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South Grafton suburb profile

South Grafton is a charming suburb located on the southern bank of the Clarence River in New South Wales. Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, it offers a blend of heritage architecture and modern amenities. The suburb is part of the larger Grafton area, renowned for its annual Jacaranda Festival, which celebrates the vibrant purple blooms that adorn the streets. South Grafton provides a relaxed lifestyle with access to parks, schools, and local shops, making it an appealing choice for families and retirees. Its proximity to the river and natural surroundings enhances its appeal as a peaceful residential area.

South Grafton property market performance

South Grafton’s property market has shown positive growth in the last year, with a notable 8.9% increase in house values, bringing the median house price to $494,750. The unit market remains static with no change recorded. Over the past 12 months, 46 houses and just one unit were sold, highlighting the stronger demand for houses.

Houses are selling at a moderate pace, with a median market time of 38 days, while the unit market lacks sufficient activity for a comparison. The rental market indicates improved conditions as house rents have increased by 8.7% to an average of $500 per week, while unit rents edged up 1.4% to $360, reflecting steady demand in the rental sector.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$495KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
8.9%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
461
Median days on market
Past 12 months
38N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$500$360
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.7%1.4%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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South Grafton demographics

South Grafton, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, is a suburb known for its rich history and scenic beauty. With a population of 6,288, it offers a blend of rural charm and urban convenience. The median age of 40 suggests a mature community, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate the suburb's relaxed lifestyle and community spirit.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (35.7%), reflecting a stable and established community. Additionally, 26.8% of homes are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of long-term residents and newer homeowners. The rental market, comprising 37.4% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including young families and individuals.

Family dynamics in South Grafton are varied, with couple families without children making up 37.7% of the population, while couple families with children account for 29.1%. One-parent families represent a notable 31.0%, highlighting the suburb's inclusive and supportive environment. The median total household income of $975 per week reflects the area's affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

South Grafton infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

South Grafton continues to benefit from its established position as the main residential area south of the Clarence River, with heritage streetscapes and proximity to Grafton’s commercial centre supporting steady local demand.[1][6] The opening of the modern South Grafton Community Aged Care facility in 2025 has added a significant health and employment hub to the suburb, which is likely to underpin demand for nearby housing, particularly among downsizers and healthcare workers.[7]

Beyond this, there are currently no widely publicised major new transport, schooling or large-scale redevelopment projects specific to South Grafton that are expected to materially change the property market in the short term. Existing access to Grafton’s wider amenities, employment opportunities and riverfront recreation remains the primary driver of the suburb’s livability and property appeal.[1][6]

South Grafton rental market trends

The rental market in South Grafton has shown moderate growth, with house rents rising 8.7% over the past year to $500 per week, while unit rents have seen a slight increase of 1.4% to $360 per week. This steady rental environment, coupled with South Grafton's local amenities and community appeal, offers a stable choice for both tenants and investors.

Suburbs near South Grafton

Some popular suburbs near South Grafton include:

How does South Grafton compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: South Grafton’s median house price is 3.9% lower than Grafton’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in South Grafton have grown 4.7% higher than in Waterview Heights.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in South Grafton are selling 9.5% faster than in Grafton.

Common questions about South Grafton

  • Is South Grafton a nice place to live?

    South Grafton is a delightful suburb that offers a peaceful and welcoming environment, making it a lovely place to live. Nestled on the southern bank of the Clarence River, it boasts a serene atmosphere enriched by its scenic beauty and historical charm. The suburb is known for its strong sense of community, making it particularly appealing to families who value a supportive and friendly neighborhood. With access to local amenities such as parks, schools, and shops, South Grafton provides a convenient lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

    The suburb's vibe is characterized by a blend of rural charm and urban convenience, offering a relaxed lifestyle that attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees. While South Grafton may not have the nightlife or trendiness of more urban areas, it compensates with its rich cultural heritage and community events, such as the renowned Jacaranda Festival. This annual celebration brings the community together and highlights the suburb's vibrant spirit.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in South Grafton, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly area. However, one trade-off of living here is the limited public transport options, which might require residents to rely more on personal vehicles for commuting. Despite this, the suburb's proximity to Grafton's commercial center ensures that residents have access to broader amenities and employment opportunities. Overall, South Grafton offers a balanced lifestyle with a strong community feel, making it a charming place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in South Grafton?

    Living in South Grafton is relatively affordable compared to many other parts of New South Wales. The median house price is $494,750, which is significantly lower than the prices you'd find in larger cities like Sydney. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is about $500 per week, and for units, it's $360 per week, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking to save on housing costs.

    With an average annual wage of approximately $108,000 in South Grafton, residents generally earn more than the average full-time adult worker in New South Wales, who earns around $108,368 annually. This suggests that the cost of living, particularly housing, is quite manageable for those earning the average wage in the area. Overall, South Grafton offers a more affordable lifestyle, especially in terms of housing, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a balance between income and living expenses.

    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 South Grafton a good place to invest?

    South Grafton presents an interesting opportunity for property investors, particularly those looking for growth in house values. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a notable 8.9% increase in median house values, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth. This is complemented by an 8.7% rise in house rents, suggesting a healthy rental market that could provide steady income for investors.

    While the unit market in South Grafton has remained stable with no change in median values, the slight increase in unit rents by 1.4% shows there is still some demand in this segment. This stability might appeal to investors seeking a lower-risk entry point into the property market, with the potential for future growth as the suburb continues to develop.

    Overall, South Grafton offers a promising investment landscape, especially for those focusing on houses. The combination of rising house values and rents indicates a robust market, making it a suburb worth considering for investors aiming for both capital growth and rental income. As the area continues to evolve, it could become an even more attractive option for property investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in South Grafton

There are 24 real estate agents in South Grafton, 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 64.7% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in South Grafton typically range from 1.88% 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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