Mackay

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The number of growth markets in Regional Queensland is rising, helped by recovery in resources-related regional centres. Mackay is now the most upwardly-mobile market, having overtaken the softening Sunshine Coast market, and Gladstone is now showing signs of recovery, with some of its suburbs rising.
Regional Queensland markets collectively have improved in the past year or so: in the past five quarterly surveys of sales activity by Hotspotting, the number of locations with growing demand has increased from 30 to 36 to 40 to 45 to 48. 
The number of growth markets had decreased sharply in the late 2017 survey but showed steady improvement in 2018 and this has continued into 2019. 
The other key feature is the number of Regional Queensland markets with price growth. We analysed price movements in 313 markets and found 203 (65%) have median prices higher than a year ago. Of the 203 growth markets, 99 have recorded median price growth of 5% or more, while another 104 markets have increased by less than 5%.
Of the higher growth markets, 42 have increased by more than 10%, including 15 which have grown 20% or more. Some of the highest annual growth in median prices has been recorded in mining towns Emerald (up 24%), Clermont (up 33%) and Dysart (24%), but these are rising from a low base after several years of downturn.
A number of unit markets have recorded high growth in the median prices, including Noosa Heads (31%) and Peregian Springs (23%) on the Sunshine Coast; Airlie Beach (26%) in the Whitsundays; Bilinga (26%), Broadbeach Waters (27%) and Coolangatta (25%) on the Gold Coast; and East Toowoomba (29%) in the inland regional city of Toowoomba. 
Other growth markets are Sunshine Coast lifestyle locations Sunshine Beach (40%), Eumundi (23%) and Doonan (21%).
A standout characteristic is the recovery in resources-related markets which have spent the past few years in downturn. This trend is headed by Mackay, which now has rising demand coupled with much lower vacancies, and some suburbs are now showing good price growth.
Emerald, which is located near the mines of the Bowen Basin and the Galilee Basin, is a standout: quarterly sales have been 51, 57, 66, 62, 60, 76 and 78, while the median house price has risen 24% to $310,000 in the past 12 months. The trend here is a prime example of the recovery in the resources-related towns.
There’s further evidence of revival in Gladstone, in addition to the steady reduction in vacancies (now below 3%). In our latest analysis we have classified six Gladstone suburbs as rising markets and three suburbs (Clinton, Kin Kora and West Gladstone) have median house prices higher than a year ago. But the market remains patchy – some suburbs are still classified as decline or danger markets and most suburbs still have median prices lower than a year ago (but it’s significant that most of those suburbs have recorded an uplift in prices in the most recent quarter).
As always, never forget that markets that have strong links to the resources sector are volatile and are prone to major downturns. They’re not good places for risk-averse investors.
The larger, more diversified regional centres of Queensland continue to have steady markets, headed by Cairns and the Fraser Coast. Cairns has seven suburbs with rising sales activity, but prices have yet to react to improved demand – most Cairns suburbs have median prices lower than a year ago, although there are exceptions like Caravonica, Whitfield and Yorkeys Knob.
The Fraser Coast region, centred on Hervey Bay, now has six rising suburbs, like rapidly-improving Urangan. Toogoom, Tinana and Kawungan have all recorded strong price uplift in the past year.
Toowoomba remains a solid market without yet showing any overt growth signs, while Townsville has suffered setbacks from the recent major flooding.
The Sunshine Coast, which for some time has been the strongest of the Queensland markets, no longer has that mantle. It now has few suburbs with rising demand, but many plateau markets –which suggests this market may have passed its peak in terms of demand.
But it’s still producing strong price outcomes. Of the 99 Regional Queensland markets with annual price growth above 5%, 38 are in the Sunshine Coast region – plus another 24 suburbs have growth of less than 5%. Both house and apartment markets in and around Noosa continue to be leading performers on price growth. 
Sunshine Coast markets with annual growth above 10% include the Doonan, Eumundi, Mooloolaba, Maleny, Sunshine Beach, Woombye, Wurtulla, Pomona, Twin Waters and Peregian Beach house markets, as well as the Golden Beach, Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Peregian Springs and Warana unit markets.
As we reported in the previous edition, the post-Games boost predicted by some has not eventuated on the Gold Coast. This market was strong from 2015 to 2017 because of the pre-Commonwealth Games construction boom. 
Since then the growth has subsided and it’s difficult to find any growth suburbs (in terms of sales activity) in Gold Coast City, but 41 suburbs classified as either plateau or consistency markets – plus a couple of decline markets. The price outcomes are also mixed: 57 suburbs have median prices higher than a year ago, but there are 27 with prices lower than last year.
A notable trend on the Gold Coast is that many of the best performers on price growth are apartment markets – but not the iconic beachside enclaves like Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Broadbeach. The unit markets showing growth are in the inland suburbs like Ashmore, Benowa, Elanora, Helensvale, Pacific Pines and Mudgeeraba – or the beachside suburbs outside the glitter strip, like Bilinga, Coolangatta, Palm Beach and Runaway Bay.
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
</body></html>

terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Mackay leads regional Queensland price growth surge: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

<html><body>
The vacancy rate of bulky goods premises is now quickly dropping as new retail ventures emerge with the resurgence in the local economy and employment levels, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) report.
The valuation firm took a look at the changing faces in the retail sector across the nation. 
"To help revitalise the Mackay CBD, landlords of vacant premises are being encouraged to allow more pop up shops. It is hoped that this concept will give the opportunity for new would be retailers to gauge how successful their venture would be without committing to a long term lease. Hopefully this will stimulate activity in the city centre and will eventually attract small retailers for longer terms," the HTW valuer noted. 
"We are aware that a major real estate agency/insurance broker is well advanced in the relocation of their premises to a central Victoria Street location which will assist in generating more foot traffic around the city centre."
Super Amart has relocated from Highway Plaza, Mount Pleasant to a tenancy of approximately 5,500 square metres in the old Bunnings building in the Greenfields Precinct at Mount Pleasant for a 15 year term, and World Gym has leased approximately 1,870 square metres for a seven year term.
Rents are confidential but incentives were considerable to fill these very large areas.
Beacon Lighting has leased a prominent tenancy at the corner of the Bruce Highway and Heaths Road and Central Queensland’s original discount retailer, Silly Solly’s, is set to make a comeback in the Greenfields Precinct.
"Heading further north, new bulky goods retailers including Fantastic Furniture and Pet Stock have commenced trade in the former Masters building at Richmond. At the time of writing, Anaconda was close to opening. We understand that Spotlight and Nick Scali will also be represented in this complex," HTW noted. 
A Mackay 108 square metre retail showroom plus office has been listed for lease with the price of $32,000 per annum.
The shop situated at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-mackay-501226811" target="_blank">206 Victoria Street</a> comes with kitchenette and bathroom.
It is close to Caneland shopping centre and other major retail shops.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/4/mackay%202.jpg" alt="">
Another offering is a CBD 56 square metre retail space with lease price of $1300 per month.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-mackay-501806070" target="_blank">The shop 2 at 134 Evan Street </a>features off street customer parking, internal toilet/skink and air condition. 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Resurgent local economy boosting Mackay retail market: HTW commercial

<html><body>
Agents in Mackay reported a slight decrease in sale volumes towards the start of COVID-19 restrictions, however as the government slowly starts to lift restrictions, volumes are slowly starting to improve, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggests in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month’s HTW report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
<div class="page" title="Page 25">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The report notes new listings and property values appear to have held steady with no material change in market value.
The Mackay rental market was already tight prior to the pandemic with vacancy levels under two per cent, however agents have reported increased interest, particularly from fly in fly out workers who have been unable to travel due to restrictions and will be further hampered by the effects of Virgin’s possible closure.
"We have not seen any indication to suggest that renovations have changed during lock down.
"We consider renovations to have remained steady and are still predominantly occurring in inner city locations (Mackay, East, West and South Mackay). They are generally of older style, low set or high set dwellings purchased for less than $300,000," the valuation firm said. 
There are a mix of owner-occupiers and investors looking to renovate, however the investor types tend to be tradespeople who can undertake much of the work themselves and flip them straight away.
<div class="page" title="Page 26">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Depending on the size of the dwelling and the degree of ancillary improvements, they are worth between $350,000 and $550,000 on completion, the report noted.
Smaller dwellings on smaller than average lots with basic ancillary improvements are worth between $350,000 and $400,000.
Larger dwellings with significant ancillary improvements and over 700 square metre allotments are worth anywhere between $450,000 and $550,000.
A renovated house in West Mackay has recently been sold for $379,000.
The three bedroom, two bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-west+mackay-133582790" target="_blank">57 Mogford Street</a> (pictured below).
It features open plan living zone, study, storage and backyard. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/west%20mackay%20.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a three bedroom Queenslander in West Mackay priced at $549,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-west+mackay-133632014" target="_blank">414 Bridge Road</a> home (pictured below) comprises three bedrooms, multiple living areas, entertaining deck and in ground pool.
It also features features polished floors, stone bench topped kitchen and cupboard storage. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/west%20mackay%203.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Mackay renovation activities remain steady: HTW residential 

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 23">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
2019 was a positive year not only for the Mackay residential market but for the general Mackay economy, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report.

The report notes a buoyant resource sector coupled with large infrastructure projects, particularly the Mackay Ring Road, saw increased employment opportunities and population growth throughout the year.

The residential market saw increased demand and slight capital growth. The rental market really gathered momentum in 2019, with vacancies below two percent and rental values increasing significantly.

"In 2019, Mackay’s economy was strong, we had record low interest rates and there were excellent employment prospects across most industries, but we only saw minor property value growth. There are a number of factors that contributed to this," the valuation firm said. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94823]

Firstly, the median house price for Mackay fell from $438,000 to around $340,000 at the bottom of the market, a drop of around $100,000. This equity reduction eroded the purchasing power of a number of people who purchased property, particularly if they purchased at the height of the market.

Also, the strict lending policies of banks meant that a far greater deposit was required to purchase property.

<div class="page" title="Page 24">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"As we head into 2020, there appears to be no slowdown in the resource sector with significant employment opportunities available," the valuation firm said.

Also, the Mackay Ring Road project is well underway, with the government approving Stage 2 and the Walkerston Bypass being recently listed on the National Infrastructure Priority list.

Add the smaller local projects, including The Resource Centre of Excellence, retail expansion including Coles at Andergrove and the Northern Beaches Emporium development plus other council projects including the Mackay CBD to Harbour link, Queens Park revitalisation project and the Rotary lookout in North Mackay and all of these projects and opportunities should keep the economic recovery of Mackay continuing into 2020.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94830]

The report notes interest rates are expected to continue at record low levels for the short term and there appears to be a softening of some of the strict criteria of the banks.

"So what do we think will happen to residential property in 2020? We think the momentum gained in Mackay over the past two years will continue into 2020. 

"We anticipate modest price growth throughout the year across all market sectors, with rentals to remain tight. With continuing record low interest rates, good employment opportunities and a general feeling of optimism across Mackay, we think 2020 will be a good year for the residential real estate market." 

A fully finished self contained apartment in Mackay has been listed for rent with a price of $340 per week.

Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mackay-417251618" target="_blank">4/24 East Gordon Street</a> (pictured below), the apartment comes with master bedroom, open plan living area, and well-equipped kitchen.

It is located within walking distance to the Town Beach and only a short drive to CBD.

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/mackay%20.jpg">

A three bedroom Queenslander situated close to Mackay CBD has been sold for $280,000.

Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-132385018" target="_blank">26 Juliet Street </a>(pictured below), the house comes with renovated kitchen, open plan lounge and dining, and functional bathroom.

It's situated close to restaurants, schools, sporting grounds and parklands. 

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/9/mackay%202.jpg">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Mackay to see price growth throughout 2020 across all property market sectors: HTW residential 

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 21">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
There is no doubt that the Mackay economy is heavily influenced by the resource sector in the Bowen Basin and associated service industries located in Paget, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The current COVID-19 epidemic is going to have a negative impact on key drivers, so it will be interesting to see what impact this may have on the property market in the short to medium term, the valuation firm said. 
The report notes Mackay enjoyed a significant and sustained mining boom which lasted until about 2012/2013 when a major downturn in the resource sector had a massive flow on effect on the Mackay economy and residential housing market. 
There were definitely some very hard times with significant job losses. The residential market fell between 20 percent and 30 percent, with the median house price falling around $100,000 during this time.
"The downturn did have some positive effects in Mackay, allowing the economy to diversify and not be fully reliant on a booming resource sector," the valuation firm said. 
Housing affordability became a real positive for the city, with workers who had been previously priced out of the housing and rental markets now able to enter the market.
</div>
<div class="column">
Since 2017, the Mackay residential market stabilised, the report noted. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Mackay has seen large infrastructure projects (such as the Mackay Ring Road project), an improved resource sector and increased employment opportunities have seen improved market conditions in the residential sector. 
Throw in historic low interest rates and all the ingredients are there for sustained growth in residential real estate in the short to medium term.
"The one big caveat to this is the current COVID-19 pandemic and the economic effects it might have.
"At the time of writing, there has been limited disruption to the major industries in Mackay and the Bowen Basin, however, should the virus make its way here and into the Bowen Basin resulting in large disruptions and possible mining shutdowns, the effects could become quite pronounced. I guess only time will tell," the valuation firm said. 
A two bedroom townhouse in Mackay has recently been sold for $200,000.
Te <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-qld-mackay-132809774" target="_blank">5/54 Goldsmith Street </a>home (pictured below) was last sold in 2007 for $230,000.
The townhouse features raked ceilings, lock up garage, wet room, and gardens. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/mackay%201.jpg" alt="">
A new listing is a two bedroom unit situated on the fringe of Mackay CBD.
The 72sqm unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-mackay-133596482" target="_blank">4/12 East Gordon Street </a>(pictured below) has been listed for sale with a price guide of $160,000.
It comes with family room, courtyard, large bathroom and private courtyard. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/18/mackay%202.jpg" alt="">
<div>Note regards COVID-19</div>
<div>
This edition of Month In Review had its topic defined in late February with submissions from our offices collated through to late March. During this period, shifts in the social and economic landscape due to COVID-19 became increasingly dramatic, as demonstrated by the varied information provided by offices over the course of three weeks. 
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This month’s residential theme on baseline property market drivers remains a common thread, and provides an indication of what influences to monitor as the property sector recovers post-crisis.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Mackay property market remains unclear: HTW residential 

<html><body>
To figure out how far the ‘lazy half-million’ can get you in the residential property market, valuation firm Herron Todd White liberally compares their readings from a year back in their July residential market report on housing for under $500,000.
“Last year we stated that you would get a lot more bang for your buck than the year before and 12 months later you can now get even more! If you are a glass half empty type, then the Mackay market has seen significant falls in value on the back of the mining downturn in the Bowen Basin. Values across the board are down 15% and fast approaching 20%," write HTW in their July 2016 residential market report.
“However, if you are a glass half full type, then the current market presents some of the best buying opportunities seen in Mackay in almost ten years. The big question is has the market hit bottom? Unfortunately that is a bit tricky to establish at present and only time will tell," it adds.
“Unfortunately, the verdict 12 months on is that we have not hit the bottom, with values falling further in the past 12 months. So the lazy half million will get you even more bang for your buck than seen in almost 12 years.” 
For $500,000, one can get a large executive-style rendered dwelling around 10 years old or younger with shed and pool in the northern beaches, with some change still in the back pocket, say HTW.
“In the better quality estates in the north, you can now get good quality brand new dwellings from most of the builders in Mackay for under the $500,000 mark.” 
In the traditional older suburbs south of Mackay, there have been very limited sales of older style Queenslanders over the $500,000 mark. It is considered that you can get a fully renovated large Queenslander for this price point now. 
Again this statement from last year still holds true today. “The big question is has the market hit bottom? Unfortunately that is a bit tricky to establish at present and only time will tell.” 
Property Observer found a three-bedroom apartment with ocean views at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-mackay-121417258">26/4 Nelson Street, Mackay, Qld 4740</a> (above) that recently exchanged hands for $420,000.
<div class="propertyStats"> </div>
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

More bang for your $500,000 property wish in Queensland’s Mackay in 12 years: HTW 

<html><body>
The Mackay residential market currently is considered a buyer’s market, with the best purchasing conditions seen in over a decade, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the story of the Mackay market really is a glass half full versus glass half empty scenario.
"On the glass half empty side, we have seen values of residential properties fall 30% and higher in some areas on the back of the downturn in the resource sector, which Mackay is heavily reliant on," the report noted.
Rental vacancies have ballooned from below 1% to the current 7.7 percent which is actually down on the high of over 9 percent. Rental values have almost halved from the peak conditions in 2012.
"On the glass half full side, we now have buying and renting conditions not seen since the early 2000s.
"This is becoming noticeable in the current market, with increased sales volumes (albeit at low prices comparatively speaking).
"The price point that appears to have most volume is the sub $300,000 and in particular the low $200,000 properties."
One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mackay-122255734" target="_blank">12 Boddington Street</a> (above) that is for sale for $249,900.
For this price you can get an average quality high set dwelling in the established suburbs north of the river, or an older style Queenslander in average condition south of the river.
Previously, Mackay was seen as a mining town being unaffordable and too expensive to live for people not associated with the mining industry.
Couple these house prices with historic low interest rates and Mackay is now seen as a very affordable alternative to other coastal centres in Queensland.
</body></html>

Best purchasing conditions in Mackay, but rental values are halved: HTW

<html><body>
St Bees Island, located 37km offshore to the northeast of Mackay, has been listed by LJ Hooker Commercial Brisbane agent Keir Kreis.
It has 4.2ha of sandy beaches and lush rainforest.
The leasehold property has a 25-year lease expiring 2034.
It has been used by a Gold Coast family as their private home over the past two years.
The rental under the terms of the lease is $5,500 per annum.
The leasehold property at Island Road, St Bees Island is situated to the east of Keswick Island within the Cumberland Islands Group. Surrounded by beautiful fringing reefs alive with marine life, St Bees Island consists of sandy beaches lapping with crystal clear water, rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, dense grasslands and eleven hundred hectares of untouched national park with wild fauna and flora and a diverse wild life. The property access to the island is via sea transfer from Mackay.
Private planes can land at nearby Keswick Island or alternatively the property can be accessed directly by helicopter from Mackay. 
Reliable mobile phone and internet coverage are available on the island.
The vendors are also prepared to include a barge and pleasure craft in the sale of the property, subject to negotiation.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

St Bees Island for sale

<html><body>
The 479-berth Mackay Marina is on the market. The marina - twice winner of the MIA's Marina of the Year award – plus the adjacent waterfront commercial village and shipyard is being sold by Brisbane-based developer, Port Binnli Group.
It established the facility in stages during the early 2000s.
The sale is being handled by Resort Brokers Australia agent Trudy Crooks, according to the marinebusiness.com.au website.
Located midway between Brisbane and Cairns, the Mackay Marina and adjacent properties cover almost 25 hectares, including the 20.8-hectare marina basin on a 99-year seabed lease (expiry 2098), along with freehold land covering four hectares.
Port Binnli Group, headed by directors Malcolm Hall-Brown, Peter Hooke and Neil Morris, recently sold Raby Bay Marina on Brisbane’s bayside.
The company is now focused on a $1 billion master-planned community on Brisbane’s north side, incorporating the Northeast Business Park and 1,500-lot North Harbour residential and marina precinct, in partnership with the construction giant Laing O’Rourke.
Expressions of interest for Mackay Marina close November 11 with around $38 million tipped.
</body></html>

Mackay

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Mackay

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News