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Kiama

NSW 2533LGA: Kiama Municipal

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Kiama is a picturesque coastal town in NSW's Illawarra region, renowned for its famous blowhole and heritage charm. Located 120km south of Sydney, it attracts families, retirees, and sea-change migrants seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle with excellent amenities. The town features beautiful beaches, quality schools including Kiama High School, and strong community events like the annual Jazz & Blues Festival. Property demand remains robust due to lifestyle appeal and limited supply, with heritage overlays protecting the town's character but constraining development. The market shows resilience with ocean-view properties commanding premium prices. Transport connectivity via the Illawarra railway line and Princes Highway provides good access to Sydney and Wollongong. The demographic profile skews toward older residents and families, creating a stable, family-friendly community with active local organizations and heritage tourism industry.

Strengths

  • •Prime coastal location with famous blowhole attraction
  • •Strong heritage character and tourism appeal
  • •Quality educational facilities and community amenities
  • •Excellent transport links to Sydney via rail and road

Opportunities

  • •Growing sea-change migration trend
  • •Tourism industry expansion potential
  • •Heritage tourism development
  • •Coastal protection infrastructure investment

Considerations

  • •Heritage and environmental development constraints
  • •Limited land supply for new housing
  • •Higher cost of living due to coastal premium
  • •Seasonal tourism fluctuations

A decision, not just a search · Kiama

Does a promising suburb make this the right property decision?

No. Suburb data can help you shortlist, but it cannot establish the value, condition or suitability of a particular property. Compare buying, retaining your current property and waiting against your household cash flow, finance conditions and intended holding period.

Questions that could change the answer

  • What would make this location unsuitable even if its median price rises?
  • Could you meet the costs if income falls, the property is vacant or repairs are needed?
  • Are you comparing a specific property with genuinely comparable sales—or only an area average?

Evidence to obtain—not yet verified here

  • Comparable property evidence with transaction dates and relevant differences.
  • Current loan terms, household commitments and a realistic cash-flow buffer.
  • Property inspections, contract advice and ownership/tax advice where relevant.

Other options: Shortlist another property, retain what you own, reduce the budget or delay. Growth expectations alone are not a reason to proceed.

Next action: Ask a Property Advisor to connect the property evidence with your priorities, and identify the finance, tax or legal professional required for unresolved questions.

When to revisit: Revisit if the price, lending terms, inspection findings or household circumstances change.

General decision guidance—not a property assessment, personal recommendation or verified client result. Dates on surrounding market content apply to that content, not to checks on your property.

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Property Market

Median House

$1.25M

+8.5% 1yr

Median Unit

$720K

+6.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$950K

Rent (House)

$780/wk

Rent (Unit)

$560/wk

Days on Market

42

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

72.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+8.5%+28.2%+45.8%
Unit+6.8%+24.5%+38.2%

Rental Yields

House Yield

3.2%

Unit Yield

4.1%

Townhouse Yield

3.6%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential75/100
Cashflow Score65/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)72/100
Affordability Index45/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.80

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Kiama at median house price

Stamp Duty Estimate
Standard transfer
$51,140
First Home Buyer
$51,140
Foreign buyer surcharge
$100,000

+8% surcharge

Negative Gearing Position

Wage offset available until 1 July 2027

An established purchase today falls under the 2026 reforms. From 1 July 2027, losses on established residential property can only offset residential rental income or residential capital gains — not your salary.

Annual rent income
$40,560

$780/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$65,000
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$31,250
Net rental position
-$55,690

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$21,719

Reduces taxable income until 1 July 2027

After-tax holding cost
$33,971/yr

~$653/week

Land Tax Exposure
Est. land value
$750,000

~60% of median price

Individual threshold
$1,075,000

Below threshold

Trust/company threshold
$25,000 (trust)

Annual: $11,700

CPA Note: Land tax applies to your total NSW land holdings, not individual properties. Portfolio holders should aggregate all investment land values.

CGT Projection

Based on 9.2% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), CPI indexation + 30% minimum rate, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$1.94M
Capital gain
$630,047
Assessable gain
$458,245
CGT payable
$178,716

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$3.00M
Capital gain
$1.70M
Assessable gain
$1.33M
CGT payable
$518,451

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$51,140

After-tax yield

1.95%

Weekly holding cost

$653/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$518,451

Estimates based on FY2025 NSW rates at median house price. Assumes 80% LVR, 6.5% interest rate, 39% marginal tax rate ($135K-$190K bracket). This calculator provides estimates for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results depend on assumptions that may not reflect your actual situation. Tax laws, interest rates, and market conditions change frequently. Always consult a qualified professional — such as a CPA, mortgage broker, or financial adviser — before making financial decisions. Local Knowledge Group of Companies provides integrated advisory through Local Knowledge (CPA), Local Knowledge Finance (Mortgage Brokerage), and Local Knowledge Property (Licensed Agency).

Demographics

Population

13,500

Median Age

47

Median Income

$78K

per annum

Family Households

68.0%

Professionals

42.0%

University Educated

35.0%

Unemployment

4.2%

Born Overseas

22.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 72%Units: 22%Townhouses: 6%Total: 5,800

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability75/100
Public Transport7/10
Schools Rating8/10
Safety9/10
Family Friendly9/10
Cafes & Restaurants

35

Parks

12

Hospitals

1

Distance to CBD

120.0 km

Nearest Station: Kiama Station

Coastal living with beaches, heritage attractions, community festivals, golf course, and excellent recreational facilities

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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 11 April 2026.

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