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Coffs Harbour

NSW 2450LGA: Coffs Harbour City Council

Investment Score

76

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Coffs Harbour is a major regional city on NSW's Mid North Coast, serving as a key tourism and service hub for the broader region. With a population of approximately 77,000, it combines coastal lifestyle with urban amenities, featuring the iconic Big Banana, pristine beaches, and Southern Cross University campus. The city attracts a diverse mix of residents including retirees drawn by the relaxed coastal lifestyle, young families seeking affordable housing compared to Sydney, and professionals working in tourism, healthcare, and education sectors. The property market has experienced significant growth since 2020, driven by sea change migration and limited land supply, though showing signs of stabilization. Strong rental demand comes from tourism workers, healthcare staff at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, and university students. The completion of the Pacific Highway bypass has improved connectivity while Coffs Harbour Airport provides regional flight access. The area offers excellent recreational facilities including multiple golf courses, sporting venues, and proximity to national parks, making it attractive for both permanent residents and investors seeking coastal exposure with regional city amenities.

Strengths

  • Major regional hub with diverse economy spanning tourism, healthcare, education and retail
  • Pristine beaches and coastal lifestyle attracting sea change migrants
  • Southern Cross University campus providing education sector stability
  • Strong tourism industry creating consistent rental demand

Opportunities

  • Ongoing urban development projects expanding residential supply
  • Growing demand for regional lifestyle properties post-COVID
  • Potential for tourism infrastructure development
  • University expansion driving student accommodation demand

Considerations

  • Limited land supply constraining new housing development
  • Seasonal employment fluctuations due to tourism dependency
  • No passenger rail service limiting public transport options
  • Higher property prices due to coastal premium pricing

Property Market

Median House

$750K

+4.2% 1yr

Median Unit

$485K

+3.8% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$620K

Rent (House)

$620/wk

Rent (Unit)

$475/wk

Days on Market

45

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

68.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+4.2%+28.5%+45.8%
Unit+3.8%+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 Potential72/100
Cashflow Score78/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)68/100
Affordability Index58/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.40

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Coffs Harbour at median house price

Standard transfer
$28,280
First Home Buyer
Exempt

Save $28,280

Foreign buyer surcharge
$60,000

+8% surcharge

Annual rent income
$32,240

$620/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$39,000
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$18,750
Net rental position
-$25,510

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$9,949

Reduces taxable income

After-tax holding cost
$15,561/yr

~$299/week

Based on 9.2% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$1.16M
Capital gain
$380,432
After discount
$190,216
CGT payable
$74,184

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$1.80M
Capital gain
$1.02M
After discount
$509,864
CGT payable
$198,847

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$28,280

After-tax yield

2.56%

Weekly holding cost

$299/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$198,847

Estimates based on FY2025 NSW rates at median house price. Assumes 80% LVR, 6.5% interest rate, 39% marginal tax rate ($135K-$190K bracket). Individual circumstances vary. This is general information only and not personal financial advice. Consult your CPA before making investment decisions. Local Knowledge Pty Ltd — Registered Tax Agent.

Demographics

Population

77,000

Median Age

47

Median Income

$62K

per annum

Family Households

58.0%

Professionals

38.0%

University Educated

28.0%

Unemployment

6.2%

Born Overseas

24.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 72%Units: 22%Townhouses: 6%Total: 35,200

Lifestyle & Community

Walkability65/100
Public Transport5/10
Schools Rating7/10
Safety8/10
Family Friendly8/10
Cafes & Restaurants

85

Parks

28

Hospitals

1

Distance to CBD

540.0 km

Nearest Station: No passenger rail service

Coastal lifestyle with year-round outdoor activities, cultural events, university atmosphere, and proximity to national parks and pristine beaches.

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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 26 March 2026.

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