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Maclean suburb profile

Maclean is a charming riverside town in New South Wales, known for its rich Scottish heritage and picturesque setting along the Clarence River. Often referred to as the "Scottish Town in Australia," Maclean celebrates its cultural roots with tartan-painted power poles and an annual Highland Gathering. The town offers a relaxed lifestyle with a strong community spirit, surrounded by lush countryside and scenic river views. Maclean's local amenities, including shops, cafes, and schools, cater to residents and visitors alike. Its unique blend of cultural charm and natural beauty makes Maclean a delightful destination for those seeking a peaceful yet vibrant community.

Maclean property market performance

Maclean’s property market has experienced a modest increase in house values, with a 3.1% rise over the past 12 months, setting the median house price at $715,000. Unit market activity has been negligible, as reflected by a 0% change in median unit values.

In the past 12 months, 19 houses have been sold, with properties spending a median of 75 days on the market. The unit market has seen minimal activity with only one unit sold and no clear data on median days on market within the last three months.

Rent for houses in Maclean has seen a moderate increase, with a 5.5% rise over the past 12 months, bringing the average rent to $580. The unit rental market remains inactive, with no significant changes in rent values.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$715KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
3.1%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
191
Median days on market
Past 12 months
75N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$580N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
5.5%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Maclean demographics

Maclean, a charming town in New South Wales, is nestled along the banks of the Clarence River. Known for its Scottish heritage, Maclean offers a unique blend of cultural history and natural beauty. With a population of 2,778, the town exudes a close-knit community feel, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The median age of 56 indicates a mature population, with many residents enjoying the town's relaxed pace and scenic surroundings.

The housing landscape in Maclean is characterized by a significant proportion of properties owned outright, accounting for 47.7% of the total. This reflects a stable community with long-term residents who have settled into the area. Meanwhile, 20.1% of properties are owned with a mortgage, and 32.2% are rented, offering a range of housing options for both established families and newcomers. The median total household income of $965 per week suggests a modest yet comfortable standard of living.

Family dynamics in Maclean are diverse, with couple families without children making up 51.9% of the family structure, followed by couple families with children at 25.6%. One-parent families represent 20.4%, highlighting the town's inclusive nature. Maclean's picturesque setting, combined with its rich cultural tapestry and welcoming community, makes it a desirable location for retirees and families alike, offering a peaceful retreat with a touch of Scottish charm.

Maclean infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Maclean continues to benefit from its strong riverfront setting, heritage appeal and access to everyday services, which supports steady demand from buyers seeking a quieter regional lifestyle. The town’s walkable centre and proximity to the Clarence River remain key lifestyle advantages that help underpin long-term desirability.

Local education options, including Maclean High School and nearby primary schools, add appeal for families and help support owner-occupier demand. Maclean Community Precinct also adds to the suburb’s public amenity, reinforcing its livability and civic identity. At present, there are no major new infrastructure projects or redevelopments in the available information that are likely to materially change the property market in the short term.

Maclean rental market trends

The rental market in Maclean shows moderate growth, with house rents increasing 5.5% over the past year to $580 per week. There is no change in unit rents, remaining at $0 per week. This suggests limited availability or demand for units, highlighting a more active market for houses in this scenic suburb known for its charm and lifestyle appeal.

Suburbs near Maclean

Some popular suburbs near Maclean include:

How does Maclean compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Maclean’s median house price is 10.6% lower than Gulmarrad’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Maclean have grown 2.4% higher than in Townsend.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Townsend are selling 36.0% faster than in Maclean.

Common questions about Maclean

  • Is Maclean a nice place to live?

    Maclean is a delightful place to call home, offering a peaceful and picturesque lifestyle along the banks of the Clarence River. This charming suburb is known for its rich cultural tapestry, particularly its Scottish heritage, which adds a unique character to the area. The community spirit is strong, making it a welcoming place for families and individuals seeking a close-knit environment. With its lush countryside and scenic river views, Maclean provides a serene backdrop for everyday life, perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty and a relaxed pace.

    The suburb boasts a range of local amenities, including shops, cafes, and schools, ensuring that residents have convenient access to everyday necessities. Families will find Maclean particularly appealing due to its educational options, such as Maclean High School and nearby primary schools, which cater to the needs of young learners. Safety is generally not a concern, and the suburb's walkable centre makes it easy for residents to enjoy the local offerings without the need for extensive travel.

    While Maclean offers a tranquil lifestyle, it may not suit those seeking the hustle and bustle of city living. The trade-off for its peaceful atmosphere is the lack of major new infrastructure projects or redevelopments, which means that the property market remains stable but without significant growth spurts. However, for those who value a serene environment with a touch of cultural charm, Maclean is an ideal choice. The suburb's unique blend of heritage appeal and natural beauty makes it a desirable location for families and retirees alike, offering a harmonious balance of livability and community spirit.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Maclean?

    Living in Maclean can be seen as moderately expensive, especially when compared to the average income levels in the area. The median house price in Maclean is currently $715,000, which is relatively high considering the average household income is $965 per week. This means that purchasing a home could take up a significant portion of a household's income, making it a substantial financial commitment.

    For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is $580 per week. This rent level is quite high when you compare it to the median household income, suggesting that a large part of the income would be allocated to housing costs alone. With no data available for unit prices or rents, it seems that options for more affordable housing may be limited.

    Overall, while Maclean offers a charming lifestyle with its scenic views and community feel, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, can be challenging for those earning the average income in the suburb. If you are thinking of living in Maclean, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this picturesque area.

    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 Maclean a good place to invest?

    Maclean presents a promising opportunity for property investors seeking steady growth and rental income. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a 3.1% increase in median house values, indicating a stable upward trend in property prices. While unit values have remained unchanged, the rental market for houses has seen a notable 5.5% increase, suggesting strong demand from tenants and a potential for reliable rental returns.

    The charm of Maclean lies in its picturesque setting and community vibe, which appeals to both families and retirees. This makes it an attractive option for long-term renters, contributing to the steady rental market. Although unit values and rents have not seen growth over the past year, the stability in house prices and rental demand suggests a resilient market that can withstand broader economic fluctuations.

    Overall, Maclean offers a balanced investment opportunity with its combination of modest capital growth and solid rental yields, particularly for houses. Investors looking for a stable and low-risk investment with the potential for gradual appreciation and consistent rental income will find Maclean to be a worthwhile consideration.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Maclean

Currently, there are 23 real estate agents working in Maclean—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 23 agents sold 61.2% of all properties in Maclean over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Maclean typically charge a commission of 1.88% to 3.25%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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