Make An Enquiry

Regional areas set property market pace!

While the residential property market across the State continues to record healthy increases, it is the regional areas of Queensland that are the standout property market performers, with strong house price growth and booming populations.  From Rockhampton, Mackay, the Banana Shire, Townsville and Thuringowa in the north to Chinchilla, Dalby, Emerald and Mount Isa in the west, the regional areas of Queensland are the frontrunners in the State’s residential property market.

The western regional areas of Queensland are where one of the real success stories of the Sunshine State’s property market is told.  Chinchilla, Dalby, Emerald and Mount Isa continue to record very healthy median house price increases, but just as impressive is the upsurge in sales activity in these towns as more and more people head west.  The resources boom continues to underpin western Queensland’s property market, while the State’s strong economy, population growth and low unemployment is cushioning residential house sales from the negative effects of the drought. 

The Dalby Shire in the State’s inner south-west is currently one of Queensland’s top residential property performers, due to a number of industrial and infrastructure developments in the region.While Queenslanders have long had a love affair with the water, many can no longer afford the asking price for homes in a number of the State’s major centres.  As a result, they’re heading to country areas and discovering a plethora of quiet rural towns and bustling regional hubs as they go. Rockhampton is one of the State’s star performers, with strong price growth and volume of sales and a median house price still considered very affordable.  Rockhampton’s healthy market is partly fuelled by its affordable price tag and its location near resource-rich areas.  The Whitsundays,  Townsville, Thuringowa, and Cairns are all experiencing very solid growth and strong sales activity in 2007.The economic and population growth of Townsville and Thuringowa – and its subsequent impact on property prices – have excited investors and owner-occupiers alike in recent years. 

When you combine affordable housing with a growing economy and high levels of business confidence, the future looks very bright for the twin cities of Townsville and Thuringowa.  When buying or selling real estate, look for the 2007 Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) accredited agency logo, as a sign of an agency dedicated to the highest standards of business practice. It is important for consumers to be aware that not all real estate agents are REIQ-accredited agencies.   The accredited agency logo serves as a visual safeguard to help consumers make informed and confident choices.

Information courtesy of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland

Hunting for a new home can be exciting but exhausting and filled with tension at the same time. After all, the family home is often one of the biggest investments you will make in a lifetime.

Therefore, it’s essential you do everything possible to ensure you make the right choice. Here are a few basics that might help, but always remember to consult the experts:

• Set a budget and confirm financial arrangements. It is essential to establish firm boundaries so that heartbreak and financial hardship don’t follow. Remember to take into account stamp duty and legal fees.
  
  
• List your key requirements.  For example, the number of bedrooms, desirable location or access to public transport and amenities, storage requirements for vehicles and recreational items.
  
  
• Study the market carefully. Research property guides in newspapers, the internet and agents’ listings should be consulted so you have a good idea of prices and what else is available leading up to your purchase.
  
  
• Make detailed notes. Draw a rough floor plan of each property you inspect, and list your likes and dislikes.