Lismore
Investment Score
68
/100
AI Intelligence Summary
Lismore, a vibrant regional centre in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, offers an appealing blend of country charm and urban convenience approximately 730km from Sydney. With a population of 45,000, this thriving hub serves as the commercial and cultural heart of the region, attracting families, students, and tree-changers seeking an alternative lifestyle. The property market presents accessible entry points with median house prices at $520,000 and units at $380,000, positioning Lismore as an affordable option compared to metropolitan markets. The city's strong rental yield of 4.8% coupled with an exceptionally low vacancy rate of 0.8% indicates robust rental demand, largely driven by Southern Cross University students and regional workers. Lismore's economy benefits from diverse sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, and creative industries, contributing to its resilience. The area is renowned for its alternative culture, farmers markets, and proximity to stunning hinterland villages and coastal areas. With a walkability score of 65/100, residents enjoy reasonable access to amenities, while the education rating of 7/10 reflects solid schooling options. The investment score of 68/100 and growth potential of 72/100 suggest moderate prospects for capital appreciation, though investors should consider the city's distance from major capitals and recent flooding history. For those seeking regional lifestyle opportunities with steady rental returns and community character, Lismore presents a compelling proposition, particularly as remote work trends continue to reshape location preferences across Australia.
Strengths
- •Exceptional rental yield of 4.8% with minimal vacancy rate of 0.8%, indicating strong and consistent tenant demand
- •Affordable property entry points with median house prices at $520,000, well below metropolitan NSW averages
- •Home to Southern Cross University, providing stable rental demand from student population
- •Regional hub status offering comprehensive services, employment, and amenities for surrounding areas
Opportunities
- •Growing remote work trends increasing appeal of affordable regional centres with lifestyle amenities
- •Investment score of 68/100 and growth potential of 72/100 suggest room for capital appreciation
- •Potential for infrastructure improvements and flood mitigation projects to enhance property values
- •Increasing demand from tree-changers and retirees seeking affordable coastal-adjacent living
Considerations
- •Significant distance of 730km from Sydney CBD limits metropolitan connectivity and employment access
- •Flood risk exposure requiring careful property selection and appropriate insurance considerations
- •Median household income of $52,000 sits below state averages, potentially limiting local purchasing power
- •Limited public transport options compared to larger cities, making car ownership essential
Property Market
$520K
-8.5% 1yr
$380K
-6.2% 1yr
$450K
$480/wk
$400/wk
65
0.8%
52.0%
Price Growth
| Type | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | -8.5% | +15.2% | +28.5% |
| Unit | -6.2% | +12.8% | +24.3% |
Rental Yields
House Yield
4.8%
Unit Yield
5.5%
Townhouse Yield
5.1%
Investment Scorecard
Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.80
Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers
Tax & Financial Intelligence
CPA-grade analysis for Lismore at median house price
Stamp Duty Estimate
Save $17,930
+8% surcharge
Negative Gearing Position
$480/wk
Negatively geared
Reduces taxable income
~$177/week
Land Tax Exposure
~60% of median price
Below threshold
Annual: $4,692
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 5.7% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR
5-Year Hold
10-Year Hold
Investor Quick Summary
Entry cost (stamp duty)
$17,930
After-tax yield
2.93%
Weekly holding cost
$177/wk
10yr CGT (est.)
$71,114
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. Ding Group provides integrated advisory through Local Knowledge (CPA), Ding Financial (Mortgage Brokerage), and Ding Real Estate (Licensed Agency).
Demographics
45,000
38
$52K
per annum
58.0%
35.0%
28.0%
6.2%
18.0%
Dwelling Mix
Lifestyle & Community
45
12
2
730.0 km
Nearest Station: Casino Railway Station
Regional city lifestyle with university culture, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to alternative lifestyle communities. Strong focus on community resilience and sustainable living.
Interested in Lismore?
Get a personalised buyer brief with AI-powered property intelligence for this suburb.
Request Your Free Buyer BriefClose Form
See What ASPIRE Has Found For You
Get a personalised preview of what our AI intelligence has identified for your situation — in seconds.
Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 20 April 2026.