Illawarra Weekly Market Update WE 26 October 2025 — Buyers Hold Their Ground as Listings Tighten

Limited supply, modest auction results, and stable asking prices currently shape the Illawarra property Market. These factors create a unique landscape for potential buyers. As we enter the Spring season, those who are prepared to act swiftly will find themselves at a distinct advantage.

With the market experiencing tight inventory, opportunities may be scarce, making readiness and quick decision-making crucial. Buyers who understand this dynamic can capitalise on the seasonal surge and find desirable properties before competition increases. However, prospective buyers need to remain proactive and well-informed about the Market trends. By doing so, they can successfully navigate this evolving environment and secure a home that meets their needs.

Key Stats

Metric	Latest Figure	Context
Auction Clearance (NSW)	~58 % — Wollongong region proxy	Solid but not heated; moderate confidence
Median House Price (Wollongong)	≈ $1.30 million	Holding steady
Median Unit Price (Wollongong)	≈ $715,000	Slight softening week-on-week
Days on Market	≈ 39 (houses) / 40 (units)	Properties are still moving quickly
Stock Levels (Region-wide)	≈ 1,340 listings	Down ~14 % year-on-year
Asking Price Trend (Wollongong)	↑ +1.9 % MoM	Confidence holding for quality listings

Market Pulse

The Illawarra continues to defy broader housing slowdowns. In Wollongong, steady buyer interest and a lift in Spring listings have created a competitive but balanced environment. Shellharbour and Kiama show similar dynamics — fewer listings, longer decision cycles, but prices largely unmoved.

This equilibrium reflects an emerging "micro-market" split:

• Premium, well-presented coastal homes attract intense bidding and near-record medians.

• Older, poorly positioned stock is seeing selective discounting and longer timeframes.

Vendors are holding firm — evidence that they're not under distress. Buyers, meanwhile, are adjusting their strategy rather than waiting for price drops that haven't arrived.

What This Means for Buyers

Now more than ever, preparation equals power. With median prices steady and clearance rates consistent, waiting for bargains risks missing well-priced opportunities.

• Be ready early. Finance pre-approval and a clear brief remain non-negotiable.

• Know your suburbs. The northern escarpment pockets and inner Wollongong corridor are seeing above-average demand; Shellharbour's family-sized stock is tighter than ever.

• Move quickly. The average home still sells within six weeks of listing — a signal that buyers who hesitate lose ground.

• Negotiate smartly. Vendor discounting (~4–5%) exists only when a condition or location compromises value; premium homes are commanding full price or better.

4–6 Week Outlook

• Stock: Expected to rise modestly into November as late-season listings appear.

• Prices: Likely to remain flat to slightly higher for houses; units may soften marginally.

• Clearance rates: Should hover ~ 55–60 %, with stronger results in Sydney-commuter suburbs.

• Buyer sentiment: Improving, supported by stable lending rates and mild vendor expectations.

• The best window is between now and mid-December — before the summer slowdown — when conditions are most balanced for ready buyers.

Final Word

The Illawarra remains a fundamentally resilient coastal Market. Low turnover, lifestyle migration and limited land release continue to underpin prices. For buyers, success isn't about timing the Market — it's about timing your readiness.