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Forbes suburb profile

Forbes is a charming rural town located in the Central West region of New South Wales, known for its rich history and vibrant community spirit. Nestled along the banks of the Lachlan River, Forbes offers a picturesque setting with heritage-listed buildings and beautiful parks. The town is renowned for its annual events, such as the Forbes Camel Races and the Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival, which draw visitors from across the region. With a strong agricultural base, Forbes supports a thriving local economy and offers a relaxed lifestyle, making it an appealing destination for families and retirees seeking a close-knit community.

Forbes property market performance

Forbes’ property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 5.4%, bringing the median house price to $500,000. The unit market remains stagnant, with no change in median value and minimal sales activity, as only one unit was sold in the past year.

Sales activity for houses has been moderate, with 33 houses sold over the last 12 months. However, houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 87 days on the market, indicating a slower pace in buyer decision-making.

The rental market in Forbes has remained stable over the last 12 months, with no change in average rent prices for both houses and units, which are $430 and $300, respectively.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$500KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
5.4%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
331
Median days on market
Past 12 months
87N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$430$300
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A-1.6%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Forbes demographics

Forbes, located in the heart of New South Wales, is a charming rural town known for its rich history and strong sense of community. With a population of 8,157, Forbes offers a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 42 suggests a mature community, with many families and long-term residents enjoying the town's relaxed atmosphere and close-knit community feel.

The town's housing market reflects a stable and established community, with 39% of properties owned outright and 31.6% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a strong sense of homeownership and investment in the local area. Renting is less common, with 29.4% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those seeking more permanent roots in the community.

Family life is central to Forbes, with couple families with children making up 33.9% of the population, and couple families without children accounting for 45.5%. One-parent families represent 19.1%, highlighting the town's family-friendly environment. The median total household income of $1,221 per week reflects the town's affordability, making it an attractive option for families and retirees looking for a cost-effective lifestyle.

Forbes is a town that values its heritage and community spirit, offering residents a tranquil lifestyle with the benefits of a supportive and welcoming community. Its combination of affordable living, strong homeownership, and family-oriented environment makes it a desirable place for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling rural lifestyle.

Forbes infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Forbes is seeing continued investment in its town centre, with ongoing streetscape improvements, heritage building restorations, and beautification around Lake Forbes helping to enhance walkability and the overall appeal of the main retail and hospitality precinct.[6][7] These upgrades, combined with the town’s established role as a regional service hub for surrounding agricultural areas, are likely to support steady property demand from both local buyers and tree-changers seeking a well-serviced rural centre.[2][5]

Council’s focus on maintaining and improving parks, cycle paths and riverside recreation along the Lachlan River and Lake Forbes is strengthening the suburb’s lifestyle amenities, which can make nearby residential pockets more desirable for families and retirees.[6][7] At present there are no major new transport or large-scale greenfield housing projects flagged that would significantly alter supply or connectivity, so short- to medium-term property trends in Forbes are expected to be driven mainly by incremental amenity upgrades and broader regional economic conditions.[1][2]

Forbes rental market trends

The rental market in Forbes has remained stable, with no change in house rents over the past year, maintaining a median of $430 per week. Similarly, unit rents have held steady at $300 per week. This stability suggests a balanced market, providing consistent opportunities for both renters and investors in this regional suburb.

Suburbs near Forbes

Some popular suburbs near Forbes include:

How does Forbes compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Forbes’s median house price is 7.5% higher than Parkes’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forbes have grown 1.1% higher than in Parkes.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forbes are selling 28.1% faster than in Eugowra.

Common questions about Forbes

  • Is Forbes a nice place to live?

    Forbes is a delightful place to call home, offering a serene and picturesque lifestyle that is perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful rural setting. The town exudes a warm and welcoming vibe, with a strong sense of community that is evident in its friendly locals and vibrant cultural events. Forbes is known for its charming streets lined with heritage buildings and its beautiful parks, providing a lovely backdrop for daily life.

    Living in Forbes means enjoying the convenience of nearby amenities, including local shops, cafes, and recreational facilities, all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Lachlan River. The town's commitment to enhancing its lifestyle amenities, such as parks and cycle paths, makes it an attractive option for families who value outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle. Safety is generally not a concern, with the town offering a secure environment for raising children.

    While Forbes offers a tranquil and fulfilling lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The rural setting means that access to larger urban centers and their associated amenities may require a bit of travel. Additionally, the town's focus on maintaining its heritage and community spirit means that rapid development is not a priority, which might limit some modern conveniences. However, for those who appreciate a slower pace of life and a close-knit community, Forbes is a wonderful place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Forbes?

    Living in Forbes might be more affordable compared to many other parts of New South Wales. The median house price in Forbes is around $500,000, which is significantly lower than the prices you would find in Sydney or other major cities. Renting is also quite reasonable, with the average rent for houses being about $430 per week, and units even more affordable at $300 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average full-time wage in New South Wales, which is approximately $95,000 per year, Forbes offers a relatively affordable lifestyle. The median total household income in Forbes is $1,221 per week, which aligns well with the local housing costs, making it a financially viable option for many.

    Overall, if you're thinking of living in Forbes, you'll find that it offers a more budget-friendly living situation compared to the state average, especially when it comes to housing. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to balance cost with a more relaxed, regional lifestyle.

    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 Forbes a good place to invest?

    Forbes presents a stable investment opportunity, particularly for those seeking steady growth rather than rapid gains. Over the past year, the median house value in Forbes has increased by 5.4%, indicating a positive trend in property appreciation. While the median unit value and rental prices for both houses and units have remained unchanged, this stability can be appealing for investors looking for a low-risk environment.

    The lack of change in rental prices suggests a balanced rental market, which can be beneficial for investors seeking consistent rental income without the volatility seen in more dynamic markets. Forbes' appeal lies in its steady growth and the potential for long-term capital appreciation, especially in the housing sector. This makes it a solid choice for investors who prioritize stability and gradual property value increases over time.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Forbes

Choosing the right real estate agent in Forbes can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 21 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 85.4% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 2% to 3.25%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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