Western NSW rural market activity continues to increase: HTW rural
The current level of large scale agricultural land on the market continues to test the market in Western NSW, according to the recent Herron Todd White (HTW) rural report.
The valuation firm says the likes of the Midkin Aggregation is coming on the market and now purportedly selling for $300 million, Harvard University’s properties in western New South Wales are worth circa $200 million, the full RIFA Portfolio is now on the market along with some smaller corporate level holdings in the Albury area and central New South Wales.
"You would think that the dry climatic conditions being experienced across the state would temper any expansionary activity however this is not the case," the valuation firm said.
"Apart from these larger scale corporate level properties, there are a number of smaller properties changing hands at value levels that show the market continuing to increase."
Recent examples of this are is Eurella Station, Ivanhoe (pictured below).
This is a 25,600 hectare parcel located eight kilometres north of Ivanhoe which was sold by private treaty by Landmark Harcourts Deniliquin for $4.4 million.
This equates to $172 per hectare overall and approximately $550 per DSE.
This property was improved with a five bedroom homestead, machinery shed, four stand shearing shed and good sheep and cattle yards.
This sale is in close proximity to Rosewood Station which sold in November 2018 for $165 per hectare.
"We are also aware of an offer and acceptance on a property in the same general area that was purchased approximately two years ago and now is under offer at a value level that will show a 27% increase over that period. While this appears high, it is in line with most areas in New South Wales," the valuation firm said.
The report notes the Ivanhoe area is proving to be an active location in terms of property being offered for sale.
The holding Cross Roads Station (pictured below) is being marketed by a new entrant to the rural sales scene, Border Real Estate.
This is a 27,000 hectare grazing property located to the north-east of Ivanhoe which has attracted solid levels of interest with approximately 35 enquiries.
This property has a current capacity of approximately 8,000 DSE.
The recent sales indicate that this property should achieve greater than $4 million, the report noted.
"It will be interesting to see the result once the expressions of interest period closes," the valuation firm commented.
Another property further to the north-east of Cross Roads is Koonaburra (pictured below) which is being offered to the market via a Facebook campaign and also through Elders Real Estate.
This property is approximately 40,000 hectares and has an asking price of $55 per acre or $136 per hectare.
This property has areas of Mallee and thicker timber.
"After taking into consideration these areas, the asking price would be considered a strong sale if achieved," the valuation firm said.
These two properties are located in an area which has received some level of rainfall and as such there are areas of feed and grass available.
The report suggests this has been one of the major contributing factors to the level of interest is being shown.
"Discussing the situation with one of our clients, they pointed out that their budgets indicated that the cost to purchase grain and hay to feed their drought stricken stock was approximately four times that of the cost of going out and purchasing a property that would accommodate the same level of stock.
"This is a function of the extremely low interest rates currently being experienced. This option is really only available for those that have a very strong balance sheet but is indicative of what can be achieved in the current low interest rate environment."
