Watson vs Downer
Watson (median $1,105,000) is roughly 4% cheaper to buy into than Downer ($1,151,000).
Buying in Watson or Downer?
Selling in Watson? The free selling guide
Watson and Downer side by side
| Measure | Watson | Downer |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,105,000 | $1,151,000 |
| Median unit | $617,500 | $709,500 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $436/wk | $436/wk |
| Unit rent | $437/wk | $420/wk |
| Owner occupied | 65.0% | 61.0% |
| Renter occupied | 33.0% | 36.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1119 | 1121 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 14 | 94 |
| Transit score | 100 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 6,727 | 4,296 |
| Median age | 34 | 35 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 624 mm | 624 mm |
| Mean max, January | 29.2°C | 29.2°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
Downer scores higher on walkability (14/100 vs 94/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Downer (1121) sits above Watson (1119).
- For buyers
- Watson is the lower entry point at $1,105,000 median, 4% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Watson offers the higher gross rental yield (2.05% vs 1.97%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Downer edges out on average school ICSEA (1121 vs 1119).
Watson vs Downer: common questions
Is Watson or Downer cheaper to buy in?
Watson has the lower median house price at $1,105,000, roughly 4% below Downer ($1,151,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Watson or Downer have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Downer scores 1121 vs 1119 in Watson. 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 is more walkable, Watson or Downer?
Downer scores 94/100 on walkability vs 14/100. Above 70 is considered very walkable (most errands on foot), 50-69 is walkable for some errands, below 50 typically requires a car for daily life.
Which suburb has higher rental yield, Watson or Downer?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.05% in Watson vs 1.97% in Downer. 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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