Merimbula suburb profile
Merimbula is a picturesque coastal town located on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. This charming destination is a popular spot for holidaymakers and retirees, offering a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, surfing, and bushwalking. Merimbula's town centre features a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors. The annual Merimbula Jazz Festival and the nearby national parks add to the area's appeal, making it a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.
Merimbula property market performance
Current median dwelling price$774,750Past 3 months
Property growth+4.0%Past 12 months
Merimbula’s property market has shown resilience, with a modest increase in house values by 1.3% and a more significant rise in unit values by 6.7% over the last 12 months. The current median house price sits at $925,000, while the median unit price is $624,500, reflecting ongoing demand in the area.
Sales activity over the past year has been slow, with 13 houses and 24 units sold. Properties are taking longer to sell, with houses having a median of 98 days on the market, and units taking even longer at 113 days, indicating a cautious buyer market.
In the rental sector, Merimbula has seen moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.5% and unit rents by 1.5%. The average rent for houses is $690, whereas units average $480, suggesting a steady rental demand.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $925K | $625K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 1.3% | 6.7% |
Sold Past 3 months | 13 | 24 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 98 | 113 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $690 | $480 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 4.5% | 1.5% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Merimbula demographics
Merimbula, a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and relaxed lifestyle. With a population of 3,821, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 54 indicates a mature community, with many residents likely enjoying retirement or a slower pace of life. This demographic is reflected in the high percentage of couple families without children, which stands at 57.8%, suggesting that Merimbula is a popular choice for empty nesters and retirees.
The town's housing market is characterized by a significant proportion of properties owned outright, accounting for 43.1% of the total. This high rate of outright ownership underscores the stability and long-term commitment of its residents to the area. Meanwhile, 23.5% of properties are owned with a mortgage, and 33.4% are rented, offering a balanced mix of housing options for both permanent residents and those seeking temporary stays.
Merimbula's natural beauty and tranquil environment make it an attractive destination for families, with 25.4% of couple families having children. The town's community is further enriched by the presence of one-parent families, which make up 15.2% of the population. With its combination of scenic landscapes, community spirit, and a slower pace of life, Merimbula is an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle by the sea.
Merimbula infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Merimbula is seeing ongoing investment in its role as a key tourism hub on the Sapphire Coast, with upgrades to hospitality, accommodation and waterfront public spaces supporting a steady visitor economy that underpins local jobs and property demand.[1][4][5] The town’s proximity to beaches, lakefront recreation and national parks continues to enhance its lifestyle appeal, particularly for sea-changers and retirees, which is likely to support long-term residential demand.[1][4] Merimbula Airport provides direct regional flight connections, an important infrastructure asset that improves accessibility for visitors and second-home buyers compared with more isolated coastal towns.[4]
Local amenities such as shops, cafes and services concentrated along the main street and around the lakefront contribute to strong walkability and convenience, factors that typically support both rental and owner-occupier demand.[1][4] Regular events, including the long-running Merimbula Jazz Festival, attract seasonal influxes of visitors and short-stay accommodation demand, which can positively influence returns for holiday lets and investment properties.[5] There are currently no widely reported major new transport corridors, school builds or large-scale rezoning initiatives, so near-term market shifts are more likely to be driven by tourism trends, lifestyle migration and incremental local redevelopment rather than transformative infrastructure projects.[1][4]
Merimbula rental market trends
The rental market in Merimbula shows moderate growth, with house rents increasing 4.5% over the past year to $690 per week, while unit rents slightly rose by 1.5% to $480 per week. As a scenic coastal town, Merimbula continues to attract renters and investors seeking a balanced market with a relaxed lifestyle.
Suburbs near Merimbula
Some popular suburbs near Merimbula include:
How does Merimbula compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Merimbula’s median house price is 2.9% higher than Tura Beach’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Merimbula have grown 4.6% higher than in Mirador.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Merimbula have grown 18.7% higher than in Tura Beach.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Merimbula are selling 6.7% faster than in Mirador.

