Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Wollongong?

The Question Every Buyer Is Asking

If you've been keeping an eye on property in Wollongong or anywhere along the Illawarra coastline, you've probably found yourself asking the same thing as everyone else:

"Is now a good time to buy?"

It's a fair question. Interest rates have stabilised, buyer confidence is returning, and yet listings remain tight — creating a Market that feels both promising and uncertain at the same time.

The truth is, there's no single answer that fits everyone.

Timing the Market perfectly is nearly impossible — but understanding what drives it can help you make a confident decision based on facts, not fear.

At The Shoreline Agency, we're on the ground in the Illawarra every day, helping buyers navigate these exact conditions — from first-home buyers to upgraders and investors. Here's what we're seeing right now across the Wollongong Market.

Wollongong Lighthouse At Sunrise

The Market Has Stabilised — and Opportunity Is Emerging

After a few years of rapid growth, followed by a cooling period, the Wollongong property Market has found its balance.

Current conditions (as of late 2025):

• Median house price: ~$1.1 million

• Median unit price: ~$700,000

• Average days on Market: 32–38 days

• Rental vacancy rate: below 1%, keeping investor demand high

While Sydney has seen more volatility, the Illawarra has remained comparatively stable, thanks to steady demand from Sydney relocators, local upgraders, and substantial employment in education, health, and defence sectors.

Why this matters for buyers

Stable conditions mean predictability — a crucial factor for buyers who need clarity. Prices are no longer swinging wildly month to month. Sellers are realistic again, and quality listings are attracting intense but sensible competition.

It's not a "buyers' Market," but it's not a frenzy either — it's what we call a balanced Market. And that's where smart buying happens.

Local insight: In suburbs like Figtree, Mount Pleasant, and Fairy Meadow, we're seeing consistent sales in line with long-term value growth — not inflated pandemic pricing.

Meanwhile, premium areas such as Thirroul and Austinmer are seeing renewed demand from professionals returning to hybrid work and prioritising lifestyle.

The opportunity window

The first half of 2025 saw listings tighten and buyer enquiries climb. As more stock enters the Market through late spring, buyers who are organised — with finance ready and clear criteria — will be best placed to move quickly.

Lifestyle is Still the Strongest Market Driver

For many buyers, the decision to purchase in Wollongong isn't just financial — it's lifestyle-driven.

The Illawarra's appeal continues to grow for families, professionals, and downsizers seeking space, community, and a connection to the coast. With Sydney prices remaining out of reach for many, Wollongong offers a compelling alternative:

Lifestyle value snapshot:

• 90 minutes to Sydney by train or car

• World-class beaches and surf breaks

• A thriving café and university culture

• Major hospital, innovation, and education hubs

• Strong sense of local identity and community

Local insight: In the northern suburbs, families are targeting Woonona and Bulli for the mix of beach access and strong schools. Closer to the CBD, professionals are eyeing Mangerton and Keiraville for their proximity to the University of Wollongong and the availability of work-from-home-friendly homes.

Remote and hybrid work continue to reshape the demand landscape.d

Buyers who might once have needed to stay within Sydney's boundaries can now live coastside while commuting only a few days a week.

This shift continues to underpin demand for quality homes across Wollongong's northern corridor — from Thirroul through to Figtree.

The coastal lifestyle advantage

Even as markets shift, the emotional allure of coastal living remains unchanged. Wollongong's ability to offer both affordability (relative to Sydney) and amenity keeps it resilient through Market cycles.

In short, lifestyle value is Wollongong's long-term safety net.

How to Approach the Market with Confidence

Whether it's a "good time to buy" often depends less on the Market and more on your readiness within it.

1. Focus on the long term, not short-term noise

Trying to "time" the bottom of the Market is risky. Instead, focus on securing a property that aligns with your goals and budget, in an area with strong fundamentals, such as good transportation, quality schools, and a vibrant community.

Even with small price fluctuations, the Illawarra's long-term growth trajectory remains solid, driven by population growth, infrastructure investment, and a limited land supply.

Example: Buyers who purchased in Bulli or Thirroul during the quieter months of 2022 have already seen stable or rising values by late 2025, as demand for coastal suburbs has rebounded.

2. Be ready — preparation equals confidence

In a Market where listings move quickly, being "offer-ready" is everything. That means:

• Finance pre-approval in place

• Building and pest inspector on standby

• Legal review processes set up early

This preparation can be the difference between securing the property and missing out by a day.

3. Look beyond the public Market

Up to 25% of Illawarra transactions are happening off-market — sold quietly through agent networks before being listed. These are often high-quality homes in premium locations, accessed through established relationships.

A buyer's agent gives you access to these hidden opportunities and helps you negotiate with objectivity — crucial in a Market where competition can cloud judgment.

4. Think local, buy local

Markets differ even within Wollongong. A buyer's advocate who lives and works in the Illawarra can provide valuable insights into micro-markets — for example, which streets flood after heavy rain, which areas are poised for rezoning, and where family demand is strongest.

That's knowledge no online search can match.

Wollongong's Market Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, the fundamentals remain strong:

• Population growth: The Illawarra is forecast to grow by more than 25,000 people by 2036.

• Infrastructure investment: Continued upgrades to the M1, Port Kembla expansion, and university precinct are driving local employment.

• Limited new land supply: Geography and planning constraints ensure long-term value protection for existing homes.

While affordability pressures remain real, Wollongong continues to offer one of the best lifestyle-to-value ratios on the NSW coast. For buyers who think long-term, it's a Market worth acting in — not waiting for.

Local insight: We're seeing renewed interest from buyers who sat out during 2023–2024, realising that waiting didn't lower prices — it only reduced options. As confidence returns, competition will rise again.

The Bottom Line: It's a Good Time — If You're Prepared

So, is now a good time to buy in Wollongong? For informed, prepared buyers — yes.

Prices are steady, lifestyle demand is strong, and the playing field is balanced. The buyers making confident moves today are the ones who've done their homework, know their numbers, and have expert guidance on their side.

Ready to Buy Smarter in the Illawarra?

If you're thinking about purchasing in Wollongong or anywhere along the Illawarra coastline, The Shoreline Agency can help you move strategically — not emotionally.

We'll guide you through:

• Market research and suburb shortlisting

• Off-market access and negotiation strategy

• A step-by-step plan to buy with clarity and confidence

📞 Book a free 15-minute strategy call with our team today and get tailored advice for your goals.

👉 Book your free strategy call →

See you on the Shoreline.