Mining uptick may be the medicine for Rockhampton market: HTW

There is a more positive outlook than has been evident over recent years in Rockhampton, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.

The valuation firm says this may see the bottom of the property cycle realised in the Rockhampton region.

“We consider this is largely due to the recent improvement of the mining industry, driven by recent announcements by Adani Coal, increased commodity prices and improved perception of job security across associated service industries,” the firm says.

“This positivity on top of what are (comparatively) affordable housing prices and low interest rates is hoped to generate some activity in our local markets and stabilise value levels.”

There was a tightening of rental vacancy rates during the last quarter of 2016 and should this reduced rate become a trend or even merely stabilise at this lower point (around 4.5%, down from around 6.5%), it will enhance the investor sector of the market (sub $250,000), the report suggests.

HTW expects the lower end of the market to be the sector to watch.

“Generally it is this sector that needs to stabilise first before a market recovery can be anticipated.

“Sectors which may warrant more caution during 2017 will continue to be modern housing estates wholly marketed to non-local investors as house and land package deals.

“In recent years, we have seen land in this type of estate marketed and sold with inflated land contracts.

“As the region’s attractiveness to investors improves, so too will the number of sales with these inflated land prices in selected areas.”

Rockhampton’s riverfront continues to evolve with new unit complexes in the early stages of construction.

The Gallery Stage 1 (of two stages) is to provide 30 two and three bedroom apartments plus a ground floor restaurant.

Approximately 40% of the units in Stage 1 are currently under contract.

Another riverfront complex, Skyview has also recently been introduced to the market, offering a boutique development of 13 two and three bedroom apartments with river views.

Prices range from $449,000 to $799,000.

A four bedroom house at 11 Schultz Street, West Rockhampton (above) has been listed for $369,000.

Similarly a three bedroom unit at 7/260 Quay, Rockhampton City (below) has been reduced to $249,000.