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Somerset suburb profile

Somerset is a picturesque coastal suburb located on the north-west coast of Tasmania, just a short drive from Burnie. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle, Somerset offers a peaceful retreat with a strong sense of community. The Cam River provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities, while the local shops and cafes cater to residents' everyday needs. Somerset's proximity to the Bass Highway ensures easy access to nearby towns and attractions, making it an ideal location for those seeking a blend of coastal charm and convenience. Its natural beauty and friendly atmosphere make Somerset a desirable place to live and visit.

Somerset property market performance

Somerset’s property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 8.5%, while unit values have remained stable with no change. Despite the lack of median price data, the market activity indicates a balanced demand for both property types.

Sales activity has been modest, with 6 houses and 6 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling slightly faster than units, with a median of 31 days on the market compared to 34 days for units, suggesting a steady interest in both sectors.

The rental market in Somerset has experienced significant growth, with house rents increasing by 12.5% and unit rents by 14.1% over the last 12 months, indicating a strong demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
8.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
66
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3134
Average rent
Past 12 months
$450$340
Change in rent
Past 12 months
12.5%14.1%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Somerset demographics

Somerset, located on the picturesque northwest coast of Tasmania, offers a serene lifestyle with its stunning coastal views and close-knit community. With a population of 4,067, Somerset is a charming suburb that appeals to those seeking a quieter pace of life. The median age of 48 indicates a mature population, with many residents enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. This makes Somerset an attractive destination for retirees and families looking for a peaceful environment.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a significant proportion of properties owned outright, accounting for 41.1% of the total. This suggests a stable community with long-term residents who have established roots in the area. Additionally, 30.7% of properties are owned with a mortgage, while 28.2% are rented, providing a balanced mix of ownership and rental opportunities. The median total household income of $1,100 per week reflects the suburb's affordability, making it accessible for a range of income levels.

Family dynamics in Somerset are diverse, with couple families without children making up 48.7% of the population, followed by couple families with children at 31.2%. One-parent families account for 19.2%, highlighting the suburb's inclusive nature. The community's composition fosters a supportive environment, ideal for raising families and enjoying a relaxed lifestyle. Somerset's appeal lies in its combination of natural beauty, affordability, and a welcoming community, making it a desirable place to call home.

Somerset infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Somerset benefits from its integration within the broader Burnie–Somerset urban area, giving residents access to employment, retail, education, and health services in nearby Burnie while retaining a quieter coastal township feel.[4][6] The suburb’s position along the Cam River estuary and Bass Strait, with beaches, riverfront areas, and local parks, remains a key lifestyle drawcard that underpins buyer demand and supports long-term desirability.[6]

There are currently no widely publicised major new infrastructure projects, transport upgrades, or large-scale redevelopments specific to Somerset that are expected to significantly alter the local property market in the short term. Existing road connections to Burnie and other north-west towns, along with established community facilities under the Waratah–Wynyard Council, continue to provide stable amenity and support steady, rather than transformative, growth in the area.[2][4]

Somerset rental market trends

The rental market in Somerset has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing 12.5% over the past year to $450 per week, while unit rents have surged 14.1% to $340 per week. This upward trend reflects strong demand and makes Somerset an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking opportunities in a vibrant Tasmanian suburb.

Suburbs near Somerset

Some popular suburbs near Somerset include:

How does Somerset compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Somerset’s median house price is 14.5% higher than Shorewell Park’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Shorewell Park have risen 22.7% more than in Somerset over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Somerset are selling 16.2% faster than in Shorewell Park.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Somerset are selling 2.9% faster than in Park Grove.

Common questions about Somerset

  • Is Somerset a nice place to live?

    Somerset is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and charming lifestyle, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Nestled on the picturesque northwest coast of Tasmania, Somerset is known for its stunning natural beauty and welcoming community. The suburb's tranquil vibe is complemented by its proximity to beautiful beaches and the scenic Cam River, making it an ideal location for families and individuals who appreciate outdoor activities and a relaxed pace of life.

    Families will find Somerset particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and the availability of local amenities. The suburb provides a range of options for shopping and dining, with local cafes and shops catering to everyday needs. While Somerset offers a quieter lifestyle, its proximity to Burnie ensures that residents have easy access to employment, education, and healthcare services, providing a balanced blend of convenience and tranquility.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Somerset, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly suburb. However, those considering a move should be aware that the area does not currently have any major infrastructure projects or transport upgrades planned, which means that while the suburb offers stability, it may not experience rapid growth or development in the near future. Despite this, Somerset's natural beauty, affordability, and close-knit community make it a wonderful place to call home for those who value a peaceful coastal lifestyle.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Somerset?

    Living in Somerset is relatively affordable, especially when compared to larger cities in Tasmania. With the current median house and unit prices not available, it's challenging to determine the exact cost of buying property. However, the rental market provides some insight into the cost of living. The average rent for houses is $450 per week, and for units, it's $340 per week, which is quite reasonable compared to other parts of Tasmania.

    The average wage in Somerset is around $67,000 per year. When you compare this to the average household income of $1,100 per week, it suggests that the cost of living, particularly in terms of rent, is manageable for those earning an average income. This makes Somerset a more affordable option for those looking to live in a peaceful, regional setting without the high costs associated with urban living.

    Overall, Somerset offers a balance of affordability and lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for individuals and families seeking a more budget-friendly place to live in Tasmania.

    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 Somerset a good place to invest?

    Somerset is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot, particularly for those interested in rental properties. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced an impressive 8.5% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy demand for housing. While unit values have remained stable, the rental market tells a different story. Rents for houses have jumped by 12.5%, and units have seen an even more significant increase of 14.1%. This suggests a strong rental demand, making it an attractive option for investors seeking rental income.

    The stability in unit values, combined with the substantial rise in rental prices, points to a growing interest in Somerset as a desirable place to live. This could be driven by factors such as lifestyle appeal, affordability compared to larger cities, or local employment opportunities. For investors, this means the potential for steady rental returns, especially in the unit market, which is often more affordable to enter. Overall, Somerset offers a balanced investment opportunity with the potential for both capital growth in houses and strong rental yields in units.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Somerset

There are 22 real estate agents in Somerset, 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 53.4% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Somerset typically range from 2.63% 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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