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Townsend suburb profile

Townsend is a tranquil suburb situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle with a close-knit community feel. Located near the Clarence River, it provides residents with picturesque natural surroundings and a relaxed pace of life. The suburb is in proximity to the larger town of Maclean, which offers additional amenities and services. Townsend is ideal for those seeking a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle, yet within reach of essential facilities and the scenic beauty of the Northern Rivers area.

Townsend property market performance

Townsend's property market has shown minimal change over the past 12 months, with median house values increasing slightly by 0.7% and no change in unit values. The suburb saw 7 houses sold, but no unit sales recorded, indicating limited activity in the unit sector.

Houses are taking a median of 48 days to sell, as there have been no units on the market recently. The rental market for houses has been more dynamic, with average rents rising by 15.3% over the past year, reaching $588 per week, while unit rents remain unchanged due to a lack of activity.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/AN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
0.7%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
7N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
48N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$588N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
15.3%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Townsend demographics

Townsend, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, is a small and tranquil suburb that offers a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. With a population of just 991, Townsend is characterized by its close-knit community and serene environment, making it an ideal place for families and retirees seeking a quieter pace of life. The median age of 42 suggests a mature population, with many residents enjoying the suburb's relaxed atmosphere and natural surroundings.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (41.5%), reflecting a stable community with long-term residents. Additionally, 30.5% of homes are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of established homeowners and newer families entering the area. Renting is less common, with 27.9% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those looking for more permanent living arrangements.

Family dynamics in Townsend are varied, with couple families with children making up 38.6% of the population, closely followed by couple families without children at 37.2%. One-parent families account for 21.1%, highlighting the suburb's family-friendly nature. The median total household income of $1044 per week reflects the area's affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life. Overall, Townsend offers a harmonious blend of community spirit, affordability, and natural beauty, making it a desirable location for those looking to settle in a peaceful and supportive environment.

Townsend infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Townsend sits within the growing Maclean urban area, with ongoing residential subdivision and new housing supply gradually expanding the suburb’s footprint and supporting buyer demand.[6][7] The suburb benefits from easy access to nearby services in Maclean, while local amenities such as Townsend Park and the small retail hub around the general store provide family-friendly open space and basic shopping that enhance day-to-day livability.[3][4] Incremental improvements to parks and community facilities by the local council, along with steady population growth across the wider 2463 postcode, are likely to underpin long-term demand for both owner-occupied and investment properties.[4][6]

There are currently no major new transport corridors, large-scale commercial precincts, or announced school redevelopments specific to Townsend that would significantly alter the property market in the short term.[6] Instead, the area’s appeal is being driven by its quiet residential character, proximity to employment and services in Maclean, and relatively affordable house prices compared with larger coastal centres, which together support stable interest from families and retirees.[6][7]

Townsend rental market trends

The rental market in Townsend has seen house rents increase 15.3% over the past year to $588 per week. With no change in unit rents, which remain non-existent, the suburb offers opportunities in housing, driven by a steady rise in demand. Townsend is positioning itself as a desirable locale for families and investors focusing on house properties.

Suburbs near Townsend

Some popular suburbs near Townsend include:

How does Townsend compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Townsend’s median house price is 6.3% higher than Maclean’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Townsend have grown 1.3% higher than in Gulmarrad.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Townsend are selling 36.0% faster than in Maclean.

Common questions about Townsend

  • Is Townsend a nice place to live?

    Townsend is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and charming lifestyle, perfect for those who appreciate a peaceful environment. Nestled in the Northern Rivers region, Townsend is known for its picturesque natural surroundings and a strong sense of community. The suburb's tranquil vibe is complemented by its proximity to the Clarence River, providing residents with beautiful landscapes and a relaxed pace of life. Families will find Townsend particularly appealing, as it offers a safe and supportive environment with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

    While Townsend provides a peaceful retreat, it also benefits from its proximity to the larger town of Maclean, where additional amenities and services are readily accessible. This makes it convenient for residents to enjoy the best of both worlds—serenity at home and easy access to essential facilities. The suburb's local amenities, such as Townsend Park and a small retail hub, offer family-friendly spaces and basic shopping options, enhancing the overall livability of the area.

    However, living in Townsend does come with some trade-offs. The suburb lacks major new transport corridors and large-scale commercial developments, which means that residents may need to travel to nearby towns for more extensive shopping or entertainment options. Despite this, the suburb's affordability and natural beauty continue to attract families and retirees seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life. Townsend's peaceful residential character and close-knit community make it a truly nice place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Townsend?

    Living in Townsend, a rural locality, offers a unique perspective on affordability compared to urban areas. With no current median house or unit prices available, it suggests that property transactions might be limited or not frequently updated, which is common in rural settings. However, if you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is around $588 per week.

    When you compare this with the median total household income in Townsend, which is $1,044 per week, it becomes evident that a significant portion of local income could be directed towards housing costs. This is particularly notable when contrasted with the NSW state average weekly wage of $1,500. The discrepancy between local income and state averages highlights a potential financial strain for residents, making Townsend relatively expensive for those earning below the state average.

    Overall, while Townsend may offer the charm and tranquility of rural living, the cost of renting relative to local earnings suggests that it could be a financial challenge for some. If you're thinking of living in Townsend, it's essential to consider how the local income levels align with housing costs to ensure it fits within your 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 Townsend a good place to invest?

    Townsend presents an interesting opportunity for investors, particularly those looking for rental income potential. While the change in median house and unit values over the last year has been modest, with houses seeing a slight increase of 0.7% and units remaining stable, the rental market tells a different story. The significant 15.3% increase in rent for houses suggests a strong demand for rental properties, which could be appealing for investors seeking steady rental returns.

    The stability in property values, combined with the notable rise in house rents, indicates that Townsend could be a reliable choice for those prioritizing rental yield over rapid capital growth. The lack of change in unit values and rents suggests that the demand for units may not be as strong, so houses might be the better investment option in this suburb. Overall, Townsend offers a balanced investment landscape with a focus on rental income, making it a potentially rewarding choice for investors looking to capitalize on the rental market.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Townsend

In Townsend ,16 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 64.5% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.88% and 3.25%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

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