Unearthed: The regional areas ripe for investment
Strong yields make these ‘secondary cities’ attractive options
2 min
New analysis has revealed some of Australia’s most promising non-capital city property investment markets, where would-be buyers can find relatively affordable opportunities.
Real estate analytics firm Suburbtrends looked at secondary cities within 200km of a capital and applied more than a dozen key metrics to unearth suburbs that deliver a minimum 4.5 per cent yield.
Kent Lardner, Suburbtrends’ chief analyst, said the research took into account rental affordability, location, socio-economic ranking, price growth, inventory levels and vacancy rates.
That criteria narrowed the search to four regions – Bunbury and Mandurah in Western Australia, and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
“Bunbury boasts the highest count of suburbs making the cut at 12, as well as the most listings available, most house options and the best median yield at 6.2 per cent,” Mr Lardner said.
“This combination of factors portrays Bunbury as an attractive market for both investors and
potential homebuyers.”
Among the suburbs identified was Binningup, which provides a strong market for house investments – with seven currently on the market at a median price of $499,000 and a rental median of $550 per week, yielding a very healthy 7.94 per cent.
College Grove was also a strong pick, with four houses currently on the market at a median price of $492,000 and a rental median of $510 per week, yielding 5.89 per cent.
“Bunbury stood out in our analysis, not just for its gateway status to the southwest region but for the balance it offers between liveability and investment appeal,” Mr Lardner said.
“Its unique characteristics align well with our criteria, making it a significant highlight in our shortlist.”
Meanwhile, the analysis produced 11 suburbs on the Gold Coast that fit the bill – a region that “excels in rental market dynamics”.
Among them was Bundall, a popular spot for investors. There are currently 12 units available at a median price of $557,000, yielding 5.76 per cent.
A few hours up the road, the Sunshine Coast was another strong performer in the analysis with a host of qualities that indicate a “mature and stable property market”.
Among the picks was the suburb of Wurtulla, which stood out for its unit prospects with four apartments on the market at a median price of $645,000, yielding 4.71 per cent.
Mr Lardner said Buderim was also on the list, with 27 units for sale at a median price of $585,000, yielding 4.85 per cent.
Finally, Mandurah produced four suburbs that fit the research scope, including Halls Head, where there are 64 houses on the market with a median price of $565,600, yielding 4.84 per cent.
The suburb also made the list for units, with eight up for grabs at the moment with a median price of $400,000 and a rental median of $500 per week, yielding 6.91 per cent.”
Mr Lardner said the research offers “a multifaceted perspective” on the current state of the property market in key non-capital locations.
“It’s a snapshot that reveals trends, opportunities, and challenges, providing practical guidance for both investors and homebuyers.”
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For as little as $48,000, buyers can hold a three-bedroom luxury Eveleigh residence in Broadbeach, with completion not due until late 2028.
2 min
Buyers eyeing Eveleigh Broadbeach no longer need to find a full deposit to lock in an apartment.
Using a deposit bond, purchasers can secure one of the development’s 94 premium residences for as little as $48,000, holding their apartment until completion in late 2028 without tying up hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.
It’s a structure that’s already proving popular. Rather than a full cash deposit of 5 or 10 per cent, buyers pay a one-off fee for a deposit bond, a financial guarantee issued by an approved provider that provides sellers with the same security as cash.
If the purchase completes as agreed, the bond simply expires.
For buyers with sufficient assets but who would rather keep their money working for them, whether that’s an investment portfolio, proceeds from another sale, or savings earning interest, the deposit bond removes the pressure to find a lump sum upfront.
The apartment is secured, the cash stays liquid, and settlement isn’t due for more than two years.
Designed by Rothelowman and developed by Hirsch & Faigen, with construction by Maxcon, Eveleigh is a 30-level tower delivering just four residences per floor across two- and three-bedroom layouts.
Rather than traditional wraparound balconies, living spaces are brought directly to the glass, so the ocean horizon becomes part of the everyday experience rather than something viewed from behind a rail.
Residents will have access to a north-facing pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness facilities and indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, along with a rooftop residents’ lounge offering panoramic coastal views.
The timing suits a market that isn’t slowing down. Broadbeach has recorded capital growth of 20 to 25 per cent year-on-year in some segments over the past 12 months, with vacancy rates sitting around one per cent.
Two-bedroom luxury apartments are achieving $1,500 a week in rent, three-bedroom more than $2,000, on a permanent, long-term basis.
“Secure now with just $48,000 and look forward to your new home in late 2028,” says LJ Hooker Broadbeach principal Matt Conduit.
To find out more about securing an apartment at Eveleigh Broadbeach with a deposit bond, contact Matt Conduit on 0418 741 949
*$49,500 payment is a deposit bond premium, based on a purchase price of $2,870,000. Subject to approved purchasers, Terms and conditions apply.
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