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Murwillumbah

NSW 2484LGA: Tweed Shire

Investment Score

76

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Murwillumbah is a vibrant regional town in NSW's Tweed Shire, positioned as the cultural and commercial heart of the Tweed Valley. With approximately 9,000 residents, this picturesque town combines natural beauty with artistic flair, situated at the base of Mount Warning and along the Tweed River. The community attracts a diverse mix of retirees, creative professionals, and tree-change seekers drawn by its proximity to both Gold Coast (30 minutes) and Byron Bay (45 minutes). The town boasts a strong arts scene with galleries, regular markets, and festivals, complemented by excellent natural amenities including World Heritage rainforests and river activities. Property values have grown significantly since 2020, with median house prices now around $800,000, driven by interstate migration and lifestyle appeal. The area offers good educational facilities including Murwillumbah High School, healthcare services via Murwillumbah District Hospital, and a thriving cafe culture emphasizing local produce. While public transport is limited, the town's strategic location on the Pacific Highway provides excellent road connectivity to major centers, making it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle without complete isolation from urban amenities.

Strengths

  • •Strategic location between Gold Coast and Byron Bay with excellent road connectivity
  • •Strong arts and cultural community with galleries, markets, and regular festivals
  • •Beautiful natural setting with Mount Warning, Tweed River, and World Heritage rainforests
  • •Growing property values driven by interstate migration and lifestyle appeal

Opportunities

  • •Continued growth from tree-change migration from Brisbane and Sydney
  • •Tourism development leveraging proximity to popular destinations
  • •Expansion of creative industries and arts-based businesses
  • •Infrastructure improvements including road and cycleway upgrades

Considerations

  • •Limited public transport options restricting mobility for non-drivers
  • •Aging population demographic may impact long-term economic dynamism
  • •Flood risk requiring ongoing mitigation works and insurance considerations
  • •Competitive rental market with low vacancy rates affecting affordability

A decision, not just a search · Murwillumbah

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

$800K

+3.2% 1yr

Median Unit

$500K

+2.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$650K

Rent (House)

$650/wk

Rent (Unit)

$490/wk

Days on Market

42

Vacancy Rate

1.5%

Auction Clearance

68.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+3.2%+28.5%+45.8%
Unit+2.8%+25.2%+38.4%

Rental Yields

House Yield

4.2%

Unit Yield

5.1%

Townhouse Yield

4.6%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score76/100
Growth Potential78/100
Cashflow Score72/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)68/100
Affordability Index58/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.80

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Murwillumbah at median house price

Stamp Duty Estimate
Standard transfer
$30,530
First Home Buyer
Exempt

Save $30,530

Foreign buyer surcharge
$64,000

+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
$33,800

$650/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$41,600
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$20,000
Net rental position
-$27,800

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$10,842

Reduces taxable income until 1 July 2027

After-tax holding cost
$16,958/yr

~$326/week

Land Tax Exposure
Est. land value
$480,000

~60% of median price

Individual threshold
$1,075,000

Below threshold

Trust/company threshold
$25,000 (trust)

Annual: $7,380

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
$1.24M
Capital gain
$405,430
Assessable gain
$295,766
CGT payable
$115,349

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$1.92M
Capital gain
$1.09M
Assessable gain
$853,607
CGT payable
$332,907

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$30,530

After-tax yield

2.56%

Weekly holding cost

$326/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$332,907

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

9,500

Median Age

48

Median Income

$52K

per annum

Family Households

58.0%

Professionals

38.0%

University Educated

28.0%

Unemployment

6.2%

Born Overseas

18.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 72%Units: 22%Townhouses: 6%Total: 4,200

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability68/100
Public Transport3/10
Schools Rating7/10
Safety8/10
Family Friendly8/10
Cafes & Restaurants

35

Parks

8

Hospitals

1

Distance to CBD

785.0 km

Nearest Station: Robina Station

Relaxed lifestyle combining cultural activities, outdoor recreation, organic food scene, and regular community events in a picturesque natural setting.

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

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