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Ballina suburb profile

Ballina is a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant community, and relaxed lifestyle. Situated at the mouth of the Richmond River, Ballina offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. The town is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with attractions such as the Big Prawn, Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, and numerous water-based activities. Its proximity to Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers region enhances its appeal, making Ballina an ideal spot for those seeking a coastal retreat with easy access to cultural and recreational opportunities.

Ballina property market performance

Current median dwelling price$866,500Past 3 months

Property growth+9.5%Past 12 months

Ballina's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 4.2%, with the median house price reaching $896,000. In contrast, unit values have surged by 18.6%, bringing the median unit price to $723,000, indicating a strong demand for units in the area.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 24 houses and 10 units sold in the past three months. However, properties are taking longer to sell, with houses spending a median of 76 days on the market and units taking 108 days, suggesting a more cautious buyer sentiment.

The rental market in Ballina has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 7.7% and unit rents rising by 10% over the last 12 months, reflecting a robust demand for rental properties in the suburb.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.01MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
2.8%16.2%
Sold
Past 3 months
198
Median days on market
Past 12 months
81111
Average rent
Past 12 months
$710$555
Change in rent
Past 12 months
9.2%11.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Ballina demographics

Ballina, a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, is renowned for its stunning beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant community. With a population of 9,735, Ballina offers a serene environment that attracts retirees and families alike. The median age of 56 reflects a mature community, with many residents enjoying the town's natural beauty and slower pace of life. The town's appeal is further enhanced by its proximity to the popular tourist destination of Byron Bay, offering residents and visitors a blend of tranquility and vibrant culture.

Housing in Ballina is characterized by a significant proportion of properties owned outright, accounting for 39.4% of the market. This indicates a stable community with long-term residents who have settled into the area. Additionally, 19.5% of properties are owned with a mortgage, while 41.0% are rented, providing a mix of housing options for different lifestyles and preferences. The presence of rental properties suggests a degree of flexibility for those who prefer not to commit to home ownership.

Family dynamics in Ballina are diverse, with couple families without children making up 50.1% of the population, reflecting the suburb's appeal to retirees and empty nesters. Meanwhile, 26.3% of families are couples with children, and 21.9% are one-parent families, indicating a supportive community for families of all types. The town's amenities, including schools, parks, and recreational facilities, cater to a wide range of residents, making Ballina a desirable location for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Ballina infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Ballina is set to benefit from ongoing infrastructure upgrades, notably the recent enhancements to the Pacific Highway, which have improved road connectivity and reduced travel times to major centres. The local airport continues to attract investment, increasing visitor numbers and making the suburb more accessible, which may positively influence property demand.

There are no major new residential or commercial redevelopments, school projects, or council-led transformations currently announced that are likely to significantly alter the local property market in the near future. However, Ballina’s established amenities—such as access to renowned beaches, parks, daily public transport services, and close proximity to Byron Bay—continue to underpin property desirability and support market stability.

Ballina rental market trends

The rental market in Ballina has experienced steady growth, with house rents increasing 7.7% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have risen 10% to $550 per week. With its appealing coastal lifestyle and ongoing development, Ballina continues to attract both renters and investors seeking a vibrant community with promising returns.

Suburbs near Ballina

Some popular suburbs near Ballina include:

How does Ballina compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Ballina’s median house price is 17.7% higher than Yamba’s.
  • Median unit prices: Ballina’s median unit price is 12.4% lower than Yamba’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Ballina have grown 4.8% higher than in East Ballina.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Ballina have grown 18.8% higher than in East Ballina.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Ballina are selling 11.0% faster than in Pottsville.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby East Ballina are selling 33.3% faster than in Ballina.

Common questions about Ballina

  • Is Ballina a nice place to live?

    Ballina is a charming coastal suburb that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences, making it a wonderful place to call home. Known for its stunning beaches and serene environment, Ballina provides a relaxed lifestyle that appeals to families and individuals seeking a peaceful retreat. The suburb's strong sense of community is evident in its welcoming atmosphere, where residents enjoy a slower pace of life amidst picturesque surroundings. With a variety of local amenities, including schools, parks, and recreational facilities, Ballina caters to the needs of families, ensuring a supportive environment for raising children.

    Living in Ballina comes with the advantage of being close to essential amenities and recreational opportunities. The suburb boasts a range of shopping options, cafes, and restaurants, ensuring that residents have everything they need within easy reach. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the abundance of parks and green spaces provides ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal for families and retirees alike.

    However, there are some trade-offs to consider when living in Ballina. While the suburb offers a tranquil lifestyle, it may lack the bustling nightlife and cultural vibrancy found in larger urban areas. Additionally, the popularity of the area can lead to increased property demand, which might affect housing affordability for some. Despite these considerations, Ballina's proximity to Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers region ensures that residents have access to a broader range of cultural and recreational activities, making it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Ballina?

    Living in Ballina can be considered on the pricier side, especially when you look at the property market. With the current median house price at $896,000 and units at $723,000, buying a home here requires a significant investment. Renting is also relatively expensive, with houses averaging $700 per week and units at $550 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Ballina are quite high compared to the average income levels.

    When you compare the average annual wage in Ballina, which is around $74,000, to the median total household income weekly of $1,013, it becomes clear that a substantial portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing. This can make it challenging for individuals and families earning average wages to comfortably afford living in this area without financial strain.

    Overall, while Ballina offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle and a relaxed community atmosphere, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you are thinking of living in Ballina, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this picturesque suburb.

    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 Ballina a good place to invest?

    Ballina is shaping up to be an attractive investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in the unit market. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has seen a remarkable 18.6% increase in median unit values, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth. This surge in unit prices suggests that Ballina is becoming increasingly popular, possibly due to its coastal lifestyle and amenities that appeal to both young professionals and retirees.

    The rental market in Ballina also shows promising signs for investors. With a 7.7% increase in house rents and a 10.0% rise in unit rents over the last year, the suburb offers solid rental income potential. This growth in rental prices reflects a healthy demand for rental properties, making it an appealing choice for those looking to generate steady rental returns.

    While the change in median house values has been more modest at 4.2%, it still represents a positive trend, suggesting stability and gradual appreciation. Overall, Ballina presents a balanced investment opportunity with strong growth in the unit sector and reliable rental yields, making it a compelling option for investors seeking both capital growth and rental income.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Ballina

Choosing the right real estate agent in Ballina can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 42 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 42.1% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.88% to 3.25%, 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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