All Suburbs

Nowra

NSW 2541LGA: Shoalhaven City

Investment Score

78

/100

AI Intelligence Summary

Nowra is the largest town in NSW's Shoalhaven region, serving as the administrative center for Shoalhaven City Council. Located approximately 160km south of Sydney, this regional hub offers an attractive lifestyle balance with proximity to pristine beaches, national parks, and the Shoalhaven River. The town has experienced steady population growth driven by sea-change buyers, retirees, and families seeking affordable housing alternatives to metropolitan areas. Nowra's economy is supported by government services, healthcare, education, and tourism, with Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital being a major employer. The property market remains significantly more affordable than Sydney, with strong rental demand due to limited supply and regional growth. Infrastructure includes the Princes Highway providing north-south connectivity, though public transport options are limited. The area benefits from quality educational facilities including Nowra High School, recreational amenities, and the annual Nowra Show. While offering excellent lifestyle opportunities and natural beauty, the town faces challenges with limited employment diversity and transport connectivity to major metropolitan centers.

Strengths

  • Significantly more affordable than Sydney metropolitan areas
  • Strong proximity to beaches, national parks and natural attractions
  • Regional administrative center with stable government employment
  • Quality healthcare facilities including major regional hospital

Opportunities

  • Growing sea-change and tree-change migration trends
  • Potential for tourism and hospitality sector expansion
  • Regional development initiatives and infrastructure investment
  • Retirement living and aged care facility development

Considerations

  • Limited public transport connectivity to major centers
  • Restricted employment diversity beyond government and services
  • Distance from major metropolitan job markets
  • Vulnerable to regional economic fluctuations

Property Market

Median House

$650K

+8.5% 1yr

Median Unit

$485K

+6.2% 1yr

Median Townhouse

$580K

Rent (House)

$625/wk

Rent (Unit)

$540/wk

Days on Market

42

Vacancy Rate

1.8%

Auction Clearance

68.0%

Price Growth

Type1 Year3 Year5 Year
House+8.5%+22.0%+35.0%
Unit+6.2%+18.0%+28.0%

Rental Yields

House Yield

5.0%

Unit Yield

5.8%

Townhouse Yield

5.2%

Investment Scorecard

Overall Investment Score78/100
Growth Potential75/100
Cashflow Score82/100
Risk Score (lower = safer)72/100
Affordability Index75/100

Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.40

Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers

Tax & Financial Intelligence

CPA-grade analysis for Nowra at median house price

Standard transfer
$23,780
First Home Buyer
Exempt

Save $23,780

Foreign buyer surcharge
$52,000

+8% surcharge

Annual rent income
$32,500

$625/wk

Interest (80% LVR @ 6.5%)
-$33,800
Other expenses (~2.5%)
-$16,250
Net rental position
-$17,550

Negatively geared

Tax benefit (39% MTR)
+$6,845

Reduces taxable income

After-tax holding cost
$10,706/yr

~$206/week

Based on 7.0% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR

5-Year Hold

Est. value
$911,659
Capital gain
$234,629
After discount
$117,314
CGT payable
$45,753

10-Year Hold

Est. value
$1.28M
Capital gain
$601,618
After discount
$300,809
CGT payable
$117,316

Investor Quick Summary

Entry cost (stamp duty)

$23,780

After-tax yield

3.05%

Weekly holding cost

$206/wk

10yr CGT (est.)

$117,316

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

37,000

Median Age

42

Median Income

$58K

per annum

Family Households

68.0%

Professionals

35.0%

University Educated

22.0%

Unemployment

6.2%

Born Overseas

18.0%

Dwelling Mix

Houses: 72%Units: 22%Townhouses: 6%Total: 15,800

Lifestyle & Community

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

45

Parks

12

Hospitals

1

Distance to CBD

162.0 km

Nearest Station: Bomaderry Station

River and coastal lifestyle with national parks, recreational facilities, annual events, and family-friendly atmosphere

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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 28 March 2026.

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