidance. |
| IPART | The NSW pricing regulator providing independent typical bill estimates. | We used it to quote typical annual water and wastewater costs for Wollongong households. We cross-checked Sydney Water tariffs with IPART's summary. |
| Foreign Investment (FIRB Guidance) | Official Australian Government guidance on foreign buyer rules. | We used it to flag restrictions that may affect foreign buyers. We referenced it to explain why some buyers cannot purchase established homes freely. |
| Wollongong City Council (West Dapto) | The official source on where new housing development is happening. | We used it to explain why most new-build houses are in the growth corridor. We referenced it when discussing affordable improving areas. |
| Canstar | A respected financial comparison site with large-sample insurance research. | We used it to anchor typical home insurance costs for NSW. We widened the range for Wollongong's coastal risk factors. |
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