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Rutherford suburb profile

Rutherford is a growing suburb located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, approximately 5km west of Maitland. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Rutherford offers a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, making it a versatile community. The suburb features a range of amenities, including shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities, catering to the needs of its diverse population. With its proximity to the Hunter Valley wine region and easy access to major transport routes, Rutherford is an attractive option for those seeking a balance between suburban living and regional charm.

Rutherford property market performance

Current median dwelling price$578,000Past 3 months

Property growth+11.0%Past 12 months

Rutherford's property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 7.0%. The current median house price stands at $730,000. Although unit sales are minimal, with only 2 units sold, their values have risen by 4.2% over the same period.

Sales activity for houses has been robust, with 74 houses sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking a median of 42 days on the market, indicating a steady demand. Units, despite fewer sales, are moving faster with a median of 20 days on the market.

The rental market in Rutherford has seen moderate growth, with average rents for houses increasing by 4.7% to $600, and units by 4.8% to $440 over the last 12 months, reflecting a balanced demand across both property types.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$750KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.2%14.8%
Sold
Past 3 months
492
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4419
Average rent
Past 12 months
$600$430
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.4%2.4%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Rutherford demographics

Rutherford, located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban comfort and regional charm. With a population of 13,091 and a median age of 35, Rutherford is home to a diverse community that includes young families, professionals, and long-term residents. The suburb's proximity to Maitland and the broader Hunter Valley makes it an attractive location for those seeking a balance between work and leisure, with easy access to both urban amenities and the scenic beauty of the region.

The housing landscape in Rutherford is varied, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (25.5%) or with a mortgage (38.5%), indicating a stable community with a mix of established homeowners and new buyers. The rental market, comprising 36% of properties, caters to those seeking flexibility, including young families and professionals. The suburb's family-friendly environment is reflected in the household composition, with 39.9% of families being couples with children and 36.4% being couples without children, while one-parent families make up 22% of the community.

Rutherford's median household income of $1,475 per week suggests a community that enjoys a comfortable standard of living, supported by local employment opportunities in retail, education, and healthcare. The suburb's amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centers, contribute to its appeal as a family-oriented community. With its welcoming atmosphere and strategic location, Rutherford continues to attract residents who value a balanced lifestyle in a supportive and connected community.

Rutherford infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Rutherford continues to benefit from recent retail and commercial upgrades, with expanded shopping centres and local amenities enhancing convenience and contributing to ongoing residential demand. Families have access to established local schools, including Rutherford Public School, St. Paul's Primary School, and Rutherford Technology High School, which supports the suburb’s appeal to home buyers in search of quality education options.

Although no new transport infrastructure projects or major council-planned redevelopments have been announced recently, Rutherford’s location on the New England Highway and proximity to Maitland ensures strong connectivity. This stable infrastructure, combined with access to parks and the Hunter Valley wine region, underpins the suburb’s ongoing popularity and may help support future property values and livability. At present, there are no significant new developments expected to materially impact the property market in Rutherford.

Rutherford rental market trends

The rental market in Rutherford has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.7% over the past year to $600 per week, while unit rents have risen by 4.8% to $440 per week. This steady growth reflects a balanced demand in the area, making Rutherford an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking stable returns in a suburban setting.

Suburbs near Rutherford

Some popular suburbs near Rutherford include:

How does Rutherford compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Rutherford’s median house price is 9.2% lower than Gillieston Heights’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Rutherford have grown 0.8% higher than in Gillieston Heights.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Rutherford have grown 14.8% higher than in Thornton.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Rutherford are selling 30.2% faster than in Gillieston Heights.

Common questions about Rutherford

  • Is Rutherford a nice place to live?

    Rutherford is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of suburban comfort and regional allure, making it a wonderful place to call home. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Rutherford is particularly appealing to families, thanks to its abundance of amenities and community-focused vibe. The suburb is well-equipped with shopping centres, schools, and recreational facilities, ensuring that residents have everything they need within easy reach. Its proximity to the picturesque Hunter Valley wine region adds a touch of scenic beauty and leisure opportunities, perfect for weekend getaways or leisurely afternoons.

    Safety and community are at the heart of Rutherford, providing a supportive environment for families and individuals alike. The suburb's strategic location on the New England Highway offers excellent connectivity, making commuting to nearby Maitland or further afield convenient. While Rutherford may not boast the bustling nightlife of a city centre, it compensates with a peaceful, family-friendly environment that many find appealing. The trade-off of a quieter lifestyle is balanced by the suburb's strong sense of community and the availability of green spaces for outdoor activities.

    For families, Rutherford offers a stable and nurturing environment, with access to quality education options and a variety of housing choices that cater to both established homeowners and new buyers. Although there are no major new developments on the horizon, the suburb's ongoing retail and commercial upgrades continue to enhance its livability. Overall, Rutherford is a fantastic choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with the convenience of urban amenities and the charm of regional living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Rutherford?

    Living in Rutherford can be considered relatively affordable compared to other parts of New South Wales. The median house price is currently $730,000, which is more budget-friendly than many suburbs closer to Sydney. However, it's important to note that there are no units available, which may limit options for those looking for smaller or more affordable living spaces.

    When it comes to renting, the average rent for houses is $600 per week, while units are slightly cheaper at $440 per week. This makes renting in Rutherford a viable option for many, especially when considering the median total household income in the area is $1,475 per week. The average wage in Rutherford is around $74,000 per year, which aligns closely with the state average, suggesting that the cost of living is manageable for those earning an average income.

    Overall, Rutherford offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to many other suburbs in New South Wales. If you're thinking of living in Rutherford, you'll find that housing costs are reasonable, and the area provides a good balance between affordability and quality of life.

    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 Rutherford a good place to invest?

    Rutherford is showing promising signs as a solid investment suburb, with recent data indicating healthy growth in both property values and rental returns. Over the past year, the median house value in Rutherford has increased by 7.0%, while units have seen a 4.2% rise. This steady appreciation suggests a stable demand for properties in the area, making it an attractive option for investors looking for consistent growth.

    In addition to property value growth, rental returns in Rutherford have also been on the rise. House rents have increased by 4.7%, and unit rents have gone up by 4.8% over the last 12 months. This upward trend in rental income is a positive indicator for investors seeking reliable cash flow from their property investments. The combination of rising property values and rental returns highlights Rutherford's potential as a balanced investment opportunity.

    Overall, Rutherford offers a compelling mix of growth and stability, making it a good choice for investors. Its consistent increase in property values and rental income, coupled with its appeal to both buyers and renters, positions Rutherford as a suburb with solid investment potential. While it may not be the fastest-growing market, its steady performance makes it a reliable option for those looking to invest in real estate.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Rutherford

Currently, there are 78 real estate agents working in Rutherford—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 78 agents sold 34.7% of all properties in Rutherford 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 Rutherford typically charge a commission of 2.38% 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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