Certain Australian suburbs are seeing homeowners hold onto their properties for more than two decades which is double the national average.
New data from PropTrack, reveals that Church Point in New South Wales tops the list, with an average hold period of 22.47 years.
The waterside suburb is tucked away in the southern end of Sydney’s picturesque Pittwater and is perfect for families and people who love the outdoors – with residents keen to stay put.
Close behind are Mount Ommaney in Queensland, where residents have remained for an average of 21.51 years, and Morangup in Western Australia, boasting a hold period of 21.18 years.
Other tightly held suburbs include Macgregor in Queensland (20.77 years), North Yunderup in Western Australia (20.75 years), Battery Hill in Queensland (20.57 years), Killarney Heights in New South Wales (20.27 years), and Yarrawarrah in New South Wales (20.09 years).
PropTrack Senior Economist Eleanor Creagh said there isn’t just one factor that draws these most tightly held suburbs together.
“Generally, these areas tend to offer a high level of amenity and a strong sense of community,” Ms Creagh said.
“Many of them are close to water or the ocean, which adds to their lifestyle appeal.
“Others are located in areas with good schools, parks, and shopping precincts, and they are well connected with easy access to other parts of the city.”
She said the popular locations offer a bit of everything for various ages.
“It makes sense when you consider that life events like marriage, childbirth, and retirement often prompt changes in housing needs,” she said.
“So, the suburbs that are attractive to a broad demographic—from young families to retirees—tend to be the ones most tightly held.”
In New South Wales, residents of Killarney Heights, have an average hold period of 20.27 years, while Yarrawarrah, is at 20.09 years.
Other long-term homeowners can be found in Abbotsbury (20.06 years) and Ivanhoe East (19.98 years).
For units, Dolls Point stands out with a hold period of 20.70 years, while Brighton-Le-Sands and Normanhurst see average hold periods of 16.51 and 16.45 years, respectively.
In Queensland, the suburb of Mount Ommaney has a strong community spirit, with an average home hold period of 21.51 years.
Macgregor and North Yunderup also see lengthy stays, with average periods of 20.77 and 20.75 years.
The coastal suburb of Battery Hill has residents staying an average of 20.57 years.
Western Australia is home to some of the most tightly held properties, with Morangup leading at 21.18 years.
North Yunderup is not far behind at 20.75 years, while Hillarys and Kallaroo, both coastal suburbs, have average hold periods of 18.12 and 16.49 years, respectively.
In South Australia, Kingswood has the longest hold period for units, with residents staying an average of 19.91 years.
In nearby Bedford Park, homeowners are staying for 17.84 years. Hawthorn and Brighton also see long-term residents, with hold periods of 17.46 and 16.27 years, respectively.
In Victoria, Ivanhoe East is a standout suburb with an average hold period of 19.98 years, indicating a strong sense of community and stability.
Castlemaine, a regional town, also shows a commitment to long-term residence, with an average hold period of 16.07 years.
Ms Creagh said the average hold time varies quite a bit across the country.
“Many of these suburbs have significantly longer hold periods than the national average, which is just over 10 years,” she said.
“Sydney, for instance, has the longest average hold period among the capital cities, with houses being held for a little over 13 years on average.
“But in some Sydney suburbs, the hold period can be over 22 years—almost double the city’s average.
“In Sydney, stamp duty costs might be playing a role in these longer hold periods.
“As our most expensive capital city market, the high burden of stamp duty could discourage turnover, meaning people buy and sell less often.”
