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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 a modest increase in house values over the past 12 months, with a 4.5% rise bringing the median house price to $880,000. The unit market remains inactive, with no sales or value changes reported. Over the past three months, 30 houses were sold, but the market is slow, with houses taking a median of 135 days to sell.

The rental market in Lake Cathie has seen some movement, with house rents increasing by 4.6% over the last 12 months, reaching an average of $680. Interestingly, unit rents have surged by 33.8%, despite no sales activity, averaging $535, indicating a potential demand for rental units in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$880KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
4.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
30N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
135N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$680$535
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.6%33.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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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 notable changes, with house rents increasing by 4.6% over the past year to $680 per week. Meanwhile, unit rents have surged by an impressive 33.8% to $535 per week. This growth highlights the suburb's rising appeal, driven by its coastal charm and increasing demand for rental properties.

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 5.4% higher than Port Macquarie’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Lake Cathie have grown 1.3% higher than in King Creek.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby King Creek are selling 40.0% faster than in Lake Cathie.

Common questions about Lake Cathie

  • Is Lake Cathie a nice place to live?

    Lake Cathie is a delightful place to call home, offering a serene and peaceful lifestyle amidst its stunning coastal beauty. The suburb is known for its charming atmosphere, where the tranquil lake and pristine beaches provide a picturesque backdrop for daily life. Families will find Lake Cathie particularly appealing, as it offers a safe and welcoming environment with a strong sense of community. The local amenities, including shops, cafes, and schools, cater well to the needs of residents, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

    The vibe in Lake Cathie is relaxed and laid-back, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate a slower pace of life. The suburb's natural surroundings encourage outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and picnicking, which are perfect for family outings. While the nightlife and entertainment options may not be as vibrant as in larger cities, the proximity to Port Macquarie ensures that residents have access to a wider range of shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities when needed.

    Safety is generally not a concern in Lake Cathie, contributing to its appeal for families and retirees alike. However, the trade-off for this peaceful lifestyle is the limited commercial and transport infrastructure within the suburb itself. Residents may need to travel to nearby Port Macquarie for more comprehensive services and job opportunities. Despite this, the ongoing residential developments and improvements in local amenities continue to enhance the suburb's desirability, making Lake Cathie a charming and attractive place to live for those seeking a harmonious blend of coastal living and community spirit.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Lake Cathie?

    Lake Cathie, a charming coastal suburb, offers a serene lifestyle but comes with a notable price tag. With the median house price at $880,000, buying property here is a significant investment. The rental market reflects this too, with average rents for houses at $680 per week and units at $535 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Lake Cathie are on the higher end, especially when compared to the average household income in the area.

    The average annual wage in Lake Cathie is $53,500, which translates to roughly $1,029 per week. This is slightly below the median total household income of $1,275 per week. Given these numbers, a substantial portion of income would be required to cover housing costs, making it a stretch for many residents. Compared to other areas in New South Wales, the cost of living in Lake Cathie could be considered expensive, particularly for those earning the average wage.

    While Lake Cathie offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle, the financial commitment required for housing is significant. If you are thinking of living in Lake Cathie, it's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the costs 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 Lake Cathie a good place to invest?

    Lake Cathie presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in rental properties. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a modest 4.5% increase in median house values, indicating steady growth in the housing market. While unit values have remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a significant surge, with rents increasing by a remarkable 33.8%. This suggests a growing demand for rental units, potentially driven by lifestyle seekers or those looking for more affordable living options near the coast.

    The rental market for houses has also shown positive movement, with a 4.6% increase in rents over the last year. This steady rise in rental returns makes Lake Cathie an appealing choice for investors seeking reliable income streams. The suburb’s coastal charm and relaxed lifestyle continue to attract both renters and buyers, contributing to its overall appeal.

    While Lake Cathie may not be experiencing explosive growth in property values, its strong rental market, particularly for units, offers a compelling case for investment. The combination of stable house value growth and significant rental demand positions Lake Cathie as a solid investment choice for those looking to capitalize on rental income potential in a picturesque coastal setting.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Lake Cathie

Choosing the right real estate agent in Lake Cathie can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 39 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 54.4% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 2.63% to 3.25%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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