Question 1

Is Fernhill a nice place to live?

Accepted Answer

Fernhill is a small residential suburb on Wollongong’s northern coastal plain, set between the Illawarra Escarpment and the beaches. Its quiet streets mix weatherboard cottages, mid-century brick houses and pockets of newer townhouses, giving a lived-in, practical feel. Small shops, parks and the facilities of nearby Fairy Meadow, the University of Wollongong and Wollongong’s CBD are all close by, and main roads plus the South Coast rail line make commuting straightforward. With the escarpment and coastline nearby, outdoor recreation is never far away.

The community totals 987 people with a median age of 45 and a median household income of $1,107 a week (about $57,600 a year). Family types are fairly evenly split between couples with and without children, and one-parent families make up a notable share. Homes are more often rented (52.4%) than owner-occupied (47.7%). Fernhill includes Farrell Park and has no major public infrastructure projects reported, so it suits people after a small, settled suburb close to work, study and outdoor options.

Question 2

Is it expensive to live in Fernhill?

Accepted Answer

In Fernhill, a typical local household earned about $1,107 a week as recorded at the most recent Census. With average house rent at $768 a week, that rent would take about 69.4% of that weekly household income, which is a large share of income. If you're renting rather than buying, that rent share is the number that matters when judging how costly it would feel.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

Question 3

Is Fernhill a good place to invest?

Accepted Answer

House values in Fernhill rose a modest 2.6% over the past 12 months, while house rents fell 2.8% over the same period.

For someone weighing Fernhill up as an investment, those numbers point to modest capital growth for houses this year alongside a decline in the rental income they generate. If rental income is your priority, the fall in house rents is the figure that matters; if capital growth is your focus, the modest rise in house values is the key number. Which of those matters most depends on your goals and circumstances.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

	Houses	Units
Median price Past 3 months	N/A	N/A
Change in value Past 12 months	2.6%	N/A
Sold Past 3 months	4	N/A
Median days on market Past 12 months	16	N/A
Average rent Past 12 months	$768	N/A
Change in rent Past 12 months	-2.8%	N/A

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