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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Mirvac’s 45-level Trielle has topped out at Yarra’s Edge, pairing riverfront apartments with wellness facilities, private dining and resident services.
3 min
Mirvac has topped out Trielle at Melbourne’s Yarra’s Edge, with more than 70 per cent of the riverfront development sold and approximately 80 per cent of purchasers intending to make their apartment a home.
The figures, released on September 22, point to an owner-occupier audience for one of the precinct’s final residential towers. Mirvac began developing Yarra’s Edge in 2003, and its latest addition occupies one of the remaining absolute riverfront sites.
Mirvac CEO of Development Stuart Penklis said existing residents were among those moving up within the neighbourhood.
“Many purchasers already have a connection to Yarra’s Edge,” Mr Penklis said, describing buyers whose changing needs were encouraging an upgrade within the precinct.
“As one of the final residential towers within Yarra’s Edge, Trielle represents the culmination of more than two decades of creating one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after waterfront communities,” Penklis said.
“Positioned on the Collins Street axis with absolute river frontage, Trielle offers residents a rare opportunity to enjoy sweeping views across the Yarra River, Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, while remaining seamlessly connected to the CBD. With Trielle now more than 70 per cent sold, we’re continuing to see strong demand from buyers seeking quality homes in established locations.”
The developer also flagged a penthouse and sub-penthouse collection with larger layouts, premium finishes and broad outlooks. The planned wellness centrepiece, The Oasis, encompasses a 900-square-metre elevated urban rainforest.
Mirvac General Manager Residential Development Victoria Elysa Anderson said Trielle had resonated strongly with buyers seeking a rare lifestyle offering in Melbourne.
“Opportunities to secure a new luxury residence on a riverfront site of this calibre are incredibly rare, particularly within a community like Yarra’s Edge,” Anderson said.
“What makes Trielle unique is the combination of exceptional views, world-class residential facilities and the lifestyle that already exists around it. Residents are buying into a mature waterfront community with parks, promenades, dining, wellness and strong community connections already in place.”
The 45-level tower brings a substantial new presence to that waterfront. Its residential offering spans one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with Signature, Prestige and Sub-Penthouse collections accommodating different household sizes. The north-facing position connects the apartments visually to the river and city beyond.
Seven storeys above the promenade, the planned Oasis combines planting and a running stream with a Scandinavian-inspired wellness club developed with spa specialist Naomi Gregory. Facilities include a 25-metre lap pool, hot magnesium pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, a gym, yoga and Pilates room, and treatment spaces.
The amenity extends beyond exercise. Residents will have access to The Biblioteca library and workspaces, ground-floor work pods, and The Salone piano lounge. A private Chef’s Table dining room offers a setting for larger gatherings, while a cinema, games room and sports lounge broaden the entertaining options. Concierge services and a dog-wash area support everyday routines.
Trielle comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences. Reflecting strong demand from owner occupiers, approximately 80 per cent of purchasers to date intend to live in their homes, highlighting the project’s appeal to those seeking a long-term waterfront lifestyle.
Mirvac has recently delivered The Albertine, a premium apartment development on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, and is nearing completion of Prince & Parade in Brunswick, further strengthening its portfolio of thoughtfully designed apartment communities in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after urban locations.
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