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 sits just 80 kilometers south of Sydney, offering coastal living with more accessible property prices than the capital.
For foreign buyers in early 2026, there are strict rules to understand: you can generally only purchase new dwellings, not established homes, which shapes where and what you can realistically buy.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions and regulations affecting property buyers in Wollongong.
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's the Current Real Estate Market Situation by Area in Wollongong?
Which areas in Wollongong have the highest property prices per square meter in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most expensive areas in Wollongong by price per square meter are North Wollongong, Wollongong CBD (around Burelli and Crown Streets), and Thirroul, where beachside scarcity and lifestyle demand push prices well above the regional average.
In these premium Wollongong neighborhoods, apartment prices typically range from A$8,000 to A$12,000 per square meter for well-located units, with North Wollongong's best stock sometimes exceeding A$11,000 per square meter.
Each of these high-priced Wollongong areas commands a premium for different reasons:
- North Wollongong: direct beach access plus train station creates a rare walkable coastal lifestyle.
- Wollongong CBD: newer towers near dining, jobs, and university students drive consistent demand.
- Thirroul: extremely limited apartment supply in a village atmosphere attracts Sydney weekenders.
Which areas in Wollongong have the most affordable property prices in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most affordable areas to buy property in Wollongong are Warrawong, Port Kembla, Cringila, and Berkeley, where you can still find detached houses and older units at entry-level prices.
In these budget-friendly Wollongong suburbs, typical house prices range from A$650,000 to A$950,000, while older one or two-bedroom units often sit between A$500,000 and A$750,000.
The main trade-off in these lower-priced Wollongong areas is that some streets sit close to industrial zones or freight corridors, which can affect long-term desirability, and tenant quality varies more widely depending on the exact location within each suburb.
You can also read our latest analysis regarding housing prices in Wollongong.
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.
Which Areas in Wollongong Offer the Best Rental Yields?
Which neighborhoods in Wollongong have the highest gross rental yields in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Wollongong neighborhoods with the highest gross rental yields are Port Kembla, Warrawong, Berkeley, and Gwynneville (for older unit stock), where investors can achieve yields between 4.8% and 6.2% on apartments.
Across Wollongong as a whole, typical gross rental yields range from about 3% in premium coastal suburbs like Thirroul to around 5% in value-oriented southern suburbs, with houses generally yielding less than apartments.
These top-yielding Wollongong neighborhoods deliver stronger returns for specific reasons:
- Port Kembla: low purchase prices meet steady blue-collar renter demand from nearby industry.
- Warrawong: affordable entry points and proximity to shopping centers attract working families.
- Berkeley: houses here rent quickly due to scarcity of affordable family homes nearby.
- Gwynneville: older units near the university fill fast with students and hospital staff.
Finally, please note that we cover the rental yields in Wollongong here.
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Which Areas in Wollongong Are Best for Short-Term Vacation Rentals?
Which neighborhoods in Wollongong perform best on Airbnb in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top-performing Wollongong neighborhoods for Airbnb are North Wollongong, Wollongong CBD, Thirroul, and Austinmer, where occupancy rates and nightly rates of A$200 to A$250 on average make short-term rentals viable.
In these best-performing Wollongong Airbnb areas, a well-managed two-bedroom property can generate monthly revenues between A$3,500 and A$5,500 during peak season, though winter months typically see lower occupancy.
Each of these Wollongong short-term rental hotspots attracts guests for distinct reasons:
- North Wollongong: walkable beach access plus restaurants creates a weekend getaway appeal.
- Wollongong CBD: business travelers and event visitors need central accommodation year-round.
- Thirroul: Sydney families escape the city for village cafes and uncrowded beaches.
- Austinmer: scenic coastal setting draws couples seeking a quiet coastal retreat.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Wollongong.
Which tourist areas in Wollongong are becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals?
The Wollongong areas showing signs of short-term rental oversaturation are the CBD high-rise clusters, the North Wollongong-to-CBD transition zone, and parts of Fairy Meadow where many similar one and two-bedroom apartments compete directly on price.
In these potentially oversaturated Wollongong zones, you can find dozens of near-identical listings within a few blocks, and AirDNA data shows average occupancy dropping to around 50% to 55% when too many similar units enter the market at once.
The clearest sign of oversaturation in these Wollongong areas is that hosts are forced to discount nightly rates by 15% to 25% below the suburb average just to maintain bookings, which squeezes returns for newer investors entering the market.
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.
Which Areas in Wollongong Are Best for Long-Term Rentals?
Which neighborhoods in Wollongong have the strongest demand for long-term tenants?
The Wollongong neighborhoods with the strongest long-term rental demand are Gwynneville, Keiraville, North Wollongong, and Fairy Meadow, where university students, hospital workers, and young professionals create consistent year-round tenant pools.
In these high-demand Wollongong rental suburbs, vacancy rates typically hover around 1% to 2%, and well-priced properties often receive multiple applications within the first week of listing.
Each of these strong Wollongong rental markets attracts a specific tenant profile:
- Gwynneville: medical staff and researchers from Wollongong Hospital seek nearby housing.
- Keiraville: university students and academics want walking distance to UOW campus.
- North Wollongong: young professionals prefer beach lifestyle with train commute options.
- Fairy Meadow: working families value affordable rents near schools and transport links.
The common thread across these in-demand Wollongong neighborhoods is walkable access to major employers, with the university and hospital acting as anchor institutions that generate stable, recurring tenant demand regardless of broader economic conditions.
Finally, please note that we provide a very granular rental analysis in our property pack about Wollongong.
What are the average long-term monthly rents by neighborhood in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, average monthly rents in Wollongong vary widely by neighborhood, ranging from around A$1,900 for a basic unit in Warrawong to over A$4,500 for a family house in North Wollongong or Thirroul.
In the most affordable Wollongong rental suburbs like Warrawong, Port Kembla, and Berkeley, entry-level one or two-bedroom units typically rent for A$1,900 to A$2,500 per month.
In mid-range Wollongong suburbs like Fairy Meadow, Corrimal, and Woonona, average two-bedroom apartments rent for A$2,200 to A$2,900 per month, while three-bedroom houses command A$3,200 to A$4,100.
In premium Wollongong neighborhoods like North Wollongong, Thirroul, and Austinmer, high-end apartments fetch A$2,600 to A$3,300 per month, and family houses range from A$3,700 to over A$5,000 depending on size and proximity to the beach.
You may want to check our latest analysis about the rents in Wollongong here.
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Which Are the Up-and-Coming Areas to Invest in Wollongong?
Which neighborhoods in Wollongong are gentrifying and attracting new investors in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Wollongong neighborhoods showing the clearest signs of gentrification and growing investor interest are Port Kembla, Berkeley, Unanderra, and Corrimal, where improving amenities and cafe culture are gradually lifting the street appeal.
These gentrifying Wollongong suburbs have experienced price growth of roughly 5% to 8% annually over recent years, outpacing some established suburbs where prices had already run up during earlier cycles.
Which areas in Wollongong have major infrastructure projects planned that will boost prices?
The Wollongong areas most likely to benefit from infrastructure upgrades are the CBD and inner ring (including North Wollongong, Coniston, and Fairy Meadow), plus northern rail corridor suburbs like Corrimal, Woonona, and Thirroul where transport improvements are planned.
Specific infrastructure improvements include the projects outlined in Wollongong City Council's Transport Strategy 2025-2035, which focuses on better cycling networks, bus reliability, and pedestrian connections across these target suburbs.
Historically, Wollongong properties near completed transport upgrades have seen price premiums of 10% to 20% over comparable properties further from improved infrastructure, though gains typically take three to five years to fully materialize after project completion.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Wollongong here.
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.
Which Areas in Wollongong Should I Avoid as a Property Investor?
Which neighborhoods in Wollongong with lots of problems I should avoid and why?
The Wollongong suburbs that require extra caution from property investors are Cringila, parts of Warrawong, parts of Lake Heights, and certain pockets of Berkeley and Port Kembla, where street-level conditions vary dramatically.
Each of these higher-risk Wollongong areas presents specific challenges:
- Cringila: industrial proximity and limited amenities result in higher tenant turnover.
- Parts of Warrawong: some streets have concentrations of social housing affecting resale appeal.
- Parts of Lake Heights: distance from services and public transport limits tenant quality.
- Parts of Berkeley: uneven street quality means neighboring properties vary widely in condition.
For these Wollongong suburbs to become more attractive investments, they would need improved public transport connections, new retail or dining amenities, and a critical mass of owner-occupier renovations to shift neighborhood perceptions.
Buying a property in the wrong neighborhood is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Wollongong.
Which areas in Wollongong have stagnant or declining property prices as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Wollongong areas showing flat or softening property prices are certain CBD high-rise apartment buildings, oversupplied pockets of Fairy Meadow, and some lower-quality streets in industrial-adjacent suburbs where new stock has diluted demand.
In these stagnating Wollongong micro-markets, prices have remained flat or declined by 2% to 5% over the past two years, particularly for investor-grade units competing against waves of new apartment completions.
The underlying causes of price weakness differ by Wollongong location:
- CBD high-rise apartments: too many similar units completed at once, creating resale competition.
- Parts of Fairy Meadow: new development has outpaced tenant demand in specific blocks.
- Industrial-adjacent streets: limited owner-occupier interest keeps capital growth subdued.
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Which Areas in Wollongong Have the Best Long-Term Appreciation Potential?
Which areas in Wollongong have historically appreciated the most recently?
Over the past five to ten years, the Wollongong areas with the strongest price appreciation have been Thirroul, Austinmer, Mount Keira, and North Wollongong, where land scarcity and lifestyle appeal have driven sustained buyer competition.
These top-performing Wollongong suburbs have delivered impressive growth:
- Thirroul: roughly 7% to 9% annual growth, driven by Sydney weekender demand.
- Austinmer: approximately 6% to 8% annually due to extreme housing scarcity.
- Mount Keira: around 5% to 7% yearly from escarpment lifestyle appeal.
- North Wollongong: about 6% to 8% annually thanks to beach and CBD proximity.
The main driver of above-average appreciation in these Wollongong areas is geographic constraint, where escarpment, coastline, and established low-density zoning prevent new supply from diluting demand, unlike CBD apartment markets where towers can add hundreds of units at once.
By the way, you will find much more detailed trends and forecasts in our pack covering there is to know about buying a property in Wollongong.
Which neighborhoods in Wollongong are expected to see price growth in coming years?
Looking ahead, the Wollongong neighborhoods expected to deliver the strongest price growth are Coniston, Fairy Meadow (select pockets), Corrimal, and Port Kembla, where improving amenity and relative value create room for catch-up appreciation.
These high-potential Wollongong areas have different growth trajectories:
- Coniston: projected 4% to 6% annual growth from CBD spillover demand.
- Fairy Meadow: expected 3% to 5% yearly in undersupplied pockets near schools.
- Corrimal: forecast 4% to 6% annually as a family-friendly commuter hub.
- Port Kembla: potential 5% to 8% growth if waterfront redevelopment proceeds.
The single most important catalyst for future price growth in these Wollongong neighborhoods is the combination of transport strategy implementation and continued rental tightness, which together signal sustained demand that will eventually translate into capital appreciation.
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 Do Locals and Expats Really Think About Different Areas in Wollongong?
Which areas in Wollongong do local residents consider the most desirable to live?
The Wollongong areas that local residents consistently rank as most desirable are Thirroul, Austinmer, Mount Keira, Keiraville, and North Wollongong, where lifestyle quality and community character drive sustained demand.
Each of these locally-preferred Wollongong suburbs offers distinct appeal:
- Thirroul: village atmosphere with independent cafes, beaches, and express train to Sydney.
- Austinmer: quieter coastal setting with dramatic escarpment backdrop and rock pools.
- Mount Keira: leafy bushland streets offering privacy and nature trails from your door.
- Keiraville: family-friendly with excellent schools and botanic gardens access.
- North Wollongong: urban beach lifestyle combining surf, dining, and city convenience.
The typical residents in these sought-after Wollongong suburbs are established families with school-age children, professional couples, and retirees downsizing from Sydney who prioritize lifestyle over investment returns.
Local Wollongong preferences generally align with what foreign investors target for capital growth, though locals often prioritize school catchments and community feel over pure rental yield metrics.
Which neighborhoods in Wollongong have the best reputation among expat communities?
The Wollongong neighborhoods with the strongest reputation among expat communities are North Wollongong, Gwynneville, Keiraville, Wollongong CBD, and Fairy Meadow, where walkability, rental availability, and proximity to the university create practical appeal.
These expat-popular Wollongong suburbs attract international residents for key reasons:
- North Wollongong: beach lifestyle plus train station suits professionals relocating from abroad.
- Gwynneville and Keiraville: walking distance to UOW campus for international students and academics.
- Wollongong CBD: central location with dining, services, and public transport in one place.
- Fairy Meadow: affordable rents near the university attract budget-conscious international renters.
The typical expat profile in these Wollongong neighborhoods includes international university students, visiting academics on fixed-term contracts, and professionals in medical or research roles who value practical location over prestige.
Which areas in Wollongong do locals say are overhyped by foreign buyers?
The Wollongong areas that locals commonly consider overhyped by foreign buyers are new CBD high-rise apartments, some North Wollongong-to-CBD transition zone units, and properties marketed as "beachside" that actually require a car to reach the sand.
Locals believe these Wollongong areas are overvalued for specific reasons:
- New CBD towers: foreign buyers pay premium prices for "new" but face stiff resale competition.
- CBD fringe units: marketed as "near beach" but lack the walkability that creates real value.
- Car-dependent coastal suburbs: the lifestyle premium only works if you can walk to water.
Foreign buyers are often drawn to these Wollongong properties by slick marketing materials, newness appeal, and yield projections that assume full occupancy, while locals know that street-level position and genuine walkability matter more than glossy brochures.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the experience of buying a property as a foreigner in Wollongong.
Which areas in Wollongong are considered boring or undesirable by residents?
The Wollongong areas that residents commonly describe as boring or lacking appeal are certain inland pockets without a clear village center, some industrial-adjacent streets in southern suburbs, and car-dependent neighborhoods with limited dining or retail options.
Residents find these Wollongong areas less desirable for practical reasons:
- Inland pockets without a hub: no walkable cafe strip or shopping creates a disconnected feel.
- Industrial-adjacent streets: truck traffic and lack of greenery reduce residential appeal.
- Car-dependent estates: having to drive everywhere eliminates the coastal lifestyle benefit.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) | Australia's official statistics agency for economic and housing data. | We used ABS lending indicators to understand buyer competition between owner-occupiers and investors in early 2026. We also checked national lending cycle trends to keep our assumptions realistic. |
| Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) | The official source for Australia's policy interest rate history. | We used RBA cash rate data to anchor mortgage affordability context for January 2026. We also referenced it when explaining why yield matters in volatile rate environments. |
| Australian Taxation Office (ATO) | The federal agency summarizing foreign buyer property rules. | We used ATO guidance to define what foreign buyers can realistically purchase in Wollongong in early 2026. We also used it to separate strategies for new versus established homes. |
| NSW DCJ Rent and Sales Report | NSW Government administrative data on actual rental bonds and sales. | We used this dashboard to benchmark median rents by suburb and verify our rent assumptions. We also used it to cross-check sale price medians for accuracy. |
| NSW Government Rental Bond Data | Direct feed of what tenants actually agreed to pay in new leases. | We used monthly bond lodgement data to understand current rent levels rather than last year's advertised figures. We also tracked demand pressure by dwelling type. |
| SQM Research | Widely cited Australian housing analytics provider with transparent methods. | We used SQM vacancy rates to judge rental market tightness and pricing power across Wollongong suburbs. We also referenced their asking rent series for trend direction. |
| NSW Government Property Sales (Valuer General) | The state's official verified record of property transactions. | We used Valuer General sales data as ground truth when portal data conflicted. We also relied on it to keep suburb medians realistic for areas with few sales. |
| Wollongong City Council Housing Strategy | The local government's official plan for housing supply and growth areas. | We used this strategy to identify where new supply is actually planned in Wollongong. We also anchored our "up-and-coming" suburb analysis to real policy and pipeline data. |
| Wollongong Transport Strategy 2025-2035 | The city's official transport plan shaping access over the next decade. | We used this strategy to identify corridors likely to benefit from upgrades. We also used it to give specific infrastructure-driven investment advice rather than generic claims. |
| AirDNA | Globally recognized short-term rental data provider used by investors. | We used AirDNA occupancy and daily rate data to quantify Wollongong Airbnb economics. We also used it as the basis for identifying best short-term rental areas and saturation risks. |
| Colliers 2025 Wollongong Apartment Report | Major international real estate consultancy with transparent local research. | We used Colliers research to understand the apartment supply pipeline and where new stock will land. We also used it to explain oversupply risks in certain CBD locations. |
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