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Barrack Heights suburb profile

Barrack Heights is a coastal suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, offering a relaxed lifestyle with proximity to both beaches and urban amenities. Situated just south of Wollongong, it provides residents with easy access to Shellharbour's shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities. The suburb is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, featuring parks, playgrounds, and a strong community spirit. With a mix of established homes and newer developments, Barrack Heights appeals to families and retirees seeking a peaceful yet convenient coastal living experience.

Barrack Heights property market performance

Current median dwelling price$571,875Past 3 months

Property growth+10.2%Past 12 months

Barrack Heights has seen diverse property trends over the past year. House values have increased by 5.2%, with the median house price reaching approximately $911,250. Meanwhile, unit values have experienced significant growth of 15.2%, highlighting a surge in demand. Over the past 12 months, 23 houses and 3 units were sold, indicating a more substantial movement in the housing market.

In terms of market activity, houses spent a median of 25 days on the market in the last three months, while units sold in just 15 days, pointing to a brisk unit market. The rental scene has also seen moderate increases, with house rents rising by 4.6% and units by 4.0% over the past 12 months, reflecting steady demand for rental properties in Barrack Heights.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$911KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
5.2%15.2%
Sold
Past 3 months
233
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2515
Average rent
Past 12 months
$680$520
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.6%4.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Barrack Heights demographics

Barrack Heights, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a suburb that offers a blend of coastal living and suburban comfort. With a population of 6,003, it provides a close-knit community atmosphere. The median age of 41 suggests a mature population, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate the suburb's relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the coast.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (37.1%), reflecting a stable community with long-term residents. Additionally, 29.1% of homes are owned with a mortgage, indicating a healthy mix of established homeowners and newer families entering the market. Renting is also a viable option, with 33.8% of properties available for rent, catering to those seeking flexibility or temporary residence.

Family dynamics in Barrack Heights are varied, with couple families with children making up 35.6% of the population, while couple families without children account for 36.5%. One-parent families represent 26.1%, highlighting the suburb's inclusivity and support for diverse family structures. The median household income of $1,340 per week reflects the area's affordability, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle near the coast.

Barrack Heights infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Barrack Heights has no major new infrastructure or redevelopment projects identified in the available sources that are likely to materially change the property market in the near term. The suburb’s established school network, including Barrack Heights Public School and nearby secondary options, continues to support family demand and day-to-day livability.

Barrack Heights also benefits from its proximity to broader Shellharbour and Illawarra amenities, including employment, shopping, and coastal recreation, which helps underpin buyer interest. With a relatively steady residential profile and limited signs of major disruption, market conditions are likely to remain driven more by local demand and housing supply than by large new projects.

Barrack Heights rental market trends

The rental market in Barrack Heights has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing 4.6% over the past year to $680 per week, and unit rents rising 4.0% to $520 per week. This suburb offers a stable investment environment with potential for steady returns, supported by its appealing coastal lifestyle and community amenities.

Suburbs near Barrack Heights

Some popular suburbs near Barrack Heights include:

How does Barrack Heights compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Barrack Heights’s median house price is 3.7% higher than Warilla’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Barrack Heights have grown 13.5% higher than in Barrack Point.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Shellharbour have risen 1.3% more than in Barrack Heights over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Barrack Heights are selling 65.8% faster than in Barrack Point.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Barrack Heights are selling 60.5% faster than in Shellharbour.

Common questions about Barrack Heights

  • Is Barrack Heights a nice place to live?

    Barrack Heights is a charming coastal suburb that offers a delightful blend of relaxed living and suburban convenience. Nestled in the Illawarra region, it provides a serene environment with easy access to the stunning beaches and vibrant urban amenities of nearby Shellharbour. The suburb is known for its welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place for families and retirees who appreciate a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. With its lush parks and playgrounds, Barrack Heights fosters a strong community spirit, perfect for those seeking a close-knit neighborhood.

    Living in Barrack Heights means enjoying the best of both worlds: the tranquility of coastal living and the convenience of suburban amenities. The suburb is well-served by local schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, ensuring that families have everything they need within reach. Safety is generally not a major concern, adding to the suburb's appeal for families looking for a secure environment to raise their children. While Barrack Heights may not offer the bustling nightlife of a big city, it compensates with its natural beauty and a slower pace of life, which many find refreshing.

    However, living in Barrack Heights does come with some trade-offs. The absence of major new infrastructure projects means that the suburb's growth is steady rather than rapid, which might not appeal to those looking for a rapidly developing area. Additionally, while the suburb offers a peaceful lifestyle, those seeking a more dynamic urban experience might find it a bit too quiet. Nonetheless, for families and individuals who value a balanced lifestyle with the coast at their doorstep, Barrack Heights is a delightful place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Barrack Heights?

    Living in Barrack Heights can be a bit challenging when it comes to affordability, especially if you are considering purchasing a property. With the current median house price at $911,250, buying a home here requires a significant financial commitment. This is notably high when you consider the average wage in Barrack Heights is around $32,000 per year, or approximately $618 per week. This income level is relatively modest compared to the costs associated with homeownership in the area.

    Renting in Barrack Heights is somewhat more accessible, with the average rent for houses over the last 12 months being $680 per week. For units, the average rent is $520 per week, although the current median unit price is not available. When you compare these figures to the median total household income of $1,340 per week, renting might be a more feasible option for many residents. However, it still represents a substantial portion of the average income, which could strain budgets.

    Overall, while Barrack Heights offers a pleasant coastal lifestyle, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can be quite demanding. If you are thinking of living in Barrack Heights, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this 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 Barrack Heights a good place to invest?

    Barrack Heights is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a notable increase in property values, with median house values rising by 5.2% and unit values surging by an impressive 15.2%. This upward trend in property prices indicates a strong demand in the area, particularly for units, which could be attributed to affordability and lifestyle factors that appeal to a wide range of buyers and renters.

    In addition to the growth in property values, rental returns in Barrack Heights have also seen positive changes. House rents have increased by 4.6%, while unit rents have grown by 4.0% over the last 12 months. This steady rise in rental income suggests a healthy rental market, making it an attractive option for investors seeking reliable returns.

    Overall, Barrack Heights presents a compelling case for investment, with its combination of rising property values and stable rental growth. The suburb's appeal is likely driven by its coastal lifestyle, proximity to amenities, and community atmosphere, which continue to attract both buyers and renters. For those looking to invest in a suburb with strong growth potential and solid rental yields, Barrack Heights is certainly worth considering.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Barrack Heights

There are 44 real estate agents in Barrack Heights, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 46.0% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Barrack Heights typically range from 1.63% to 2.63%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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