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South Kempsey suburb profile

South Kempsey is a suburb located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, offering a blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. Situated just south of the Kempsey town centre, it provides residents with easy access to local amenities while maintaining a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere. The area is known for its natural beauty, with proximity to the Macleay River and lush landscapes that appeal to nature enthusiasts. South Kempsey is a growing suburb that attracts families and individuals seeking a relaxed lifestyle with the benefits of nearby urban facilities.

South Kempsey property market performance

South Kempsey's property market has shown strong growth in house values, with a 13.2% increase over the past 12 months. The median house price now stands at $415,000. No units were sold or reported, reflecting a lack of unit market activity.

In the past 12 months, 11 houses have been sold, with houses spending an average of 57 days on the market, indicating consistent demand. The absence of unit sales highlights a limited unit market.

The rental market for houses in South Kempsey has seen a modest rise, with average rents increasing by 4.2% to $500. Again, the unit rental market remains inactive, consistent with the sales data.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
14.7%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
8N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
56N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$500N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.2%N/A

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South Kempsey demographics

South Kempsey, located in the picturesque Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, offers a serene lifestyle with a strong sense of community. With a population of 2,604, this suburb is characterized by its mature demographic, as indicated by the median age of 42. This suggests a blend of families, retirees, and long-term residents who appreciate the area's tranquil environment and natural beauty.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (36%), reflecting a stable community with deep roots in the area. Additionally, 29.5% of homes are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of established homeowners and newer residents investing in the suburb. The rental market, comprising 34.5% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including young families and individuals.

Family dynamics in South Kempsey are varied, with couple families with children making up 33.6% of the population, while couple families without children account for 37.2%. One-parent families represent 26.8%, highlighting the suburb's inclusive nature and support for diverse family structures. The median total household income of $1,074 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 Kempsey infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

South Kempsey benefits from its position as a key gateway to the broader Kempsey area, with the Pacific Highway running through the suburb and supporting local businesses, motels and service stations, which underpins local employment and buyer demand.[5] The presence of the town’s light industrial area and the Kempsey Golf Course adds to amenity and job opportunities close to housing, supporting both owner-occupier and investor interest in the area.[5]

Recent years have seen steady population growth and a relatively high share of parkland, which enhances livability and may support ongoing property demand as more residents seek affordability combined with green space.[4] There are currently no widely publicised major new transport, school or town-centre redevelopment projects specific to South Kempsey, so near-term property market shifts are more likely to be driven by broader regional trends and incremental local improvements rather than a single transformative infrastructure project.[2][4]

South Kempsey rental market trends

The rental market in South Kempsey has seen modest growth, with house rents rising 4.2% over the past year to $500 per week. Unit rents remain unchanged. The area provides opportunities for steady rental income, particularly in the housing market, despite the lack of movement in the unit segment.

Suburbs near South Kempsey

Some popular suburbs near South Kempsey include:

Common questions about South Kempsey

  • Is South Kempsey a nice place to live?

    South Kempsey is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of rural tranquility and suburban convenience. Nestled in the picturesque Mid North Coast region, it provides a serene lifestyle that appeals to families and individuals seeking a peaceful environment. The suburb is known for its strong sense of community, making it a welcoming place for families to settle down. With its proximity to the Macleay River and lush landscapes, South Kempsey is a haven for nature enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic beauty.

    Living in South Kempsey comes with the advantage of easy access to local amenities, including shops, cafes, and essential services, while still maintaining a relaxed, community-oriented vibe. The presence of the Kempsey Golf Course and local businesses adds to the suburb's appeal, offering recreational and employment opportunities close to home. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly atmosphere. However, it's worth noting that the suburb lacks major new transport or school redevelopment projects, which means that any significant changes in property market dynamics are likely to be gradual and influenced by broader regional trends.

    For families, South Kempsey offers a supportive environment with diverse housing options, making it an attractive choice for those looking to establish roots in a stable community. While the suburb may not have the bustling nightlife or extensive cultural scene of larger urban areas, it compensates with its natural beauty and the promise of a balanced lifestyle. The trade-off for this peaceful living is the need to travel to nearby urban centers for more extensive shopping and entertainment options. Overall, South Kempsey is a lovely place to live for those who value community, nature, and a slower pace of life.

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  • Is it expensive to live in South Kempsey?

    Living in South Kempsey might be more affordable compared to many other parts of New South Wales. With the median house price sitting at $415,000, it's significantly lower than the state average, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy property without breaking the bank. However, it's worth noting that there are no current figures for unit prices, which might limit options for those not interested in purchasing a house.

    For renters, the average cost of renting a house is around $500 per week. This is a considerable amount when compared to the median total household income in the area, which is $1,074 weekly. This suggests that a significant portion of income might go towards rent, especially for those earning around the local average wage of $56,000 per year. While the cost of living in South Kempsey might be manageable, it's important to consider how housing expenses fit into your overall budget.

    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 Kempsey a good place to invest?

    South Kempsey is showing promising signs for potential investors, particularly in the housing market. Over the last 12 months, the suburb has experienced a significant 13.2% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This upward trend suggests that South Kempsey is gaining traction among buyers, which could be attributed to its appealing lifestyle and affordability compared to more urban areas.

    While the unit market hasn't seen the same level of growth, with no change in median values or rent, houses in South Kempsey have also seen a 4.2% increase in rent over the past year. This suggests a steady demand for rental properties, making it an attractive option for investors seeking rental income. The suburb's potential for continued growth in house values, combined with a stable rental market, makes South Kempsey a worthwhile consideration for those looking to invest in real estate.

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