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Kiama Downs suburb profile

Kiama Downs is a picturesque coastal suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 115km south of Sydney. Known for its stunning beaches, including the popular Jones Beach, and the scenic Minnamurra River, it offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities. The suburb is characterized by its natural beauty, with lush green landscapes and dramatic coastal cliffs. Kiama Downs is a family-friendly area with a strong sense of community, offering local amenities, schools, and parks. Its proximity to the larger town of Kiama provides residents with additional shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, making it a desirable location for those seeking a coastal retreat.

Kiama Downs property market performance

Kiama Downs has maintained steady house values over the past 12 months, with no change observed, keeping the median house price at $1.31 million. The suburb recorded 15 house sales recently, while the unit market remained inactive with no sales recorded.

Houses in Kiama Downs are selling relatively quickly, with a median market time of 23 days. The unit sector, however, hasn't seen any movement over the past three months.

The rental market for houses has seen a modest increase, with average rents rising by 4.6% to $800 over the past year. The unit rental market saw no activity.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.31MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
-7.0%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
15N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
23N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$800N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.6%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Kiama Downs demographics

Kiama Downs, a picturesque suburb located on the New South Wales South Coast, is renowned for its stunning coastal views and relaxed lifestyle. With a population of 5,087, it offers a serene environment that appeals to families and retirees alike. The median age of 43 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. The suburb's proximity to the beach and local amenities makes it an attractive place for those seeking a balance between coastal living and convenience.

The housing landscape in Kiama Downs is characterized by a high rate of home ownership, with 47% of properties owned outright and 39.4% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable community with long-term residents who value the security and investment potential of their homes. The rental market is relatively small, with only 13.6% of properties being rented, reflecting the suburb's appeal to those looking for permanent residence rather than transient living arrangements.

Family life is a significant aspect of Kiama Downs, with 45.1% of households being couple families with children and 43% being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights the suburb's suitability for both growing families and those whose children have left home. The presence of one-parent families, making up 11.3% of the community, adds to the suburb's diverse family structure. Overall, Kiama Downs offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment, making it a desirable location for those seeking a coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community.

Kiama Downs infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Kiama Downs remains a quiet, coastal suburb with no major new infrastructure projects reported, which helps preserve its low-density character and appeal for families and retirees.[1][2] The suburb does not have its own school or railway station, so residents rely on nearby Kiama and Minnamurra for education and train services, a factor that can concentrate demand around convenient bus routes and road connections.[2][4] Existing cycleways and footpaths linking Kiama Downs to Bombo Beach, Minnamurra River and Jamberoo enhance walkability and outdoor lifestyle, underpinning strong interest from lifestyle-focused buyers.[1][4]

Local retail is limited to small shopping villages and community services, meaning larger retail, employment and entertainment needs are met in Kiama and other nearby centres, which can make Kiama Downs particularly attractive to buyers seeking a quieter residential base within driving distance of larger hubs.[2][4] Ongoing recognition of local beaches and riverfront areas for their cleanliness, safety and recreational value continues to support the suburb’s desirability and underpins property values despite the lack of major new developments.[1][4]

Kiama Downs rental market trends

The rental market in Kiama Downs shows modest growth, with house rents increasing 4.6% over the past year to $800 per week. There has been no change in unit rents, which remain unavailable. As a coastal suburb with natural appeal, Kiama Downs continues to attract attention, especially for those seeking rental opportunities in houses.

Suburbs near Kiama Downs

Some popular suburbs near Kiama Downs include:

How does Kiama Downs compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Kiama Downs’s median house price is 13.2% lower than Kiama’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Kiama Downs have grown 8.0% higher than in Kiama Heights.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Kiama Downs are selling 66.7% faster than in Kiama.

Common questions about Kiama Downs

  • Is Kiama Downs a nice place to live?

    Kiama Downs is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and charming environment, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled along the picturesque New South Wales South Coast, it is known for its breathtaking coastal views and relaxed atmosphere. The suburb exudes a peaceful vibe, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the tranquility of seaside living. Families will find Kiama Downs particularly appealing, as it provides a safe and nurturing environment with a strong sense of community. The suburb's proximity to stunning beaches and lush green landscapes offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

    While Kiama Downs is a fantastic place to call home, it does come with a few trade-offs. The suburb does not have its own school or railway station, so residents often rely on nearby Kiama and Minnamurra for education and train services. This can mean a bit of travel for daily commutes and schooling. However, the existing cycleways and footpaths enhance the suburb's walkability, allowing residents to enjoy the scenic surroundings while staying active. Local amenities are limited to small shopping villages, but the larger town of Kiama is just a short drive away, providing additional shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

    For families, Kiama Downs offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment, making it an ideal location for raising children. The suburb's strong community feel and safe surroundings contribute to a high quality of life. Although the local retail options are limited, the suburb's proximity to larger hubs ensures that residents have access to all necessary amenities without sacrificing the tranquility of a coastal retreat. Overall, Kiama Downs is a charming and desirable place to live for those seeking a quiet, coastal lifestyle with the convenience of nearby urban amenities.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Kiama Downs?

    Living in Kiama Downs can be quite a financial commitment, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price is currently around $1,310,000, which is significant compared to the state average wage in New South Wales of about $100,000 per year. With no current data on unit prices, it seems that houses are the primary option for homebuyers in this suburb.

    For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is approximately $800 per week. This figure suggests that a considerable portion of the average household income, which is $2,103 per week, would be allocated towards rent. This makes living in Kiama Downs a bit of a stretch for individuals or families relying solely on the state average income.

    Overall, while Kiama Downs offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you are thinking of living in Kiama Downs, it's important to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this picturesque 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 Kiama Downs a good place to invest?

    Kiama Downs presents a unique investment opportunity, especially for those looking for stable rental income. While the median house and unit values have remained unchanged over the past year, the suburb has seen a notable increase in rental demand for houses, with rents rising by 4.6%. This suggests a strong rental market, which can be appealing for investors seeking consistent rental returns.

    The suburb's coastal charm and relaxed lifestyle make it an attractive location for families and retirees, contributing to steady demand. Although property values have not increased recently, the lack of decline indicates resilience in the market. This stability, combined with the rising rental yields for houses, positions Kiama Downs as a reliable choice for investors prioritizing rental income over rapid capital growth.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Kiama Downs

There are 28 real estate agents in Kiama Downs, 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 55.7% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Kiama Downs typically range from 1.63% to 2.63%. 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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