Guiding you home
The Year in Review
The Headlines vs. The Reality
Property has been front and centre in the news recently, with ongoing discussion around housing affordability, rental reforms and the Federal Budget. While opinions differ on policy, one point is difficult to dispute – housing supply remains one of the key drivers of both property values and rental affordability.
Here in the Ballina region, we’re seeing the impact firsthand. Across our managed residential rental portfolio, the average weekly rent is currently $710, with an average of eight applications received for every available property. Competition remains strong, reflecting the continued shortage of quality rental accommodation across the region.
Over the past five years, we’ve also observed a shift in buyer activity, with fewer traditional investors purchasing locally and a greater proportion of homes being bought by owner-occupiers. While increased home ownership is a positive outcome, it also means fewer properties are available for rent. As a result, any further reduction in investor participation could place additional pressure on an already constrained rental market.
The local sales market also presents a different picture to many of the national headlines. During the 2025–26 financial year, the McGrath Ballina, Lennox Head
& Alstonville team sold 486 homes across the Greater Ballina region—similar to the previous financial year and almost 20% higher than FY24. Representing just under half of all residential sales in the region, this level of activity provides us with valuable insight into local market conditions.
It’s also worth keeping recent performance in perspective. While some commentary focuses on values remaining below the exceptional peaks of 2022, Ballina’s median house price is now approximately $1.01 million—around 19% above the recent ‘market low’ recorded in October 2023 and more than double what it was a decade ago. Similar trends have been evident across East Ballina, Lennox Head and a number of surrounding suburbs. Like all property markets, conditions move in cycles, but the longer-term trend across our region has remained resilient.
Whether you’re buying, selling, investing or simply keeping an eye on the market, understanding local conditions is essential. National headlines provide useful context, but they don’t always reflect what’s happening in individual communities. If you’d like to discuss your local market or better understand what current conditions mean for your property, we would love to assist.
Market Share / Sales
McGrath - 323
LJ Hooker - 57
Raine & Horne - 36
Lifestyle - 33
Harcourts - 29
Belle - 27
Sotheby’s - 24
Wal Murray - 15
Team Mills Buyer Origin
Ballina Shire - 50%
Byron Shire - 12%
Lismore Shire - 10%
Sydney - 10%
Interstate - 9%
Other NSW - 9%
*Suburbs
Median Suburb Prices
Suburb
include: Ballina, East Ballina, West Ballina, Cumbalum, Skennars Head and Lennox Head.
About Team Mills
There are five members comprising Team Mills, with a combined total of 95 years experience in the real estate industry, including Glenn Mills, Nathan Mills, Ben Gatwood, Sarah Sommerfeld and Adrian van Eck. 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 five 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, 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 three other members that make up Team Mills. 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. Adrian’s family has been a part of the Ballina region for multiple generations. He is trustworthy and approachable. His expertise and attention to detail complements his strengths in IT and marketing knowledge.
Case studies
28 Oakwood Drive, Ballina
Sold $1.7m
4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 11 February 2026
Days on Market 28
No. of Inspections 22
Buyer Origin Wyrallah
81 Bentinck Street, Ballina
Sold $1.25m
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 Car
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 13 February 2026
Days on Market 4
No. of Inspections 17
Buyer Origin Victoria
65 Headlands Drive, Skennars Head
Sold $1.595m
3 Beds | 2 Bath | 2 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 27 February 2026
Days on Market 15
No. of Inspections 29
Buyer Origin Lennox Head
25 Bantry Street, Ballina
Sold $1.12m
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 5 March 2026
Days on Market 20
No. of Inspections 18
Buyer Origin Bangalow
Case studies
6 Easter Parade, East Ballina
Sold $1.6m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method Private Treaty
Sale Date 10 March 2026
Days on Market 6
No. of Inspections 22
Buyer Origin East Ballina
3/32 Owen Street, Ballina
Sold $700k
2 Beds | 1 Baths | 1 Car
Sale Method Private Treaty
Sale Date 13 March 2026
Days on Market 8
No. of Inspections 11
Buyer Origin Tweed Heads
36 Cedar Crescent, East Ballina
Sold $1.5m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method Off Market
Sale Date 11 May 2026
Days on Market 0
No. of Inspections 1
Buyer Origin Ballina
1/16 Killarney Crescent, Skennars Head
Sold $2.25m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method Private Treaty
Sale Date 19 June 2026
Days on Market 15
No. of Inspections 10
Buyer Origin Skennars Head
95 Years Real Estate industry experience
$115m Total value of properties sold in FY 2025-26
105 Number of properties sold in FY 2025-26
32 Our average days on the market
$1.1m Our average sale price
5 Highly experienced McGrath team members
59% McGrath Market Share
Top 5 Regional Agent McGrath Network 2026
*McGrath CRM/Realestate.com.au
*Ballina, East Ballina, West Ballina, Cumbalum, Skennars Head and Lennox Head.
Client Testimonials
Team Mills have been fantastic in helping us secure our new family home. Ben showed us through the home we ultimately purchased and was helpful, professional, and respectful throughout the process. I would highly recommend Team Mills to anyone looking to buy or sell a property. The entire team were wonderful to work with from start to finish. Their communication, support, and professionalism throughout the purchase process were greatly appreciated.
Carolyn P
I have worked with Nathan from McGrath Real Estate Ballina and his team both as a purchaser and a seller, and on both occasions the experience was outstanding. I would describe their approach as professional, personal, supportive, and honest. Communication throughout the process was prompt and consistent, and I always felt welcome to reach out with any questions. I have no hesitation in recommending Nathan and his team.
Paul S
We had a great experience buying our home through Nathan and his team. He was friendly, genuine, and made us feel cared about even though we weren’t the vendor. The whole team was wonderful to deal with, arranging extra viewings so we could show our kids and even letting us place three separate sold stickers. The support after the sale was fantastic too, especially when a couple of unexpected issues came up. We felt very well looked after throughout the whole process.
Jo S
Team Mills have been fantastic in helping us secure our new home. Sarah was extremely service-focused and was always calm, professional, and informative throughout the purchase process. Her maturity, experience, and guidance were invaluable and provided reassurance during what can often be a stressful time. The whole team, including Ben and Jax, were a pleasure to work with throughout the purchase. Their support, communication, and professionalism were so helpful through the process.
Jen P
Nathan and his team were patient, knowledgeable, committed, available and sensitive in their dealings with me. His efforts and commitment contributed to a better than expected outcome in the sale of my property.
Roger F