New analysis has identified Moreton Bay, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast in Southeast Queensland, along with Northern New South Wales and Geelong in regional Victoria, as areas with strong market fundamentals to support future price growth.
Propell Property Managing Director Michael Pell said these regions are experiencing housing shortages that create opportunities for investors to construct duplexes and other small developments.
“We are currently helping clients purchase land in every one of these locations, with many opting to construct two attached dwellings on two titles fairly quickly, which not only adds to rental stock but also increases the overall supply of housing in the area, too,” Mr Pell said.
According to the research, investors with budgets ranging from $800,000 to $2 million can successfully implement small development strategies in these areas, though Mr Pell cautions that novice investors should seek experienced guidance.
Geelong in regional Victoria tops the list of recommended areas, with Mr Pell noting its current position at the bottom of its market cycle presents a prime opportunity for investors with budgets above $600,000.
“Not only is Geelong currently at the bottom of its market cycle, but the region is right on the doorstep of desirable coastal locations such as Torquay, Bells Beach and Lorne,” he said.
The Gold Coast in Queensland is attracting investors with budgets over $1.2 million, driven by its projected population growth and geographical constraints that limit new housing supply.
“When it comes to strategic property development, though, you couldn’t ask for a better location given the coast is so land-locked, with the hinterland on one side and the ocean on the other,” Mr Pell explained.
Ipswich in Queensland is recommended for investors with budgets around $850,000, with Mr Pell drawing a compelling comparison to another region that experienced significant growth.
“Ipswich is to Brisbane what Parramatta was to Sydney in 2000, and we all know how much Western Sydney has skyrocketed since those times,” he said.
The region is forecast to lead population growth over the next decade and is already benefiting from major infrastructure projects including a new train line and highway upgrades.
Moreton Bay in Queensland presents opportunities for investors with budgets of approximately $800,000 for standalone houses and up to $1.3 million for small developments.
“We have been active in the Moreton Bay region for some time and have helped many clients build duplexes on blocks of land from about 500 square metres to 600 square metres,” Mr Pell said.
Northern New South Wales rounds out the top five regions, particularly areas north of Yamba to Kingscliff and Cabarita Beach, attracting investors with budgets above $1 million.
The coastal communities in this region are benefiting from an influx of Sydney residents seeking more affordable property options and lifestyle changes enabled by remote work arrangements.
“These coastal communities are also benefiting from more people moving out of Sydney for property price considerations, but also because they can work from home,” Mr Pell said.
“They are prioritising lifestyle and family time and these pristine coastal areas given them the opportunity to achieve both.”
