Your area specialists
Team Mills
Team Mills
Guiding you home
The Year in Review
Reflecting on the market since our last report, real estate pricing in Ballina Shire has continued to strengthen.
Steady price growth has been observed across the entire 2478 postcode. Median house prices now range from $992,000 to $1.19 million (Ballina & East Ballina), with approximately 10-12% annual growth in 12 months. A major contributor to this upward movement has been the federal government’s expanded Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (effective 1 October 2025)—which removed place limits and income caps while raising regional price thresholds—significantly boosting first-home buyer participation and heightening competition for entrylevel properties in Ballina, East Ballina, and West Ballina.
Closing out 2025, the sales market proved particularly reactive. Today’s buyers are highly informed on pricing and comparable sales, forming quick judgements on value. Instant access to sales data means buyers can rapidly benchmark a listing against recent sales in the area, spot overpricing, and make swift decisions—often dismissing properties that don’t align with perceived fair value from the first viewing or online browse. Accurate pricing from launch is therefore critical to generate genuine interest and avoid prolonged market time for sellers. We continue to observe listings with other agents that start at inflated prices, leading to extended days on market, reduced enquiry, and frequently a final sale price below what realistic pricing could have
achieved initially. Getting the guide price in line with recent sales remains the most vital factor in generating competition and achieving a premium result.
Stock levels remain tight, drawing multiple offers on a substantial number of transactions in the region. Low listing supply continues to buoy prices, and McGrath Northern Rivers maintains a significant market share of nearly 50% in the greater Ballina region.
The NSW tenancy legislation changes from May 2025 continue to shape the investment sector, ending no-grounds terminations and providing clearer rules on pets and notice periods. Timing sales around existing tenancies—whether vacant possession or subject to lease— remains essential. We’re always available to offer tailored guidance for investors to ensure successful transitions.
Our outlook into 2026 is positive yet balanced. With the pricing cycle in an upward phase, enduring coastal appeal, and interest rate stability, moderate growth is expected. Where do you stand in the current market? This is an ideal time for a review—reach out for a no-obligation appraisal. Whether you’re considering selling or just curious on the value of your home, It takes just minutes and offers invaluable insights.
Market Share / Sales
McGrath - 322
LJ Hooker - 43
Lifestyle - 41
Belle - 38
Raine & Horne - 38
Harcourts - 27
Wal Murray - 23
Sotheby’s - 21
Team Mills Buyer Origin
Ballina Shire - 62%
Byron Shire - 12% Other NSW - 10% Interstate - 7%
Lismore Shire - 6%
Sydney - 3%
*Suburbs include:
Median Suburb Prices
Suburb Median Sale Price - House
price change (10 yrs)
Ballina, East Ballina West Ballina, Cumbalum, Skennars Head, 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 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 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 apart of the Ballina region for multiple generations. He is trustworthy and approachable. His expertise and attention to detail compliments his strengths in IT and marketing knowledge.
Case studies
3/73 Bayview Drive, East Ballina
Sold $1.1m
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1 Car
Sale Method Private Treaty
Sale Date 8 August 2025
Days on Market 7
No. of Inspections 27
Buyer Origin Fernleigh
1 Camburt Street, Ballina
Sold $1.132m
5 Beds | 2 Baths | 3 Cars
Sale Method Private Treaty
Sale Date 26 September 2025
Days on Market 5
No. of Inspections 13
Buyer Origin Ballina
14 Pine Avenue, East Ballina
Sold $1.2m
3 Beds | 1 Bath | 1 Car
Sale Method Off Market
Sale Date 26 September 2025
Days on Market 0
No. of Inspections 4
Buyer Origin Suffolk Park
55 Silver Gull Drive, East Ballina
Sold $1.55m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method Private Treaty
Sale Date 16 October 2025
Days on Market 6
No. of Inspections 35
Buyer Origin Sydney
Case studies
5/31 Martin Street, Ballina
Sold $630k
2 Beds | 1 Bath | 2 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 22 October 2025
Days on Market 6
No. of Inspections 15
Buyer Origin Kingscliff
3/22 Bentinck Street, Ballina
Sold $880k
3 Beds | 1 Bath | 1 Car
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 23 October 2025
Days on Market 7
No. of Inspections 20
Buyer Origin Ballina
54 Antrim Street, East Ballina
Sold $1.36m
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 31 October 2025
Days on Market 11
No. of Inspections 41
Buyer Origin Cumbalum
11 The Terrace, East Ballina
Sold $1.76m
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2 Cars
Sale Method
Private Treaty
Sale Date 21 November 2025
Days on Market 0
No. of Inspections 1
Buyer Origin Lennox Head
95 Years Real Estate industry experience
$106m Total value of properties sold in CY 2025
100 Number of properties sold in CY 2025
27 Our average days on the market
$1.03m Our average sale price
5 Highly experienced McGrath team members
42% McGrath Market Share - Ballina greater region Top 5 Regional Agents McGrath Network 25
Client Testimonials
Nathan and his team were outstanding, going well above expectations. From our first meeting I was impressed by the level of the whole team’s communication which was timely and consistent. Nathan displayed a solid knowledge of the property market, his insights were wise and grounded and the information he provided allowed us to move ahead with relative ease in what can be a stressful time. We had a real sense of them being supportive in our goals.
Ray C
Ben was able to understand our requirements and keep us informed of available properties during our search. He identified a property that he knew would work for us and negotiated the sale keeping us informed and guiding us through the process. Ben made a stressful situation much easier by his outstanding communication and we were happy with the outcome. The whole team at McGrath were fantastic to deal with.
Andrew W
We recently sold our unit with The McGrath team of Ben Gatwood and Nathan Mills and had such a positive experience. The team was professional, approachable, and kept us well informed throughout the whole process. Their local knowledge and guidance gave us confidence every step of the way, and we were so pleased with the result. We highly recommend Ben and Nathan to anyone looking to sell.
Tisa I
Glenn and his whole Team have been exceptional to deal with. Having known Glenn for a very long time and his past professionalism I did not hesitate to list my property with him for the sale. Glenn has a thorough knowledge of the property market and the area and I fully trusted him with his advice. With confidence I am pleased to highly recommend the services of Glenn and his Team. They were all dedicated to get the job done, keeping me informed throughout the process.
Jo C
The entire team provided nothing but excellent and professional service through the entire process of selling our house. They made every aspect of the sale seem seamless and stress free. We couldn’t recommend enough Glen, Nathan, Ben, Sarah and Adrian to tackle your next sale.
Jake B
I recently purchased a property through Sarah, and I couldn’t be more impressed. She is not only a true professional but also a pleasure to work with. Sarah went above and beyond at every step, ensuring that all my questions were answered and making the process as smooth as possible. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate agent.
Kate Mc