Lochiel vs Pambula
Pambula (median $679,500) is roughly 30% cheaper to buy into than Lochiel ($967,500).
Buying in Lochiel or Pambula?
Selling in Lochiel? The free selling guide
Lochiel and Pambula side by side
| Measure | Lochiel | Pambula |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $967,500 | $679,500 |
| Median unit | $240,480 | $240,480 |
| House price change, 12 months | +7.5% | – |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $675/wk | $675/wk |
| Owner occupied | 88.0% | 75.0% |
| Renter occupied | 9.0% | 22.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 3 | 4 |
| Average ICSEA | 974 | 981 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | – | 0 |
| Transit score | – | 0 |
| Bike score | – | 10 |
| Population | 411 | 1,002 |
| Median age | 44 | 54 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 801 mm | 765 mm |
| Mean max, January | 25.1°C | 24.9°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 Pambula (981) sits above Lochiel (974). Lochiel skews owner-occupied (88%), Pambula runs more rental-dense (75% owner).
- For buyers
- Pambula is the lower entry point at $679,500 median, 30% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Pambula offers the higher gross rental yield (5.17% vs 3.63%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Pambula edges out on average school ICSEA (981 vs 974). Lochiel also has a higher family-household share (80% vs 62%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Lochiel vs Pambula: common questions
Is Lochiel or Pambula cheaper to buy in?
Pambula has the lower median house price at $679,500, roughly 30% below Lochiel ($967,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Lochiel or Pambula have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Pambula scores 981 vs 974 in Lochiel. 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, Lochiel or Pambula?
Gross rental yield on houses is 5.17% in Pambula vs 3.63% in Lochiel. 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.
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