Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Karama

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Karama suburb profile

Karama is a residential suburb located in the northern part of Darwin, Northern Territory, approximately 14km from the city centre. Known for its diverse community and family-friendly atmosphere, Karama offers a range of amenities including schools, parks, and shopping centres. The suburb is characterized by its tropical climate and lush greenery, providing a relaxed and comfortable living environment. With convenient access to public transport and major roads, Karama is well-connected to the rest of Darwin. Its blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience makes it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Karama property market performance

Property growth+23.7%Past 12 months

Karama’s property market has experienced strong growth over the past 12 months. House values have surged by 21.4%, leading to a current median house price of $640,000. Although there is no current median unit price, unit values have increased by 26%, indicating significant interest in this segment.

In the past year, 19 houses and 7 units have been sold, while houses are taking longer to sell with a median of 72 days on the market. No data for median days on market for units indicates a potential lack of activity or available data in that sector.

The rental market has also been dynamic, with average rents for houses rising by 11.1% to $650, and units by 5.7% to $500, showcasing a growing demand for rental properties in Karama.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$674KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
24.7%22.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
228
Median days on market
Past 12 months
66N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$650$500
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.2%4.2%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Karama demographics

Karama, located in the Northern Territory, is a suburb known for its family-friendly environment and community-oriented lifestyle. With a population of 4,803, it offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities. The median age of 35 suggests a balanced mix of young families and established residents, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere.

The suburb is characterized by a significant proportion of couple families with children, accounting for 46.1% of the population. This highlights Karama's appeal to families seeking a supportive environment for raising children. Additionally, 26.6% of families are couples without children, and 25.3% are one-parent families, indicating a diverse family structure within the community.

In terms of housing, Karama presents a varied landscape. A substantial 41.7% of properties are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a strong presence of homeowners investing in the area. Meanwhile, 19.4% of properties are owned outright, and 38.9% are rented, offering a range of options for both long-term residents and those seeking rental opportunities. The median total household income of $1,783 per week supports a comfortable lifestyle, making Karama an attractive choice for families and individuals alike.

Karama infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Karama benefits from established local amenities, including a neighbourhood shopping centre anchored by major supermarkets, a tavern and everyday services, which supports convenience-focused buyers and helps sustain steady demand.[3][7] The suburb is well-positioned between key employment and retail hubs such as Darwin CBD, Palmerston and Casuarina, with relatively short drive times that enhance its appeal for commuters and families seeking centrality in the northern suburbs.[3]

Local schooling is a drawcard, with multiple primary and secondary options in and around Karama, alongside childcare services, making the area attractive for households with children.[3] A network of parks and reserves, plus easy access to larger recreational facilities like nearby water parks, underpins livability and supports long-term owner-occupier interest.[3] At present there are no widely publicised major new infrastructure or transport projects specific to Karama, so property performance is likely to continue being driven by its existing amenities, central location and incremental upgrades rather than large-scale redevelopment.

Karama rental market trends

The rental market in Karama has seen considerable growth, with house rents increasing 11.1% over the past year to $650 per week, while unit rents have risen 5.7% to $500 per week. With ongoing development and attractive amenities, Karama provides promising opportunities for both investors and tenants seeking affordable living options in a vibrant community.

Suburbs near Karama

Some popular suburbs near Karama include:

How does Karama compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Karama’s median house price is 7.2% higher than Malak’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Karama have grown 78.2% higher than in Marrara.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Karama have grown 7.7% higher than in Malak.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Karama are selling 4.3% faster than in Marrara.
  • Investment considerations: In Karama, the rental yield for house is 7.9% lower than the Darwin average, while the rental yield for units is 16.2% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Karama have grown 6.9% lower than the average rate of growth across Darwin.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Karama have grown 19.4% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Darwin.

Common questions about Karama

  • Is Karama a nice place to live?

    Karama is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. Known for its lush greenery and tropical climate, the suburb provides a relaxed and comfortable living environment. Families will find Karama particularly appealing, with its strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere. The suburb is well-equipped with essential amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centres, ensuring that residents have everything they need within easy reach.

    The vibe in Karama is one of warmth and inclusivity, with a diverse community that adds to its vibrant character. Safety is generally not a major concern, allowing families to enjoy the suburb's parks and recreational spaces with peace of mind. While Karama may not boast the nightlife of inner-city areas, it compensates with a serene lifestyle and a strong community spirit. The suburb's proximity to major roads and public transport ensures that residents are well-connected to the rest of Darwin, making commuting a breeze.

    For families, Karama offers a supportive environment with a variety of housing options to suit different needs, from those looking to buy a home to those seeking rental opportunities. The local schools and childcare services are a significant drawcard for households with children, providing quality education and care. However, it's worth noting that there are currently no major new infrastructure projects in the pipeline, so the suburb's appeal will continue to rely on its existing amenities and central location. Overall, Karama is a fantastic choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in a welcoming community.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Karama?

    Living in Karama can be considered moderately expensive, especially when compared to other suburbs in the Northern Territory. The current median house price is $640,000, which is relatively high, especially considering that the median unit price is not available, indicating a limited market for units. Renting a house in Karama costs about $650 per week, while renting a unit is slightly more affordable at $500 per week.

    The average annual wage in Karama is around $67,000, which is slightly below the national average. With a median total household income of $1,783 per week, many residents may find that a significant portion of their earnings goes towards housing costs. This can make it challenging for those on average incomes to comfortably afford living in Karama without careful financial planning.

    Overall, while Karama offers a suburban lifestyle with its own unique charm, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, may be a stretch for some. If you're thinking of living in Karama, it's important to weigh these expenses 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.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Karama a good place to invest?

    Karama is showing promising signs as a good place to invest, especially with the impressive growth in property values over the past year. The suburb has experienced a significant 21.4% increase in median house values and an even more remarkable 26.0% rise in unit values. This upward trend indicates a strong demand for properties in the area, which is a positive signal for potential investors looking for capital growth.

    In addition to the rising property values, Karama has also seen a healthy increase in rental prices. House rents have gone up by 11.1%, while unit rents have increased by 5.7% over the last 12 months. This suggests a robust rental market, making it an attractive option for investors seeking rental income. The combination of rising property values and rental returns positions Karama as a suburb with solid investment potential.

    Overall, Karama's recent performance in both property value and rental growth makes it an appealing choice for investors. The suburb's ability to deliver both capital appreciation and rental income growth suggests a balanced investment opportunity. While it's important to consider broader market trends and individual circumstances, Karama's current trajectory is certainly encouraging for those looking to invest in real estate.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in Karama

There are 48 real estate agents in Karama, 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 29.4% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Karama typically range from 2.25% 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.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.