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Horsley suburb profile

Horsley is a picturesque suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 15km southwest of Wollongong. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Horsley offers a peaceful residential setting with a mix of modern homes and established properties. The suburb is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Illawarra escarpment providing a stunning backdrop. Residents enjoy access to local parks, schools, and shopping facilities, making it an ideal location for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle. With its close-knit community and convenient amenities, Horsley continues to be a desirable place to call home.

Horsley property market performance

Property growth+6.6%Past 12 months

Horsley's property market has experienced positive trends, with house values increasing by 6.4% over the past 12 months, bringing the median house price to $1.042 million. Although unit sales are limited, there has been a 6.8% rise in unit values. Houses are selling briskly with a median market period of 27 days over the last three months.

In the past year, 38 houses have been sold, while unit sales remain almost negligible. The rental market has seen modest growth, with house rents increasing by 2.7% to an average of $770 per week and unit rents rising by 0.9% to $555.

Overall, the Horsley market reflects a healthy demand for houses, while the unit market shows limited activity.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.04MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
6.4%6.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
381
Median days on market
Past 12 months
27N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$770$555
Change in rent
Past 12 months
2.7%0.9%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Horsley demographics

Horsley, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a suburb that offers a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. With a population of 9,437 and a median age of 36, it is a suburb that attracts families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle. The area is characterized by its suburban charm, with a significant proportion of couple families with children, accounting for 51.2% of the population. This highlights Horsley's appeal to families looking for a supportive and nurturing environment.

The housing market in Horsley is predominantly owner-occupied, with 29.7% of properties owned outright and 53.1% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable community with long-term residents who have invested in the area. The relatively low rental rate of 17.2% suggests that Horsley is less transient compared to more urban areas, providing a sense of permanence and stability for its residents.

The suburb's median total household income of $2,164 per week reflects a comfortable standard of living, supporting a range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of its residents. With its proximity to the larger city of Wollongong, Horsley offers the convenience of urban facilities while maintaining a peaceful suburban atmosphere. This makes it an attractive option for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of both city and suburban living.

Horsley infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Horsley has been growing as a family-oriented suburb, supported by the relatively new Dapto Primary School campus and a local community centre, which enhance education and community amenities and are likely to support sustained demand from young families.[1][3] Ongoing residential subdivisions and land releases in and around Horsley are gradually increasing housing supply, which may moderate price growth over time while still underpinning strong interest from upgraders seeking modern homes and larger blocks.[2]

Residents benefit from proximity to Dapto’s retail centre and train station, providing access to employment hubs in Wollongong and Sydney and adding to Horsley’s appeal for commuters.[1][3] Local parks and open space, including community sporting facilities, contribute to livability and make the area attractive for buyers prioritising outdoor lifestyle.[1][8] There are currently no widely publicised major new transport or large-scale commercial infrastructure projects specific to Horsley, so the property market is being shaped more by incremental residential development and the suburb’s established family-friendly character at this time.[1][3]

Horsley rental market trends

The rental market in Horsley shows steady growth, with house rents rising 2.7% to $770 per week and unit rents increasing 0.9% to $555 per week over the past year. With a stable local market and continued appeal for families, Horsley offers solid opportunities for renters and investors alike.

Suburbs near Horsley

Some popular suburbs near Horsley include:

How does Horsley compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Horsley’s median house price is 14.6% higher than Dapto’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Horsley have grown 0.2% higher than in Dapto.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Horsley have grown 8.4% higher than in Dapto.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Horsley are selling 12.9% faster than in Wongawilli.

Common questions about Horsley

  • Is Horsley a nice place to live?

    Horsley is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of tranquility and convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled in the picturesque Illawarra region, it boasts a serene residential setting that is perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. The suburb is known for its welcoming community vibe, where neighbors often know each other by name, fostering a strong sense of belonging. With its lush surroundings and the stunning Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop, Horsley provides a scenic environment that residents cherish.

    Families will find Horsley particularly appealing due to its excellent amenities and proximity to essential services. The suburb is well-equipped with local parks, schools, and shopping facilities, ensuring that daily needs are easily met. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the abundance of green spaces and community sporting facilities offer plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly reputation.

    While Horsley offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The lack of major new transport or large-scale commercial infrastructure projects means that residents may need to rely on nearby Dapto for more extensive retail and transport options. However, the suburb's proximity to Wollongong and Sydney provides convenient access to urban amenities and employment opportunities, making it an attractive choice for commuters. Overall, Horsley is a delightful suburb that balances the charm of suburban living with the convenience of nearby city facilities, making it a lovely place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Horsley?

    Living in Horsley can be relatively costly, especially when compared to the average income levels in the area. The median house price in Horsley is currently around $1,042,500, which is quite high, especially considering that there are no units available, limiting options for more affordable housing. Renting a house in Horsley costs about $770 per week, while renting a unit, if available, would be around $555 per week.

    When you compare these housing costs to the average weekly household income of $2,164, it becomes clear that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated to housing expenses. The median personal income in Horsley is approximately $833 per week, which further emphasizes the financial commitment required to live in this suburb. Given these figures, while Horsley offers a pleasant living environment, it's important to carefully consider your budget and financial situation if you're thinking of making it your home.

    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 Horsley a good place to invest?

    Horsley is showing promising signs as a solid investment suburb, with both house and unit values experiencing healthy growth over the past year. The median house value has increased by 6.4%, while units have seen an even stronger rise of 6.8%. This upward trend suggests a robust demand for properties in the area, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in real estate.

    While rental growth has been more modest, with house rents increasing by 2.7% and unit rents by 0.9%, the steady rise in property values indicates a strong underlying market. Horsley's appeal lies in its balance of affordability and growth potential, making it a viable choice for investors seeking both capital appreciation and rental income. The suburb's family-friendly environment and ongoing development projects contribute to its desirability, ensuring continued interest from both buyers and renters.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Horsley

Currently, there are 44 real estate agents working in Horsley—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 44 agents sold 54.9% of all properties in Horsley 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 Horsley 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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