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Bellingen suburb profile

Bellingen is a picturesque town located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts community. Nestled between the Bellinger River and lush hinterlands, it offers a serene lifestyle with a strong sense of community. The town is celebrated for its eclectic mix of cafes, boutique shops, and regular markets, attracting artists, musicians, and nature enthusiasts. Bellingen's proximity to national parks and beaches makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities, while its cultural events and festivals contribute to its lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Bellingen property market performance

Bellingen’s property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 1.2% to a median of $859,000. Unit values remain static, as reflected by the lack of unit sales activity. Sales for houses totaled 27, with properties taking longer to sell, averaging a median of 118 days on the market.

The rental market has seen a slight upward trend, with house rents increasing by 4.8% to an average of $650 per week, while unit rents have remained unchanged, highlighting a subdued demand for units in the region.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$865KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.8%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
232
Median days on market
Past 12 months
122N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$650$480
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.0%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Bellingen demographics

Bellingen, nestled in the picturesque Mid North Coast of New South Wales, is a charming town known for its vibrant arts scene, lush landscapes, and welcoming community. With a population of 3,923, Bellingen offers a serene lifestyle that attracts families, retirees, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 44 reflects a mature community, with many residents enjoying the town's relaxed pace and natural beauty.

The town's housing market is characterized by a significant proportion of properties owned outright, accounting for 40% of the total, indicating a stable and established community. Additionally, 33.4% of properties are owned with a mortgage, while 26.6% are rented, providing a balanced mix of ownership and rental opportunities. This diversity in housing options caters to a range of lifestyles, from young families to retirees.

Family dynamics in Bellingen are varied, with couple families with children making up 36.9% of the population, closely followed by couple families without children at 36.7%. One-parent families account for 25.1%, highlighting the town's inclusive and supportive environment. The median total household income of $1,268 per week reflects the town's modest yet comfortable living standards, making Bellingen an attractive option for those seeking a harmonious blend of community spirit, natural beauty, and cultural richness.

Bellingen infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Bellingen has a strong lifestyle appeal that continues to support local property demand, with its heritage streetscape, creative community and easy access to natural attractions making it attractive to both owner-occupiers and tree-changers. The town’s position on Waterfall Way also keeps it well connected to Coffs Harbour, which supports its role as a regional lifestyle base.

The local area benefits from established schools, everyday services and a busy town centre with markets, cafes and community activity, all of which add to livability and buyer interest. At this time, there are no major recently completed or announced infrastructure projects in the available information that appear likely to materially change the property market in Bellingen.

Bellingen rental market trends

The rental market in Bellingen shows modest growth, with house rents increasing by 4.8% over the past year to $650 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $483 per week. With its appeal as a lifestyle location, Bellingen continues to attract attention, providing a balance of affordability and comfort for tenants and investors alike.

Suburbs near Bellingen

Some popular suburbs near Bellingen include:

How does Bellingen compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Bellingen’s median house price is 16.1% higher than Valla Beach’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Urunga have risen 13.4% more than in Bellingen over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Repton are selling 8.2% faster than in Bellingen.

Common questions about Bellingen

  • Is Bellingen a nice place to live?

    Bellingen is a delightful place to call home, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit. This charming town is perfect for those who appreciate a serene lifestyle, surrounded by lush landscapes and the tranquil Bellinger River. The vibrant arts scene and welcoming atmosphere make it a haven for creatives and families alike. With its eclectic mix of cafes, boutique shops, and regular markets, Bellingen provides a lively yet relaxed vibe that appeals to both young families and retirees seeking a peaceful escape.

    Families will find Bellingen particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and the availability of established schools and everyday services. The town's proximity to national parks and beaches offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the overall livability of the area. However, it's worth noting that while Bellingen offers a serene lifestyle, it may lack the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers, which could be a trade-off for those seeking a more dynamic nightlife or extensive shopping options.

    Despite the absence of major new infrastructure projects, Bellingen remains well-connected via Waterfall Way, providing easy access to nearby Coffs Harbour. This connectivity supports its role as a regional lifestyle base, enhancing its appeal to both owner-occupiers and those looking to make a tree-change. Ultimately, Bellingen is a wonderful place to live for those who value a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle amidst stunning natural surroundings.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Bellingen?

    Living in Bellingen, a charming town known for its lush landscapes and vibrant community, can be pricey, especially when compared to the average earnings in the area. The median house price is currently around $859,000, which is a significant investment. Renting isn't cheap either, with houses averaging $650 per week and units around $483 per week, despite the lack of a median unit price. These figures suggest that housing costs in Bellingen are quite high relative to the local income levels.

    When we look at the average wage in Bellingen, which is about $60,000 per year, it becomes clear that a substantial portion of one's income would be needed to cover housing expenses. To put it into perspective, the median total household income weekly is $1,268. This means that a large chunk of household earnings would go towards rent or mortgage payments, making it a more expensive place to live for those earning average wages. If you are thinking of living in Bellingen, it's important to consider whether your financial situation can comfortably accommodate the cost of living in this picturesque yet costly 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 Bellingen a good place to invest?

    Bellingen presents a unique investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in a more stable and community-focused environment. Over the past year, the median house value in Bellingen has seen a modest increase of 1.2%, while unit values have remained steady. This stability can be appealing for investors seeking a less volatile market. The rental market for houses has shown a healthy growth of 4.8%, indicating a strong demand for rental properties, which is a positive sign for potential landlords.

    The charm of Bellingen lies in its vibrant community and picturesque surroundings, which attract a diverse range of residents, from young families to retirees. This diversity helps maintain a steady demand for housing. While the unit market hasn't experienced growth in the past year, the consistent rental demand suggests that units could still offer reliable rental returns. Overall, Bellingen's combination of stable property values, growing rental demand, and appealing lifestyle make it an attractive option for investors looking for a balanced and community-oriented investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Bellingen

There are 20 real estate agents in Bellingen, 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 75.8% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Bellingen typically range from 2.63% to 3.25%. 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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