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Warilla suburb profile

Warilla is a picturesque coastal suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 100km south of Sydney. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle, Warilla attracts families, retirees, and beach enthusiasts. The suburb offers a mix of residential options, from classic beachside homes to modern developments, catering to diverse preferences. Warilla Beach is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and fishing, while the nearby Lake Illawarra provides opportunities for boating and water sports. With local shops, schools, and parks, Warilla combines coastal charm with convenient amenities, making it a desirable place to live.

Warilla property market performance

Property growth+14.2%Past 12 months

Warilla’s property market has shown stability and strong growth in specific areas over the past 12 months. The median house price remains steady at $879,000, indicating no change in value. However, the unit market has seen significant growth, with a remarkable 33% increase though the median price remains unspecified. In the last 12 months, 26 houses and 6 units were sold, reflecting varying market activity.

House sales in Warilla are brisk, with properties spending a median of 20 days on the market, significantly quicker than the 41 days for units. This indicates stronger demand for houses compared to units.

In the rental market, average rent for houses has increased by 6.3% to $670, while units have seen a substantial increase of 17.4%, now averaging $540. This surge highlights growing demand for rental units in Warilla.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$879KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
-4.7%33.0%
Sold
Past 3 months
266
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2041
Average rent
Past 12 months
$670$540
Change in rent
Past 12 months
6.3%17.4%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Warilla demographics

Warilla, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a suburb known for its coastal charm and community-oriented lifestyle. With a population of 6,226, Warilla offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to the bustling city centers. The median age of 45 suggests a mature community, with a mix of families, retirees, and long-term residents who appreciate the suburb's tranquil environment and proximity to the beach.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being owned outright (36%), reflecting a stable community with many long-term homeowners. Additionally, 22.1% of properties are owned with a mortgage, indicating a presence of new buyers and families settling in the area. Renting is also a popular option, with 41.9% of properties being rented, catering to those seeking flexibility or temporary residence in this picturesque locale.

Family dynamics in Warilla are varied, with couple families with children making up 31.8% of the households, while couple families without children account for 37%. One-parent families are also a notable part of the community, comprising 29.4% of the households. This diversity in family structures contributes to a rich community fabric, where different lifestyles and needs are accommodated. Warilla's appeal lies in its blend of coastal living, community spirit, and accessibility, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Warilla infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Warilla benefits from its position within the growing Shellharbour local government area, with ongoing revitalisation of nearby commercial and retail precincts helping to lift local amenity and support buyer demand.[1][3] The suburb’s established beachside character, combined with proximity to larger employment and shopping hubs in Shellharbour and Wollongong, underpins its appeal for both owner-occupiers and investors, particularly those seeking relatively affordable coastal housing compared with neighbouring suburbs.[1][3]

Local schools, including Warilla Public School and nearby primary and secondary options, provide accessible education choices that are attractive to families considering the area.[5] There are no widely reported major new transport links or large-scale infrastructure projects specific to Warilla at this time, so property performance is likely to continue to be driven by its coastal lifestyle, walkability to the beach and lake, and broader regional growth in the Illawarra and Shellharbour corridors.[1][3]

Warilla rental market trends

The rental market in Warilla has experienced varied growth, with house rents increasing 6.3% over the past year to $670 per week, while unit rents have surged 17.4% to $540 per week. With rising demand and investment in local amenities, Warilla is becoming an attractive option for both tenants and investors looking for promising returns in a developing region.

Suburbs near Warilla

Some popular suburbs near Warilla include:

How does Warilla compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Warilla’s median house price is 5.0% lower than Lake Illawarra’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Warilla have grown 3.7% higher than in Barrack Point.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Warilla have grown 13.1% higher than in Lake Illawarra.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Warilla are selling 13.0% faster than in Lake Illawarra.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Warilla are selling 32.8% faster than in Windang.

Common questions about Warilla

  • Is Warilla a nice place to live?

    Warilla is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a charming and laid-back lifestyle, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of the ocean and a strong sense of community. This suburb is known for its stunning beaches, making it a haven for beach enthusiasts and those who enjoy outdoor activities. The vibe in Warilla is relaxed and welcoming, with a mix of families, retirees, and long-term residents who contribute to its friendly atmosphere. The suburb's proximity to both the beach and Lake Illawarra provides ample opportunities for water-based activities such as surfing, swimming, and boating, ensuring there's always something to do for those who love the outdoors.

    Families will find Warilla particularly appealing due to its community-oriented lifestyle and access to local schools, making it a great place to raise children. The suburb offers a variety of residential options, from classic beachside homes to modern developments, catering to diverse preferences and needs. While Warilla may not have the bustling nightlife of a city center, it compensates with its peaceful environment and the convenience of local shops, cafes, and parks, which are perfect for leisurely weekends and family outings.

    One trade-off of living in Warilla is the lack of major new transport links or large-scale infrastructure projects, which means residents may need to rely on existing amenities and the broader regional growth in the Illawarra and Shellharbour corridors. However, this also means that Warilla maintains its coastal charm and avoids the hustle and bustle of more urbanized areas. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a family-friendly location. Overall, Warilla offers a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for those seeking a serene coastal living experience with a strong community spirit.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Warilla?

    Living in Warilla can be a bit of a financial stretch, especially when you compare it to the average earnings across New South Wales. The median house price in Warilla is currently around $879,000, which is quite a significant sum. If you're considering renting, the average rent for houses is approximately $670 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at around $540 per week.

    When you look at the income side of things, the median total household income in Warilla is about $987 per week. This is noticeably lower than the NSW state average annual salary of $109,000. Given these figures, living in Warilla could mean that a large portion of your income goes towards housing costs, whether you're buying or renting.

    While Warilla offers a coastal lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of a capital city, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, might be challenging for those earning closer to the local median income. It's important to weigh these costs against the lifestyle benefits to see if Warilla 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 Warilla a good place to invest?

    Warilla presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly when it comes to units. Over the past year, the median unit value in Warilla has surged by an impressive 33%, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth in this segment. This is further supported by the significant 17.4% increase in unit rents, suggesting a robust rental market that could provide attractive returns for investors.

    While the median house value has remained stable with no change over the last 12 months, the rental market for houses has seen a healthy 6.3% increase. This stability in house prices, combined with rising rents, suggests that Warilla could offer a reliable investment option for those seeking steady rental income. The suburb's coastal location and community vibe make it appealing to both renters and potential buyers, adding to its investment allure.

    Overall, Warilla's strong unit market performance and steady rental growth make it a promising suburb for investors, particularly those interested in units. The combination of capital appreciation potential and rental income growth positions Warilla as a suburb worth considering for property investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Warilla

There are 49 real estate agents in Warilla, 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 33.9% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Warilla typically range from 1.63% to 2.63%. 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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