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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.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
5.8%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
8N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
18N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$818N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
9.1%N/A

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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.

Common questions about Fernhill

  • Is Fernhill a nice place to live?

    Fernhill is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to live. With its charming leafy streets and a strong sense of community, it provides a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently close to urban amenities. The suburb is known for its relaxed vibe, perfect for families who appreciate a slower pace of life and the beauty of nature. Its proximity to the Illawarra Escarpment and other natural attractions offers residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

    Families will find Fernhill particularly appealing due to its access to quality local schools and parks, creating an ideal setting for raising children. The suburb's safety and tranquility are significant draws for those looking to settle down in a welcoming community. While Fernhill may not offer the bustling nightlife of a city center, it compensates with its peaceful atmosphere and the convenience of nearby shopping centers and cafes.

    One trade-off of living in Fernhill is its quieter lifestyle, which might not suit those seeking vibrant urban excitement. Additionally, while the suburb provides reasonable transport links to Wollongong and Sydney, the commute might be a consideration for those working in the city. However, for those who value a balanced lifestyle with the benefits of suburban living and easy access to natural beauty, Fernhill is a charming choice that offers both comfort and convenience.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Fernhill?

    Living in Fernhill, located in the Wollongong region, presents a mixed picture in terms of expenses. While the suburb doesn't have current median house or unit prices available, the rental market provides some insights. The average rent for houses in Fernhill over the last 12 months is approximately $818 per week. This rental cost is relatively high when considering the median total household income in the area, which stands at $1,107 per week. This suggests that a significant portion of household income would be allocated to housing costs, potentially making it challenging for some residents.

    Comparing these figures to the NSW state average salary of around $95,000 per year, it's evident that living in Fernhill could be considered costly for those earning average wages in the region. The high rental prices, coupled with the absence of median property prices, indicate that housing costs could be a significant factor for anyone thinking of living in Fernhill. While the suburb offers the charm of the Wollongong area, individuals should carefully evaluate their financial situation to ensure it aligns with the living expenses in this locality.

    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 Fernhill a good place to invest?

    Fernhill presents a promising opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in houses. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 5.8% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy appreciation in property prices. This suggests a steady demand for houses, which is further supported by a significant 9.1% rise in rental prices for houses. Such a trend is appealing for investors seeking both capital growth and rental income.

    While the unit market in Fernhill has remained stable with no change in median values or rental prices over the last year, this stability could appeal to investors looking for a low-risk entry point into the property market. However, the real standout in Fernhill is the house market, which offers a combination of growth potential and strong rental returns. This makes Fernhill an attractive option for those looking to invest in a suburb with a track record of consistent growth and rental demand.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Fernhill

Currently, there are 12 real estate agents working in Fernhill—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 12 agents sold 50.0% of all properties in Fernhill over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Fernhill typically charge a commission of 1.63% to 2.63%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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