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Raymond Terrace

NSW 2324LGA: Port Stephens Council

Investment Score

75

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Raymond Terrace is a historic regional town in NSW's Port Stephens area, serving as a major service center for the Hunter Valley region. Located approximately 30km north of Newcastle on the Pacific Highway, it offers an appealing blend of regional lifestyle with urban accessibility. The suburb features a heritage town center, quality educational facilities including Raymond Terrace Public and High Schools, and recreational amenities along the Hunter River. Property values have experienced significant growth driven by Newcastle's proximity and regional migration trends, attracting families and first home buyers seeking affordability compared to Newcastle. The area benefits from ongoing infrastructure improvements, NBN coverage, and a growing hospitality scene, while maintaining its small-town character with modern conveniences.

Strengths

  • •Strategic location on Pacific Highway with direct Newcastle and Sydney access
  • •Historic town center with heritage character and local shopping precinct
  • •Strong educational facilities serving regional families
  • •Hunter River recreational opportunities and scenic appeal

Opportunities

  • •Continued population growth from Newcastle overflow
  • •Tourism development leveraging Hunter River and heritage assets
  • •Small business growth in hospitality and services
  • •Infrastructure improvements enhancing connectivity

Considerations

  • •Limited public transport options beyond bus services
  • •Traffic congestion on Pacific Highway during peak periods
  • •Limited employment diversity requiring commuting for specialized roles
  • •Flood risk areas near Hunter River

A decision, not just a search · Raymond Terrace

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

$680K

+8.5% 1yr

Median Unit

$485K

+6.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$590K

Rent (House)

$620/wk

Rent (Unit)

$485/wk

Days on Market

32

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

68.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+8.5%+24.2%+42.8%
Unit+6.8%+18.5%+35.2%

Rental Yields

House Yield

4.8%

Unit Yield

5.2%

Townhouse Yield

4.9%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score75/100
Growth Potential78/100
Cashflow Score72/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)68/100
Affordability Index68/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.40

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Raymond Terrace at median house price

Stamp Duty Estimate
Standard transfer
$25,130
First Home Buyer
Exempt

Save $25,130

Foreign buyer surcharge
$54,400

+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
$32,240

$620/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$35,360
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$17,000
Net rental position
-$20,120

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$7,847

Reduces taxable income until 1 July 2027

After-tax holding cost
$12,273/yr

~$236/week

Land Tax Exposure
Est. land value
$408,000

~60% of median price

Individual threshold
$1,075,000

Below threshold

Trust/company threshold
$25,000 (trust)

Annual: $6,228

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 8.6% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), CPI indexation + 30% minimum rate, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$1.03M
Capital gain
$316,787
Assessable gain
$223,680
CGT payable
$87,235

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$1.55M
Capital gain
$837,462
Assessable gain
$639,014
CGT payable
$249,215

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$25,130

After-tax yield

2.93%

Weekly holding cost

$236/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$249,215

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

8,500

Median Age

42

Median Income

$68K

per annum

Family Households

58.0%

Professionals

35.0%

University Educated

22.0%

Unemployment

5.8%

Born Overseas

18.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 75%Units: 18%Townhouses: 7%Total: 3,400

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability65/100
Public Transport4/10
Schools Rating7/10
Safety7/10
Family Friendly8/10
Cafes & Restaurants

18

Parks

8

Hospitals

1

Distance to CBD

165.0 km

Nearest Station: Hexham Station

Regional lifestyle with Hunter River recreation, heritage walks, local markets, golf course, and growing hospitality scene in the main street precinct.

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

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