COFFS Harbour’s surge in property values since the start of the pandemic reflects a region that has not only embraced rapid growth but evolved into one of the North Coast’s busiest markets.
Cotality data shows dwelling values in the LGA have risen by 57 percent since late 2019, with houses up 60.7 percent and units 41.5 percent.
Local agents say the numbers mirror exactly what has happened on the ground.
“That’s exactly what I’m seeing,” Unrealestate managing director Chris Hines said.
“Anything under a million is very, very busy at the moment. There’s not much stock, and that’s mainly why it’s so busy.
“Real estate is like any other commodity. It’s all down to supply and demand.”
Properties priced between $750,000 and $900,000 are attracting multiple offers, driven by a market running hot beneath the million-dollar threshold.
Mr Hines said that “years ago, million-dollar listings were rare in Coffs”.
“Now it seems to be the vast majority,” he said. “At Sawtell, I’ve sold a couple for over $3 million since the pandemic.”
Pandemic boom, then dip and a renewed surge
For Sawtell Real Estate agent Matt France, the region’s growth cycle has come in waves.
“There’s been a few points where we’ve had notable levels of growth,” he said. “2015 was a big one, then late 2021 through early 2022 was huge when we saw a 30-35 percent rise in values.”
The surge was followed by a correction as lending tightened, slowing parts of the market. But the rebound has been sharp.
“Whatever shortfall we had in the last two years has definitely been recovered over the last three months,” Mr France said. “The market is powering along to finish the year.”
He expects momentum to return quickly after the festive break.
“I think everything will ramp back up from mid-January. There will be a bit of strength at that time.”
The only caution he sees relates to interest-rate uncertainty.
“There have been hints of a rise in February. If that happens, it might put a bit of a pull on certain things.”
Where the buyers are coming from
While the early pandemic boom was dominated by out-of-towners seeking lifestyle change, the buyer profile in Coffs Harbour has shifted again.
“We’ve got a lot more buyers now who are from the local area,” Mr Hines said.
“During the early rush, out-of-towners were very keen. Another huge catchment area for us now is the Tablelands – the ones doing the sea change.”
Mr France agrees the demographic mix has broadened.
In 2021, he said, many buyers were escaping lockdowns and accelerating their retirement plans.
“Back then, it was a mass migration of people out of cities,” he said.
“Now, I’d say it’s fairly split between locals, people from the Tablelands, and those moving here from Sydney and Canberra.”
Jensen Realty director Mark Jensen, who sells between the Coffs Coast and the Gold Coast, has experienced a different buyer shift in recent years.
“What I’ve found is fuelling the market growth is families relocating from Melbourne,” he said.
“They’ve been the number one buyer, followed by Sydney and Brisbane.”
His sponsorship co-ordinator’s role with the AFL club at Woolgoolga has given him a front-row view of the shift.
“Many of the people who have come on board at the club in the last three years are from Melbourne.”
Sweet spots and future movers
Sawtell remains one of the premium markets on the Mid North Coast, with high demand and limited supply.
“It’s always been a desired location,” Mr France said.
“Close to waterfront cafes, beaches. It’s pretty hard to find a standard three-bedroom house here for under $1 million now.”
Like Sawtell, the Jetty precinct commands strong prices due to high underlying land value and limited expansion opportunities.
But the suburbMr France believes is poised for the next upswing is Toormina.
“There’s some undervalued property there,” he said.
“Toormina is close to the shopping centre, the airport, a few minutes to the beach and 10 minutes to town.
“Prices have jumped, but I think there’s still room to go further.”
Outlook for 2026: Steady and resilient
All three agents expect stability in 2026, with conditions largely shaped by interest-rate decisions.
“There is cause for optimism, but it depends on whether you’re a buyer or a seller,” Mr Hines said.
“I think the market will remain strong in the near future.”
Mr France said momentum in early 2026 would hinge on economic signals, although first-home buyers will remain active thanks to government schemes.
“That part of the market will keep going, no matter what.”
Mr Jensen said growth had already stabilised after several strong years.
“I’d expect the market to remain stable in 2026,” he said.
“But really, it’s all going to depend on what happens with interest rates.”
By Matt TAYLOR
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