Forster suburb profile
Forster is a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed lifestyle. Situated within the Great Lakes region, Forster offers an array of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and surfing, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The town features a vibrant community atmosphere, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops catering to diverse tastes. Forster's natural beauty, combined with its welcoming community and abundant recreational opportunities, makes it an ideal location for those seeking a serene yet active coastal lifestyle.
Forster property market performance
Current median dwelling price$788,750Past 3 months
Property growth+5.0%Past 12 months
Forster's property market has experienced varied trends over the past 12 months. House values have seen a modest increase of 1.1%, with the median house price reaching $947,500, while unit values have surged by 13.5%, pushing the median unit price to $790,000. This suggests a growing demand for units in the area.
Sales activity has been notable, with 67 houses and 53 units sold over the last 12 months. Units are selling faster than houses, with a median of 42 days on the market compared to 57 days for houses, indicating stronger demand in the unit sector.
In Forster's rental market, average rent prices have increased, with house rents rising by 3.5% and unit rents climbing by 4.7% over the last year, pointing to healthy rental market conditions for both property types.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $880K | $698K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 2.4% | 7.6% |
Sold Past 3 months | 50 | 46 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 54 | 42 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $650 | $450 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 3.2% | 7.1% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Forster demographics
Forster, a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, is renowned for its stunning beaches, tranquil lifestyle, and vibrant community. With a population of 14,187, Forster is a popular destination for retirees and families seeking a peaceful environment. The median age of 57 reflects its appeal to older residents, who are drawn to the area's natural beauty and relaxed pace of life. The town's economy is supported by tourism, retail, and healthcare, providing ample opportunities for employment and business ventures.
Housing in Forster is characterized by a high rate of outright ownership, with 51.6% of properties owned outright, indicating a stable and established community. This is complemented by 20.6% of properties owned with a mortgage, while 27.8% are rented, offering a range of options for both long-term residents and newcomers. The suburb's family composition is diverse, with 56.3% of couple families having no children, and 25.1% of couple families with children, highlighting its appeal to both retirees and families.
Forster's community is enriched by its natural surroundings, including the Great Lakes and national parks, which offer a plethora of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The town's amenities, including shopping centers, cafes, and healthcare facilities, cater to the needs of its residents, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Forster's blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and relaxed living makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a coastal retreat.
Forster infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Forster’s property market remains closely tied to its appeal as a coastal lifestyle and retirement destination, with a relatively older demographic and a high proportion of homes owned outright, which tends to support steady demand and values. Recent planning and zoning data shows substantial areas dedicated to national parks, environmental living and rural landscape, which limits large-scale urban sprawl and helps preserve the natural setting that underpins local desirability and tourism-driven employment.[5][6] While there are ongoing small to medium residential and mixed-use projects around the commercial centre, there are no widely reported single “mega” redevelopments currently reshaping the suburb.
Transport access continues to rely primarily on road connections and coach services rather than rail, with no major new public transport projects announced, so car-based commuting remains the norm for most residents.[5][7] The strong presence of protected environmental zones, coastal amenities and proximity to Tuncurry and the broader Great Lakes region suggest that future planning will continue to balance modest growth with conservation, supporting long-term liveability rather than rapid density increases.[5][6] At this time, there are no significant new infrastructure or planning changes reported that would dramatically alter property demand in Forster in the short term.
Forster rental market trends
The rental market in Forster shows modest growth, with house rents increasing 3.5% over the past year to $650 per week, while unit rents have risen by 4.7% to $450 per week. This coastal suburb offers a stable environment for both investors and renters seeking a relaxed lifestyle with steady rental returns.
Suburbs near Forster
Some popular suburbs near Forster include:
How does Forster compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Forster’s median house price is 10.0% higher than Tuncurry’s.
- Median unit prices: Forster’s median unit price is 18.2% higher than Tuncurry’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Forster have grown 4.3% higher than in Coomba Park.
- Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Tuncurry have risen 5.2% more than in Forster over the past year.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Forster are selling 44.9% faster than in Coomba Park.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Tuncurry are selling 2.4% faster than in Forster.

