Lake Cathie suburb profile
Lake Cathie is a picturesque coastal suburb located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, approximately 15km south of Port Macquarie. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the suburb features a tranquil lake, pristine beaches, and lush bushland, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Residents and visitors enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, and picnicking, while local amenities include shops, cafes, and schools. Lake Cathie's serene environment and coastal charm make it an appealing place to live or visit.
Lake Cathie property market performance
Lake Cathie’s property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 5.4%, bringing the median house price to $990,000. The unit market has remained stagnant, with no change in median value, reflecting limited activity in this sector.
Sales activity has been moderate, with 26 houses and 4 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking longer to sell, with a median of 67 days on the market, compared to 44 days for units, indicating a quicker turnover in the unit market despite fewer sales.
The rental market in Lake Cathie has seen slight changes, with house rents increasing by 2.9% over the last 12 months, while unit rents have remained unchanged. The average rent for houses is $700, and for units, it is $440, suggesting stable demand for rental properties.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $990K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 5.4% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 26 | 4 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 67 | 44 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $700 | $440 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 2.9% | -5.4% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Lake Cathie demographics
Lake Cathie, a picturesque coastal suburb in New South Wales, offers a serene lifestyle with its beautiful beaches and natural surroundings. With a population of 4,296, it is a tight-knit community that appeals to retirees and families seeking a peaceful environment. The median age of 52 indicates a mature population, with many residents enjoying the tranquility and slower pace of life that Lake Cathie provides.
The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rate of outright home ownership, with 54% of properties owned outright. This reflects the stability and long-term commitment of its residents to the area. Additionally, 28.3% of properties are owned with a mortgage, while only 17.7% are rented, highlighting the suburb's appeal to those looking for permanent residence rather than transient living arrangements.
Family dynamics in Lake Cathie are diverse, with 31.6% of families being couples with children and 54.4% being couples without children. The presence of one-parent families, making up 13% of the community, adds to the suburb's family-friendly atmosphere. The median total household income of $1,275 per week reflects the suburb's affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Lake Cathie infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Lake Cathie is seeing continued community growth driven by recent and ongoing residential developments, particularly in estates near Rainbow Beach, which are enhancing the area's appeal to families and retirees. New walkways and cycleways are being constructed, improving connectivity and access to lakeside parklands and recreational amenities, which supports a lifestyle-focused property market and increases the suburb's long-term desirability for home buyers.
Proximity to Port Macquarie brings residents close to comprehensive healthcare, shopping, dining, and job opportunities, while local schools and sporting facilities are steadily improving alongside these residential growth corridors. At this time, there are no major new commercial or transport infrastructure projects recently completed or announced that are expected to significantly alter the property market dynamic in Lake Cathie.
Lake Cathie rental market trends
The rental market in Lake Cathie has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing by 2.9% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $440 per week. This stability, combined with the suburb's coastal charm, makes Lake Cathie an attractive option for renters seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
Suburbs near Lake Cathie
Some popular suburbs near Lake Cathie include:
How does Lake Cathie compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Lake Cathie’s median house price is 8.2% higher than Port Macquarie’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Lake Cathie have grown 4.1% higher than in King Creek.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby King Creek are selling 4.5% faster than in Lake Cathie.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in Lake Cathie are selling 15.4% faster than in Forster.

