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Unanderra suburb profile

Unanderra is a suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 10km southwest of Wollongong's city centre. Known for its blend of residential, industrial, and commercial areas, Unanderra offers a diverse lifestyle with a strong community spirit. The suburb is surrounded by picturesque escarpments and provides easy access to natural attractions such as the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. Unanderra is well-served by public transport, including a train station, and offers a range of amenities such as schools, shopping centres, and recreational facilities. Its balance of urban convenience and natural beauty makes it an appealing choice for families and professionals.

Unanderra property market performance

Unanderra has experienced notable growth in the housing market over the past 12 months, with house values rising by 8.6%, bringing the current median house price to $985,000. The unit market remains limited, with no significant price change and just one unit selling in this period.

The housing sector has seen moderate sales, with 17 houses sold over the last 12 months, and houses moving quickly with a median of just 17 days on the market. The unit market shows little activity, as reflected by the negligible days on market data.

Rental changes have varied between property types. While house rents remain stable, the unit rental market has witnessed a significant 13.5% increase in average rent, indicating potential growing demand for units despite limited sales activity.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$985KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
8.6%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
171
Median days on market
Past 12 months
17N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$680$545
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/A13.5%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Unanderra demographics

Unanderra, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of nearby Wollongong. With a population of 5,476, Unanderra is characterized by a mature demographic, as reflected in its median age of 42. This suggests a community with a mix of established families and older residents who appreciate the suburb's peaceful environment and proximity to both the coast and the escarpment.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being owned outright (29.1%) or with a mortgage (26.5%), indicating a stable residential base. However, with 44.4% of properties being rented, there is also a notable presence of renters, which may include younger families and individuals seeking affordable living options within reach of Wollongong's employment and educational opportunities.

Family structures in Unanderra are varied, with couple families with children making up 35.7% of the population, while couple families without children account for 37.5%. One-parent families also form a significant part of the community at 24.6%, highlighting the suburb's appeal to a range of family types. The median total household income of $1,211 per week reflects the area's affordability, making it an attractive option for those looking to balance cost of living with quality of life. Unanderra's community-oriented atmosphere, combined with its strategic location, makes it a desirable place for those seeking a harmonious blend of suburban living and accessibility to urban conveniences.

Unanderra infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Unanderra’s appeal is strongly tied to its established industrial and employment base, with proximity to the Wollongong CBD and nearby industrial precincts supporting steady housing demand from local workers.[3][4] The suburb benefits from existing rail links on the South Coast Line and arterial road access toward Wollongong and Sydney, which underpin its attractiveness for commuters and are likely to remain a key driver of buyer interest.[3][4]

There are currently no widely reported major new infrastructure or school redevelopments specific to Unanderra that are expected to significantly shift the local property market in the near term. Instead, market conditions appear to be driven by incremental improvements within the wider Wollongong region, ongoing employment opportunities, and the suburb’s access to nearby amenities such as Nan Tien Temple and surrounding foothill green spaces, which together support its livability and long-term desirability.[4][5]

Unanderra rental market trends

In Unanderra, the rental market shows stability, with house rents remaining steady at $680 per week over the past year. Unit rents, however, have experienced a significant increase of 13.5%, now at $545 per week. This thriving unit rental segment points to a growing demand, making it a noteworthy consideration for investors targeting areas with pronounced rental growth.

Suburbs near Unanderra

Some popular suburbs near Unanderra include:

How does Unanderra compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Unanderra’s median house price is 13.2% higher than Berkeley’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Unanderra have grown 9.6% higher than in Mount Saint Thomas.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Unanderra are selling 45.2% faster than in Cordeaux Heights.

Common questions about Unanderra

  • Is Unanderra a nice place to live?

    Unanderra is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled in the picturesque Illawarra region, it boasts a strong community spirit and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to families and individuals alike. The suburb is known for its lush surroundings, with the Illawarra Escarpment providing a stunning backdrop and easy access to natural attractions. This makes it an ideal location for those who appreciate the beauty of nature while still enjoying the comforts of suburban living.

    Families will find Unanderra particularly appealing due to its range of amenities, including schools, shopping centres, and recreational facilities. The suburb's proximity to Wollongong ensures that residents have access to a wider array of services and entertainment options, while the local cafes and parks offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly vibe.

    While Unanderra offers a peaceful lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The suburb's industrial areas may not appeal to everyone, and those seeking a vibrant nightlife might find the options limited compared to more urban areas. However, the convenience of public transport, including a train station, makes commuting to Wollongong or even Sydney relatively easy, which is a significant advantage for professionals and students.

    Overall, Unanderra is a delightful suburb that balances the serenity of suburban life with the convenience of nearby urban amenities. Its community-oriented atmosphere and natural beauty make it a desirable place for families and individuals seeking a harmonious lifestyle. While it may not offer the hustle and bustle of a city centre, its peaceful environment and accessibility make it a lovely place to live.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Unanderra?

    Living in Unanderra, a suburb near Wollongong, can be considered on the pricier side, especially when looking at housing costs. The median house price stands at $985,000, which is significant compared to the average earnings in the area. With the median total household income at $1,211 per week, many residents might find that a large portion of their income would go towards housing expenses. This is quite a contrast when compared to the NSW average wage, which is approximately $100,000 annually or about $2,051 weekly.

    Renting in Unanderra also requires a fair bit of financial planning. The average rent for houses is around $680 per week, while units, although slightly more affordable, average $545 weekly. These rental prices suggest that even renting could stretch the budget for those earning closer to the median household income. If you are thinking of living in Unanderra, it's essential to weigh these costs against your income to ensure that it fits within your financial means. While the suburb offers the charm of being close to Wollongong, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is a crucial factor to consider.

    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 Unanderra a good place to invest?

    Unanderra presents an intriguing opportunity for real estate investors, particularly those interested in the rental market. Over the past 12 months, the suburb has experienced an impressive 8.6% increase in median house values, indicating a strong demand for housing in the area. This growth suggests that Unanderra is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers, which could lead to continued appreciation in property values.

    While the median unit value has remained stable, the rental market for units has seen a significant 13.5% increase. This surge in rental prices highlights a growing demand for rental properties, making units an appealing option for investors seeking strong rental returns. The stability in house rents suggests a steady demand for family homes, providing a reliable income stream for landlords.

    Overall, Unanderra offers a balanced mix of capital growth potential and rental income opportunities. The suburb's recent performance in both house value appreciation and unit rental growth makes it a promising choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with a combination of long-term value growth and immediate rental returns.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Unanderra

In Unanderra ,36 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 31.9% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 1.63% and 2.63%. 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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