In short: Due to rapid population growth and insufficient housing supply, the Wide Bay-Burnett Region experiences the quickest increase in property prices in Australia. Independent property experts are expecting this trend to continue into the foreseeable future.
Residents note that Wide Bay's appealing features, including its beaches, warm climate, and value-for-money properties, are especially enticing.
What's next? Future property growth for the region.
Wide Bay-Burnett Region Overview
The Wide Bay–Burnett region, situated approximately 170–400 km north of Queensland's state capital, Brisbane, has seen population growth surpassing the state average in the last two decades. Projections indicate that it is expected to exceed 430,000 residents by the year 2031.
The region is made up of coastal and inland towns including:
Hervey Bay
Gympie
Maryborough
Bundaberg
Kingaroy
Burrum Heads
These are complemented by smaller rural, seaside and historical settlements including:
Cherbourg
Childers
Gayndah
Tin Can Bay
Key Location Facts:
Wide Bay Burnett Region is located in south-east Queensland, between 160 and 350 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD
Population: 324,178
The RDA Wide Bay Burnett Region includes six municipalities: the Bundaberg Regional Council, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire, The Fraser Coast Regional Council, The Gympie Regional Council, The North Burnett Regional Council and the South Burnett Regional Council
Rapid House Price Growth
Over the last five years, property prices in the Wide Bay-Burnett Region, encompassing Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and Maryborough, have escalated by 65-75% (CoreLogic Australia).
For those seeking to relocate from major congested cities like Sydney or Melbourne, the allure is in the affordable housing costs coupled with the quality of life that the Wide Bay Region has to offer.
The latest CoreLogic report revealed in Hervey Bay, there was an increase of over 67%, bringing the median value to over $615,000, while Maryborough witnessed an almost 66% jump to nearly $395,000.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast claimed the top spot in regional Queensland for the highest median value, surpassing $965,000, overtaking the Gold Coast region, which sits at over $928,000.
Tim Lawless, CoreLogic's Head of Research, attributed Queensland's robust population growth to driving these high prices, stating: "Typically, rising housing values reflect a straightforward disparity between supply and demand."
The Hervey Bay Region
While known as one of Queensland’s premier holiday spots, Hervey Bay located within the Wide Bay Region also holds significant appeal for property investors. It features cafes, alfresco dining options, retail outlets, lush parklands, picnic spots, playgrounds, scenic piers, and a lively marina.
With its population set to surpass 164,000 in the next 20 years—outstripping the state average—Fraser Coast is becoming a hotspot for growth, especially given its strategic location just 250 kilometres from Brisbane and with easy access to Sydney.
Don't Wait, Invest Now, Invest in the Hervey Bay Region
Now presents an opportune time for astute investors to capitalise on this emerging trend before the completion of infrastructure projects triggers a shift from affordable to prohibitively expensive property prices.
If you are ready to take the next step in securing an investment property, don't hesitate to get in touch. With over 40 years of experience helping property investors reach their goals, we are well-equipped to guide you through the process.
Sit back and relax while we take care of everything for you! Our team has already conducted thorough property research, due diligence and negotiations. We'll oversee the construction process and guide you every step of the way until tenancy.
We look after the entire investment process end-to-end:
Area Research
Growth Driver Assessment
Due Diligence
Land Identification for a Range of Dwelling Types
Builder Screening and Negotiation
Building Plan Checks
Cash Flow Assessment
Vetting Property Managers