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 what you can actually buy in Wollongong at different budget levels is one of the most common questions we receive from foreign buyers considering Australia's Illawarra region.
This guide breaks down realistic property options at each price point, from $100k to luxury, with current 2026 pricing and all the extra costs foreigners need to know about.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest Wollongong housing prices and market data to keep it accurate.
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.
What can I realistically buy with $100k in Wollongong right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Wollongong, or is it all scams?
At $100k USD (around A$145,000 using the late January 2026 exchange rate), you cannot buy a residential property in Wollongong because the median unit price sits at approximately A$725,000 and even the cheapest 1-bedroom apartments start around A$565,000.
Because this budget falls so far below entry-level pricing, there are no "best value neighborhoods" in Wollongong where $100k buys a legitimate home, and anything marketed as a full apartment or house at this price is almost certainly a scam, a partial interest, or not actually residential (like a car space or storage unit).
Popular or upscale Wollongong areas like Keiraville or Thirroul are completely out of reach at $100k, as Keiraville's unit median is around A$890,000 and Thirroul's 2-bedroom units typically sell for A$1.1 million or more.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Wollongong (studio, land, old house)?
With A$145,000, you cannot afford any property type in Wollongong, not a studio, not vacant land, and not an old house, because even the most basic residential options start well above A$500,000 in this market.
At this budget level in Wollongong, you should not expect to buy any property at all, so the question of "condition level" simply does not apply here.
The only realistic use for $100k USD in the Wollongong property market is as a deposit toward a financed purchase, which means the "best long-term value" depends entirely on what you can qualify for with a mortgage.
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget for a comfortable property in Wollongong is around A$550,000 to A$700,000 (approximately US$380,000 to US$480,000 or €350,000 to €440,000), which gets you a decent 1-bedroom apartment in a reasonable location.
Most buyers looking for a comfortable standard in Wollongong need between A$700,000 and A$900,000 (US$480,000 to US$620,000 or €440,000 to €570,000) to secure a 2-bedroom apartment with good layout and natural light.
"Comfortable" in Wollongong generally means a safe building with adequate natural light, a functional layout, proximity to transport or amenities, and no major structural or strata issues, typically around 60 to 90 square meters for an apartment.
The required budget varies significantly by neighborhood in Wollongong, with value suburbs like Warrawong or Port Kembla offering lower entry points while premium areas like Keiraville or North Wollongong push prices 20% to 40% higher for similar property types.
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Wollongong as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, $200k USD (around A$290,000) still does not buy any "normal" home in Wollongong because this amount remains far below the 1-bedroom apartment median of approximately A$565,000.
Because A$290,000 cannot purchase a complete property in Wollongong, there is no "typical size" available at this budget, but this amount becomes meaningful as a 20% to 30% deposit toward financing a 1-bedroom or modest 2-bedroom apartment.
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Wollongong.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest use of $200k USD in Wollongong is as a deposit targeting value-oriented suburbs like Coniston, West Wollongong, Corrimal, Fairy Meadow, or the more affordable southern areas such as Warrawong, Port Kembla, Lake Heights, and Berkeley.
These areas represent smarter buys because they offer lower entry prices than the northern beach suburbs while still providing reasonable access to Wollongong's CBD, train lines, and coastal amenities, with Port Kembla's unit median around A$617,500 compared to A$725,000 for Wollongong overall.
The main growth factor in these value suburbs of Wollongong is infrastructure investment and the ongoing spillover demand from Sydney buyers seeking affordability, which continues to push prices upward in suburbs that were previously overlooked.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What can I buy with $300k in Wollongong in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, $300k USD (around A$435,000) still does not purchase a complete property outright in Wollongong, but it represents a substantial deposit that could finance an apartment in better locations or with better finishes than a $200k deposit would allow.
At A$435,000 as a full cash purchase, you cannot buy a property in a newer building in Wollongong because even older 1-bedroom apartments cluster around A$550,000 to A$600,000, so newer stock prices even higher.
The features that become more accessible with a $300k deposit rather than $200k include properties with parking, better strata management, renovated kitchens or bathrooms, and locations closer to the beach or CBD.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Wollongong in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, $300k USD (A$435,000) cannot buy a 2-bedroom property outright in good areas of Wollongong because the 2-bedroom median sits around A$720,000, leaving you roughly A$285,000 short before closing costs.
Good areas in Wollongong where 2-bedrooms might become accessible with $300k as a deposit include Coniston, West Wollongong, and Fairy Meadow, while truly "good" areas like North Wollongong or Keiraville require financing well above what this deposit supports comfortably.
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Wollongong ranges from 70 to 100 square meters (750 to 1,075 square feet), with older walk-up buildings on the smaller end and newer complexes offering slightly more space.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Wollongong as of 2026?
With $300k USD as a strong deposit plus financing, buyers can access apartments in mid-ring Wollongong suburbs like Coniston, West Wollongong, Corrimal, and Fairy Meadow, as well as more budget-friendly southern suburbs like Warrawong, Port Kembla, Berkeley, and Lake Heights.
These areas are desirable compared to lower-budget options because they offer better transport connections to Wollongong CBD, closer proximity to beaches, and generally stronger strata buildings with fewer maintenance issues than the cheapest southern pockets.
In these newly accessible areas, $300k as a deposit typically buys a 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom apartment in an older but well-maintained building, usually within walking distance of local shops or a train station.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Wollongong.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Wollongong in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, $500k USD (approximately A$725,000) buys a typical 1 to 2 bedroom apartment of around 60 to 90 square meters (650 to 970 square feet) in central Wollongong, West Wollongong, Coniston, Fairy Meadow, or Corrimal.
At A$725,000, you are very unlikely to buy a family home with outdoor space in Wollongong proper because the house median sits around A$1.3 million, so this budget keeps you firmly in apartment territory.
The typical configuration at $500k in Wollongong is a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment with parking, or a 1-bedroom with better finishes and a premium location closer to the beach or CBD.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Wollongong here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Wollongong in 2026?
At $500k USD in Wollongong, you can begin exploring entry-level options in semi-premium areas like Gwynneville, Mount Ousley fringe, and the edges of North Wollongong, though true premium suburbs like Keiraville (unit median A$890,000) and Thirroul (2-bed units around A$1.1 million) remain out of reach for comfortable purchases.
These neighborhoods are considered premium in Wollongong because they offer escarpment views, proximity to the university, quieter streets, established trees, and access to walking trails, combined with lower density compared to the CBD core.
For $500k in these semi-premium Wollongong areas, buyers can realistically expect a smaller 1-bedroom or older 2-bedroom apartment that may need minor updating, often in a walk-up building without a lift but with good natural light and a parking spot.
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 counts as "luxury" in Wollongong in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Wollongong right now?
Luxury apartments in Wollongong typically start around A$1 million (approximately US$690,000 or €630,000) for boutique coastal buildings, while luxury houses begin around A$1.8 million to A$2 million (US$1.25 million to US$1.4 million or €1.15 million to €1.3 million) in premium suburbs.
Entry-level luxury in Wollongong means ocean views or escarpment outlooks, high-quality finishes, secure parking, resort-style amenities in newer buildings, and locations in sought-after streets of Thirroul, North Wollongong, or Keiraville.
Compared to Sydney, where luxury apartments often start above A$2 million, Wollongong's luxury threshold is more accessible, though it has risen significantly as Sydney buyers have moved south seeking relative value.
Mid-tier luxury in Wollongong ranges from A$1.5 million to A$2.5 million (US$1 million to US$1.7 million or €940,000 to €1.6 million), while top-tier luxury properties with absolute beachfront or significant land in Thirroul or Austinmer can exceed A$3 million to A$5 million.
Which areas are truly high-end in Wollongong right now?
The truly high-end areas in Wollongong and the northern Illawarra include Thirroul, Austinmer, Coledale, Wombarra, North Wollongong, Mount Keira, and select streets in Keiraville with escarpment views.
These areas are considered truly high-end because they combine ocean proximity, dramatic escarpment backdrops, heritage character homes, low-density living, excellent schools, and limited supply that creates scarcity-driven pricing.
The typical buyer in these high-end Wollongong areas is either a Sydney professional seeking a lifestyle change with remote work flexibility, a cashed-up downsizer from Sydney's Northern Beaches or Eastern Suburbs, or a local business owner upgrading from a mid-tier Wollongong suburb.
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How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Wollongong in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Wollongong in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, total closing costs for a foreign buyer purchasing property in Wollongong typically range from 14% to 18% of the purchase price, which is dramatically higher than the 4% to 6% that local Australian buyers pay.
The realistic range for most standard transactions in Wollongong spans from 5% for eligible local buyers to 18% or more for foreign purchasers, with the exact percentage depending heavily on residency status and property price.
The major fee categories that make up closing costs in NSW include standard stamp duty (transfer duty), the 9% foreign purchaser duty surcharge for non-residents, the A$15,100 federal foreign investment application fee for properties under A$1 million, conveyancing or legal fees, and title registration costs.
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Wollongong.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, conveyancing, registration, and legal fees in Wollongong typically total A$2,000 to A$5,000 (approximately US$1,400 to US$3,450 or €1,280 to €3,150) for a standard apartment purchase, plus A$400 to A$900 for building inspections.
These combined fees represent roughly 0.3% to 0.7% of the property price for a typical Wollongong apartment, though the percentage is lower on more expensive properties since many costs are fixed rather than percentage-based.
In NSW, the conveyancer or solicitor fee is usually the most expensive of these three categories, while Land Registry lodgement fees follow official government schedules and tend to be the smallest component.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual council rates in Wollongong typically range from A$1,500 to A$3,000 (approximately US$1,035 to US$2,070 or €950 to €1,900) for a standard residential property, though foreign owners face an additional 5% surcharge land tax if the property is not their principal residence.
Council rates in Wollongong are calculated based on land value and property category rather than a flat percentage of property value, so they vary significantly based on the specific lot and its assessed unimproved value.
Property taxes vary substantially within Wollongong, with waterfront or premium suburb properties attracting higher land valuations and therefore higher rates, while apartments in older buildings with smaller land components often pay less than detached houses.
Australian citizens and permanent residents who live in their property as their principal residence may be exempt from land tax entirely, while foreign owners cannot access this exemption and will pay both standard land tax (if above thresholds) and the 5% foreign surcharge.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Wollongong here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Wollongong right now?
Obtaining a mortgage as a foreigner in Wollongong is possible but significantly more difficult than for local buyers, with the biggest hurdle being the current federal ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings (in effect from April 2025 to March 2027), which limits most foreign buyers to new properties only.
Foreign buyers who do qualify typically receive loan-to-value ratios of 60% to 70% (compared to 80% to 90% for locals) and interest rates approximately 0.5% to 1% higher than standard rates, meaning larger deposits are essential.
To qualify for a mortgage in Wollongong as a foreigner, you typically need proof of income (often requiring Australian income or very strong overseas income documentation), a valid visa, FIRB approval for your purchase, and a deposit of at least 30% to 40% of the property value.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Wollongong.
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 should I predict for resale and growth in Wollongong in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, well-located 2-bedroom apartments in Wollongong resell fastest because they appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors, while houses also sell quickly but to a smaller buyer pool due to higher prices.
The typical time on market in Wollongong is around 40 days for units and approximately 57 days for houses, though well-priced properties in desirable suburbs can sell within 2 to 4 weeks.
Properties near Wollongong train stations sell faster because Sydney commuters prioritize transport access, and apartments with parking consistently outperform those without since Wollongong remains a car-dependent city despite its public transport options.
The slowest properties to resell in Wollongong tend to be older units in buildings with known strata issues, high special levies, or poor body corporate management, as well as properties in the far southern suburbs like Berkeley or Warrawong where demand is thinner and price-sensitive.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Wollongong.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Reserve Bank of Australia | Australia's central bank publishing official daily exchange rates. | We used RBA data to convert USD budgets into AUD at late January 2026 rates. We applied this AUD figure to every "what can I buy" estimate throughout. |
| Australian Taxation Office | Federal administrator enforcing foreign investment property rules. | We used ATO guidance to explain the established dwelling ban in effect until March 2027. We highlighted how this limits what foreign buyers can legally purchase. |
| CoreLogic via Your Investment Property | CoreLogic is Australia's leading housing data provider. | We used CoreLogic-attributed medians for Wollongong units and houses. We also referenced days-on-market figures to estimate resale timeframes. |
| property.com.au | Major Australian property portal with bedroom-segmented price data. | We used property.com.au to identify 1-bed, 2-bed, and 3-bed median prices separately. We translated budget levels into realistic bedroom counts using this data. |
| Revenue NSW | NSW's official tax authority for stamp duty and property taxes. | We used Revenue NSW to calculate baseline stamp duty costs for local buyers. We also referenced their foreign surcharge guides for the 9% additional duty. |
| Foreign Investment Fee Schedule | Official government publication of FIRB application fees. | We used this schedule to estimate the A$15,100 federal fee for residential purchases under A$1 million. We included this in all foreign buyer closing cost calculations. |
| realestate.com.au | Australia's largest property listings portal with suburb statistics. | We used realestate.com.au profiles for Thirroul and Keiraville to anchor premium and luxury pricing. We verified what "high-end" actually costs in the Illawarra. |
| Wollongong City Council | Local government authority setting and explaining council rates. | We used council resources to explain how annual rates are calculated in Wollongong. We grounded the "holding costs" section in official local government material. |
| SQM Research | Long-running Australian housing analytics firm with transparent data. | We used SQM Research for stock-on-market data as a liquidity check. We supported resale timing commentary with their listings trends. |
| NSW Land Registry Services | State land titles registry publishing official fee schedules. | We used NSW LRS to include accurate registration and lodgement fees. We ensured closing cost estimates include real administrative charges, not just stamp duty. |
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.
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