Why Maryborough should be on your investment radar
Maryborough is largely seen as the gateway to Fraser Island’s natural wonders, but the suburb also offers up its own hidden treasures to property investors.
The Queensland suburb, located about three hours north of Brisbane and along the banks of the Mary River, has earned a spot in the highly coveted Smart Property Investment’s FAST 50 ranking for 2024, which was released to the public earlier this month.
The report and ranking combine the insights of a 14-strong investment expert panel and recent housing performance drawn from open-source data and aim to give unparalleled insight into the 50 Australian suburbs that are best primed for future growth.
With a current median price of $340,000, Maryborough offers an affordable opportunity for home buyers and investors looking to enter the market or expand their portfolios.
But low house prices are not the suburb’s only drawcard. Margaret Lomas, the creator, host and producer of the popular web TV property investment show, Property Investing Matters, said Maryborough has significant untapped potential.
“It is placed to enjoy runoff demand from nearby Hervey Bay – long-term opportunity for growth over time, suitable for those wanting low buy-in prices and higher yields.”
The recent growth data shows Maryborough presents a compelling investment opportunity backed by solid market performance.
With a median quarterly growth of 1.50 per cent, and an impressive 12-month growth of 17.20 per cent in prices, the suburb is steadily gaining attention from astute investors. Additionally, properties in Maryborough have also recorded an attractive average annual growth rate of 5.60 per cent.
This consistent growth highlights the suburb’s potential for long-term capital appreciation, making it an enticing prospect for investors seeking solid returns over time.
In addition to capital growth, Maryborough boasts a strong rental market. The gross rental yield of 6.30 per cent indicates the potential for attractive rental income compared to the property’s median price.
And with a median rent of $410, investors can expect a steady cash flow and healthy returns on their investment properties.
Maryborough’s lower entry costs, combined with the potential for capital growth and solid rental yields, make the suburb an appealing option for those seeking a balanced investment approach.
From an investment perspective, Maryborough offers diverse options to suit various investment strategies. The suburb features a range of property types, from spacious family homes to quaint cottages and modern apartments.
Notably, new research from a subsidiary of the PropTech Group, Real Estate Investar, has also identified Maryborough as one of the Australian suburbs with the most opportunities to subdivide.
Joe Hanna, managing director and chief executive officer at PropTech Group, believes “the fact that properties with high subdivision opportunities are not more expensive shows us that there are still many opportunities for investors.”
“The purchase price isn’t higher and doesn’t reflect the value you can unlock by subdividing. That’s probably because of the work and uncertainty involved in the process,” he said.
“There is plenty of opportunities for investors willing to go this route.”
For home buyers who want to immerse themselves in history and experience the charm of a bygone era, Maryborough’s well-preserved streetscape, complete with grand colonial buildings and heritage-listed structures, provides a window into the past.
Maryborough’s proximity to essential amenities also enhances its investment appeal. The suburb offers convenient access to schools, shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational areas.
Markedly, its location within a short distance from major employment hubs ensures a steady demand for rental properties, making it an attractive prospect for investors seeking reliable rental yields.
To see which other Queensland suburbs made the list, click here.