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Austinmer suburb profile

Austinmer is a picturesque coastal suburb located in the northern Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 70km south of Sydney. Known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Austinmer attracts both locals and visitors seeking a seaside escape. The suburb features beautiful ocean views, rock pools, and a charming village vibe, making it a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and picnicking. With its blend of natural beauty and a close-knit community, Austinmer offers a tranquil lifestyle while still being within reach of Wollongong's amenities and attractions.

Austinmer property market performance

Property growth+0.7%Past 12 months

Austinmer’s property market has experienced a significant rise in house values, increasing by 21.3% over the past 12 months, although specific median prices are unavailable. In contrast, the unit market saw no change in value. Limited sales activity occurred with 5 houses and 2 units sold over the last year, indicating a tight market with few transactions.

Houses remained on the market for a median of 53 days in the past three months, while unit data lacks recent activity, suggesting a quieter unit market. This situation might hint at differing demand dynamics within the suburb.

The rental market in Austinmer remained robust, with house rents increasing by 13.9% and unit rents by 8.3% over the last 12 months. The average rent over the year was $1,025 for houses, while units averaged $650, reflecting strong demand for both types of properties.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
21.3%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
52
Median days on market
Past 12 months
53N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$1025$650
Change in rent
Past 12 months
13.9%8.3%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Austinmer demographics

Austinmer, nestled along the picturesque coastline of New South Wales, is a charming suburb known for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle. With a population of 2,725, it offers a close-knit community atmosphere that appeals to families and retirees alike. The median age of 42 suggests a mature population, with many residents enjoying the balance of coastal living and proximity to the amenities of nearby Wollongong.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 45.6% of properties owned outright and 34.8% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable and established community, where long-term residents have invested in their homes. The rental market is relatively small, with only 19.6% of properties being rented, indicating a preference for home ownership among the residents.

Family life is a significant aspect of Austinmer, with 49.4% of households being couple families with children, and 37.9% being couple families without children. This highlights the suburb's appeal to both young families and those whose children have grown up. The area's natural beauty, combined with its family-friendly environment, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. With a median household income of $2,586 per week, Austinmer residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living, supported by the suburb's serene coastal charm and community-oriented atmosphere.

Austinmer infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Austinmer’s coastal location and proximity to Austinmer Beach and Little Austinmer Beach continue to be key drivers of demand, with the area remaining a popular weekend and holiday destination that benefits from strong tourism appeal and lifestyle-focused buyers.[4][7] The suburb’s easy access to Austinmer train station and the Grand Pacific Drive supports commuter and visitor traffic, underpinning long-term desirability for both owner-occupiers and investors.[7] Local cafes, parklands and the well-serviced beachfront precinct enhance walkability and liveability, which typically supports premium pricing compared with less amenity-rich suburbs nearby.[4][5]

There are no widely publicised major new infrastructure or redevelopment projects specific to Austinmer at this time that are expected to materially change the property market in the short term. However, ongoing tourism promotion of the northern Illawarra coastline and incremental improvements to beachfront facilities and amenity are likely to sustain buyer interest and reinforce Austinmer’s status as a tightly held lifestyle suburb.[4][7]

Austinmer rental market trends

The rental market in Austinmer is showing robust growth, with house rents increasing 13.9% over the past year to $1,025 per week, while unit rents have risen 8.3% to $650 per week. This scenic coastal suburb presents attractive opportunities for both investors and tenants seeking a vibrant community with excellent beachside living.

Suburbs near Austinmer

Some popular suburbs near Austinmer include:

How does Austinmer compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Austinmer’s median house price is 78.5% higher than Thirroul’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Austinmer have grown 17.2% higher than in Thirroul.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Thirroul have risen 25.8% more than in Austinmer over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Austinmer are selling 11.7% faster than in Thirroul.

Common questions about Austinmer

  • Is Austinmer a nice place to live?

    Austinmer is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and picturesque lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to call home. With its charming village vibe and breathtaking ocean views, the suburb is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the tranquility of seaside living. The community is known for its welcoming and close-knit atmosphere, which is particularly appealing to families looking for a safe and nurturing environment. The suburb's proximity to Wollongong ensures that residents have access to a range of amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while still enjoying the peacefulness of a smaller community.

    Families will find Austinmer to be an ideal location, with its abundance of outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and picnicking at the stunning local beaches. The suburb's walkability and access to local cafes and parklands further enhance its livability, providing plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls and family outings. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal for those with children. However, potential residents should be aware that the popularity of Austinmer as a lifestyle destination can lead to higher property prices compared to less amenity-rich areas nearby.

    While Austinmer offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The high demand for property in this desirable suburb means that housing can be more expensive, and the rental market is relatively small. Additionally, while the suburb is well-connected by train and road, commuting to Sydney can be time-consuming for those who work in the city. Despite these considerations, Austinmer remains a highly sought-after location for those who value a relaxed coastal lifestyle, a strong sense of community, and the convenience of nearby amenities.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Austinmer?

    Living in Austinmer can be considered relatively affordable, especially when compared to the bustling and often pricier suburbs closer to Sydney. Although the current median house and unit prices are not available, the rental market provides some insight into the cost of living. The average rent for houses in Austinmer is around $1,025 per week, while units average about $650 per week. These figures suggest that renting in Austinmer is more affordable than in many Sydney suburbs, where rental prices can be significantly higher.

    When comparing local earnings, the median total household income in Austinmer is approximately $2,586 per week, which aligns well with the New South Wales average wage of about $108,000 per year. This indicates that the local income levels are generally sufficient to cover the cost of living in the area, particularly for those renting. While the absence of current property prices makes it challenging to assess the cost of buying a home, the available rental data suggests that Austinmer offers a more budget-friendly option for those looking to live outside the capital city while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Austinmer a good place to invest?

    Austinmer is showing promising signs as a great place to invest, especially if you're looking at the housing market. Over the past year, the median house value in Austinmer has surged by an impressive 21.3%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This kind of increase suggests that the suburb is becoming increasingly desirable, likely due to its appealing coastal lifestyle and proximity to larger urban centers.

    While the median unit value hasn't changed over the last 12 months, the rental market is still showing positive trends. House rents have jumped by 13.9%, and unit rents have increased by 8.3%, which is a good sign for investors seeking rental income. These rental increases suggest that there's a strong demand for living in Austinmer, making it an attractive option for both renters and investors.

    Overall, Austinmer presents a compelling opportunity for investment, particularly in the housing sector. With its stunning natural surroundings and growing popularity, it's a suburb that offers both potential for capital appreciation and solid rental returns. If you're considering investing in real estate, Austinmer's current market dynamics make it a suburb worth exploring.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Austinmer

Choosing the right real estate agent in Austinmer can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 17 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 69.8% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.63% to 2.63%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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