Fringe suburbs of NSW's Port Macquarie showing steady growth in home values: HTW
The real estate market in NSW's Mid North Coast is approaching its peak, both for houses and units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's April 2016 property clock, a simple broad brush means of indicating where property prices are and where they are headed to.
In its analysis of affordable living in the outer suburbs, HTW talks about the largest regional town on the Mid North Coast, Port Macquarie, as well as some of the surrounding smaller towns.
Port Macquarie’s growth over the past 12 months has been the strongest on the Mid North Coast during the past five years and while the fringe suburbs have shown increases in value over that time, their rate of increase has been behind that of established residential areas within the township. This has created greater choice for buyers. For similar value, buyers can purchase an older dated dwelling close to town or they can move to the outer suburbs and purchase or build a new dwelling.
The town continues to grow and we are seeing rapid growth in these fringe areas as new services are being provided, including a private school, a new university and shopping centres.
At present the outer or western fringes of Port Macquarie comprise the expanding suburbs of Sovereign Hills, Brierley Hill and Ascott Park. These have all seen major growth over the past 12 months in new lot registration and in the approval and construction of new dwellings. Median land prices in these estates are around $195,000 (Sovereign Hills) to $240,000 (Brierley Hill and Ascott Park).
With the increase in services and popularity of these western localities, we have also noticed an increase in rental returns. Brierley Hill has seen good rental returns due to its local shopping facilities, private school, hospital and current and future student influx for the new Charles Sturt University still partly under construction.
Subdivision growth in the smaller towns includes Wauchope’s Glenview Park and Timbertown Estates, which have also seen good sales over the past 12 months with land prices ranging from $155,000 to $200,000 for larger lots. Located only 20 minutes west of Port Macquarie, the town has seen interest from families looking for a modern estate with moderate pricing yet close to facilities.
To the south, Caterina Estate at Lake Cathie is now under construction. This beachside estate will include a village centre as well as residential lots. Vacant land prices range from $300,000 to $400,000 with over 1,200 lots to be released over three stages. This estate will appeal to the prosperous buyer or retiree who just loves the location.
Sales of new dwellings are higher than previous years, with land values increasing in each new stage. Hasting Port Macquarie Council figures show the last financial year had a 40% increase in residential building approvals from the previous year. This financial year is on track to achieve a similar number of approvals as last year.
Generally, the present outer suburbs are developing rapidly and the increased building activity has helped fuel the local building industry and the area’s economy as a whole. We also note that the slowing of the Sydney market has not affected property prices or sale rates within Port Macquarie and agents are continuing to report a lack of stock and short selling periods.
As an illustration, Property Observer found this sold property in Brierley Hill on www.realestate.com.au.
A three-bedroom coastal house under construction at Lot 170 Brierley Avenue Brierley Hill Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (above) fetched $470,000.