Dual occupancy style developments increasing in NSW's mid-north coast: HTW
The mid-north coast of NSW is seeing an increase in dual occupancy style developments, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest market report.
The property advisory firm states that they have noticed a recent significant increase in dual occupancy style developments.
Its become very popular with the small investor predominantly in the new and developing residential areas, particularly within Port Macquarie around the new University and Base Hospital, the report stated.
Investors are generally purchasing off the plan within these new subdivisions and constructing a variety of styles of development.
These range from two attached villa style properties, two attached townhouse style properties or a single dwelling with attached (or detached) granny flat.
These developments are permitted by most councils as part of the original development application.
The price range for this style of development is from about $550,000 to $750,000 depending on the style, size and quality of the construction.
The initial outlay and good rental returns resulting in a good yield are the major benefits of this type of development.
Other fringe benefits include lower stamp duty and higher tax depreciation offsets compared to, for example, buying two older investment properties.
"Another positive feature of these types of properties are that most are able to be strata titled in the future if required," the report said.
"This provides the developer flexibility with their investment, allowing them to sell off one and reduce the mortgage and enjoy the return from the other or sell both off generally for a healthy profit."
The HTW report noted another small project that is becoming more popular with the mum and dad developer is the purchase of an existing dwelling on a larger than average lot within the major towns in the region, and then adding a granny flat (under 60 square metres) to the rear.
"This has the great appeal of a significant return on investment for the flat, with the starting price for flat construction from $100,000 and likely rental in excess of $250 per week," the report stated.
"When this rental is combined with the rental on the original dwelling it can make for a great yielding and generally positively geared investment property.
"We have also noticed an increase in small to medium villa and townhouse developments (four to 10 plus units) and consider that these are best left to developers with experience in these types of developments and not novices, because if these products are not tailored to the specific market or the sales rates are not as expected, there can be expensive holding costs that can erode profits and cause financial pressure on those without extensive cash reserves to call on."