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
Understanding the full cost structure of property ownership in Wollongong is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
Property ownership in Wollongong involves multiple ongoing costs beyond the purchase price, including council rates, water charges, land tax considerations, and various fees that can significantly impact your annual budget and overall return on investment.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Australia, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Property owners in Wollongong face annual council rates averaging $2,400, plus water and sewerage charges totaling around $1,063 per year.
Purchase costs include stamp duty of approximately $30,725 for an $800,000 property, along with conveyancing fees ranging from $1,200 to $2,000.
| Fee Type | Annual Cost | Payment Details |
|---|---|---|
| Council Rates | $2,400 | Quarterly instalments of $600 |
| Water Service Charge | $71 | Fixed annual connection fee |
| Sewerage Service | $549 | Fixed annual charge |
| Water Usage | $443 | $2.67 per kilolitre |
| Waste Management | $447 | Annual charge with council rates |
| Stormwater Fee | $25 | Fixed annual property charge |
| Building Insurance | $1,200-$2,000 | Annual premium for standard cover |
What is the average annual council rate for a standard residential property in Wollongong?
The average annual council rate for a standard residential property in Wollongong is approximately $2,400 per year as of September 2025.
This amount is typically divided into four quarterly instalments of around $600 each, making it easier for property owners to manage their cash flow throughout the year.
Council rates in Wollongong are calculated based on your property's land value and the council's rate in the dollar, which can vary slightly from year to year depending on the city's budgetary requirements and infrastructure spending plans.
These rates fund essential local services including road maintenance, parks and recreation facilities, waste collection, library services, and community programs that directly benefit property owners and residents.
It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.
How much are the water service charges per year, separate from actual usage?
The fixed water service charge in Wollongong is approximately $71.32 per year, which is billed regardless of actual water consumption.
This charge covers the cost of maintaining your water connection and ensuring water supply infrastructure remains available to your property, even during periods when no water is used.
The service charge is separate from usage fees and represents the baseline cost of having access to the water network, similar to a connection or availability fee.
Property owners pay this charge even if the property remains vacant or if water usage is minimal throughout the year.
What are the typical yearly sewerage service fees for homeowners?
Homeowners in Wollongong pay approximately $549 per year for sewerage service charges as of September 2025.
This fixed annual fee covers the cost of wastewater treatment and sewerage infrastructure maintenance, ensuring proper disposal and treatment of wastewater from your property.
The sewerage charge is calculated per property connection and remains constant regardless of your actual water usage or the amount of wastewater generated.
This fee is essential for maintaining the city's wastewater treatment facilities and ensuring environmental compliance with state and federal regulations.
What is the average water usage cost per kilolitre, and how does that add up annually for a household?
Water usage in Wollongong costs $2.67 per kilolitre, with the average household consuming approximately 166 kilolitres annually, resulting in usage charges of about $443 per year.
During drought conditions or when dam levels are low, water rates can increase significantly to $3.61 per kilolitre, potentially raising annual costs to around $600 for average consumption.
Usage charges are calculated on top of the fixed service charge, so total water costs typically range from $514 to $671 per year depending on consumption patterns and seasonal pricing adjustments.
Water usage varies considerably between households based on family size, garden irrigation needs, pool maintenance, and conservation practices, with some households using as little as 100kL or as much as 300kL annually.
Don't lose money on your property in Wollongong
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
Are there waste management or garbage collection fees charged yearly, and what is the usual cost?
Waste management fees in Wollongong are approximately $446.50 per year for standard domestic service, billed alongside council rates.
This fee covers regular garbage collection, recycling services, and organic waste collection that most residential properties receive as part of the standard municipal service package.
The waste management charge includes weekly garbage collection, fortnightly recycling collection, and weekly organic waste collection, providing comprehensive waste disposal services for households.
Additional services such as bulk waste collection or extra bins typically incur separate charges that are not included in the standard annual fee.
How much are stormwater management service charges each year?
Stormwater management service charges in Wollongong are fixed at $25 per property per year as of September 2025.
This relatively modest fee contributes to the maintenance and improvement of the city's stormwater drainage infrastructure, including storm drains, retention basins, and flood management systems.
The stormwater charge helps fund infrastructure that protects properties from flooding and manages runoff from urban development, which is particularly important in Wollongong's coastal and hilly terrain.
This fee is consistent across all residential properties regardless of size or location within the city boundaries.
What is the land tax threshold in New South Wales and how much would apply to a property in Wollongong above that threshold?
The land tax threshold in New South Wales is $1,075,000 as of 2025, meaning land tax only applies when the combined land value of all NSW properties you own exceeds this amount.
| Land Value Range | Tax Calculation | Example Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $1,075,000 | No tax payable | $0 |
| $1,075,001 - $2,000,000 | $100 + 1.6% of excess | $1,580 (on $1.17M land) |
| $2,000,001 - $3,000,000 | $100 + 1.6% of excess | $3,180 (on $2.25M land) |
| $3,000,001 - $4,000,000 | $100 + 1.6% of excess | $4,780 (on $3.25M land) |
| $4,000,001 - $5,000,000 | $100 + 1.6% of excess | $6,380 (on $4.25M land) |
| $5,000,001 - $6,571,000 | $100 + 1.6% of excess | $8,136 (on $5.5M land) |
| Above $6,571,000 | Premium rate of 2% | $10,000+ depending on value |
What stamp duty applies when purchasing a property in Wollongong, with an example on a $800,000 home?
For a standard $800,000 property purchase in Wollongong, stamp duty amounts to $30,725 for non-first-home buyers as of September 2025.
The calculation follows NSW's progressive stamp duty structure: $10,530 base amount plus 4.5% of the purchase price above $351,000, resulting in $10,530 + ($800,000 - $351,000) Ă— 4.5% = $30,725.
First-home buyers receive significant concessions, with full exemptions available for new homes up to $800,000 and partial concessions for higher-value properties, potentially saving tens of thousands in stamp duty costs.
Stamp duty represents one of the largest upfront costs in property purchase and should be factored into your total acquisition budget alongside deposit requirements and other settlement costs.
It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.
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.
Are there mortgage registration and transfer fees in New South Wales, and how much do they cost?
Mortgage registration fees in New South Wales cost $148, while land title transfer registration fees are $351.40 as of September 2025.
These government fees are payable to NSW Land Registry Services for processing and registering the legal documents that establish your ownership and any mortgage over the property.
The mortgage registration fee applies each time you register a new mortgage or refinance your existing loan, while the transfer fee is a one-time cost paid during property purchase to transfer ownership from seller to buyer.
These fees are separate from conveyancing costs and are typically paid by your solicitor or conveyancer as part of the settlement process, then itemized in your final settlement statement.
What are the average conveyancing or legal fees for property purchases in Wollongong?
Conveyancing fees for property purchases in Wollongong typically range from $1,200 to $2,000, with most transactions falling between $1,200 and $2,000 depending on complexity and service provider.
These fees cover the legal work required to transfer property ownership, including contract review, property searches, liaison with banks and other parties, and settlement coordination.
Additional disbursement costs such as search fees, registration fees, and bank charges are typically added to the base conveyancing fee, potentially increasing total legal costs by several hundred dollars.
More complex transactions involving strata properties, off-the-plan purchases, or unusual contract terms may attract higher fees due to additional legal work required.
Choosing an experienced local conveyancer familiar with Wollongong property transactions can help ensure smooth settlement while potentially identifying cost-saving opportunities or contract issues.
Are there any strata levies or body corporate fees for units or apartments, and what is the typical yearly range?
Strata levies for units and apartments in Wollongong typically range from $1,200 to $4,000 per year, generally representing 0.3% to 1.2% of the property's value.
These levies cover building maintenance, insurance, management fees, utilities for common areas, and contributions to the sinking fund for major repairs and capital improvements.
Higher-end complexes with amenities like pools, gyms, concierge services, or extensive gardens typically charge levies toward the upper end of this range, while basic walk-up units generally have lower annual costs.
Strata levies are usually paid quarterly and can increase annually based on building maintenance needs, insurance costs, and decisions made at annual general meetings of the owners corporation.
Before purchasing a strata property, review the building's financial statements and maintenance plans to understand potential levy increases and upcoming capital expenditure requirements.
It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.
What ongoing building or landlord insurance costs should property owners in Wollongong expect on average per year?
Building insurance for standalone homes in Wollongong typically costs $1,200 to $2,000 per year for standard coverage, depending on the property's rebuild value and policy inclusions.
Landlord insurance, required if you're renting out the property, costs approximately $400 to $800 per year for basic coverage including rental loss protection and tenant damage coverage.
Strata property owners don't need separate building insurance as this is covered by the owners corporation through strata levies, but they must arrange contents insurance and public liability coverage separately.
Insurance costs vary significantly based on factors including the property's age, construction materials, proximity to flood zones or bushfire areas, and the level of coverage selected.
Premium discounts may be available for properties with security systems, smoke detectors, or other risk-reduction features, making it worthwhile to discuss options with multiple insurers.
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.
Property ownership in Wollongong involves significant ongoing costs that potential buyers must factor into their investment calculations and annual budgeting.
Understanding these fees upfront helps investors make informed decisions about property acquisition and ensures adequate cash flow planning for successful property ownership.
Sources
- Region Illawarra - Wollongong Property Costs
- Business Daily Media - Water Bills Wollongong
- Wollongong Waste - Collection Services
- NSW Revenue - Land Tax Thresholds
- Entry Conveyancing - NSW Stamp Duty Guide
- Owl Finance - Government Transfer Fees
- OpenAgent - Conveyancer Costs
- Lookup Strata - Strata Fees Guide
- RM Property Conveyancing - Strata Property Guide
- GIO Insurance - Home Building Insurance