North Coast NSW Property Market: Latest Trends, Prices & Growth Insights

The North Coast NSW real estate market has undergone significant shifts due to COVID-19 and its aftermath. Here are some key trends:

COVID-19 Boom (2020-2022)

Mass Migration from Cities – Lockdowns and work-from-home flexibility led to an influx of buyers from Sydney and other major cities, driving prices up significantly.
Surging Demand for Lifestyle Properties – The desire for more space, coastal living, and a better work-life balance saw a spike in demand for homes in regional areas like Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, and Port Macquarie.
Limited Supply & Price Surges – High demand and low stock resulted in intense competition, leading to rapid price growth.

Post-COVID Adjustments (2023-Present)

Market Stabilization – As interest rates rose and pandemic-driven migration slowed, prices have plateaued or experienced slight corrections in some areas.
Rental Pressures – The influx of buyers during COVID led to a rental crisis, with vacancy rates remaining historically low and rental prices staying high. The boom in travel within Australia rather than overseas has also put significant pressure on the rental market as properties are being used more for short term rather than longer term rentals. In addition, property values have increased significantly in the area which has resulted in increases to rents that have driven out traditional lower income renters.
Return to Normal Migration Trends – While city-to-coast migration remains popular, it has normalized compared to the peak pandemic years. There has always been a strong move to the area by those wishing to escape the rat-race of the capital cities. They capitalise considerably on the money gained by selling in those capitals verses what it costs to relocate to the regional areas.
Interest Rate Sensitivity – Buyers are more cautious due to higher borrowing costs, leading to longer selling times and more negotiation power for buyers.

Ongoing Outlook

The North Coast remains a desirable location, particularly for retirees and remote workers. While the post-COVID market is more balanced, well-positioned properties in desirable areas continue to perform well. Buyers now have more choice and bargaining power than during the peak COVID boom.

These figures are averages (as at April 2025) and do not necessarily reflect all properties in any area. Overall the area is changing with new subdivision and revitalisation of locations happening constantly. There is still some very well priced properties available in most areas.

In some areas it proves pricing for units however there are very few units available (e.g Bellingen) therefore competition may make prices higher.

Need to know what the prices are in any particular area? I can research that for you, especially if you have found a few properties and want to know which is the best buy.

Use this link to download this table in google sheets format

Overall Trends:

Moderate to Significant Growth: Most locations have experienced growth in median house prices over the past year, with notable increases in Stuarts Point & Macksville (9%) and Woolgoolga, Greater Coffs Harbour, Bowraville & Dorrigo (10%), Kempsey (11%)
Declines Observed: Some areas, such as Urunga and Valla Beach, have seen slight decreases in median house prices, indicating localized market adjustments.
Data Limitations: Comprehensive data on unit prices and long-term trends are limited for several locations. For a more detailed analysis, consulting local real estate professionals or accessing specialized property market reports is recommended.

Please note that real estate markets are dynamic, and it’s advisable to consult up-to-date sources or professionals for the most current information.

House and Land Packages

The real estate markets in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie have been experiencing notable developments, particularly in the availability of house and land packages, alongside steady population growth.

Coffs Harbour: Several developers are offering house and land packages in and around Coffs Harbour. For instance, Stroud Homes provides packages in various housing estates, assisting buyers in finding suitable blocks to build their dream homes. Additionally, Sawtell Commons offers generously sized land for sale near Coffs Harbour, allowing buyers to design and build custom homes in a unique housing estate.
Port Macquarie: The Sanctuary is a notable development in Port Macquarie, with Stage 7 now selling lots ranging from 654sqm to 897sqm, priced from $415,000. Furthermore, Sovereign Hills continues to release premium land, offering residents proximity to shopping, schooling, and childcare facilities. Realestate.com.au also lists multiple house and land packages in Port Macquarie, with options varying in size and price to cater to diverse buyer needs.

Population Growth:

Coffs Harbour: The population has shown consistent growth over recent years. As of June 30, 2023, the estimated resident population was 80,489, marking a 0.96% increase from the previous year. Projections indicate that by 2025, the population is expected to reach approximately 83,988, with further growth to 106,575 by 2041.
Port Macquarie: The Port Macquarie-Hastings region is also experiencing significant population growth. Forecasts predict an increase of 28,664 people, from 86,638 in 2021 to 115,302 by 2046. Specifically, Port Macquarie’s population is projected to reach 51,750 by June 2025, based on an average annual growth rate of 1.59% since 2011.

The combination of new housing developments and steady population increases in both Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie reflects the regions’ growing appeal. These trends highlight the importance of strategic urban planning and infrastructure development to accommodate the expanding communities.