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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.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$925K$625K
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.3%6.7%
Sold
Past 3 months
1324
Median days on market
Past 12 months
98113
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

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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.

Common questions about Merimbula

  • Is Merimbula a nice place to live?

    Merimbula is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and picturesque lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to call home. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Merimbula boasts a relaxed and peaceful vibe that attracts families, retirees, and those seeking a slower pace of life. The suburb's proximity to beautiful beaches and lush national parks provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, ensuring that residents can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. The charming town centre is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering convenience and a touch of local culture.

    Families will find Merimbula to be a welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging. The suburb's tranquil environment and family-friendly amenities make it an ideal place for raising children. While Merimbula is a fantastic place to live, it does come with some trade-offs. The slower pace and mature demographic may not appeal to those seeking a bustling urban lifestyle. Additionally, while the town offers essential services and amenities, residents may need to travel to larger nearby towns for more extensive shopping or entertainment options.

    Safety is generally not a concern in Merimbula, with its friendly community and laid-back atmosphere contributing to a secure living environment. The suburb's appeal is further enhanced by its cultural events, such as the Merimbula Jazz Festival, which add vibrancy and a sense of community spirit. For those who appreciate a peaceful coastal lifestyle with access to natural beauty and a welcoming community, Merimbula is a truly charming place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Merimbula?

    Living in Merimbula can be considered moderately expensive, especially when compared to the average household income in the area. The median house price is currently $925,000, which is quite high relative to the median total household income of $1,146 per week. This suggests that purchasing a home in Merimbula would require a significant financial commitment, potentially stretching the budgets of many residents.

    For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is $690 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $480 per week. These rental prices are substantial, particularly when weighed against the average annual wage in Merimbula of $66,000. This wage is somewhat below the average income in larger cities like Sydney, indicating that a larger portion of income would need to be allocated towards housing costs in Merimbula.

    Overall, while Merimbula offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle with its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, may be on the higher side for those earning the local average wage. It's important to carefully evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with living in 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 Merimbula a good place to invest?

    Merimbula presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in units. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in Merimbula has increased by 6.7%, indicating a strong demand in this segment. This growth outpaces the modest 1.3% rise in median house values, suggesting that units are currently the more dynamic investment option in the suburb.

    Rental yields in Merimbula also offer promising prospects. While house rents have increased by 4.5%, unit rents have seen a smaller rise of 1.5%. This suggests that while units are appreciating in value, there is still room for rental growth, which could enhance returns over time. The steady increase in house rents also points to a stable rental market, making Merimbula a reliable choice for investors seeking consistent rental income.

    Overall, Merimbula's property market is characterized by a healthy balance of capital growth and rental yield, particularly in the unit sector. Its coastal charm and lifestyle appeal continue to attract both buyers and renters, ensuring ongoing demand. For investors looking to capitalize on these trends, Merimbula offers a compelling mix of growth potential and rental stability.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Merimbula

There are 24 real estate agents in Merimbula, 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 49.7% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Merimbula typically range from 2.5% to 3.25%. 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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