Ettalong Beach NSW Property Investment

SUBURB INVESTMENT BRIEF — Ettalong Beach, NSW 2257 LGA: Generated: 2026-04-11 | Estait AI Analysis

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Overall Score: 73/100 — Buy

Ettalong Beach rates as "Buy" due to strong growth fundamentals, tight rental market (1.4% vacancy).

Ettalong Beach sits in a growth phase of the property cycle with an overall investment score of 73 out of 100. This assessment reflects the suburb's growth trajectory, rental market health, economic resilience, and infrastructure positioning within the NSW market.

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MARKET POSITION

Median house price: $1,300,000 Median unit price: $310,960 Median weekly rent: $628/week Days on market: 53 days (worsening)

Ettalong Beach sits within the mid-market segment in the NSW property landscape. Properties are spending an average of 53 days on market, pointing to softer demand conditions.

Comparable suburbs: - Wollongong (NSW): Median $1,300,000, yield 2.4%, 1yr growth 4.0% - Newcastle (NSW): Median $1,578,000, yield 2.8%, 1yr growth 19.1% - Marsden Park (NSW): Median $1,200,000, yield 3.5%, 1yr growth 5.8%

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RENTAL MARKET

Gross rental yield: 2.5% Net rental yield: 1.0% Vacancy rate: 1.4% (improving) Rental demand: Very High

The rental market in Ettalong Beach is characterised by very high demand with a vacancy rate of 1.4%, which is well below the national average of approximately 2.5%. Vacancy is trending improving, supporting landlord pricing power.

Short-term rental data indicates a median nightly rate of $195 with an estimated occupancy of 68%. This translates to an estimated annual STR revenue of $48,399 before expenses. This represents a 48% premium over estimated long-term rental income of $32,656/year, though STR comes with higher management costs and regulatory risk.

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GROWTH OUTLOOK

Population growth (5yr): 1.7% Price CAGR (5yr): 12.5% Capital growth (3yr forecast): 14.0% Supply pipeline: Low

Price growth outpacing new supply, limited development pipeline

Infrastructure & transport: - No major infrastructure projects identified. Transport: Well-connected inner-city location

If Ettalong Beach maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 1.0%, median prices could reach $1,495,000 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.

At current trajectory (1.7% growth, 1.4% vacancy, 2.5% yield), Ettalong Beach offers steady returns with moderate capital appreciation in line with broader market trends.

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RISK ASSESSMENT

Market cycle position: Growth Vacancy risk: Low

Key risks: - No significant risk factors identified for this suburb

Interest rate sensitivity (est. monthly repayment on median house price, 80% LVR): - At 7%: $6,919/month - At 8%: $7,631/month - At 9%: $8,368/month

A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Ettalong Beach pull back 10-15% from $1,300,000, with vacancy rising to 2.5% and rental yields softening as tenants gain leverage.

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LIVEABILITY

Affluence rating: Above Average Safety score: 6.9/10 Walkability: 60/100 Owner-occupied: 27%

Schools: - Ettalong Beach Public School (primary): Rating 7.0/10 - Ettalong Beach High School (secondary): Rating 7.0/10

Ettalong Beach offers a balanced lifestyle proposition with good safety ratings and moderate walkability. The 27% owner-occupier rate indicates a predominantly rental market.

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RECOMMENDATION — BUY

Ettalong Beach presents a compelling investment opportunity. The combination of solid fundamentals and very high rental demand supports entry at current price levels.

Conditions: Proceed with due diligence on specific properties. Target gross yields above 2.5% and prioritise properties with value-add potential. Consider timing entry around the current growth phase of the market cycle.

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KEY ACTION ITEMS

1. Shortlist properties in the $1,170,000 - 1,430,000 range for deeper analysis 2. Verify current vacancy and rental rates with local property managers 3. Assess STR regulatory environment with local council 4. Model cash flow at 7%+ interest rates before committing 5. Engage a buyer's agent with Ettalong Beach market expertise for off-market opportunities

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Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.