Fernhill suburb profile
Fernhill is a charming suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, just north of Wollongong. Known for its peaceful residential atmosphere, Fernhill offers a mix of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. The area is characterized by its leafy streets, family-friendly environment, and proximity to natural attractions such as the Illawarra Escarpment. Residents enjoy easy access to local schools, parks, and shopping centers, making it an ideal location for families and retirees. With its blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience, Fernhill provides a welcoming community for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Fernhill property market performance
The property market in Fernhill witnessed notable dynamics over the past 12 months. House values increased by 5.8%, although the current median house price data and unit sales remained unavailable. Over the past three months, sales activity for houses was low, with only 8 houses sold and a median market time of 18 days. No units were sold during this period, indicating limited activity in the unit sector.
The rental market for houses demonstrated a strong uptick, with average rents rising by 9.1% to $818 over the last year. However, unit rental data was unavailable, reflecting a lack of movement in this segment. Overall, Fernhill's market exhibits specific strengths in house sales and rentals, contrasting with inactivity in the unit market.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 5.8% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 8 | N/A |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 18 | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | $818 | N/A |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 9.1% | N/A |
Fernhill demographics
Fernhill, nestled in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, offers a serene suburban lifestyle with a touch of coastal charm. With a population of just 987, it provides a close-knit community atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a quieter pace of life. The median age of 45 suggests a mature population, with many residents likely enjoying the balance of work and leisure that the area provides. Fernhill's proximity to both the coast and the city of Wollongong makes it an attractive location for families and retirees alike.
The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being rented, accounting for 52.4% of the housing market. This high rental rate indicates a demand for flexible living arrangements, appealing to both transient residents and those testing the waters before committing to home ownership. Meanwhile, 25.1% of properties are owned outright, and 22.6% are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a stable base of long-term residents who have invested in the area.
Family dynamics in Fernhill are varied, with couple families with children making up 35.6% of the households, while couple families without children account for 37.2%. One-parent families also form a significant part of the community at 24.9%, highlighting the suburb's inclusive nature. The median total household income of $1107 per week suggests a modest economic profile, aligning with the suburb's laid-back and family-friendly environment. Overall, Fernhill offers a peaceful retreat with the convenience of urban amenities nearby, making it a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Fernhill infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Fernhill benefits from its location within the broader Wollongong area, where ongoing investment in health, education and employment hubs continues to strengthen local housing demand. Proximity to established schools, nearby shopping centres and the coastal attractions of adjoining suburbs enhances day-to-day amenity, supporting Fernhill’s appeal to families and downsizers alike. Incremental infill development and renovations are gradually modernising the housing stock, which may underpin steady price growth without significantly changing the suburb’s low-density character.
Transport connectivity via nearby arterial roads and access to train stations in surrounding suburbs provide reasonable links to Wollongong CBD and Sydney, a factor that remains important for commuters and investors. There are currently no widely publicised major infrastructure or planning changes specific to Fernhill itself that would dramatically alter the local property market in the short term. As a result, market performance is likely to continue to be driven by broader Illawarra employment trends, lifestyle appeal and limited local supply rather than suburb-specific mega projects.
Fernhill rental market trends
The rental market in Fernhill has seen moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 9.1% over the past year to $818 per week. While there has been no change in unit rents, reflecting a lack of rental data or availability, Fernhill's growing appeal could stimulate future residential development and investment opportunities.
Suburbs near Fernhill
Some popular suburbs near Fernhill include:
How does Fernhill compare to nearby suburbs?
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Fernhill have grown 2.8% higher than in Balgownie.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Fernhill are selling 33.3% faster than in Tarrawanna.

