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Woonona suburb profile

Woonona is a picturesque coastal suburb located in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, New South Wales. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle, Woonona offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience. The area is popular with families and retirees, thanks to its friendly community, excellent schools, and recreational facilities. Woonona's charming village atmosphere is complemented by a range of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. With easy access to public transport and proximity to Wollongong's city centre, Woonona provides a serene yet connected living environment, making it a desirable location for residents seeking a coastal lifestyle.

Woonona property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,089,550Past 3 months

Property growth+5.7%Past 12 months

Woonona’s property market has shown notable growth, with house values rising by 10.8% over the past 12 months, resulting in a current median house price of $1.47 million. Although the unit market has been more stable, recording a modest 0.6% increase, no median unit price is available, suggesting limited data or sales activity in this segment.

Over the past three months, 38 houses and 9 units were sold, with houses selling slightly faster at a median of 27 days on the market compared to units at 25 days. This indicates a brisk housing market with strong buyer interest.

In the rental sector, house rents have increased by 3.8% to an average of $820, while unit rents have surged by 9.6% to $570, reflecting robust demand, particularly in the unit rental market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.47MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
10.8%0.6%
Sold
Past 3 months
389
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2725
Average rent
Past 12 months
$820$570
Change in rent
Past 12 months
3.8%9.6%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Woonona demographics

Woonona, a charming suburb located in the northern part of Wollongong, offers a blend of coastal living and suburban tranquility. Known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly environment, Woonona attracts a diverse range of residents, from young families to retirees. The median age of 43 suggests a mature community, with many residents enjoying the suburb's relaxed pace and scenic surroundings.

The suburb's housing market reflects a strong sense of stability, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (38.1%) or with a mortgage (36.6%). This indicates a community with long-term residents who value home ownership. The rental market, comprising 25.3% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including young professionals and families looking to enjoy the coastal lifestyle without the commitment of buying.

Family life is a central aspect of Woonona, with couple families with children making up 46.6% of the population. This is complemented by a substantial number of couple families without children (36.3%) and one-parent families (16.2%), highlighting the suburb's appeal to a wide range of family structures. The community's strong family orientation is supported by local amenities, schools, and recreational facilities, making Woonona an attractive place for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Woonona infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Woonona continues to benefit from its established transport links, with Woonona train station on the South Coast Line and direct access to the Princes Highway supporting strong appeal for commuters to Wollongong and Sydney.[6][2] The suburb’s coastal setting near Woonona Beach, combined with multiple parks, playgrounds, bike tracks and sporting fields, underpins its desirability for families and lifestyle buyers.[2][5]

Local schooling remains a key drawcard, with well-regarded options including Woonona Public School, Woonona East Public School and Woonona High School helping to sustain demand from family households.[1][2] There are currently no widely publicised major new infrastructure or redevelopment projects specific to Woonona, so near-term property market dynamics are likely to be driven more by its existing amenity, beachside character and strong owner-occupier base than by large-scale planned changes.[1][2]

Woonona rental market trends

The rental market in Woonona has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing 3.8% over the past year to $820 per week, while unit rents have seen a larger rise of 9.6% to $570 per week. As a coastal suburb with appealing amenities, Woonona continues to attract renters and investors seeking a balanced lifestyle close to both natural attractions and urban convenience.

Suburbs near Woonona

Some popular suburbs near Woonona include:

  • Bulli: Known for its beautiful beaches and historic charm, Bulli is located directly north of Woonona.
  • Russell Vale: A quiet suburb with a strong community feel, Russell Vale is situated just southwest of Woonona.
  • Bellambi: Featuring a mix of residential and industrial areas, Bellambi lies to the south of Woonona.
  • Thirroul: Known for its vibrant arts scene and coastal lifestyle, Thirroul is located to the north of Woonona.
  • Corrimal: Offering a variety of shopping and recreational facilities, Corrimal is situated to the south of Woonona.

How does Woonona compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Woonona’s median house price is 4.3% higher than Bellambi’s.
  • Median unit prices: Woonona’s median unit price is 40.5% lower than Thirroul’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Woonona have grown 4.2% higher than in Bulli.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Woonona have grown 5.6% higher than in Corrimal.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Woonona are selling 22.9% faster than in Bulli.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Woonona are selling 39.0% faster than in Thirroul.

Common questions about Woonona

  • Is Woonona a nice place to live?

    Woonona is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of coastal charm and suburban tranquility, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, it boasts a serene environment with its beautiful beaches and lush green spaces, perfect for those who appreciate the outdoors. The suburb exudes a welcoming vibe, with a strong sense of community that is particularly appealing to families. The presence of excellent schools and recreational facilities further enhances its attractiveness for those with children.

    The suburb is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where residents can enjoy a variety of local amenities. From charming cafes and restaurants to convenient shopping options, Woonona provides everything needed for a comfortable lifestyle. Its proximity to Wollongong's city centre and easy access to public transport make it a convenient location for commuters, while still offering the peace of a coastal retreat. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly reputation.

    While Woonona offers a fantastic lifestyle, there are a few trade-offs to consider. The suburb's popularity and desirable location mean that property prices can be on the higher side, which might be a consideration for those looking to buy. Additionally, while it offers a peaceful environment, those seeking a bustling nightlife might find it lacking compared to inner-city areas. However, for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle with a strong community feel and access to natural beauty, Woonona is a truly charming place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Woonona?

    Living in Woonona, a suburb near Wollongong, can be considered quite pricey, especially when you look at the housing market. The median house price in Woonona is currently $1,467,500, which is substantial compared to the average property prices in the broader Wollongong area. With no available data on unit prices, it's clear that houses dominate the market here.

    When it comes to renting, the average weekly rent for houses is around $820, while units average at $570. These rental prices are significant, particularly when you consider the average wage in Woonona is about $84,000 per year. This income is fairly typical for the area but may not stretch as far when faced with the high property and rental costs.

    In comparison to the average household income in New South Wales, which is generally lower, Woonona's figures suggest a higher cost of living. If you're thinking of living in Woonona, it's essential to weigh these costs against the lifestyle and amenities the suburb offers. While it's a beautiful place with proximity to the beach and a relaxed atmosphere, the financial commitment required is something to consider carefully.

    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 Woonona a good place to invest?

    Woonona is shaping up to be an attractive investment option, especially for those interested in the real estate market. Over the past year, the suburb has seen a significant 10.8% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. While the change in median unit values has been more modest at 0.6%, the rental market for units tells a different story, with a notable 9.6% increase in rent. This suggests a growing demand for rental properties, making units an appealing choice for investors seeking rental income.

    Houses in Woonona have also experienced a 3.8% increase in rent, which, combined with the rise in house values, points to a robust market. The suburb's appeal is likely driven by its coastal location, offering a desirable lifestyle that attracts both renters and buyers. With its proximity to the beach and a community-focused atmosphere, Woonona is not just a place to live but a lifestyle choice, which adds to its investment appeal.

    Overall, Woonona presents a balanced investment opportunity with potential for both capital growth and rental income. Whether you're looking at houses or units, the suburb's recent performance and lifestyle offerings make it a compelling choice for investors.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Woonona

Choosing the right real estate agent in Woonona can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 57 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 45.1% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 1.63% to 2.63%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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