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Wollongong suburb profile

Wollongong, located on the picturesque coastline of New South Wales, is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, lush escarpment, and dynamic cultural scene. As a major regional centre, it offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, attracting students, families, and professionals. The University of Wollongong is a key feature, contributing to the city's youthful energy and innovation. Wollongong's thriving arts community, diverse dining options, and outdoor recreational activities make it a desirable place to live and visit. Its proximity to Sydney, coupled with a relaxed coastal lifestyle, enhances its appeal as a dynamic and inviting destination.

Wollongong property market performance

Current median dwelling price$981,250Past 3 months

Property growth+6.8%Past 12 months

Wollongong’s property market has experienced positive growth over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 7.9%, bringing the median house price to approximately $1.2 million. Units have also seen a rise of 5.6%, with the median price reaching $768,000. This reflects a strong demand across both property types.

Sales activity has been robust, particularly in the unit market with 141 units sold compared to 22 houses over the past 12 months. Properties are selling relatively quickly, with median days on market at 45 for houses and 36 for units, indicating a competitive environment.

Wollongong's rental market has shown healthy growth over the past year, with house rents increasing by 4.3% and unit rents by 6.6%, highlighting rising demand for rental properties in the area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.20M$768K
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.9%5.6%
Sold
Past 3 months
22141
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4536
Average rent
Past 12 months
$750$650
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.3%6.6%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Wollongong demographics

Wollongong, a vibrant coastal city located south of Sydney, is renowned for its stunning beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and robust educational and employment opportunities. The presence of the University of Wollongong makes it a hub for students and young professionals, while families and retirees are drawn to its unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. With a median age of 35, Wollongong reflects a diverse community of working professionals, families, and long-term residents who appreciate its laid-back yet well-connected atmosphere.

The housing landscape in Wollongong is varied, with 56.6% of properties being rented, making it an attractive option for students, professionals, and those seeking flexible living arrangements. Meanwhile, 25% of households own their homes outright, and 18.4% are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of stability and new buyers entering the market. Family households are prominent, with couple families without children making up 58.4% and those with children accounting for 24.7%, showcasing the suburb's appeal to a wide range of residents.

Wollongong's workforce is diverse, with a significant presence of professionals, technicians, and trades workers, reflecting the city's dynamic job market. The combination of coastal charm, affordable living compared to Sydney, and a growing job market makes Wollongong an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and relaxed lifestyle. Its community-oriented environment, coupled with the natural beauty of its surroundings, ensures that Wollongong remains a sought-after place to live for many Australians.

Wollongong infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Wollongong continues to benefit from ongoing revitalisation of its city centre, with recent and planned mixed-use projects adding higher-density residential, retail and commercial space that support stronger demand for inner-city apartments and townhouses.[6] The university and health precincts remain major employment hubs, and incremental upgrades to public spaces, cycleways and waterfront amenities are enhancing walkability and overall lifestyle appeal, which typically underpins buyer interest across a range of price points.

Transport connections to Sydney and surrounding Illawarra suburbs remain a key drawcard, with continuing network and road improvements aimed at improving commute reliability and access to jobs.[6] No major new school openings have been announced, but existing education infrastructure, including proximity to the university, keeps the suburb attractive to students, staff and families, supporting both rental and owner-occupier demand. Overall, current changes are evolutionary rather than transformative, but they collectively reinforce Wollongong’s position as a growing regional city with generally positive implications for property values and long-term livability.

Wollongong rental market trends

The rental market in Wollongong has shown moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.3% to $750 per week, while unit rents have risen 6.6% to $650 per week. As the region continues to attract residents with its coastal lifestyle and improving infrastructure, Wollongong offers promising opportunities for steady rental returns.

Suburbs near Wollongong

Some popular suburbs near Wollongong include:

How does Wollongong compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Wollongong’s median house price is 16.9% lower than Keiraville’s.
  • Median unit prices: Wollongong’s median unit price is 8.1% lower than North Wollongong’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Wollongong have grown 6.0% higher than in Gwynneville.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby North Wollongong have risen 3.3% more than in Wollongong over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Gwynneville are selling 24.4% faster than in Wollongong.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby North Wollongong are selling 36.1% faster than in Wollongong.

Common questions about Wollongong

  • Is Wollongong a nice place to live?

    Wollongong is a delightful place to call home, offering a harmonious blend of coastal charm and urban convenience. This vibrant suburb is known for its relaxed atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for families seeking a balanced lifestyle. With its stunning natural surroundings, including beautiful beaches and lush greenery, Wollongong provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The suburb's welcoming vibe is complemented by a strong sense of community, making it a great place for families to settle down.

    Living in Wollongong means having access to a variety of amenities, from shopping centres and cafes to theatres and restaurants. The suburb's cultural scene is lively, with numerous events and activities that cater to diverse interests. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the overall peace of mind for residents. Families will appreciate the suburb's proximity to quality schools and educational facilities, ensuring that children have access to excellent learning opportunities.

    However, living in Wollongong does come with a few trade-offs. While the suburb offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to Sydney, the ongoing development and revitalisation projects can lead to increased density and a busier environment in certain areas. Additionally, while transport connections to Sydney are a key advantage, the commute can be time-consuming during peak hours. Despite these considerations, Wollongong remains a charming and desirable place to live, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and urban amenities that appeal to a wide range of residents.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Wollongong?

    Living in Wollongong can be quite expensive, especially when you consider the current property market. The median house price in Wollongong is around $1,195,000, which is quite high compared to other regional areas. Units are slightly more affordable, with a median price of $767,500. Renting in Wollongong isn't exactly cheap either, with houses averaging $750 per week and units about $650 per week. These figures suggest that housing costs in Wollongong are significant.

    When you compare this to the average full-time wage in Wollongong, which is approximately $95,000 per year, it becomes clear that a large portion of one's income would likely go towards housing expenses. The median total household income in Wollongong is $1,549 per week, which further highlights the financial commitment required to live comfortably in this suburb. While Wollongong offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle and a vibrant community, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you're considering making Wollongong your home, it's essential to evaluate your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with living in this picturesque suburb.

    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 Wollongong a good place to invest?

    Wollongong is showing promising signs as a solid investment suburb, with both house and unit values experiencing notable growth over the past year. The median house value has increased by 7.9%, while units have seen a 5.6% rise. This upward trend indicates a healthy demand for properties in the area, making it an attractive option for investors looking for capital growth.

    In addition to property value appreciation, rental yields in Wollongong are also on the rise. House rents have increased by 4.3%, and unit rents have grown by 6.6% over the last 12 months. This suggests a strong rental market, which is appealing for investors seeking consistent rental income. The combination of rising property values and rental returns makes Wollongong a compelling choice for those looking to invest in real estate.

    Overall, Wollongong offers a balanced investment opportunity with both capital growth and rental income potential. Its coastal location, coupled with ongoing development and infrastructure improvements, enhances its appeal to both renters and buyers. As a result, Wollongong stands out as a suburb with promising long-term investment prospects.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Wollongong

Currently, there are 143 real estate agents working in Wollongong—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 143 agents sold 21.9% of all properties in Wollongong over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Wollongong typically charge a commission of 1.63% to 2.63%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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