Types of Properties Available in the Toongabbie Area

If you are looking to buy or rent property, you might be overwhelmed by the wealth of property choices available to you. You might find appeal in the earning potential brought on by duplexes. Or maybe you want something family-friendly and with more privacy. Then a large free-standing house with a nice garden would fit the bill. In this article, we list the top types of dwellings found in Toongabbie and its surrounding area. We compare their pros and cons to help you ultimately decide on the perfect property based on a few key factors.

Toongabbie is a gem of a suburb with a rich history tucked in Western Sydney. Though the housing market in Australia can be quite expensive, the prices of properties in Toongabbie are quite competitive. With a lot of styles to choose from, Toongabbie is home to standalone houses, duplexes, townhouses, as well as apartment units. The area also hosts a sizable chunk of granny flats, perfect if you’re looking to add another income stream. 

Toongabbie is surrounded by cozy suburbs like Winston Hills, Lalor Park, Seven Hills, Prospect, Girraween, and more. Living in the area is very different compared to settling in the neighbouring suburbs of Sydney, and you’ll definitely wish the capital still had more suburbs similar to Toongabbie!

7 Types of Property in Toongabbie

1. Freestanding House

A freestanding house is an unattached dwelling, they come in single brick, and fibro/cladded. You also have different styles such as California bungalows, federation, 1980 project homes, and post-war brick homes built by southern Europeans, especially the Maltese. Now a lot of these are being demolished to make way for modern and contemporary designs. The land sizes vary but properties of the kind in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs typically range from 300sqm to 800sqm.

A typical freestanding house in Toongabbie comprises 3 or more bedrooms, 2 or more bathrooms, as well as a carpark or a garage for a couple of vehicles. Timber flooring is popular among these types of properties because they’re a better long-term investment and also because hardwood flooring is pretty easy to maintain.

The median price of a 3 bedroom freestanding house in Toongabbie is $1,100,000 as of 2022 compared to $1,590,000 as an average of Sydney. If you’re going for a 4 to 5-bedroom house, then expect the price range to increase to around $1,175,000 up to $1,200,000. The prices are still competitive considering properties with the same bedroom cost a million or more in Sydney. 

Since stand-alone houses are not attached like townhouses, duplexes, and apartments, they can be knocked down and renovated depending on your design preference.  You own the land in a freestanding house. Hence, you are allowed to unleash your creativity to come up with a tasteful design within the boundaries. 

Most large freestanding houses in the Toongabbie area are at least 15-20 minutes from the train station and just a kilometre or two from the Toongabbie Public School. They’re surrounded by a lot of supermarkets and have nearby recreational parkland as well as a children’s playground for your kids to play in. As such, owning a standalone house is extremely popular among families. Children benefit from a spacious play area as well as a very accommodating garden space. 

Pros:

  • Very generous living space and garden space
  • Close to amenities
  • Can be knocked down, renovated, or extended easily

Cons:

  • Generally more expensive than other types of property because they have a larger plot of land
  • If you’re looking to upgrade your house from a single story to a double story, then anticipate council contributions and insurance rates.
  • Maintenance costs can be higher.

Best For:

Freestanding houses are a popular choice among families with younger children as they usually have more accommodation and garden space.

2. Villa

Villas in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs are competitively sized and are usually equipped with a private courtyard and an attached garage. Villas in Toongabbie are usually strata-titled but some are community-titled (a community title in NSW relates to properties with at least two lots that share a common area, such as a driveway or recreational land). A corporate body maintains these common properties while also taking care of insurance which comes with a fee. If you’re not too keen to live in an apartment unit or complex, then villas might be worth considering.

Land sizes typically range from 110sqm up to 200sqm or more. A typical villa in Toongabbie is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 or 2 bathrooms, and a carpark. You’ll also have a spacious courtyard allowing for a few garden plants and a little landscaping. The villas in the surrounding suburbs have design characteristics akin to early Australian colonial architecture making them look charming and appealing. This gives out a welcoming ambience and should be a solid investment for first-time home buyers.

The median price of owning a villa in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs is $610,000 to $780,000 (as of 2022). It’s generally affordable for couples that are just starting a family. For context, owning a villa in Sydney will set you back around $885,000 up to $945,000 (2022).

Along with freestanding houses, hardwood flooring is popular in villas on Toongabbie because they offer a lot of variety. Hardwood flooring is also a natural deterrent to different kinds of parasites like fleas, dust mites, or spores local to the area.

Pros: 

  • Usually well maintained due to rules and regulations
  • Often close to amenities making them highly sought after
  • Most strata-titled villas are located near the train station so commuting is easily accessible.

Cons:

  • Strata fees and special levies 
  • More maintenance required

Best For:

Couples starting out. If you want to benefit from a great deal of privacy while being able to host family get-togethers, then a villa might be the perfect choice for you.

3. Semi-Detached Houses/ Duplexes

You’ll be surprised by how many semi-detached houses are in the suburbs around  Toongabbie. Semi-detached houses in the area are enjoying a surge in popularity. Also known as duplexes, semi-detached properties in the Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs are also popular because of their smaller footprint compared to freestanding houses and villas. They typically look like townhouses but they’re different in ownership because most semi-detached houses are Torrens-titled while townhouses are strata-titled.

Semi-detached houses only come in pairs while townhouses are constructed with more than two houses attached — you get the idea. However, each dwelling in a semi-detached house can be owned and sold individually but requires an insurance policy covering both homes. This in turn makes them a popular investment because it provides two rental incomes just like a villa or a free-standing house but at a lower cost. Homeowners of semi-detached houses often rent the other dwelling to a tenant or sell it for a profit.

Toongabbie does not have terraces making semi-detached houses sought after. This type of housing shares a common wall with the neighbouring house. Semi-detached houses provide you with more privacy than an apartment unit or a townhouse but require less maintenance compared to a villa or a freestanding house. Their land area varies in size, semi-detached houses range from 110sqm to 320sqm.

Unlike single detached homes, this type of property often uses porcelain tiles on the ground floor for a modern look as well as a sense of luxury. These types of dwellings have high ceilings, alfresco, and outdoor dining and sometimes sacrifice courtyard space in favour of a larger indoor area, some are very luxurious in the area. You’ll still have space for a car or two but it will not be as big as other properties. This shouldn’t be a problem as the locations are usually conveniently located. Toongabbie has a high demand for semi-detached houses so expect higher than normal premiums if this is the type of property you’re seeking.

The median price of a duplex in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs is $810,000 to $1,100,000 (as of 2022). It’s generally affordable for couples that are just starting a family. For context, owning a duplex in Sydney will set you back around $1,000,000 up to $1,500,000 (2022).

Pros:

  • Provide more privacy than apartments or townhouses
  • Require less maintenance than a villa or a freestanding house
  • Some come as detached duplexes

Cons:

  • The price can be higher in suburbs where land is scarce and the demand is high.

Best For:

Semi-detached houses or duplexes are perfect for established investors and families. 

4. Apartment Unit / Flat

Apartments or “flats/units” usually vary in size. Some apartments only have 1 bedroom while others can have as high as 2 to 3 bedrooms. Apartments in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs have the standard 2.4m floor-ceiling height. Units are made up of a bunch of apartments separated by a wall but built into blocks, some are of the old type walk-up apartments and newer ones have elevators and underground car parks. 

Apartments are everywhere in Toongabbie, mainly near the station and down Targo Road. These types of buildings have recently taken over established houses on Aurelia St, Toongabbie Rd, and Octavia St as a response to getting more housing density close to the train station. The apartments are medium-rise and are equipped with full facilities. Apartments also some new ones have better security due to security gates into the compex.

They are close to the Indian and Sri Lankan grocery stores, train stations (Pendle Hill), pubs, the meat market, and other amenities. The average size of apartments in the area ranges from 80sqm to 130sqm but you’ll definitely find larger ones if budget is not a problem. 

The median price of units in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs is $500,000 to $650,000 (as of 2022). It’s generally affordable for couples that are just starting a family. For context, owning a unit in Sydney will set you back around $700,000 up to $900,000 (2022).

Pros:

  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Requires less maintenance
  • Better security
  • Proximity to amenities 

Cons:

  • Limited space
  • Less privacy
  • Strata fees and restrictions

Best For:

Getting an apartment property is a great option for individuals or couples who can’t afford to purchase an entire house just yet but would like to be close to everything. Buying apartments is also great for first-time owners and investors. It’s a perfect opportunity to enter the market if you wish to add real estate to your portfolio.

5. Townhouses

Townhouses in Toongabbie and its nearby suburbs are easily the more affordable option among all the types of properties we’ve listed so far but there are not so many of them in the area. They use less land and are usually 2 or 3 floors high where the bottom floor serves as dining and living rooms while the upper floors are used for bedrooms. You will see some on Wentworth Ave. They are either attached or freestanding. Some still have courtyards as well as a garage or a carport/underground car parking. 

Over the past years, old houses in the area were demolished and were replaced by duplexes and units to accommodate the growing demands of the population. You’ll see a lot more townhouses in the future as density increases. This is due to the very strong development plans in key suburbs as the cost of housing increases annually. Most townhouses are under a strata title where yearly levies to a body corporate take care of maintenance on the common property. The body corporate maintains access ways, landscaping of the area, public corridors, building structures, and more.

The median price of a townhouse in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs is $600,000 to $900,000 (as of 2022). It’s generally affordable for couples that are just starting a family. For context, owning a townhouse in Sydney will set you back around $900,000 up to $1,200,000 (2022).

Pros:

  • Considered nicer compared to apartments
  • Easier maintenance
  • Accessible and near many amenities

Cons:

  • Annual levies paid to a body corporate that takes care of common property maintenance
  • Less privacy and more noise compared to freestanding houses

Best For:

Townhouses are better than apartment units for singles, couples, and smaller families that are wishing to upgrade from their previous dwelling because most townhouses in Toongabbie are situated in prime areas accessible to Woolworths and the train station.

6. Granny Flats

Granny flats are an interesting dwelling because a lot of local homeowners are turning to them to make extra money on the side. If you’re already a homeowner or are interested in buying one in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs, building a granny flat in your own backyard can be a smart investment. They deliver supplementary income as well as boost the original property’s value, and Toongabbie has perfect lot sizes for them.

As we speak, there are plenty of sheds and backyards being converted to granny flats because the benefits simply outweigh the risks and costs, with council approval of course. A right granny flat provides a huge increase in a property’s value by as much as $100,000 to $200,000 depending on how it will flow with the property. Decks and pergolas work to help this. 

If you’re serious about owning one yourself, there are certain conditions you must meet to get fast approval. Your lot should be at least 450sqm and 12m wide and can meet the total floor space restrictions. The granny flat should also be at least 1.8m away from your own house. More importantly, a granny flat must have everything required for independent living. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, private access, and more, but always check with council requirements as they change all the time.

The cost of constructing your granny flat can be anywhere from $100,000 to $140,000. These include a slab, plumbing, and electricity. It’s best to understand the available space you can use before going straight into building one in order to avoid potential problems down the line. You have to remember that somebody will live in the flat for months and even several years. Build it with the same considerations as you would your own home. In turn, this will attract the right tenant and maybe allow for more rent.

Lastly, only one granny flat is allowed per single residential property. The primary home should be your place of residence and not the other way around. Granny flats can be custom-built because there are a lot of builders that cater to this kind of service. Some granny flats arrive fully built so you should be responsible for laying the foundations for water and electricity.

Pros:

  • Converting an unused patch of land on your property into a granny flat offers buyers to earn more income from renting them. 
  • Easy to build and maintain.
  • Great for land you can not subdivide.
  • 2 incomes on one lot 
  • Large range of tenants because of the Pendle Hill industrial area and the train to Parramatta

Cons:

  • Once a secondary residence on your block is built, you can no longer subdivide.
  • You may lose your backyard.

Best for:

A granny flat is perfect for someone looking to utilise unused space in his backyard while benefiting from a steady stream of income if you ever decide to rent it out. 

7. Commercial

The last item on this list isn’t exactly a residential property, but we thought it might be something you’d be interested in as well, as some of them come with residential property. Commercial properties are also available in Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs such as Pendle Hill. If you’re thinking of investing beyond the usual residential options, then this could be an option for you. Investing in commercial properties is usually a great revenue stream because of high rental returns and business dividends.

Investing in commercial properties has higher risks so first-time investors should be aware of the different pros and cons. Getting professional help from property consultants will be helpful if you’re looking for an investment strategy that will lessen the risk and provide higher returns. The area boasts warehousing, retail, and large units with great highway access. 

Different Types of Property Titles in Australia

Strata-titles? Torrens title? These terminologies do not help at all, especially for the first-time homeowner. What do these words really mean? Don’t worry, we make them digestible enough for you in the discussion below.

Buying properties in Australia has different kinds of ownership structures. These include the Torrens title or ‘Freehold’ which is the most common property type. This basically means the property belongs to the title owner. If there is still an existing mortgage, the financial institution keeps the certificate until the mortgage is fully paid by the owner.

Owning a strata-titled property meanwhile means you own the unit inside but not the outside premises. Strata-titled properties include townhouses and apartments. Since there are common areas that are shared by the different homeowners such as the swimming pool, entrance halls, garden, and other facilities, property owners have to pay an annual strata fee for their maintenance and upkeep.

Community titles, meanwhile, are a type of property that’s shared by numerous owners. It’s similar to a strata title but is more common for subdivisions and neighbourhoods. The maintenance of the common areas is supported by property owners just like a strata title.

Living in Toongabbie in a nutshell

Toongabbie is one of the oldest suburbs in Australia, so expect a lot of variety when living in the area and its surrounding communities. Based on the study conducted by microburbs.com, there are around 28% renters in Toongabbie while 31% are residential owners. Roughly 1/3rd of the residents of Toongabbie speak another language and are of different ethnicity. Its diversity adds to the multicultural appeal of the suburb, allowing you to experience a lot of different offerings from different cultures.

There are Chinese restaurants, Indian salons, Sri Lankan restaurants, and so much more. There’s also a healthy mix of public, selective, and private schools for your children. With a lot of upgraded public parks in the area, families hold picnics there while children benefit from playgrounds. If you have an active lifestyle, there are Gallery Gardens Tennis Courts and Binalong Tennis Courts in Old Toongabbie. Other recreation areas include archery clubs, athletic clubs, and even bird and poultry clubs if you’re looking for something different.

For residents looking for some calm and tranquillity, there are nearby libraries like the Constitution Hill Branch Library with boutique shops as well as the Wentworthville Library. Stocking up on groceries weekly shouldn’t be a problem because there are a lot of local markets and Woolworths in and around the area.

Safety

Compared to nearby areas, Toongabbie ranks pretty high in terms of safety, making this an ideal neighbourhood for families with children, as it has a tight-knit community. Alcohol-related assaults are rare, while domestic and non-domestic violence is low to high. Theft, breaking and entering, and robbery are also rated low to high. 

Health

Close to Toongabbie is the Westmead Hospital, which provides quality healthcare. Currently under construction, the Toongabbie Terrace Care Community is expected to open in September 2022 and will provide high quality residential aged care services. These include permanent, respite and dementia care.

Lifestyle, Entertainment, and Convenience

Toongabbie is littered with cafes like the paper plain cafe in Girraween or The Pizza & Pasta Kitchen on Claudia Rd, pubs, restaurants, large parks, and recreational areas as well as supermarkets and general stores. There is even a Golf Club (Fox Hills Golf Club) and a lawn bowls club (Toongabbie Sports Club) for the more sporty individuals. Most of the basic needs can also be found nearby such as banks, the post office, and plenty of medical centres. It also registers a high leafiness rating of 75% which provides adequate shade during hot temperatures being an older established suburb.

Utilities              

Nowadays, mobile reception and speed are also important for prospective buyers so knowing that the internet in the area is stable is a big selling point. The national broadband network now rolled out in Toongabbie is pretty excellent. Mobile internet speed and reception are also good as 4G is available in the area. 

Conclusion

Buying property can be expensive so choosing the right home type for you is essential. That being said, Toongabbie and its surrounding suburbs are some of the safest places to live in with a lot of different property types to choose from. 

Owning a freestanding house is an ideal option if budget is not an issue. It’s popular with a lot of families because of its spacious area and the possibility of constructing a granny flat if you’re looking for other sources of income. Villas and semi-detached houses are competitively priced in the area so they are also a great alternative for prospective homeowners. Townhouses and apartment units are great for couples and small families because they’re more affordable and more are being built, although they usually have smaller floor areas. Most of these neighbourhoods are near the train station and various amenities, too.

Now that you have an idea of the different types of property that you can choose from, it’s time to check out some of the available properties in Toongabbie and the surrounding area.

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