What are other Readers interested in?

Search

Illawarra Autumn Market Report: Where Prices Are Rising Fastest

Joel Hynes
May 2
8 min read

Ah, autumn—the season of crunchy leaves, hot chocolate, and skyrocketing house prices. While most people are cozying up in sweaters and enjoying slower mornings, the Illawarra property market is doing the opposite. It's heating up faster than a heater on a chilly evening in Kiama.

This season's market report isn't just for real estate nerds and investment moguls—it's for anyone who wants to know where the money's moving, which suburbs are turning heads, and why bidding wars are the new Saturday sport. Whether you're a wide-eyed first-home buyer, a seller with dreams of a big payday, or just nosy about your neighbour's property value, this autumn roundup is your jam.

So, where are prices rising fastest? Who's buying? And more importantly, should you jump in now or wait until winter hibernation? Let's rake through the data, throw in some local sass, and make sense of the seasonal surge sweeping through the Illawarra.

The Illawarra Market at a Glance

Autumn Trends vs. Summer Slowdowns

Summer might've been sluggish in parts of the country, but the market went from beach towels to buyer brawls in the blink of an eye in the Illawarra. Autumn has historically been a solid season for real estate in this region—people are back from holidays, the kids are settled in school, and agents are pushing listings like limited-edition Tim Tams.

Compared to summer, autumn is all about action. Auction volumes have risen, private sales are ticking over nicely, and buyer inspections? It's packed tighter than a Bunnings car park on a Saturday.

Median house prices have jumped across several suburbs, and the average days on the market have shrunk. Buyers aren't just browsing—they're moving fast.

Demand Surges and Price Momentum

What's behind the momentum? It's a cocktail of classic Aussie FOMO, low stock levels, and still-decent interest rates. Add to that a fresh wave of Sydney migrants looking for lifestyle and affordability, and you've got a market revving harder than a Holden ute on a Sunday cruise.

From family homes in Figtree to beachside pads in Thirroul, demand is outstripping supply, and prices reflect it. Some areas have seen growth of up to 7% this season alone. Yes, in just a few leaf-falling months.

Overall Stats: Median Prices and Days on Market

Let's crunch a few numbers without making your eyes glaze over:

Illawarra-wide median house price (Autumn 2025): $965,000 (up 4.2% from summer)
Median unit price: $610,000 (up 3.7%)
Average days on the market: 24 (down from 37 in January)
Clearance rate: 78% (aka, bidding paddles are back in style)

These numbers aren't just impressive—they're a wake-up call. Think again if you thought the market was slowing down with the weather.

The Suburbs Heating Up (While the Weather Cools Down)

Top 5 Suburbs with Fastest-Growing Prices

Let's spotlight the front-runners. These Illawarra suburbs aren't just hot—they're sizzling:

Woonona – Median house price up 7.1% this quarter. Coastal charm, upgraded cafes, and an influx of Sydney-siders make this a prime postcode.
Dapto – Up 6.5%. Once the underdog, now the investor's darling. Affordable, family-friendly, and a stone's throw from everything.
Thirroul – 6.2% rise. Think Byron vibes without the Byron price. Strong demand for beachside properties fuels this wave.
Figtree – 5.9%. Proximity to the city, schools, and shops? Check. Families are flocking, and prices are soaring.
Warilla – 5.6%. Budget buyers and renters can't get enough, and the numbers prove it.

If you're house-hunting in these areas, expect competition. And bring snacks to those open homes—you might be queuing.

What's Driving Growth in Each Area

The drivers vary, but a few themes emerge: proximity to Wollongong, beachside lifestyle, good schools, and some suburbs just had nowhere to go but up.

Woonona and Thirroul benefit from coastal allure and cafe culture. Dapto and Figtree are winning on value and liveability. Warilla offers affordability with waterfront views—yes, it's possible.

Local Amenities and Lifestyle Appeal

We can't ignore the Illawarra lifestyle. Where else can you grab a coffee, surf at sunrise, and commute to Sydney (well, sort of) all in one day?

Suburbs with improved retail hubs, renovated schools, or fancy new parklands are gaining attention. Buyers want it all—and these rising stars are delivering.

Units, Houses, or Townhouses—What's Hot and Not?

Houses Still Leading the Charge

Houses remain king. With remote work still popular and families craving space, the good old detached house with a backyard (bonus points for a veggie patch) dominates.

Suburbs like Albion Park and Unanderra have seen renewed interest from buyers who are priced out of beachside spots. Yields remain strong, and the capital growth is nothing to sneeze at.

The Surprising Rise of Townhouses

Townhouses are the quiet achievers of autumn. With more developments in Corrimal, Shellharbour, and even Warrawong, buyers are lapping up the lower maintenance without sacrificing space.

They're also ideal for downsizers and young professionals—less lawn mowing and more latte sipping.

Units: The Dark Horse of 2025?

Yes, units! The wallflowers of 2023 have started getting some love. With affordability a growing issue, and yields rising, savvy investors are circling quality apartments—especially those near train lines, hospitals, and universities.

Some units in Wollongong Central have seen price bumps of 4%–5% this quarter. Don't overlook the vertical life—it might just surprise you.

Buyer Behaviour: What's Shaping the Surge?

FOMO Is Back—But Smarter

Remember the wild panic-buying of 2021? The FOMO is real this time—but a little more refined. Buyers are educated, pre-approved, and less likely to overpay (unless it's a Thirroul beach shack with a kombucha bar down the road).

That said, fear of missing out still drives urgency. With limited listings and rising prices, buyers make faster decisions—especially when the right property ticks all the lifestyle boxes.

Sydney-Siders Are Still Buying Illawarra Dreams

The great escape from Sydney continues. Illawarra remains a top pick for sea-changers and city-weary buyers chasing better value, more space, and a slower pace.

Remote workers love it, investors see potential, and young families can actually own a home here without selling a kidney. These trends keep local agents busy and push up prices in lifestyle-driven suburbs.

Investors vs. Owner-Occupiers—Who's Driving Prices?

It's a tug-of-war. Investors are back, lured by rising rents and low vacancy rates. But the owner-occupiers—especially first-home buyers and upsizers—still make the big moves.

Government incentives, local grants, and a rush to "get in before it's too late" are fuelling the fire. Investors may be sharper, but home buyers are emotionally invested and often willing to pay more.

Supply, Demand, and the Autumn Squeeze

Low Listings, High Competition

A word keeps popping up in conversations with Illawarra real estate agents this season: squeeze. It's not just your jeans after Easter weekend—it's the market. Low stock levels are pinching buyers and making sellers the belle of the autumn ball.

New listings are down by around 12% compared to last autumn. That's created a "musical chairs" scenario where too many buyers scramble for too few properties. And you know what happens when chairs run out—prices go up.

If you're a seller, congratulations. You're sitting on gold. If you're a buyer, bring your pre-approval, best offer, and maybe a persuasive letter to tug the vendor's heartstrings.

Auction Clearance Rates and What They Signal

The auction scene in Illawarra is more alive than ever. Auction clearance rates have hovered around a robust 78% this season, a sign of confident bidding and genuine demand.

Suburbs like Towradgi, Bulli, and Mangerton are seeing big turnouts, fast sales, and emotional bidding wars. And no, it's not just Sydney investors waving paddles—local buyers are just as competitive.

A high clearance rate typically indicates seller-friendly conditions and strong buyer confidence. In autumn 2025, that confidence is red hot.

Will New Builds Ease the Pressure?

In theory, yes. In reality, not quite yet.

While pockets of development exist in places like Calderwood, Tullimbar, and Albion Park, many homes are snapped up off the plan or by locals relocating within the region. And with construction timelines being what they are (read: delayed), relief for the current squeeze won't come overnight.

Still, if you're a long-term investor, buying land or new builds in growth corridors could be your golden ticket. Just don't expect them to cool the market this autumn.

Local Experts Weigh In

Agent Insights on the Best-Performing Pockets

We asked a few seasoned local agents where they see the most action this season. Their answers? A mix of the expected and the up-and-coming.

Thirroul is being called "the Byron Bay of Illawarra"—only with better parking.
Woonona is attracting buyers with its cafes, schools, and fast-growing prices.
Warilla and Berkeley are getting a second look from first-home buyers and budget-focused investors.

One standout quote: "People used to hesitate when I said 'Warrawong'. Now they ask me if there are any more houses left."

Another agent said, "Dapto's boom is far from over—it's just hitting a new stride."

What Buyers and Sellers Are Thinking

Buyers are feeling the heat but remain hopeful. Many have shifted expectations—trading beach views for bigger backyards or older homes for better locations.

Sellers, meanwhile, are seizing the moment. Autumn has become the new spring, with motivated vendors listing now to ride the demand wave before winter cools things down.

And yes, both groups are glued to realestate.com.au like it's the property version of Netflix.

Predictions for Winter and Beyond

So, will the fire continue burning into winter?

Experts say yes—but perhaps with a gentler flame. While prices may not surge simultaneously, demand will remain solid, especially in family-friendly and coastal suburbs. Interest rate stability is boosting buyer confidence, and unless stock levels magically spike, the squeeze will persist.

Savvy buyers will keep hunting, smart sellers will act fast, and savvy investors will look where no one else is looking.

Tips for Navigating the Autumn Market

Buyers—How to Stand Out in a Tight Market

First, buying right now takes grit, guts, and excellent timing. Here's how to give yourself an edge:

Get pre-approved: Vendors love certainty. Be ready to strike.
Move fast: If you like it, others will too. Don't dawdle.
Write a personal letter: It sounds cheesy, but it works. Sellers are human.
Know your limit: Autumn auctions are emotional—don't blow your budget on a bidding high.

And hey, if the perfect home isn't out there yet, look for the almost perfect one. Cosmetic fixes are easier than location regrets.

Sellers—Timing and Presentation Tips

Thinking of selling? Now's your time.

Stage your home: Autumn tones, clean lines, and fresh coffee aromas win hearts.
Fix what needs fixing: That leaky tap or squeaky door? Buyers will notice.
Pick the right agent: Local, experienced, and honest beats flashy and fast-talking.

Most importantly—price it right. The market is strong, but overpricing can kill momentum.

Investors—Where to Hunt for Yield and Growth

If you're an investor chasing the magic combo of rental yield and capital growth, consider the following:

Dapto: Affordable entry and great tenant demand.
Warilla: Quietly on the rise and close to major employment hubs.
Unit market in Wollongong Central: Yields improving, demand solid.

Do your research, talk to local property managers, and remember: the best deals often look "meh" at first glance.

Conclusion

The Illawarra market this autumn is like a perfectly brewed flat white—rich, energizing, and moving fast. While the leaves are falling, house prices are climbing, competition is fierce, and new hotspots are emerging faster than you can say "sea change."

Whether buying, selling, or investing, staying informed, acting decisively, and partnering with the right local experts are key. While autumn might be a changing season, Illawarra real estate is a season of opportunity.

Just don't wait too long. In this market, if you snooze… you'll lose.