Moranbah and Emerald may be on the cusp of new boom: HTW

The Central Highlands region is starting to look a lot more positive off the back of rising coal prices and increased employment opportunities in the region, according to HTW’s February 2017 update.

The valuation firm says Moranbah is leading the charge with a jump in value up to 20% over the past three months for some market segments.

Clermont is coming second and Emerald in third place where a jump of $20,000 in some segments and movement in some price ranges where there was no activity.

“While coal prices stay up or continue to rise history shows it drives employment and values begin to firm,” HTW says.

“It may surprise some but it’s been five years since the downturn started.”

In 2016, values levelled and 2017 has started off with level to firming values, renewed confidence and employment opportunities.

The Adani project has not commenced construction, but if it does, what is already a strengthening mining sector could see a significant spike in values, HTW says.

“How far values will rise all depends on the strength of local employment generated from the resource sector, but for now it appears we are on the upward property cycle.

“Many say we will never again see the prices experienced in the last boom which peaked in 2011 and 2012 and proved to be unsustainable.

“Are we at the start of a small upward cycle or a big boom? Only time will tell as our market is very sensitive to the coal market which drives our employment.”

A four bedroom house at 11 Menzies Court, Moranbah (above) has been listed for $345,500.

Similarly a three bedroom unit at 2/22 Maitland Street, Moranbah (below) has been listed for $189,000.