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

Kawungan is a mainly residential suburb of Hervey Bay, set inland from the bay and the Esplanade. Streets mix older weatherboard cottages and single-storey brick homes on roomy blocks with pockets of newer low-set housing, creating a quietly suburban, family-oriented character. It is home to 5,460 people and has a median age of 50.

Day-to-day needs are met by local shops, parks and sporting fields, while Hervey Bay’s larger retail and medical precincts are easily reached by road. Oleander Park has been upgraded with new playground equipment, a shaded sand-play area, a concrete riding track and a multi-use half court, and Kawungan State School’s administration building has been refurbished; local schools also received funding for tuckshop upgrades. That mix of roomy homes, nearby amenities and park improvements will suit families and retirees wanting easy coastal access without living on the waterfront.

On the figures for Kawungan, buying a house sits well above local incomes. A median house price of $845,000 is about 14.2 times a typical local household's annual income at the last Census. Renting a house at around $680 a week would take roughly 59.2% of that typical household's weekly income, which is a large share. If you're renting rather than buying, the rent share is the number that matters; if you plan to buy, the price multiple is the relevant measure. Whether those numbers feel expensive will depend on your own income and circumstances.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

House values climbed 18.9% in Kawungan over the past 12 months, a strong rise. House rents rose 4.6% over the same period, a modest increase.

For someone weighing Kawungan up as an investment, the figures show capital growth on houses outpaced rental growth this year, so the value change was the stronger movement while rental income grew more modestly. Whether that balance suits your goals and circumstances is for you to judge.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.