Illawarra Market Update: Scarce Listings Fuel Resilience — Week Ending 16 November 2025

The Illawarra property Market remains steady, driven by limited listings and robust buyer confidence. Across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama, restricted stock and consistent demand are keeping prices firm as spring winds down. Buyer activity remains solid even as the year's end approaches, meaning the window to act before the summer slowdown is narrowing. For serious buyers, preparation and decisiveness are now key.

Key Stats – Week Ending 16 November 2025

Indicator	Latest Figure (Approx.)
Median Dwelling Value (Illawarra)	≈ $1,032,000
Median House Price	≈ $1,300,000
Median Unit Price	≈ $715,000
Listings for Sale (Wollongong–Kiama)	~1,340 (↓ 14% YoY)
Auction Clearance Rate (regional proxy)	~58–60%
Vendor Discounting (avg)	~3–4% off asking

Market Overview

Buyer energy has lifted noticeably throughout the Illawarra this spring. The region's fundamentals – lifestyle appeal, proximity to Sydney, and a chronic undersupply of homes – continue to drive resilience.

Low listing numbers, softer interest rates, and sustained regional migration are all combining to support demand.

October saw the most substantial value gains in 18 months. Dwelling values rose across the board, with houses and units both recording growth above 1% for the month.

Annual price growth has climbed to roughly 6%, with the Kiama–Shellharbour corridor leading the increase.

Listings remain tight. The total stock for sale across Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama has decreased by ~14% compared to a year ago.

New listings are emerging, but not at a rate fast enough to meet buyer demand. As a result, well-located, well-priced homes are moving quickly — many before auction — while overambitious listings linger.

Buyer urgency is translating into faster sales and stronger competition, especially for turnkey homes.

Continued low interest rates and a stable economic outlook are keeping sentiment positive as the year draws to a close.

Sub-Market Snapshots

Wollongong & Northern Suburbs: Family-friendly beachside areas, such as Thirroul, Woonona, Bulli, and Austinmer, remain in high demand.

Most quality homes are selling within 4–5 weeks — often earlier — and median prices range from the mid-$1.2 million to approximately $1.4 million, depending on location and size.

Shellharbour Region: Affordable family homes under $1.2M in Flinders, Barrack Heights and Shell Cove are highly competitive.

The Shell Cove Marina continues to draw lifestyle-focused buyers. Units in Warilla and Shellharbour City Centre offer value, especially for investors seeking yield.

Kiama & South Coast: Prestige buyers are active in Kiama and Gerringong, where prices remain strong despite low volumes.

Renovated homes and view apartments fetch $1.5M–$2M+. The micro-market remains resilient, supported by lifestyle demand and tight supply.

What This Means for Buyers

1️⃣ Stock Is Limited – Listings are down 14% YoY. Be decisive when a quality home fits your brief.

2️⃣ Quality Homes Move Quickly – Many sell after one open. Presentation and location are key.

3️⃣ Units Offer a Solid Entry Point – Median prices in the $700K range appeal to first-home buyers and downsizers.

4️⃣ Tight but Fair Negotiation – Vendor discounting is modest. Focus on realistic, data-backed offers.

5️⃣ Preparation Beats Luck – Have pre-approval, deposit and due diligence lined up. Speed matters.

6️⃣ Lifestyle & Infrastructure Drive Value – Projects like the M6, Port Kembla expansion, and upgraded rail links support long-term demand.

4–6 Week Outlook (Through Mid-December 2025)

• Listings: Remain tight, with a short window before the Christmas slowdown.

• Auction Activity: Expected to hold or tick up slightly as buyers aim to secure homes pre-holidays.

• Pricing: Moderate growth anticipated (+0.5–1% for houses; units stable to +0.3%).

• Days on Market: 28–35 days for houses, slightly more for units.

• Sentiment: Cautiously optimistic. Buyers and sellers are both motivated to transact before year-end.

How Buyer's Agents Add Value

A local buyer's agent, like The Shoreline Agency, can give you the edge with:

• 🔍 Early access to off-market and pre-listing stock

• 📊 Suburb-level data to uncover value and growth pockets

• 🤝 Skilled negotiation with agents to secure fair terms

• ⏱ Time-saving support from search to settlement

The Bottom Line

The IllawarrMarketet is closing 2025 with firm prices, low stock, and active buyers. For those ready to act, December offers an opportunity before the summer pause. Don't miss your moment.

📞 Book your complimentary 15-minute Buyer Strategy Session today for a clear, data-backed plan to secure the right property.

Sources

• View.com.au, "Illawarra property Market' gathering pace' after most substantial growth in 18 months", 2 November 2025

• Region Illawarra, "Did the five per cent deposit scheme spark the Illawarra's sudden surge?", 4 November 2025

• Domain.com.au, "Auction Results – Wollongong & Regional NSW, Week Ending 16 November 2025"

• PropertyUpdate.com.au, "Weekend Auction Report – NSW – Week Ending 15 November 2025"

• The Shoreline Agency, Illawarra Market Insights, shared via LinkedIn, 11–16 Nov 2025

• CoreLogic Monthly Market Update – Regional NSW Trends, Nov 2025