Goulburn residential rentals marginally decline: HTW
Valuation firm Herron Todd White's November review noted that the residential property market in the NSW Southern Highlands has been on the increase for the past 18 months.
This is most apparent in the lower price bracket, up to $1.3 million, according to the month in review.
The November report goes on to suggest investor activity is strongest under $1 million with investors being a mix of local and Sydney based purchasers.
"Traditionally detached homes are the most common property type for buyers in the region, which are typically modern project homes on the periphery of the townships at East Bowral, Renwick or Moss Vale, or well located, renovated older style homes close to town centres.
"There is also demand for well located townhouses and villas, in particular with a seniors living focus for retirees, that are close to local amenities such as the hospital, shops and parks.
"Price points vary for homes across the region from say $480,000 up to $1,000,000.
"Gross yields typically range from 4.5% to 5.5% In Moss Vale and Mittagong, a modern project style home can still be purchased in the $450,000 to $500,000 range."
The HTW report adds the Southern Tablelands offers more choices and affordability for potential investors with lower price entry levels than the Highlands.
"Goulburn, with a population of around 24,000, has a steady workforce and is a popular country holiday destination.
"Due to the high real estate prices in Sydney, Goulburn offers an affordable option for Sydney investors and there has been increasing activity from this sector.
"Depending on dwelling, land size and quality of the home, for between $400,000 and $500,000 an investor can purchase a new, modern home and expect a rental return of between $400 and $520 per week.
"Yields are in the range of 4.75% to 5.75%."
According to the report there are not many strata title properties in this region, with the preference being for detached dwellings.
The HTW report also notes investor activity has assisted in contributing to the increasing price and volume trends apparent in the Highlands and the Tablelands.
"Rental levels have been steady to increasing in the Highlands.
"In Goulburn, rental levels have actually marginally declined over the current period."
This trend is due to additional supply together with some Canberra commuters leaving Goulburn to return to the ACT, the November review states.
"In our opinion, if lending criteria was to tighten, this would reduce investor activity in the Goulburn region to a degree.
"There would be less investment properties, vacancy rates would tighten and rental levels would increase.
"In terms of an impact on the overall Southern Highlands market, it is considered this would have minimal impact, as most buyers are local home occupiers and people relocating from Sydney."