There’s been massive interest in Maitland property trends in recent times. Just a short drive from Newcastle, Maitland enjoys all the attractions of a major regional hub but with lower property prices than its nearby neighbour.
Within easy reach of both Byron Bay and Byron, Maitland is a growing market that prides itself on diversified income and affordable housing. So what is it that makes Maitland property trends an attractive proposition for prospective homeowners?
Maitland profile
The city of Maitland finds itself in an ideal spot in New South Wales. Sitting on the Hunter River, Maitland has a population of 93,500 residents (ABS 2023) that has links to many major networks. Based near the start of the New England Highway, residents have easy access to natural landmarks like Barrington Tops National Park.
Only 22km from Newcastle by road or rail, the town acts as a perfect commuter destination to one of Australia’s biggest industrial hubs. Maitland’s train stations gives commuters direct links to Sydney and several other regional centres like Newy and Dungog. This excellent access makes it a perfect base for city workers wanting a more peaceful home life.
The town also has a diversified local economy. It has a variety of industries basing itself within the city including an excellent range of retail hubs, an incredible art gallery, a vast range of industries and is a popular tourist base hosting an average of 700,000 visitors annually. All this makes it a thriving town to live in.
Maitland Demographics
Maitland is a city that is projected to be one of the fastest inland regions in all of New South Wales. Whilst currently boasting a population of 93,500, local government estimates this figure to increase sharply to 144,500 by 2041. This follows on from the town’s population seeing a 60% increase between 2001 and 2021.
Much of this increase comes down to the town proving to be a popular place for families to settle down. The median age of the Maitland is 36 years old – two years below the national average. The LGA’s 2041 plan reveals that the city’s core demographic is families – 33% of all residents are couples with children. With property prices lower than in Newcastle and plots far bigger than in Sydney, it makes sense that families are moving here.
One of the big draws to this is Maitland’s high wage/property value ratio. In Maitland’s 2041 report, the average household wage is $91,832 with an average detached price of $680,000. This means property values are just 7.5 times the average household wage.
General Facts
Population: 93,500 (2023)
Dwellings: 36, 680 (2021)
Households: 34,370 (2021)
Median age: 36 years
Average wage: $91,832 (2021)
Average detached property value: $680,000
Average unit value: 460,000
Suburban trends
Maitland
Maitland’s main central hub boasts many of the main shopping areas and is also home to the city’s main train station, providing easy links to Newcastle and Sydney. It’s made this a relatively stable area for property albeit one of the cheapest in the city.
With the CBD housing a population of 2,000, property prices are some of the lowest. The average property price in October 2025 is around $586k, up slightly from April 2024. This is just below the area’s peak price of $620,000 in April 2022. However, this is a staggering increase compared to before the pandemic sparking an increase of over 150% with an average of $374,250 (Jun 2019).
Average house price: $585,950 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit price: $506,000 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average house rental price: $530 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit rental price: $420 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
East Maitland
Just east of the CBD, East Maitland is one of the largest suburbs in the city, both in area and population. With a population of 11,860 (ABS 2021), it’s an area that draws lots of visitors thanks to the the Green Hills shopping centre.
Properties in East Maitland are higher than the region’s average with higher demand for this suburb. Houses have a median price of over $750k in October 2025, a historic high for the suburb. Median units are $530k, only slightly off the high of $535k. Both markets are steady with a slight increase over the past few years.
Average house price: $756,500 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit price: $530,000 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average house rental price: $610 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit rental price: $450 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Rutherford
On the western side Maitland, Rutherford has found itself spreading over both sides of the New England Highway. Rutherford is home to important infrastructure like Maitland Airport, industrial spaces, schools and lots of new housing.
With a population of 11,884 (ABS 2016), Rutherford is the most populous suburb in Maitland. Despite this, property prices are growing strongly with an average of $720k in October 2025. Rentals have risen to $595/week, an increase of 6% over the last 12 months which is nearly three times the regional average.
Average house price: $720,000 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit price: $560,000 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average house rental price: $595 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit rental price: $440 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Chisholm
The eastern suburb of Chisholm is a sign of the changing times in Maitland. The area has been earmarked for huge portions of development including the construction of multiple new schools and Chisholm Plaza Shopping Plaza with major retailers.
All this is capitalising on the suburb’s reputation as one of the more upmarket regions in Maitland. This comes with the sprawling rural community and a higher median price of over $950k – by far the highest in the area. However, the rapid rise of construction has seen property prices fall by 3% – not too surprising given the large population increase expected in the coming years – and with more demand comes the chance of more growth.
Average house price: $959,758 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average house rental price: $750 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Thornton
Nowhere in Maitland has grown as fast in recent times as the suburb of Thornton. Its location on the highway and a station on the Hunter rail line gives it excellent transport links to Newcastle and a wide market of jobs.
The area has been one of the best-performing for generating sales as Thornton’s population has grown 25% in recent years. This has seen the median house price grow from $765k to $815k in little over a year. Unit prices have been steady for years, but recent developments have seen the value surge.
Average house price: $815,000 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit price: $635,000 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average house rental price: $630 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit rental price: $570 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Metford
One of Maitland’s fastest growing suburbs, Metford is a suburb that symbolises a mix of the old and the new. Heritage-listed buildings such as Metford Train Station mark the city’s humble beginnings but the development of a skate park shows how the city itself is an anchor for families in the Hunter region.
Unlike some of its neighbouring suburbs, Metford boasts considerably cheaper housing for families to purchase. A standard 3-bedroom house costs an average of $680k, falling just under the city average.
Average house price: $722,000 (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average house rental price: $600 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Average unit rental price: $400 p/w (Realestate.com.au, October 2025)
Understanding Maitland property trends
As the figures show, Maitland is a city that is developing rapidly and the general price increases across the city reflect that. Properties are still cheaper on the western side but there are bargains to be found all across Maitland, especially if you’re used to the Sydney or Newcastle markets.
There’s also been a considerable increase in prices across the eastern side of Maitland particularly in corridors marked for high levels of expansion. Suburbs like Thornton highlight what the city’s future could hold, especially as more families continue to choose the region.
Despite this, Maitland still sits as the prime real estate for the Hunter region. Thanks to more affordable housing and excellent infrastructure, the city is expected to grow tremendously over the coming years – an aspect that will continue to drive Maitland property trends higher in the coming future.
To seek out the best options for purchasing a home, speak to a Wisebuy mortgage broker for guidance. Our Maitland property experts can give you all the advice you need to work out the best way to get on the property ladder today.
