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Old Bar suburb profile

Old Bar is a charming coastal suburb located in New South Wales, known for its relaxed beachside lifestyle and natural beauty. Situated approximately 16km east of Taree, it offers a serene escape with its pristine beaches, popular for surfing, fishing, and family outings. The suburb features a friendly community atmosphere, with local shops, cafes, and essential services catering to residents and visitors. Old Bar's annual Beach Festival is a highlight, celebrating the area's vibrant culture and coastal heritage. Its blend of laid-back living and scenic surroundings makes Old Bar an appealing destination for those seeking a coastal retreat.

Old Bar property market performance

Current median dwelling price$661,750Past 3 months

Property growth+1.3%Past 12 months

Old Bar's property market has seen modest growth over the past 12 months. The median house price has increased by 2.6%, reaching $840,000, while the median unit price remains stable at $483,500. The demand in the area reflects a steady interest in both housing options.

In the last three months, 22 houses and 10 units have been sold. Houses take a median of 54 days to sell, compared to 63 days for units, indicating a more active interest in houses.

Rental prices have also shown noteworthy growth, with house rents rising 8.6% and unit rents going up by 5.5% over the last year, underscoring a healthy demand in the rental market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$840K$484K
Change in value
Past 12 months
2.6%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
2210
Median days on market
Past 12 months
5463
Average rent
Past 12 months
$630$480
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.6%5.5%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Old Bar demographics

Old Bar, a charming coastal suburb in New South Wales, is known for its relaxed lifestyle and scenic beauty. With a population of 5,126, it offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 50 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the tranquility and natural surroundings that Old Bar provides. This suburb is particularly appealing to retirees and families seeking a slower pace of life.

The housing landscape in Old Bar is characterized by a high rate of outright home ownership, with 46.9% of properties owned outright. This reflects a stable community with long-term residents who have settled into the area. Additionally, 25.8% of properties are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of established homeowners and newer entrants to the market. The rental market, comprising 27.3% of properties, offers options for those seeking flexibility or temporary residence in this picturesque locale.

Family dynamics in Old Bar are diverse, with couple families without children making up 49.4% of the family households, followed by couple families with children at 31.1%. One-parent families account for 18.4%, adding to the suburb's varied demographic profile. The median total household income of $1,170 per week reflects the area's affordability, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a coastal lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger urban centers.

Old Bar infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Old Bar has no major redevelopment or transport projects currently standing out as market-moving, so its property appeal remains driven mainly by its coastal lifestyle, beach access and proximity to Taree. The town’s established surf beach, parkland and village feel continue to support demand from lifestyle buyers and retirees.

For families, local school and amenity access remains an important draw, while the suburb’s limited scale means any future council-led upgrades or infill development could have an outsized effect on buyer interest. At present, there are no significant new infrastructure changes that appear likely to shift prices materially in the short term.

Old Bar rental market trends

The rental market in Old Bar has shown steady growth, with house rents increasing 8.6% over the past year to $630 per week, and unit rents rising 5.5% to $480 per week. As a coastal suburb with appealing lifestyle amenities and growing demand, Old Bar offers promising opportunities for renters and investors alike.

Suburbs near Old Bar

Some popular suburbs near Old Bar include:

How does Old Bar compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Old Bar’s median house price is 33.1% higher than Cundletown’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Old Bar have grown 5.5% higher than in Wallabi Point.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Old Bar are selling 66.9% faster than in Red Head.

Common questions about Old Bar

  • Is Old Bar a nice place to live?

    Old Bar is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and peaceful lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live. With its charming beachside atmosphere, it provides a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The suburb is known for its friendly and welcoming community, which is ideal for families looking to settle in a supportive environment. The local amenities, including shops, cafes, and essential services, ensure that residents have everything they need within easy reach. The proximity to pristine beaches makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy surfing, fishing, and family outings.

    While Old Bar offers a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The slower pace of life may not suit those who thrive on the hustle and bustle of city living. Additionally, the suburb's limited scale means that any future development or infrastructure changes could significantly impact the area. However, for families, the access to local schools and the strong sense of community are significant advantages. Safety is generally not a concern, as the suburb maintains a peaceful and secure environment.

    Old Bar's vibrant culture is celebrated through events like the annual Beach Festival, which highlights the area's coastal heritage and fosters a strong community spirit. While the suburb may not offer the nightlife or extensive entertainment options of larger urban centers, it compensates with its natural beauty and the opportunity for a more relaxed lifestyle. For those seeking a coastal retreat with a strong community feel, Old Bar is an appealing choice that balances affordability with the charm of beachside living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Old Bar?

    Living in Old Bar can be a bit of a stretch for the budget, especially when you consider the current property market. The median house price in Old Bar is around $840,000, which is quite significant compared to the New South Wales state average full-time earnings of about $108,000 per year. Units are slightly more affordable, with a median price of $483,500, but still represent a considerable investment.

    Renting in Old Bar also comes with its own set of expenses. The average rent for houses is approximately $630 per week, while units are a bit more budget-friendly at $480 per week. When you compare these rental prices to the median total household income in Old Bar, which is $1,170 per week, it becomes clear that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated to housing costs.

    Overall, while Old Bar offers the charm of a regional town and the allure of coastal living, the cost of housing is relatively high compared to the average earnings. If you're thinking of living in Old Bar, it's important to carefully consider your financial situation and how it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this picturesque yet pricey 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 Old Bar a good place to invest?

    Old Bar presents a promising opportunity for real estate investment, particularly for those interested in rental income. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a modest increase in median house values by 2.6%, while unit values have remained stable. This stability in property values suggests a balanced market, which can be appealing for investors seeking to minimize risk.

    What makes Old Bar particularly attractive is the significant rise in rental returns. House rents have increased by 8.6%, and unit rents by 5.5% over the last 12 months. This indicates a strong demand for rental properties, likely driven by the suburb's appeal as a coastal community with a relaxed lifestyle. Such rental growth can provide investors with a reliable income stream, making it an appealing choice for those looking to invest in properties that offer steady cash flow.

    Overall, while Old Bar may not be experiencing rapid capital growth, its stable property values combined with rising rental yields make it a solid investment option. The suburb's coastal charm and increasing rental demand suggest that it could be a great place for investors to consider, especially if they are focused on generating consistent rental income.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Old Bar

Currently, there are 20 real estate agents working in Old Bar—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 20 agents sold 80.2% of all properties in Old Bar 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 Old Bar typically charge a commission of 2.63% 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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