Margate
Margate, Tasmania is a charming coastal town located just 20 minutes south of Hobart. Nestled between the serene waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the rolling hills of the Snug Tiers, it offers a peaceful lifestyle with all the conveniences of modern living. The town has a population of just over 4,200 people and has experienced steady growth in recent years, making it an increasingly popular choice for families, retirees, and professionals looking to escape the bustle of city life while staying within reach of urban amenities.
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One of Margate’s most unique attractions is the Margate Train, a quirky and beloved local landmark where old railway carriages have been transformed into shops, eateries, and cafes. Visitors and locals alike enjoy a meal at the Pancake Train or browsing local crafts and antiques. For those interested in history, the Channel Heritage Museum offers a fascinating look at the region’s past, including its maritime heritage, agriculture, and stories from the 1967 bushfires.
The natural beauty of Margate is a major drawcard. Dru Point Bicentennial Park offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and lovely views over North West Bay. Nearby, the Inverawe Native Gardens showcase Tasmania’s diverse native flora and are a haven for birdwatchers. For more adventurous outings, Snug Falls is just a short drive away and provides a peaceful bushwalk through fern gullies to a picturesque waterfall.
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Margate is very family-friendly, with a strong sense of community and good educational options. Margate Primary School and Channel Christian School both offer quality primary education, and the area has benefitted from recent infrastructure investment, including school upgrades and improved public facilities. With a growing number of cafes, shops, and essential services, the town blends rural charm with practical living.
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Overall, Margate is a lovely place to live or visit. Its mix of natural beauty, community warmth, and thoughtful development makes it a standout location in southern Tasmania. Whether you're exploring its scenic trails, enjoying a relaxed coffee by the coast, or looking for a welcoming place to call home, Margate delivers an enviable lifestyle.
Purchasing Demographic
Margate, Tasmania has a strong owner-occupier presence, with approximately 77% of households either owning their homes outright or purchasing with a mortgage. Only about 21% of properties are rented, indicating that the town is predominantly made up of long-term residents who have chosen to settle in the area. This high rate of homeownership contributes to the stable, community-focused feel of the suburb and appeals to buyers seeking a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of belonging.
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The typical buyer in Margate is a middle-income family—often couples with young children—attracted by the town’s peaceful setting, good local schools, and proximity to Hobart. Professionals, tradespeople, and community service workers are well-represented, creating a diverse yet grounded demographic. There is also a growing population of retirees drawn to the area's quiet charm, coastal views, and slower pace of life. These factors combine to drive consistent demand for housing in the area, particularly detached family homes with gardens.
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While the rental market is relatively small, it remains competitive. The vacancy rate is extremely low, under 0.3%, and rental yields are solid, making Margate attractive to investors despite the dominant owner-occupier trend. Renters in the area are often younger families or individuals saving to buy, as well as professionals commuting to Hobart who prefer Margate’s relaxed lifestyle.
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Looking ahead, Margate is likely to continue attracting buyers who value lifestyle and community over urban density. With a balance of young families, established homeowners, and retirees, it’s a suburb that supports long-term living. As infrastructure and housing developments progress, the purchasing demographic will likely remain steady, with a slight uptick in demand from those seeking an affordable alternative to city living without sacrificing quality of life.
Suburb Market Trends
The real estate market in Margate, Tasmania, has experienced notable fluctuations in recent years, reflecting both broader economic trends and the suburb’s unique appeal. In 2020, the median house price in Margate was $638,000, according to the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT). As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped housing priorities, demand for lifestyle locations like Margate surged, driving a sharp increase in property values.
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By 2022, the median house price had climbed to $830,000, marking an impressive 30.1% increase over two years. This growth was in line with, if not slightly above, the trends seen across Tasmania during the pandemic, where low interest rates, remote work opportunities, and a shift toward regional living saw many buyers prioritising space, lifestyle, and access to nature—features that Margate offers in abundance.
However, the market cooled in 2023, as economic conditions tightened and interest rates rose. Like many areas across Tasmania, Margate experienced a price correction, with the median house price dropping 5.3% to $786,000. Notably, this correction was significantly milder than the statewide average decline of up to 15%, demonstrating the suburb’s resilience and ongoing appeal. Buyer caution became more evident, and affordability pressures began to influence market activity, bringing values back in line with more sustainable levels.
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Since early 2024, the Margate property market has shown clear and rapid signs of recovery. Confidence has returned, and values have resumed their upward trajectory. By May 2025, the median house price had risen to $855,000, representing an 8.8% increase from the previous year. Unlike many suburbs in Greater Hobart that have remained flat or declined, Margate continues to outperform thanks to its family-friendly environment, coastal charm, and expanding local amenities. The suburb remains especially attractive to families, professionals, and lifestyle-driven buyers seeking a balance between natural beauty and convenient access to Hobart.
