Exeter vs Semaphore
Exeter (median $987,500) is roughly 25% cheaper to buy into than Semaphore ($1,325,000).
Buying in Exeter or Semaphore?
Selling in Exeter? The free selling guide
Exeter and Semaphore side by side
| Measure | Exeter | Semaphore |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $987,500 | $1,325,000 |
| Median unit | $274,320 | $274,320 |
| House price change, 12 months | +7.9% | – |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $620/wk | $697/wk |
| Unit rent | $392/wk | $540/wk |
| Owner occupied | 65.0% | 68.0% |
| Renter occupied | 32.0% | 30.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 992 | 991 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 0 | 0 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 1,066 | 2,749 |
| Median age | 48 | 50 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 401 mm | 401 mm |
| Mean max, January | 29.5°C | 29.5°C |
Green dot: better on that measure (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk). Each suburb’s profile gives the source and period of its figures.
Which suits whom
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Exeter (992) sits above Semaphore (991).
- For buyers
- Exeter is the lower entry point at $987,500 median, 25% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Exeter offers the higher gross rental yield (3.26% vs 2.74%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Exeter edges out on average school ICSEA (992 vs 991). Semaphore also has a higher family-household share (65% vs 54%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Exeter vs Semaphore: common questions
Is Exeter or Semaphore cheaper to buy in?
Exeter has the lower median house price at $987,500, roughly 25% below Semaphore ($1,325,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Exeter or Semaphore have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Exeter scores 992 vs 991 in Semaphore. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.
Which suburb has higher rental yield, Exeter or Semaphore?
Gross rental yield on houses is 3.26% in Exeter vs 2.74% in Semaphore. Gross yield equals annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield (after strata, rates, insurance, agent fees and maintenance) typically runs 1.5-2 percentage points lower.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
Compare Exeter with
Choosing between Exeter and Semaphore?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.