The housing market in Lightning Ridge, a unique opal mining town in the Walgett region of New South Wales, reflects the area's distinctive charm and economic landscape. Known for its opal fields, Lightning Ridge attracts both miners and tourists, influencing property demand in an unconventional manner. Housing options range from modest miners' cottages to more modern homes, with a mix of owner-occupied properties and rental accommodations available. Despite its remote location, property prices in Lightning Ridge can vary significantly based on proximity to the town center and the quality of the dwelling, but generally remain more affordable compared to major urban centers. The market is somewhat niche and can be influenced by fluctuations in the opal industry, as the town's economy is closely tied to mining activities.
Living in Lightning Ridge offers a unique lifestyle experience that blends community spirit with rugged individualism. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life with a sense of adventure, thanks to the nearby opal mines and the stunning Outback landscape. The town boasts a welcoming community with a strong connection to the history and culture of opal mining, and it's not unusual for locals and visitors to swap tales of their latest discoveries. Essential amenities such as grocery stores, schools, and healthcare services are available, though some may require travel to larger towns for a greater variety. Social life revolves around community events, the local clubs, and the famous artesian bore baths, offering a chance to relax and socialize in naturally heated waters. Overall, Lightning Ridge presents a blend of tranquility and excitement that appeals to those looking for something different from urban life.
Median Weekly Rent | $176.67 |
Median Monthly Mortgage | $950.50 |
Median Persons Per bed houseroom | 0.83 |
Average Household Size | 2.00 |
Average Age | 50.17 |
Average Income | $504.83 |
Average Cars Per Dwelling | 1.66 |
Average Properties Within 50M | 8 |
Typical 1 bed house | $140,000 |
Typical 2 bed house | $163,000 |
Typical 3 bed house | $272,000 |
Typical 4 bed house | $339,000 |
Typical 5 bed house | $426,000 |
Typical 6 bed+ house | $297,000 |
Housing Stock
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Thinking about buying in Lightning Ridge? Now could not be a better time, with 1384 residential properties there's certainly plenty to choose from. The average property price in this area is in the region of $250,000 with prices in this suburb ranging from $31,000 to $1,624,000. The aproximate distance to the coast is 480 Km.
In Lightning Ridge there has been a history of lower than average prices and demand, offering opportunities for investors or first home owners, especially in the context of the growth in working from home. Low average incomes in Lightning Ridge is reflected in smaller and lower quality accommodation. Over time this may change providsing long-term returns but in the short to medium term, prices are likely to be less than state averages. Low average earnings from people in Lightning Ridge leads to lower quality housing which also negatively impacts the provision of facilities. As a consequence this area is often seen as less desirable, with lower quality of housing and slower price growth. Low population density implies low demand and limits housing choices and price increases. Could be a good entry point for first home buyers needing to somehow get into the market. With very low industrial sector presence in Lightning Ridge the focus is on lifestyle, driving specific demand around facilities, services, and open space. Most people are employed in service sectors with a higher than average proportion being able to work from home. This may incease demand over the medium term.
Instant Property ValuationLightning Ridge Central School
(While the above schools are located with the suburb of Lightning Ridge there may also be nearby schools whose catchments cover this suburb)Incidents Trend State Average
(mm) RAIN | Min (°C) TEMP | Max (°C) TEMP | Min (%) HUMIDITY | Max (%) HUMIDITY | (m/sec) WIND | (MJ/sq m) SOLAR | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 1.5 | 22.5 | 35.7 | 24.5 | 67.0 | 4.2 | 25.7 |
Feb | 2.7 | 21.3 | 33.8 | 29.1 | 73.2 | 3.8 | 24.4 |
Mar | 1.5 | 19.7 | 32.4 | 29.9 | 75.3 | 3.5 | 20.6 |
Apr | 0.6 | 14.2 | 28.5 | 29.3 | 78.9 | 3.0 | 18.4 |
May | 0.8 | 8.9 | 23.6 | 32.9 | 84.0 | 2.8 | 14.5 |
Jun | 1.0 | 6.8 | 19.6 | 42.1 | 88.9 | 3.0 | 12.5 |
Jul | 0.8 | 5.5 | 19.6 | 36.6 | 87.1 | 3.0 | 13.7 |
Aug | 0.4 | 5.4 | 21.9 | 25.8 | 79.8 | 3.1 | 16.4 |
Sept | 0.8 | 10.2 | 26.6 | 21.9 | 70.2 | 3.6 | 21 |
Oct | 1.1 | 14.4 | 29.6 | 23.1 | 69.3 | 3.9 | 24.7 |
Nov | 2.2 | 18.8 | 33.4 | 22.6 | 67.1 | 4 | 27.0 |
Dec | 1.0 | 20.5 | 34.3 | 24.5 | 68.7 | 4.1 | 27.9 |
source: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
20-12-2024 | $249,000 | 7 Nettleton Drive |
20-12-2024 | $195,000 | 38 Fantasia Street |
16-12-2024 | $300,000 | 7 Silica Street |
13-12-2024 | $40,000 | 8 Cardinal Road |
10-12-2024 | $130,000 | 87 Pandora Street |
04-12-2024 | $280,000 | 26 Butterfly Avenue |
20-11-2024 | $155,000 | 16 Gem Street |
15-10-2024 | $195,000 | 14 Matrix Street |
06-09-2024 | $130,000 | 3 Matrix Street |
23-08-2024 | $610,000 | 43 Nettleton Drive |
20-08-2024 | $270,000 | 14 Lappkalle Street |
19-06-2024 | $335,000 | 9 Red Admiral Place |
24-05-2024 | $50,000 | 130 Pandora Street |
01-05-2024 | $380,000 | 8 Morilla Street |
18-04-2024 | $130,000 | 12 Cardinal Road |
16-04-2024 | $240,000 | 45 Harlequin Street |
11-03-2024 | $170,000 | 37 Opal Street |
14-02-2024 | $230,000 | 58 Butterfly Avenue |
21-12-2023 | $360,000 | 11 Nobby Road |
20-12-2023 | $220,000 | 18 Agate Street |
20-12-2023 | $450,000 | 36 Butterfly Avenue |
13-12-2023 | $120,000 | 45 Nettleton Drive |
28-11-2023 | $105,000 | 4 Black Prince Drive |
17-11-2023 | $349,000 | 26 Pandora Street |
16-11-2023 | $45,000 | 10 Agate Street |
03-11-2023 | $280,000 | 41 Black Prince Drive |
06-10-2023 | $250,000 | 21 Opal Street |
22-09-2023 | $230,000 | 5 Potch Street |
11-09-2023 | $366,000 | 22 Kaolin Street |
05-09-2023 | $85,000 | 92 Fred Reece Way |
17-08-2023 | $520,000 | 46 Nettleton Drive |
01-08-2023 | $330,000 | 38 Nobby Road |
27-07-2023 | $226,500 | 61 Pandora Street |
29-06-2023 | $1,133,000 | 12 Morilla Street |
21-06-2023 | $190,000 | 40 Pandora Street |
01-06-2023 | $1,225,000 | 34 Opal Street |
10-05-2023 | $260,000 | 107 Pandora Street |
14-04-2023 | $324,500 | 36 Nobby Road |
12-04-2023 | $265,000 | 26 Nettleton Drive |
31-03-2023 | $200,000 | 7 Red Admiral Place |
08-02-2023 | $280,000 | 42 Black Prince Drive |
08-02-2023 | $205,000 | 26 Harlequin Street |
01-02-2023 | $155,000 | 6 Red Admiral Place |
30-01-2023 | $260,000 | 2 Matrix Street |
21-12-2022 | $85,000 | 73 Opal Street |
13-12-2022 | $245,000 | 64 Black Prince Drive |
21-11-2022 | $725,000 | 5 Morilla Street |
28-10-2022 | $110,000 | 2 Red Admiral Place |
14-10-2022 | $440,000 | 68 Opal Street |
09-09-2022 | $285,000 | 44 Black Prince Drive |
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