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Iluka suburb profile

Iluka is a picturesque coastal village located at the mouth of the Clarence River in New South Wales. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Iluka offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The suburb is surrounded by the Iluka Nature Reserve, a World Heritage-listed rainforest, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as bushwalking, fishing, and birdwatching. With its charming local community, Iluka is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its unspoiled landscapes and tranquil environment make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and holidaymakers.

Iluka property market performance

Current median dwelling price$623,725Past 3 months

Property growth-7.9%Past 12 months

Iluka’s property market has seen notable growth, with house values rising by 10% over the past 12 months, bringing the median house price to $917,500. In contrast, unit values remain unreported, indicating limited activity in this segment.

Sales activity in the suburb includes 14 houses and only 3 units sold over the past year. Houses spent a median of 51 days on the market, while units took longer at 104 days, reflecting softer demand.

Iluka’s rental market has shown strong growth, particularly for houses, with rents increasing by 17.2% over the last year, while unit rents saw a modest rise of 2.4%.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$918KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
10.0%-25.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
143
Median days on market
Past 12 months
51104
Average rent
Past 12 months
$580$420
Change in rent
Past 12 months
17.2%2.4%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Iluka demographics

Iluka, a picturesque coastal suburb in New South Wales, is renowned for its serene environment and natural beauty. Nestled at the mouth of the Clarence River, Iluka offers a tranquil lifestyle that attracts retirees and those seeking a peaceful retreat. With a median age of 62, the suburb is predominantly home to older residents who appreciate its laid-back atmosphere and scenic surroundings.

The housing landscape in Iluka is characterized by a high rate of outright home ownership, with 55.5% of properties owned outright. This reflects the stability and long-term residency of its population. Meanwhile, 13.3% of homes are owned with a mortgage, and 31.1% are rented, indicating a modest rental market that caters to those seeking temporary stays or holiday accommodations.

Family structures in Iluka are diverse, with 65.2% of couple families having no children, highlighting its appeal to empty nesters and retirees. Couple families with children make up 17.2%, while one-parent families account for 15.5% of the community. The suburb's low median household income of $834 per week reflects its demographic composition, with many residents likely relying on pensions or retirement savings.

Iluka's charm lies in its natural attractions, including pristine beaches, lush national parks, and a relaxed village vibe. The community enjoys a slower pace of life, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the great outdoors. For those seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle, Iluka offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and community spirit.

Iluka infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Iluka’s property market is currently more influenced by its established natural assets than by large new infrastructure projects, with the village remaining largely untouched by major commercial redevelopment and retaining its low-key coastal character.[5][7] Proximity to Iluka Nature Reserve and Bundjalung National Park, along with easy access to long, unspoilt beaches and the Clarence River, continues to underpin demand from lifestyle buyers and retirees seeking a quiet, nature-focused setting.[1][5][6]

There are no widely publicised major new transport upgrades, school redevelopments or large-scale retail precincts underway in Iluka at this time, which suggests the area is likely to retain its relaxed, small-village feel in the near term.[2][5] Any incremental improvements to local amenities and tourism infrastructure are more likely to support steady, rather than rapid, growth in desirability and property values, particularly for homes within walking distance of the river, beaches and village centre.[5][7]

Iluka rental market trends

Iluka's rental market is experiencing noticeable growth, with house rents increasing by 17.2% to $580 per week. Unit rents have also risen, albeit modestly by 2.4%, reaching $420 per week. With its picturesque location and rising demand, Iluka offers promising investment opportunities for those seeking both growth and lifestyle in a coastal suburb.

Suburbs near Iluka

Some popular suburbs near Iluka include:

How does Iluka compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Iluka’s median house price is 14.7% higher than Gulmarrad’s.
  • Median unit prices: Iluka’s median unit price is 52.9% lower than Yamba’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Iluka have grown 11.8% higher than in Yamba.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Yamba have risen 28.2% more than in Iluka over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Iluka are selling 17.7% faster than in Yamba.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Yamba are selling 13.5% faster than in Iluka.

Common questions about Iluka

  • Is Iluka a nice place to live?

    Iluka is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and peaceful lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its charming village atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, Iluka provides a unique blend of coastal beauty and community spirit. The suburb is perfect for those who appreciate a slower pace of life, with its pristine beaches and lush national parks offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and bushwalking. The community vibe is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for families and retirees alike.

    Families will find Iluka to be a safe and nurturing environment, with its close-knit community and abundance of green spaces providing a great backdrop for raising children. While the suburb may not boast large-scale retail precincts or major transport upgrades, it compensates with its proximity to natural wonders and the Clarence River, ensuring that residents have easy access to the essentials and a tranquil lifestyle. The lack of commercial redevelopment means that Iluka retains its low-key coastal character, which is a significant draw for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

    However, living in Iluka does come with some trade-offs. The modest rental market and limited new infrastructure projects might not appeal to those looking for rapid urban growth or extensive amenities. Additionally, the suburb's focus on nature and relaxation means it lacks the bustling nightlife and cultural attractions found in larger urban areas. Despite these trade-offs, for those who value a quiet, nature-focused setting and a strong sense of community, Iluka is a truly charming place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Iluka?

    Living in Iluka can be a bit of a financial stretch, especially when considering the local property market. The current median house price is $917,500, which is quite significant for a regional coastal town. With no data on unit prices, it seems houses are the primary option for homebuyers here. Renting a house in Iluka averages $580 per week, while units, when available, average $420 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the average household income in Iluka, which is $834 per week, it's clear that a large portion of income would need to be dedicated to housing costs. This can be challenging, especially when wages in Iluka align with the NSW state average of $95,000 per year. While this income level is decent, the cost of housing in Iluka could still be considered high relative to the average earnings.

    Overall, Iluka offers the charm of a regional coastal lifestyle, but this comes with a price tag that might be steep for some. If you're thinking of living in Iluka, it's important to weigh the cost of housing against your income to ensure it fits within your budget.

    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 Iluka a good place to invest?

    Iluka presents a promising opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in the housing market. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a significant 10% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This upward trend in house prices suggests that Iluka is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers, which is a positive sign for investors looking for appreciation in property value.

    Moreover, the rental market in Iluka is also showing encouraging signs, especially for houses. With a remarkable 17.2% increase in rent for houses over the last year, the suburb offers the potential for solid rental income. This growth in rental prices reflects a high demand for rental properties, making it an appealing option for investors seeking steady cash flow. Although the change in unit values and rents has been relatively flat, the overall market dynamics for houses make Iluka a suburb worth considering for investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Iluka

There are 18 real estate agents in Iluka, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 79.2% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Iluka typically range from 1.88% to 3.25%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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