Choosing a new home is a significant decision that can have a long-lasting impact on your life. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, several crucial factors must be considered before making this important investment. In this blog, we will explore what you should keep in mind when choosing a new home to ensure that it meets your needs and aligns with your lifestyle.
Budget and Affordability
Setting a realistic budget is one of the most critical aspects of choosing a new home. Before beginning your search, evaluating your financial situation and determining how much you can comfortably afford is essential. Consider factors such as down payment, monthly mortgage payments, and ongoing expenses like property taxes and maintenance costs. In addition, a team of Gold Coast to Cairns removalists recommends researching removalist companies in your area and obtaining quotes to determine the cost of their services. Compare prices and consider factors like insurance coverage and customer reviews before making a decision. Consulting with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options and secure the best financing for your situation.
Location and Neighborhood
The location of your new home plays a vital role in your daily life. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, workplaces, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. Additionally, evaluate the safety and security of the area by researching crime rates and talking to local residents. Assessing the quality of schools in the neighborhood is especially crucial if you have children or plan to start a family in the future. Take the time to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a sense of the community and the amenities available.
Size and Layout
The size and layout of the home should align with your current and future needs. Evaluate how much space you require, taking into account the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as common areas like the kitchen and living room. Consider your lifestyle and any specific requirements, such as a home office or a dedicated play area for children. Additionally, assess the functional layout of the house and its potential for customization or expansion if needed.
Future Needs and Long-Term Plans
When choosing a new home, it’s important to think beyond the present and consider your future needs. Will the property accommodate potential lifestyle changes or additions to your family? Assess the resale value and rental potential of the home, even if you don’t plan on selling or renting it in the near future. A property that holds its value well can provide financial security and flexibility down the line.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Evaluate the infrastructure and transportation options available in the area. Consider the condition of roads, utilities, and other essential services. Assess the accessibility to public transportation if you rely on it for commuting or daily activities. A well-connected location can save you time and provide convenience in your daily life.
Home Inspection and Condition
Never underestimate the importance of a thorough home inspection. Before finalizing your decision, hire professionals to assess the condition of the property. This will help identify any potential issues or repairs needed, allowing you to make an informed decision and negotiate with the seller if necessary. A comprehensive inspection can save you from unexpected expenses and headaches down the line.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
Your personal preferences and lifestyle should play a significant role in selecting your new home. Consider your style and design preferences, as well as any specific features or amenities that are important to you. For example, if you enjoy outdoor activities, a property with a spacious backyard or proximity to parks and nature may be desirable. Reflect on how the home aligns with your overall lifestyle and whether it offers the potential for you to engage in your hobbies or interests.
In conclusion, choosing a new home is a complex decision that requires careful consideration. By keeping these factors in mind – budget and affordability, location and neighborhood, size and layout, future needs and long-term plans, infrastructure and transportation, home inspection and condition, as well as personal preferences and lifestyle – you can make an informed choice that meets your needs and ensures a comfortable and fulfilling living experience. Remember, take your time and conduct thorough research to find a home that will truly be your sanctuary.
Work has begun on a “highly anticipated” retail village that will help cater for new residents of a burgeoning marina precinct.
Dockside Village will be located near the newly opened $16 million marina at Pelican Waters and include a supermarket, liquor store and dining options.
Brisabane-based Flux Property is developing the retail centre and secured the three tenants to deliver a “one-stop shopping experience”.
Flux Property’s Ben Sutcliffe said the precinct, located on a 3430sqm site, would offer quality and convenience.
“We’re incredibly proud to be bringing this development to life and uplifting the quality and convenience of the current retail landscape for the Pelican Waters residents and visitors,” he said.
“We always set the bar high and look to deliver the best possible outcome for the community – Dockside Village will be no exception.”
“This includes the consideration we’ve given to the tenant mix.
“We’re delivering the convenience that residents and visitors to the area want and are creating a one-stop shopping experience.”
A new IGA supermarket will be part of the precinct, which will be owned and operated by Greg and Lecinda Weiss.
The local couple have been the driving force in the Seasons IGA expansion across southeast Queensland.
Known as W’Gusto IGA, it will specialise in gourmet foods and offer a range of locally sourced products, with a lease secured for 15 years.
Other tenants will include Celebrations Liquor and Sushi Ari.
The centre will offer 40 car parks, three motorbike parks and 10 bicycle parks, plus electric vehicle-charging stations.
[TAG0]An artist impression of Dockside Village at Pelican Waters.
Dockside Village will connect to the new Pelican Waters Marina by boardwalk and will be accessible through The Basin at Pelican Waters.
Flux Property confirmed the centre is on track for opening in the second quarter of 2024.
Brisbane sellers in the city’s inner west and Carindale gained the biggest profit when offloading their homes this year, with new data revealing vendors pocketed a median profit of more than half a million dollars.
Family-friendly suburbs such as Toowong, Paddington and Indooroopilly topped the list, with sellers gaining an average of $557,500 come sale time, according to the Domain Tenure and Profit report, while Carindale earned silver after sellers snaffled an average profit of $520,000.
Experts put the top performance down to rapid-fire property price growth across the suburbs, alongside their abundance of top schools with both local and interstate buyers prizing coveted catchments and big blocks.
Outside of the Queensland capital, Gold Coast haven Coolangatta fared even better, with vendors in the border town pocketing an incredible median house profit of $590,000 – which was the biggest across the state. Broadbeach and Burleigh sellers weren’t far behind after the report revealed they gained a profit of $571,000, while Sunshine Coast pocket Maroochy also earned a spot in the top 10 with sellers fetching a median profit of $540,000.
The Domain dataset further showed the average tenure of home owners across the state, with Brisbane West’s Centenary region and Central Queensland’s Biloela the highest, at 14 years.
[TAG0]Vendors in Coolangatta pocketed a median profit of $590,000 on sales, new data shows. Photo: Tourism Queensland
Brisbane inner-west specialist and McGrath sales agent Alex Jordan said the remarkable profit stats in his leafy patch were fuelled by interstate migration from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra – with top education options driving growth.
“Brisbane’s western suburbs outperform others when it comes to school catchments – and that’s for primary, secondary and tertiary,” Jordan said.
“When you look at the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) scores, some of the highest are in this area. So, that’s a big driver.
“We’re also noticing strong buyer appetite from Sunnybank, too. Families are moving here for their kids’ education.”
It’s a trend that’s gathered momentum over the past few years, Jordan said, with the area recently performing stronger than expected thanks to its bang for buck compared to the NSW capital – particularly in the prestige sector.
“While the Sydney market is one and a half times what ours is in general, in the prestige end it’s 10 times higher.
“We recently sold 75 Duke Street in Toowong, and it was listed with a price guide between $2.75 and $2.95 million. It went into multi-offer scenario between Melbourne and Sydney buyers before getting a cash offer of $2.98 million.”
According to property records, the home last sold in June, 2000, for $355,000.
Jordan said the high tenure of home owners also attributed to those strong profits, with the Domain Tenure and Profit dataset showing the average tenure for houses there is nine years.
“They stay until the kids finish school and then they downsize,” he said.
[TAG1]Buyers are seeking properties in Toowong, attracted by good schools. Photo: Plum Property
An impressive average tenure of 10 years, coupled with strong demand and price growth over the past five years has contributed to the high sale profits in Carindale, said Torres Property director Will Torres.
He said the suburb clocked up remarkable growth during the pandemic and had continued to gain higher than average house price increases ever since.
“If you look at the demographics of the area, it’s very family orientated … and Carindale accommodates that lifestyle for growing families in terms of larger blocks, schools, parks and trains. Yet you’re still within a 10-kilometre radius of the CBD,” Torres said.
“A decade ago, people didn’t know where it was. And as little as 25 years ago it was farmland.”
“I’d say most of the vendors here now are downsizing but they’ve been here for some time. And as for buyers, it’s younger families looking for a lifestyle change.”
Place Camp Hill Lead Agent Joanna Gianniotis said the Carindale region was fast becoming an upgrade mecca, with its proximity to Mansfield State High School and top private schools attracting buyers in their droves.
“Demand has increased because home values increased so much in neighbouring Camp Hill and Coorparoo. The suburb’s also come off a lower base and that’s why sellers are seeing such great growth,” she said.
“We sold a home at 8 Waverley Port for $2.62 million on Tuesday and it last sold in 2012 for $845,000. The vendors basically tripled their money.”
Down at Coolangatta, McGrath Coolangatta/Tweed Heads agent Kelly Holt attributed the eyewatering median house sale profits to the sheer lack of stock and the fact the seaside pocket straddled the NSW and Queensland border.
“When someone buys here, they’re unlikely to sell it,” she said.
“But it’s also the border town factor that attracts buyers. I have buyers from NSW who don’t want to buy in Queensland and buyers in Queensland who don’t want to buy in NSW.
“The charm of Coolangatta is also in the beaches and the natural environment. Plus, you have the international airport yet you don’t have the Gold Coast highway going through it.
“So, homes don’t come up that often here.”
[TAG2]Maroochydore is a popular spot for Sunshine Coast buyers. Photo: Supplied
Holt said locals led the buying charge, with Sydney and Melbourne house hunters also heading north in increasing numbers.
Further north, on the Sunshine Coast, Reed & Co director Adrian Reed said pockets such as Maroochy and the Noosa Hinterland – where the latter returned a median profit of $495,000 – had also clocked up stronger numbers after coming off a lower price base.
“The tree-change trend is driving that growth in the hinterland … and it’s also got the blend of proximity to the beach while being a bit of a secret source,” he said.
Buyers, he said, were also typically staying in their homes much longer than previously in the Noosa region, with the Domain dataset revealing the house tenure in Maroochy is nine years and seven in both Noosa and the Noosa Hinterland.
When it comes to staging a development or build, one of the biggest decisions builders and developers face is whether to rent or buy furniture. While there are pros and cons to both options, there are several reasons why renting furniture can be a smart choice.
Cost Savings
One of the main reasons builders and developers choose to rent furniture is cost savings. Buying furniture can be expensive and builders and developers may not want to invest a lot of money in furniture that they may only need for a short period of time. Renting furniture can be a more cost-effective solution, as they only need to pay for the rental period and return the furniture once the project is complete.
Flexibility
Another advantage of renting furniture is flexibility. Builders and developers may need to stage a property for sale or rental and their furniture needs may vary depending on the property and its target market. Renting furniture allows for greater flexibility in choosing and changing furniture to meet these needs. This can be particularly useful when staging a property for different buyers, as different furniture styles and arrangements may be necessary.
Expertise
Furniture rental companies have expertise in designing and furnishing spaces. Builders and developers can take advantage of this expertise to create spaces that are attractive, functional and appealing to their target market. Many furniture rental companies, such as Valiant Interiors, offer design services and trade benefits can help builders and developers choose the right furniture for their project.
Renting furniture is a convenient solution for builders and developers who may not have the time or resources to source and purchase furniture themselves. Furniture rental companies can deliver and install furniture, saving builders and developers time and effort. This can be particularly useful for large-scale projects or for those who are managing multiple projects at once.
Sustainability
Renting furniture can also be a more sustainable solution than buying new furniture for each project. Many furniture rental companies have sustainability initiatives and can offer environmentally friendly options. By renting furniture, builders and developers can reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in their industry.
Renting furniture can be a smart choice for builders and developers looking for cost-effective, flexible, and convenient solutions for staging their properties. With the expertise of furniture rental companies such as Valiant Interiors, you can create spaces that are functional, attractive and appealing to your target market. Additionally, by renting furniture, builders and developers can reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in their industry.
A Queensland transport expert has outlined priorities for the rapidly growing Sunshine Coast and says the region must be “reshaped” to make the most of new transit systems.
Griffith University’s Professor Matthew Burke, who specialises in transport modelling and policy, said the area needed a major shake-up to accommodate a predicted population explosion, from about 365,000 locals now to more than 500,000 residents by 2041.
“The Sunshine Coast’s transport system is okay for a car-based tourism city of around 300,000 people,” he said. “But it’s no longer suitable for a city with a more mixed economy heading quickly towards half a million residents.”
Prof Burke said two key systems were “missing”.
“A mid-tier transit system that can run from Maroochydore to Caloundra, linking up all the activities within the city, and an inter-city rail link from the coastal suburbs to Brisbane,” he said.
“Both projects are now well-planned: it is only a question of getting the funding and bringing them into life.
“Only with these systems can we really expect Sunshine Coast residents to own less cars and use them less and prevent the coming congestion problems that will soon besiege the road network.
“It’s only public transport investment that will give us any chance of avoiding the congestion issues of the near future.”
Prof Burke said the projects needed funding as soon as possible.
“There’s a public transport investment backlog on the Sunshine Coast unlike that of any other Australian city,” he said.
“You only have to look at the Redcliffe peninsula, with one-third the population … that got its railway link to Brisbane at least 15 years ahead of the Sunshine Coast.
“Or the Gold Coast that now enjoys Australia’s best light rail line.”
The state and federal governments have committed various levels of funding towards the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade, Kawana Motorway and the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project. Preliminary works have started on the interchange, while property acquisitions are in process for the projects.
Prof Burke said those four projects were sorely required, but two of them were priorities.
“The Kawana Motorway will be needed whilst new urban growth stays so car-dependent, and to service all the new two, three and four-car housing we keep building,” he said.
“But it’s the Direct Rail to Brisbane and the mid-tier Sunshine Coast Public Transport project from Caloundra to Maroochydore that are most pressing.
“Best bang for buck for the city’s own economy is building the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project. Most urban economists would tell you to build it first.”
Prof Burke said the region would have to adapt and accommodate new transport methods, to make the most of them.
“We have to reshape the Sunshine Coast to receive these transit systems,” he said.
“That means clustering increased density around key transport stations on the new networks, so that everything is in sync from day one.
“Sites such as the university, to Caloundra, to the hospital at Kawana, to SunCentral at Maroochydore, and eventually to the airport.
“Developing all those ‘pearls along the string’ on the new transit lines is critical.
“What the broader Sunshine Coast community hasn’t worked out yet is that targeted development along the rail lines will actually reduce pressure for densification in most other parts of the city where we don’t really want or need it.”
[TAG0]An artist’s impression of a new station on the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
Prof Burke said comprehensive transit infrastructure was crucial to the region.
“The transport network gives everyone access to the jobs, goods and services they need in daily life, it gets tourists to their accommodation and the city’s many attractions, and it links businesses with their customers and labour force,” he said.
“Transport options and services give everyone their opportunities within the city and keep us connected.”
Prof Burke is the transport academic partnership chair for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the Motor Accident and Insurance Commission. He is also the transport innovation and research hub chair for Brisbane City Council.
He was a speaker at the recent Importance of Transport to Regional Urban and Economic Growth Conference at Twin Waters.
A “retro” seven-storey mixed-use building with 21 short-term accommodation units is planned for a popular tourist retail strip at the southern end of the Gold Coast.
The proposal is earmarked to replace commercial premises occupied by the Coolangatta branches of the ANZ Bank and Bank of Queensland.
It has been lodged with the Gold Coast City Council by a Melbourne-based entity that acquired the 473sq m site at 24-28 Griffith Street in 2021 for $4.55 million.
Architectural plans submitted as part of the development application have been prepared for KBY Group.
“The proposed development presents as a contemporary architectural design, reflective of its coastal locality,” the planning documents said.
Curved balconies and building corners, patterned breeze block screening, fine and rough render walls of the Plazibat Architects-designed scheme “complement one another, creating a distinct retro building”.
Overall, the proposal would comprise 21 one-bedroom short-term accommodation units across five levels.
Units on the northern half of the building fronting Griffith Street would feature a dual-key arrangement.
Access to the accommodation would be via a lobby entrance from Griffith Street and an adjoining pedestrian laneway.
As well, three retail-commercial tenancies spanning 180sq m on the ground level would sit above two basement levels with 16 carparking spaces.
The documents noted the proposed 27.1m height of the building would “slightly exceed” the site’s designated height limit of 24m.
Sitting atop the building would be a 410sq m rooftop communal recreation terrace—including a pool, gym, kitchen, landscaped garden and seating—crowned by a horizontal batten, patterned facade feature running down the entire eastern facade and framing the lobby entrance.
“The proposed short-term accommodation component of the proposal will provide a new and highly desired injection of holiday-letting rooms close to the Gold Coast Airport and within what has become somewhat of an aged centre zone,” the application said.
Angela Smith has lived in a portable tiny home on a rural property with her two young boys for the past six months.
But she faces an uncertain future after learning Sunshine Coast Council requires people to apply for a permit to live in temporary accommodation on someone’s land.
The permit costs $514 and only lasts 18 months for portable tiny homes and caravans, and six months for cars and vans.
The council does not generally approve more than one 18-month extension to the permits because it says “the temporary home is not designed to be a permanent solution”.
Ms Smith said that left her in limbo.
“[It] makes us really hesitant to put our roots down, knowing that someone can come along at any moment and say ‘you need to leave here’,” she said.
Ms Smith said she was happy living a simpler, self-sufficient life and would like to remain long-term.
“It’s a shame that we’re told ‘no, you can’t do that’,” she said.
“Because we do have a beautiful home and it’s built to Australian standards … and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to live that way.”
The council voted last week to waive the fee for people facing “extraordinary circumstances including housing stress and financial hardship or other compassionate reasons”.
But housing advocates say it is an inadequate response to the rental crisis gripping the region.
‘I had no hope’
[TAG0]Angela Smith lives in a tiny home after becoming a casualty of the rental crisis. (Supplied: Jacqueline Morton)
Ms Smith said she rented a “beautiful home” in Buderim until six months ago.
But she knew she’d have trouble finding somewhere to live when the owner said they were selling up.
“When I realised what the rental market looks like, I just had no hope,” she said.
“[It was] the first time in my life I had not felt security that I was going to step into another beautiful place.”
She decided to buy a tiny home on wheels.
The “last piece of the puzzle” was finding somewhere to park it.
That’s when she found Jacqueline Morton through a mutual friend.
Ms Morton, who owns land in Belli Park, west of Eumundi in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, said she had many people contact her asking to park their van or tiny home on her property.
“I turned away a lot of people initially,” she said.
Restrictions on land use
Ms Morton said the council’s authority to restrict people staying in a caravan on private property was “an extremely intrusive law”.
“They own their caravan, they own their property, and here’s council dictating you can only have someone in that personal property on your personal property for four weeks in a 52-week period,” she said.
The council’s guidelines state the permit is required for safety and to ensure the temporary dwelling “works” in the neighbourhood.
The fee waiver is only temporary and expires on June 30, but a council spokeswoman said officers “intend to include a reduced fee option” for the 2023-24 financial year.
Ms Morton said people were choosing tiny homes as their permanent home.
“The permit council voted on … does not give the people living in tiny homes any housing security,” she said.
Housing advocate Helen Andrew, who has campaigned on the issue, said the council’s response was “a little bit like virtue signalling”.
“It’s a little bit of an empty promise … ‘Hey, look at me, I’m doing something’ but it’s not enough, it’s not what the community is looking for.”
“All these people on the Sunshine Coast that are finding tiny homes [and] buses to live in permanently are in this no man’s land, and if a neighbour complains council is on to them and that creates more distress for people.”
Ms Andrew estimated there were “hundreds” oftemporary dwellings throughout the region but the council only investigated when a neighbour complained.
A council spokeswoman said 11 temporary home applications had been lodged in the past 12 months, and nine permits had been approved.
Councillor Christian Dickson said the priority was to ensure everyone was safe.
“While it is important we support people who need to access a temporary home, council also has obligations to protect and manage health and safety, the environment, and reduce impacts on nearby properties and public spaces,” he said.
Ms Andrew said forcing applicants to prove extenuating circumstances to receive the fee waiver was an “extra impediment”.
Rents across Australia are surging, with new data showing some areas have experienced a 50 per cent increase in rents in the past 12 months.
Regional areas are experiencing unprecedented demand for rental properties which has led to a surge in rents in many small towns.
Data from PropTrack has found that nine out of the top 10 suburbs that saw the biggest increase in median house rents were in regional areas as the desire for more space and a regional lifestyle continued.
Meanwhile, inner city suburbs in the capitals saw the biggest hike in unit rents as higher-density living becomes more popular post-COVID.
Regional Areas
Katanning, a small town in Western Australia, has seen a 47 per cent increase in median house rent to $375 per week, bought on by the town’s growing popularity as a regional hub..
In South Australia, Port Broughton has seen a 43 per cent increase in median house rent to $340, given the town’s proximity to the beach and growing demand for holiday rentals in the area.
In Queensland, Gatton has seen a 41 per cent increase in median house rent to $460, with the town’s location near the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus and the growing popularity of regional living having led to higher demand for rental properties.
[TAG0]A growing demand for holiday rentals means Port Broughton rentals have gone up 43% to $340. IMAGE Exploring South Australia
Inner City Suburbs
Melbourne’s inner city suburbs have seen the biggest hike in unit rents, with a 42 per cent increase in median unit rent to $540 per week as, as more people want to live closer to the city and its amenities post-COVID.
In New South Wales, Darlington has seen a 38 per cent increase in median unit rent to sit at $565, while The Rocks, also in New South Wales, has seen a 35 per cent increase in median unit rent to $975.
PropTrack Economist, Anne Flaherty said the main factor driving rent increases is a lack of supply: “Vacancy rates are at or close to record low levels across many markets.
“This means that for each rental property available, there are more prospective tenants competing, and this is driving up prices” she said.
Ms Flaherty said the surge in immigration is contributing to the rental crisis, as most new arrivals are students and renters.
She said, “The return of international students and migrants is adding to the competition for rentals. These students are now returning, which will further add to demand for rental properties.”
To alleviate the current rental crisis, Ms Flaherty said that governments need to prioritise policies that increase supply: “Ultimately, the solution to alleviating the current rental crisis is for governments to prioritise policies that expedite and promote the development of new homes.
“The speed at which new homes can be developed has been hampered over the past year by a combination of higher interest rates, longer construction timelines, material and labour shortages, and significant rises in input costs.
“These factors have forced developers to temporarily shelve many approved projects” she said.
A pandemic-induced working-from-home boom saw many homeowners across Australia seek out a regional lifestyle but Hotspotting Director Terry Ryder said the exodus to the affordable lifestyle phenomenon started before the pandemic.
An Exodus to Lifestyle report from Hotspotting has identified the top affordable lifestyle locations across the country.
In Queensland, Toowoomba, Yeppoon, Townsville, and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands took out four of the top 10 lifestyle locations, with three in South Australia, two in Western Australia and one in Victoria.
Mr Ryder believes the exodus to the affordable lifestyle phenomenon began at least five years ago as large volumes of people left big expensive cities for smaller more affordable locations.
Mr Ryder said, “This core population trend has been happening for many years. The official population data shows that Sydney has been losing population to other parts of Australia for the past 10 years and Melbourne has been losing to internal migration for five to six years.
“While the COVID-19 lockdown period made all this more visible and gave it extra momentum, this trend certainly wasn’t caused by the pandemic.”
“Fundamentally, this big migration of population has been caused by the pursuit of lifestyle and affordability, enabled by technology – the ability to work remotely.”
Terry Ryder, Hotspotting Director
The newly released report identified the top affordable lifestyle locations with the best upside potential. The research analysed data from suburbs across Australia considering the combined rising sales activity, with the potential for capital growth. It also looked at areas with plenty of houses at affordable prices, strong existing and planned infrastructure, as well as proximity to major jobs nodes.
1. City of Toowoomba, Qld
Toowoomba’s strong economic performance makes it an attractive option for those seeking a lifestyle change.
Mr Ryder said, “Adding to the city’s appeal is its attractive parks and gardens, its extensive health and education facilities, and its proximity to Brisbane.
“This combination of factors, along with the city’s affordability, low vacancies and solid yields are attracting a variety of property buyers to the region, including first home buyers, tree-changers, baby boomers, retirees and investors.”
Toowoomba Property Asking Prices
2. Yeppoon, Qld
As the main town in Livingstone Shire, near Rockhampton, Yeppoon benefits from a diverse economy encompassing tourism, defence, agriculture and construction. Yeppoon’s calm seaside waters, tropical climate and quiet lifestyle add to its appeal.
Mr Ryder said, “The region remained relatively untarnished by Covid-19 and employment opportunities remained plentiful into 2022. The shire’s unemployment rate in the June 2022 Quarter sat at three per cent, significantly lower than state and national averages.”
Yeppoon offers numerous schools, a hospital, two shopping centres and recreational facilities.
Mr Ryder said, “Vacancies remain tight with typical rental yields of four to five per cent higher than most capital cities and large Queensland seaside areas such as the Gold and Sunshine coasts.”
Yeppoon Property Asking Prices
3. City of Geraldton, WA
Geraldton is the only major city along Western Australia’s Coral Coast and the largest north of Perth. It is a key regional centre, and has seen swift growth in recent years, in line with growth in Perth and the state overall.
Mr Ryder said, “As the Perth property market rebounded strongly in 2020 and delivered notable growth in 2021 and 2022, so, too, did the municipality of Geraldton.
“It experienced a marked uplift in sales activity in 2021 and 2022. This was partly due to budget prices when compared to Perth, with houses typically priced around the mid-$300,000 range.”
“With growing industrial areas and other sectors providing job opportunities, properties in the Geraldton region are worthy of attention by both homebuyers and investors,” he said.
4. City of Mt Gambier, SA
Mount Gambier is said to be rated one of the best regional centres in South Australia for property investment. It offers lifestyle opportunities, relatively affordable housing, and employment growth in a vibrant regional economy, he said.
Mr Ryder said, “Forestry is one of the key industries in the region with expansion plans in the pipeline for several of the region’s largest employers.
“There is also a proposal to set up a forestry industry development and research centre in Mount Gambier” he said.
Mt Gambier has a median house price of $365,000, yields above five per cent, and vacancy rates close to zero. Mr Ryder highlights that Mount Gambier presents as a location worth considering for investors.
5. City of Bunbury, WA
With one of the country’s biggest regional ports, Bunbury is a commercial hub of Western Australia’s southwest region.
Mr Ryder said, “When combined with its major industrial estates and strong transport links to mining and agricultural regions, it makes a formidable employment node.
“Bunbury also offers an attractive seaside lifestyle and affordable housing which no doubt account for it having a population growth rate well above the national average” he said.
Regional property markets in Western Australia rebounded in 2022, after the worst of the pandemic lockdowns and border closures. Mr Ryder said lifestyle locations south of Perth, like Bunbury, produced some of the state’s most impressive results.
Three out of the five Bunbury suburbs analysed in the Summer 2022-23 edition of The Price Predictor Index was ranked as a rising market, he said.
Mr Ryder said Greater Bunbury’s low vacancy rates and high rental yields are encouraging. He said several government planning instruments indicate this area is likely to see extensive transport and infrastructure spending in the near future.
Mr Ryder says Greater Bunbury is worthy of consideration by both owner-occupiers and investors.
6. City of Townsville, Qld
The Townsville market rose strongly during 2021, helped by the diversity of the local economy and the level of infrastructure spending.
[TAG0]Townsville boasts a strong, diverse economy and population growth. Image – Canva
There was exceptional price growth in many Townsville suburbs in 2021 and most continued to escalate throughout 2022, Mr Ryder said, “The local economy and its property market are now thriving, and this is set to continue into 2023 and beyond.”
7. Mitchell Shire, VIC
The Mitchell Shire market has demonstrated strong growth in median house prices, boosted by its proximity to Melbourne and the growing demand for affordable lifestyle locations within commuting distance of the capital city’s employment nodes.
With strong population growth forecasted over the coming decades, numerous housing projects are under construction, while land area is being fast-tracked for rezoning by the Victorian Planning Authority.
Mr Ryder said, “Most of the growth will be focused on Beveridge where 16,000 dwellings are planned, along with an intermodal freight precinct to handle interstate freight as well as import and export container trade.”
“House prices in Mitchell Shire remain considerably less than the median price of Melbourne, which was $900,000 in January 2023” he said.
8. Rural City of Murray Bridge, SA
Mr Ryder said that the great lifestyle, affordable housing and a diverse economy, make Murray Bridge one of South Australia’s most consistently reliable investment locations.
Mr Ryder said, “Murray Bridge has also lured new residents with the promise of job opportunities with several agricultural, manufacturing, and tourism businesses recently expanding their facilities or planning to increase operations in the near future.
“A key attraction for first-home buyers is the low median house price – just over $300,000. For investors, the low vacancy rate, which has been under one per cent since April 2020, adds further appeal” he said.
9. Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Qld
The Southern Moreton Bay Islands boast remarkable scenery, varied wildlife and a coastal community atmosphere. Passenger ferries leaving the islands regularly keep the area connected to major jobs nodes in Brisbane.
“Most of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands have median house prices in the $300,000s and $400,000s, compared to the nearby mainland suburb of Redland Bay ($830,000) and the Greater Brisbane Area ($775,000).
“The two main islands – Macleay Island and Russell Island – have median house prices in the low $300,000s, making them the cheapest suburbs in the Brisbane region.”
10. City of Port Lincoln, SA
Known as Australia’s seafood capital Port Lincoln has a strong commercial fishing industry, as well as being an important visitor destination.
Residents of the City of Port Lincoln enjoy attractive beaches, spectacular scenery and a strong and varied economy.
“The outlook over Boston Bay is one of its defining features, while the foreshore and nearby National Park plays a large part in the appeal that sees thousands of tourists visit each year,” Mr Ryder said.
“Sales activity has risen in Port Lincoln since 2020 and there has been an uplift in property values, with the median house price increasing 9% in the months to November 2022, according to CoreLogic data,” Mr Ryder said.
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