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Kelso suburb profile

Kelso is a picturesque suburb located in the Bathurst region of New South Wales, offering a serene lifestyle with a touch of rural charm. Situated on the eastern side of the Macquarie River, Kelso is known for its scenic landscapes and welcoming community. The suburb features a mix of modern housing developments and historic properties, reflecting its rich heritage. With its proximity to Bathurst, residents enjoy easy access to a range of amenities, including schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. Kelso's tranquil environment and community spirit make it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Kelso property market performance

Kelso's property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 6.1%, bringing the median house price to $800,000. The unit market remains inactive, with no sales or price changes reported. Over the past three months, 41 houses have been sold, indicating a healthy level of activity in the housing sector.

Houses in Kelso are spending a median of 44 days on the market, reflecting a moderate demand. The absence of unit sales suggests a lack of supply or demand in this segment. The rental market has seen notable changes, with house rents increasing by 8.9% to an average of $610, while unit rents have risen by 4.9% to $430, indicating a stronger demand for rental properties.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$849KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.7%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
53N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
47N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$620$440
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.8%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Kelso demographics

Kelso, located in the Bathurst region of New South Wales, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban comfort and rural charm. With a population of 10,039, it is a community that balances family life with the tranquility of the countryside. The median age of 36 suggests a mature community, with a significant portion of residents being families and working professionals who appreciate the suburb's peaceful environment and proximity to essential amenities.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 32.6% of properties owned outright and 39% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable community with many long-term residents. Renting is less common, with only 28.4% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those looking for a more permanent place to settle down. The median total household income of $1,737 per week reflects a comfortable standard of living for many families in the area.

Family life is a central aspect of Kelso, with 41.6% of families being couples with children, and 36.6% being couples without children. One-parent families make up 20.5% of the community, highlighting the suburb's inclusivity and support for diverse family structures. The presence of schools, parks, and community facilities makes Kelso an attractive option for families seeking a nurturing environment. Overall, Kelso offers a harmonious blend of community spirit, affordability, and a serene lifestyle, making it a desirable location for those looking to enjoy the best of both suburban and rural living.

Kelso infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Kelso is benefiting from ongoing growth in the wider Bathurst area, with continued subdivision of residential land and new housing estates adding to local supply and attracting families seeking more affordable options close to the regional centre.[3][6] The suburb’s proximity to Bathurst’s key employment, retail and education hubs, combined with established local schools and community facilities, supports steady demand from owner-occupiers and investors.[3][6]

Road connectivity via major routes into Bathurst and towards Sydney underpins Kelso’s appeal for commuters and service workers, and incremental upgrades to local roads and amenities are gradually improving accessibility and livability.[3] At this stage there are no widely publicised, large-scale transport or infrastructure projects specific to Kelso beyond the broader Bathurst Regional Council growth and infill strategies, so market impacts are more linked to gradual urban expansion than to any single catalytic development.[3][6]

Kelso rental market trends

The rental market in Kelso has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 8.9% over the past year to $610 per week, while unit rents have risen by 4.9% to $430 per week. This steady growth reflects Kelso's appeal as a residential area, offering a balance of affordability and accessibility for both renters and investors.

Suburbs near Kelso

Some popular suburbs near Kelso include:

How does Kelso compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Kelso’s median house price is 30.6% higher than Bathurst’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kelso have grown 2.1% higher than in Bathurst.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Kelso are selling 19.0% faster than in Bathurst.

Common questions about Kelso

  • Is Kelso a nice place to live?

    Kelso is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of suburban comfort and rural tranquility, making it a lovely place to call home. Nestled in the picturesque Bathurst region, Kelso is known for its scenic landscapes and welcoming atmosphere. The suburb's proximity to Bathurst ensures residents have easy access to a variety of amenities, including schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, which contribute to its livability. The community vibe is warm and inviting, with a mix of modern housing developments and historic properties that reflect its rich heritage.

    For families, Kelso is particularly appealing due to its nurturing environment and strong community spirit. The presence of parks and community facilities provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family gatherings. Safety is generally not a major concern, adding to the suburb's appeal for those with children. While Kelso offers a peaceful lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The suburb may not have the bustling nightlife or cultural attractions of larger cities, but it compensates with its serene environment and close-knit community.

    Kelso's location offers the best of both worlds, with the tranquility of the countryside and the convenience of nearby urban amenities. The ongoing growth in the Bathurst area continues to enhance the suburb's appeal, attracting families and individuals seeking more affordable living options close to the regional center. While there are no large-scale transport or infrastructure projects specific to Kelso, the gradual improvements in road connectivity and local amenities are steadily enhancing its livability. Overall, Kelso is a wonderful choice for those looking to enjoy a peaceful yet connected lifestyle in a supportive community setting.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Kelso?

    Living in Kelso can be considered relatively expensive, especially when you compare it to the average earnings in the area. The median house price in Kelso is currently $800,000, which is quite significant given the average wage in Kelso is around $42,000 per year. This means that purchasing a home in Kelso could be challenging for individuals relying solely on the average local income.

    For those looking to rent, the situation is a bit more manageable but still requires careful budgeting. The average rent for houses is $610 per week, while units are more affordable at $430 per week. With the median total household income sitting at $1,737 per week, renting could consume a substantial portion of a household's budget, particularly for single-income families.

    Overall, while Kelso offers a peaceful lifestyle with the charm of a suburban setting, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is high relative to the local average income. If you are thinking of living in Kelso, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing 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 Kelso a good place to invest?

    Kelso presents a promising opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in houses. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 6.1% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy appreciation in property prices. This growth suggests a strong demand for housing, which is further supported by an impressive 8.9% rise in house rents. Such a trend is appealing for investors seeking consistent rental income alongside capital growth.

    While the median unit values in Kelso have remained stable over the last year, the rental market for units has seen a 4.9% increase. This indicates a steady demand for rental properties, making units a viable option for those looking to invest in the rental market. The stability in unit prices could also present an opportunity for investors to enter the market at a relatively low cost, with the potential for future growth as demand increases.

    Overall, Kelso offers a balanced investment landscape with strong rental yields and capital growth potential, especially in the housing sector. Its steady market dynamics make it an attractive option for investors looking for both immediate rental returns and long-term property value appreciation.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Kelso

There are 30 real estate agents in Kelso, 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 51.2% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Kelso typically range from 2% 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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