Figtree vs West Wollongong.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $1,140,000 and $1,159,000. West Wollongong edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Figtree (median $1,140,000) is roughly 2% cheaper to buy into than West Wollongong ($1,159,000). Over the past year, West Wollongong (+11.7%) ran 8.1 percentage points ahead of Figtree (+3.6%) on house-price growth.
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving West Wollongong (1061) sits above Figtree (1048). Figtree skews owner-occupied (80%), West Wollongong runs more rental-dense (62% owner).
For buyers
Figtree is the lower entry point at $1,140,000 median, 2% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Investors face a yield-versus-growth split: Figtree delivers the better gross yield (3.60% vs 3.36%), but West Wollongong has run faster on capital growth this year. The right pick depends on whether you're optimising for cash flow or capital appreciation.
For families
West Wollongong edges out on average school ICSEA (1061 vs 1048). Figtree also has a higher family-household share (77% vs 65%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Common questions
Is Figtree or West Wollongong cheaper to buy in?
Figtree has the lower median house price at $1,140,000, roughly 2% below West Wollongong ($1,159,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Which has stronger property growth, Figtree or West Wollongong?
Over the past 12 months, West Wollongong grew +11.7% vs +3.6% in Figtree, a gap of 8.1 percentage points. Twelve-month growth can swing year to year, so weight long-run trends from the individual suburb profiles before making a buy decision.
Does Figtree or West Wollongong have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), West Wollongong scores 1061 vs 1048 in Figtree. 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, Figtree or West Wollongong?
Gross rental yield on houses is 3.60% in Figtree vs 3.36% in West Wollongong. 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.
The numbers behind the take
Price & Market
Rental
Lifestyle & Demographics
Risk & Hazard
Schools
Climate
Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).
Compare Figtree against another suburb