Bundaberg new homes cheaper when sold back to locals by interstate investors: HTW

Valuation firm Herron Todd White suggests investors are attracted to the Wide Bay region due to the affordability of land, houses and units in the area.

Their recent November review notes that interstate investors seem to be attracted to new stock in outer suburbs such as Moore Park Beach and Branyan producing housing around mid to high $300,000 and obtaining rentals of around $340 to $350 per week. 

"However, these houses when offered back to the market for sale to local purchasers are not achieving original construction prices."

Sales volumes have remained steady in 2015 but values have remained static with most activity being in the sub $350,000 range.

Rentals appear to be stable with a standard 3-bedroom timber house in Bundaberg averaging $260 to $290 per week and a 4-bedroom modern brick house averaging $345 to $370 per week.

Vacancy rates are at about 4%.

HTW detect confidence appears to be growing with the current low interest rates, federal government incentives and average vacancy rates encouraging both first home owners and investors to remain in the market during 2015. 

Its prior report noted houses that were previously flooded and now fully renovated were being sold in a strengthening market.

The prior reports also noted unit sales in the Bundaberg town area had been slow. Prices range from $107,000 for a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom renovated unit from the 1970s to a circa 2005 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit with 2-car built-in garage for $300,000.

The main sellers are the 2- and 3-bedroom units that range from low $200,000 to $300,000 for the 3-bedroom units.

The construction of new unit stock was described as sporadic - mainly four pack complexes with some larger ones.

Median rentals range from $225 per week for 2-bedroom units to $280 per week for the larger 3-bedroom units. Yields are around 5%