Guiding you home
The Year in Review
Reflecting on the market since our last report, we have seen significant changes to the real estate landscape — important changes you should be aware of.
Starting with the residential sales market, we can confirm that the market has recovered from the post-COVID correction that has been reported for the past three years. In our last calendar year report, we discussed finding the bottom of the market. The reality is, the ‘bottom’ can’t be statistically recognised until approximately three months after it has occurred due to a lag in settlement data. We can confidently advise the bottom of the market is well and truly behind us, as we see median house price growth across the board within the Ballina Shire. Ballina’s median house price now sits at around $890,000, which is an approximate 5% increase from this time last year. Team Mills sold 110 residential properties for the financial year 2024–2025 and recorded an average of 35 days on market. Leading into winter, there have been fewer listings coming to market. McGrath Northern Rivers is currently holding 20% fewer listings compared to July 2024. This lack of supply has forced competition amongst buyers, resulting in buoyant prices and lower days on market. As a team, our group continues to maintain a near 50% market share of all sold properties in the greater Ballina region.
One of the larger headlines over the past six months has been the changes to NSW tenancy legislation, which came into effect in May 2025. We strongly recommend taking the time to understand the new legislation, as its impacts are substantial. Key factors to watch out for include the remaining length of the tenancy when investors decide to sell, and whether the property is sold with vacant possession or subject to the existing tenancy. Should you already own an investment property, or be contemplating such an investment, we would be delighted to discuss these changes with you in greater detail. If you are considering the sale of an investment property, it is crucial to understand the correct procedure to ensure a successful outcome. Please feel free to contact any member of our team, who will be pleased to assist you throughout the process.
Our outlook on the sales market for the next 6–12 months remains optimistic. Steady price growth is expected to continue. With future rate cuts on the horizon, buyer confidence will continue to strengthen. The property cycle has turned — where are you in this cycle? Now is a great time to assess your market value. Reach out to the team for an obligation-free update — it only takes 10 minutes of your time, and the information is invaluable.
Market Share / Sales
McGrath - 314
LJ Hooker - 74
Elders Lifestyle - 67
Belle - 37
Wal Murray - 33
Raine & Horne - 30
Team Mills Buyer Origin
Ballina Shire - 63% Interstate - 11% Byron Shire - 10% Other NSW - 9%
Lismore Shire - 4%
Sydney - 3%
*Suburbs
Median Suburb Prices
Suburb Median Sale Price - House
Rental Price - House
include: Ballina, East Ballina, West Ballina, Cumbalum, Skennars Head and Lennox Head.
About Team Mills
There are six members comprising Team Mills, with a combined total of 94 years experience in the real estate industry, including Glenn Mills, Nathan Mills, Adrian van Eck, Ben Gatwood, Sarah Sommerfeld and Nick Arena. Each member of the team has direct responsibility and input into each sales campaign.
The benefit of listing with Team Mills is that you employ not one agent, but 6 people working as one, dedicated to achieving you the best result possible. We pride ourselves on customer service and aim to take the stress out of selling. Having lived in Ballina all their lives, father and son team, Glenn & Nathan Mills have a depth of local knowledge few can rival. Glenn & Nathan say they thrive in real estate because it’s “all about people; we love the business because of the people we meet. It’s that simple.”
There are four other members that make up Team Mills. Adrian is trustworthy and approachable. His expertise and attention
to detail compliments his strengths in IT and marketing knowledge. Ben grew up in the area and with a family history in construction, has extensive knowledge of the local real estate industry. Sarah thrives on challenging situations and goes above and beyond for her clients. She loves helping people to achieve their goal, whether it be selling or purchasing. Nick has an unwavering commitment to his clients. With his high standard of customer service, he brings a considered and authentic approach to any situation, all whilst presenting a positive energy within the team.
Case studies
1/2 Bayview Drive, East Ballina
Sold $1.1m
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 Car
Sale Method Sold Prior to Auction Sale Date 29 January 2025
Days on Market 8
No. of Inspections 28
Buyer Origin East Ballina
28 Waterford Parade, Skennars Head
Sold $1.46m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method Sold Prior to Auction Sale Date 25 February 2025
Days on Market 14
No. of Inspections 23
Buyer Origin Ballina
1/23 Barwen Street, East Ballina
Sold $911k
3 Beds | 1 Bath | 2 Cars
Sale Method Private Treaty
Sale Date 18 March 2025
Days on Market 14
No. of Inspections 27
Buyer Origin Lennox Head
5/17 Ross Street, Ballina
Sold $820k
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method Private Treaty Sale Date 20 March 2025
Days on Market 14
No. of Inspections 19
Buyer Origin Bangalow
Case studies
45 Burns Point Ferry Road, West Ballina
Sold $1.875m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 4 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 26 June 2025
Days on Market 18
No. of Inspections 6
Buyer Origin Tugun
6 Suzanne Street, East Ballina
Sold $1.28m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 Car
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 28 April 2025
Days on Market 11
No. of Inspections 21
Buyer Origin Lennox Head
3 Banksia Lane, East Ballina
Sold $2.25m
4 Beds | 3 Baths | 3 Cars
Sale Method
Sold after Auction
Sale Date 1 April 2025
Days on Market 28
No. of Inspections 31
Buyer Origin Lennox Head
18 Horizon Drive, West Ballina
Sold $940k
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty Sale Date 17 April 2025
Days on Market 11
No. of Inspections 14
Buyer Origin Brisbane
97 Years Real Estate industry experience
$135m Total value of properties sold in FY 2024-2025
110 Number of properties sold in FY 2024-2025
36 Our average days on the market
$1.1m Our average sale price
6 Highly experienced McGrath team members
82% Auction clearance rate
Top 5 Regional Agents McGrath Network 24 - 25
Client Testimonials
Team Mills at McGrath were prompt with their communications and maintained a high level of professionalism which was in no way compromised by their ability to empathise with the pressures associated with selling, buying and moving house. They accommodated me wherever they could and I was warmly welcomed into the community upon my arrival. They continue to make themselves available to me which is a testament to their commitment to providing a stress free service. It was refreshing to say the least.
Jo B
Ben and his team have been excellent communicators, clearly providing avenues to make the complex process of purchasing and exchanging simple and streamlined. They have been supportive and flexible to assist in ensuring both parties felt secure in the massive financial decision of buying and selling a property. Thank you team.
Alan O
The whole team at Team Mills were amazing to deal with. They are our go to agents when looking at buying & selling Real Estate. They know the market so well in our area and go above and beyond to exceed our expectations.
Vicki T
From the outset, Nathan was very open and transparent with us in framing our expectations of the process. He shared our objective and also was very honest and on point with his appraisal of the property. He and his team managed to achieve the upper limit of his appraisal. We really appreciated the good nature of Nathan and his team and their willingness to go the extra mile to help bring in potential buyers. Thanks again!
Keoke T
Sarah helped us find our ‘forever home’. She knew what we wanted before we even knew it ourselves. Working with Sarah and the Mills Team made a stressful time - stress free. There are not enough words to describe how thankful we are for Sarah’s genuine professionalism.
Emma W
I could not fault the service I received from the Team in my search for a new home. Knowledge of the current market, timeliness and keenness to assist me were of a very high standard. I would (and have) recommend McGrath as excellent real estate agents in this area.
Liz S
We have known Glenn for in excess of 30 years and always had the opinion of Glenn being honest. However that did not keep us from interviewing all highly active agents within Ballina. Glenn won the contract on price and energy as well as flexibility and listening to and understanding our needs and desired outcome. We exceeded the record amounts of hits on the internet and interest in our home delivering the required maximum outcome.
Warren & Denise L