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Idalia suburb profile

Idalia is a picturesque suburb located in the southern part of Townsville, Queensland, known for its serene environment and modern amenities. Situated along the banks of the Ross River, Idalia offers residents a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. The suburb is characterized by its well-planned residential areas, featuring contemporary homes and lush green spaces. Idalia is home to the popular Fairfield Central shopping centre, providing a range of retail and dining options. With its proximity to schools, parks, and recreational facilities, Idalia is an attractive choice for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Idalia property market performance

Current median dwelling price$627,500Past 3 months

Property growth+19.7%Past 12 months

Idalia’s property market has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 16.5% and unit values surging by 22.9%. The current median house price stands at $830,000, while the unit market has shown strong appreciation despite a lack of recent sales data.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 19 houses and 8 units sold over the past year. Houses are selling quickly, with a median of just 17 days on the market, while units take slightly longer at 23 days, indicating robust demand across both sectors.

The rental market in Idalia has also seen notable changes, with house rents increasing by 9.7% over the last 12 months. In contrast, unit rents have remained stable, showing no change, which may reflect differing demand dynamics between the two property types.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$830KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
16.5%22.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
198
Median days on market
Past 12 months
1723
Average rent
Past 12 months
$680$480
Change in rent
Past 12 months
9.7%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Idalia demographics

Idalia, a suburb located in the city of Townsville, Queensland, is a vibrant community known for its family-friendly environment and modern amenities. With a population of 4,563, Idalia is a growing suburb that attracts young families and professionals. The median age of 32 indicates a youthful demographic, with many residents enjoying the suburb's proximity to both the city center and natural attractions such as the Ross River and nearby parks.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being rented, accounting for 43.2% of the housing market. This high rental rate suggests a demand for flexible living arrangements, appealing to both transient professionals and families seeking temporary accommodation. Meanwhile, 38.3% of properties are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a strong presence of young families investing in their future within this community.

Idalia's family-oriented nature is evident, with 49.1% of households being couple families with children, and 38.1% being couple families without children. This composition highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and couples who appreciate the balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The suburb's infrastructure supports this demographic, with access to quality schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, making Idalia a desirable place to live for those seeking a harmonious blend of lifestyle and opportunity.

Idalia infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Idalia continues to benefit from its master-planned layout around lakes and parklands, with well-maintained walking and cycling paths along the water and towards the river supporting strong lifestyle appeal for families and professionals.[3] The suburb is closely linked to major employment hubs including the hospital, university and CBD via nearby arterial roads, which helps underpin buyer demand and rental interest.[3]

Local convenience remains a key drawcard, with established retail centres such as Fairfield Central and The Precinct providing supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and everyday services within a short drive or walk of most homes.[3] Access to a range of nearby public and private schools, childcare services and sporting facilities further enhances liveability in Idalia, and there are currently no widely reported large-scale infrastructure or planning changes expected to significantly alter property dynamics in the short term.[3][4]

Idalia rental market trends

The rental market in Idalia has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 9.7% over the past year to $680 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $480 per week. This stability in unit rents, combined with the rise in house rents, suggests a balanced market, making Idalia an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking steady returns in a well-established suburb.

Suburbs near Idalia

Some popular suburbs near Idalia include:

How does Idalia compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Idalia’s median house price is 43.1% higher than Rosslea’s.
  • Median unit prices: Idalia’s median unit price is 9.2% higher than Rosslea’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Idalia have grown 4.3% higher than in Oonoonba.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Idalia have grown 7.2% higher than in Rosslea.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Idalia are selling 29.2% faster than in Rosslea.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Idalia are selling 25.8% faster than in Hermit Park.

Common questions about Idalia

  • Is Idalia a nice place to live?

    Idalia is a delightful suburb that offers a wonderful blend of tranquility and modern living, making it a fantastic place to call home. Nestled along the banks of the Ross River, this charming suburb is known for its serene environment and lush green spaces, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb's well-planned residential areas feature contemporary homes that cater to a variety of lifestyles, making it particularly appealing to families and professionals alike.

    With its vibrant community atmosphere, Idalia is a suburb that truly caters to family living. The presence of quality schools and childcare services ensures that families have access to excellent educational opportunities. The suburb's proximity to major employment hubs, such as the hospital and university, adds to its appeal for professionals seeking convenience and a balanced lifestyle. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly vibe.

    Idalia offers a range of amenities that enhance its livability. The popular Fairfield Central shopping centre and The Precinct provide residents with a variety of retail and dining options, while nearby parks and recreational facilities offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The suburb's well-maintained walking and cycling paths along the water and towards the river are perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

    However, living in Idalia does come with some trade-offs. While the suburb offers a peaceful environment, it may lack the nightlife and cultural attractions found in more urban areas. Additionally, the high rental rate suggests a transient population, which might not appeal to those seeking a more stable community. Nonetheless, for families and professionals looking for a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, Idalia is a truly appealing choice.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Idalia?

    Living in Idalia can be considered relatively expensive, especially when you compare it to other suburbs in Queensland. The current median house price sits at $830,000, which is quite significant. For those looking to rent, houses in Idalia average around $680 per week, while units, though less common, average about $480 per week.

    When we look at the income side, the median total household income in Idalia is $2,524 per week. This translates to an annual income of around $131,248, which is above the Queensland average wage of approximately $85,000 per year. Despite the higher local incomes, the substantial property prices and rental costs mean that a significant portion of earnings would be dedicated to housing expenses.

    Overall, while Idalia offers a pleasant lifestyle with its suburban charm and amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can be quite high. If you're considering making Idalia your home, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with living in this suburb.

    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 Idalia a good place to invest?

    Idalia is showing promising signs as a good place to invest, especially with the recent surge in property values. Over the past year, the median house value in Idalia has increased by an impressive 16.5%, while units have seen an even more substantial rise of 22.9%. This indicates a strong demand for properties in the area, which is a positive signal for potential investors looking for capital growth.

    In terms of rental returns, houses in Idalia have experienced a 9.7% increase in rent over the last year, suggesting a healthy rental market. Although unit rents have remained stable with no change, the significant rise in unit values suggests that there is still strong interest in this segment, potentially driven by buyers rather than renters. This could be an opportunity for investors to capitalize on the growing demand for units, especially if rental prices start to catch up with property values.

    Overall, Idalia's recent performance in both property value growth and rental increases makes it an attractive option for investors. The suburb's ability to deliver substantial capital appreciation, particularly in the unit market, combined with a robust rental market for houses, positions Idalia as a suburb with solid investment potential.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Idalia

Currently, there are 68 real estate agents working in Idalia—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 68 agents sold 24.5% of all properties in Idalia 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 Idalia typically charge a commission of 2.47% to 3.09%. 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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