Living 2020 - Toowoomba and the Darling Downs

BUYING | SELLING | INVESTING

Living TOOWOOMBA & DARLING DOWNS

MOVING FORWARD

What lies ahead for property markets?

GET READY KEY SIGNS FIRST-HOME BUYERS SHOULD STRIKE NOW

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MAKE THE MOVE REFINANCE NOW AND SAVE YOURSELF A FORTUNE

LOOKING FORWARD COVID-19 PANDEMIC CHANGES OUR HOME DESIGN

TIME TO GROW TOP TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED IN PROPERTY INVESTMENT

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NEWS

Market remains buoyant in a year to forget THE DRAMATIC INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 THROWS US ALL FOR A LOOP

By Darren Burton AS fireworks lit up the night skies and the popping of champagne corks rang in the start of 2020, little did we know what a diabolical year was to follow.

Bushfires ravaged Australia, floods then followed and, when we finally thought we could see light at the end of the tunnel, COVID-19 dealt the devastating knockout blow that cruelly took precious Australian lives and eviscerated our economy.

I think we’re all in agreeance that it has been a bitter pill for everyone.

In times of trouble, especially during financial hardship, it’s not uncommon for the real estate market to put up its shields and run for the bunker – blocking out the chaos and opting to peek a nose out when things have calmed down.

It was entitled to on this occasion because we had a lot to unpack.

On-site and in-room auctions were banned and open houses were also taboo. Buyers wondered if they would have jobs in six months.

Landlords were equally vulnerable depending on how their tenants were affected.

It sounded a grim warning for the nation’s property fraternity.

Surprisingly though, this year – arguably our worst since the Great Depression of the ‘30s – saw the real estate industry remain resilient, dare I say even bullish, shrugging off the global mayhem and actually showing positive trends.

Sales across the country have continued to tick over and locally we have seen agents keen for new listings.

Many point to record-low mortgage rates as the much-needed life raft in this tsunami of destruction.

It certainly has alleviated some of the pressure.

Add to this, Government building and first homebuyer grants being newly implemented or extended that further added to our collective confidence.

EDITOR Darren Burton darren.burton@thechronicle.com.au (07) 4690 9319

ADVERTISING MANAGER Deb Hanfeld deb.henfeld@thechronicle.com.au (07) 4690 9310

Published by: Toowoomba Newspapers Pty Ltd (ACN 009 820 035) at 109 Neil Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 and printed by News Corp Australia.

As homeowners, we also stood up.

In the depths of the outbreak, many used the mandatory lockdowns as a chance to renovate their homes …or, at the very least, give them a much needed clean-up.

The results breathed new life into neighbourhoods and proved a catalyst for more work to follow.

It reaffirmed what we already know – Aussies love their property.

The desire to own our own homes is not dead and buried as some analysists are quick to attest.

It gives us a genuine glimmer of hope for tomorrow.

And what WILL the future hold for the real estate industry?

Good luck with that crystal ball.

We’ve been battered from pillar to post in 2020 yet can still take consolation that sales responded promisingly.

It may be a hint of better days ahead and that the coming 12 months could be something really special.

Going on the first half of this year, I think we’re probably owed that much.

Publishers Indemnity: Living is published by News Corp Australia. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submission undertake to ensure that all such materials do not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws. regulations or statues. Further to the above mentioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publishers and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgments.

Jett Templeton has the Ray White Know_How. Creating a competitive atmosphere for your home, Jett’s proven sales strategy aims to connect you to your perfect buyer. Combined with a great use of technology, local knowledge and expertise, Jett’s ability to nurture strong buyer relationships is a skill that will produce your successful sale.

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Jett Templeton 0439 277 773 jett.templeton@raywhite.com

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Key signs first-home buyers should strike now AUSSIE MILLENNIALS BELIEVE THAT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS GIVEN FIRSTHOME BUYERS A MUCH BETTER CHANCE TO NAB THEIR FIRST HOME, A NEW REPORT HAS REVEALED.

By Brendan Casey

allows eligible borrowers with just a five per cent deposit saved up to crack into the market.

Realestate.com.au’s chief economist Nerida Conisbee said the inquiries on their site by firsttime buyers had surged in recent months.

“We can see that first-home inquiries are rocketing ahead across every state and capital city,” she said.

“There’s a lot of things driving it including there’s no investors around and first home buyers often compete with them.

“We also have very low interest rates so it’s

We say what we do… and we do what we say

cheaper to borrower and there’s lots of state government grants available.”

The FHLDS has on offer another 10,000 spots for eligible borrowers to purchase a property and it’s available through 27 lenders including the Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank.

This means first-time buyers can avoid the expensive lenders’ mortgage insurance charges which they are usually hit with if they don’t have at least a 20 per cent deposit saved up.

Ms Conisbee also said the HomeBuilder

Scheme for eligible first home buyers also provides a $25,000 grant to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home.

“There’s a lot around helping first-home buyers into the market at the moment,” she said.

“But the big issue of course is getting finance because although banks are saying they are open for business, but they are still very cautious around lending because of the situation of rising unemployment which is the biggest challenge for most first home buyers.”

At The Real Estate People, we consider our word is our bond and we understand how clear communication and following through on promises is an integral part of good customer service. So, whether you’re buying, renting or selling, call us today or visit our Herries Street office and discover how we can help you sleep easy at night.

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ONE in two millennial home buyers (aged between 24 to 39) now feel that they can get the keys to their first home within the next one to two years as a result of a subdued property market.

ING’s Future Focus: Homeownership Report found many are making changes to build up their savings for a deposit faster, which includes: • 59 per cent redirecting direct budgets towards savings.

• 37 per cent taking on a side job.

• 36 per cent moving back in with their parents.

• 50 per cent considering living further from their CBD (45km of more).

The latest findings show that first-time property buyers haven’t given up on the great Australian dream of owning their own home, according to ING’s head of home loans JulieAnne Bosich.

“They are very focused on savings and getting into home ownership,” Bosich said.

“Covid has changed their lifestyle and it may mean they have to re-evaluate the type of home they want to buy and where, they might look at an outer area or cheaper area.”

The report found many Millennials are also making many lifestyle sacrifices to fatten their savings.

This includes limiting personal spending, reducing dining out experiences, cutting back on recreational drinking, quitting their gym membership and dating less.

There are several government initiatives also on offer to help first-time buyers crack into the market including the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.

The second tranche opened up on July 1 and

289 Herries St, Toowoomba | 07 4633 8899 | (just up from Glennie School)

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Refinance now and save yourself a fortune

By Sophie Elsworth SAVVY borrowers who can save by refinancing their mortgages say they would use the extra money to reduce their loan or they would tuck the money away rather than spend it.

Banks are continuing to drop mortgage rates with some of the cheapest three-year fixed sitting at 1.99 per cent and variable rates are as low as 2.17 per cent.

New independent research compiled for mortgage giant Aussie recently quizzed 1000 borrowers and found 80 per cent of Australians expected to retain — not spend — any savings made by refinancing.

Carmen James, 49, and her husband Keith, 51 recently refinanced their loan with their existing bank Westpac. They only did it after their mortgage broker contacted them out of the blue encouraging them to review their deal.

“My broker could see I was on a higher rate and if he didn’t prompt us I probably wouldn’t have even looked at it,” Carmen said.

“There’s no grand plans of what to do with the extra money. We would normally travel but I’m not sure when we can do that again – I may put it onto paying down the loan.”

Carmen was paying a variable rate of 3.96 per cent and has now opted for a split loan.

She fixed 90 per cent of loan for three years at 2.19 per cent and the remaining amount is

variable at 2.77 per cent.

On a $300,000 30-year loan reducing the rate from four per cent to 2.5 per cent would reduce a borrower’s monthly repayments by $247 to $1432. The customer would save $84,400 over the life of the loan.

Aussie chief executive James Symond said customers shouldn’t be stuck on “old lazy loans” that cost them dearly.

“Banks themselves are happy as Larry that the process is painful and the customers think it’s painful because then the customers don’t look at moving,” he said.

“If you can’t go through the process yourself pull aside a mortgage broker and they go through the process on a customer’s behalf.”

Data from Aussie shows refinancing customers were up 10 per cent in the June quarter compared with the same period last year.

The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia’s chief executive officer, Mike Felton, said there remained a “mismatch between new and old customers”.

“We have fixed and variable rates at historical lows and we have seen a massive amount of refinancing activity come through the broker channel,” he said.

“Ensure you employment is stable and your expenditure is modest within your means.

There’s a lot more attention on this than preCOVID.”

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COVID-19 pandemic changes our home design LIFE in lockdown has turned the way we live – and work – on its head.

And while Queenslanders are enjoying greater freedom than our southern state cousins, the coronavirus pandemic has forced many to reconsider how to future-proof our homes.

For example, Porter Davis sales consultants report an increased demand for more space and separation of living and at-home working environments.

Among the most common new demands are larger, more airy spaces incorporating two-storey voids to let in light, designs that separate living spaces from work areas to help “disconnect” at the end of each day, closer proximity between home offices and study areas for homeschooled children and dual purpose rooms that can double as an office during the day and home theatre at night.

Porter Davis Homes Queensland World of Style interior designer Janelle Miles said COVID-19 had changed the world as we know it.

“As Australians move in and out of lockdown, we’ve seen many behavioural trends emerge showing how we’re adapting to our ‘new normal’,” she said.

“While we’re all hopeful this is only a temporary situation, customers who are building a new home are taking steps to future proof themselves.”

Here Ms Miles shares the emerging trends.

Let there be light We’re all spending a lot more time indoors than we’re used to, and more customers are now craving large, airy spaces.

A great way to bring light and air in a double storey build is with a void, which works to bring in natural light and opens up a room to create more space, without actually needing to expand the size of the floorspace.

People are also choosing dramatic voids to create a sharp contrast between the main living areas and the rest of the home.

The living room has now become the sanctuary, and we’ve seen customers put more thought into how to turn their living room into a beautiful space that their family can retreat to at the end of their day.

This helps create a mental disconnect between work or school and life, which is so im-

portant now that we are not necessarily physically leaving our offices at the end of the day.

Study and work zones Office workers and students who regularly commute to work or university have now had their lifestyle significantly impacted.

Never before have we had so many conversations with our customers about ‘study zones’ and ‘work zones’.

No longer is it enough to simply pop a desk in a bedroom. In fact, many would prefer to move away from this completely to ensure they aren’t cooped up in a single room all day.

When it comes to creating a dedicated work or study space, we have seen customers opting for these to be on the ground floor, but removed from the central hub of the home.

This enables each family member to have their own space, while also being able to take time out and socialise with others when they

need a mental break.

night and on the weekends.

Inclusion of ‘nooks’ We’re also increasingly building small ‘nook’ off areas in the kitchen or lounge, where homeowners can keep a laptop set up for any ‘after hours’ school or office work, or to pay bills and do other life admin.

These nooks allow children to do homework while their parents cook, or allows parents to do work in the evenings without having to remove themselves and go to their home office.

Creative use of space A trend we weren’t surprised to see is more people wanting larger blocks of land, so they can have gardens and increase the amount of outdoor space they have at home.

Unfortunately, modern development blocks are usually limited in land size.

Due to this, we’ve also seen an increase in demand for double story homes to make the most of their grass space, and we predict this trend will continue. People are also getting creative with the space they’ve been given. Some are opting to close in outdoor terraces upstairs to create a space where they can separate themselves from the hub of family life.

We’ve seen this especially in those working in corporate roles, who need a quiet and private space for confidential business calls and to ensure their children don’t pop up in the background of their zoom call.

Dual-purpose rooms Another trend we’ve noticed is that people are wanting to get more out of their rooms.

Rather than creating a room for a specific reason, they’re creating multipurpose rooms that can change from day to night, to cater for different needs. For example, we’re now building rooms that might be a study zone during the day, and easily converts to a home theatre at

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Terms to know before the auction hammer falls AUCTIONS unearth a range of emotions – joy, if you’re the successful bidder, disappointment, if you miss out, and plenty of anxiety and excitement to boot.

Of course, these emotions aren’t always your friend, which is why it pays to keep them in check.

The best way to do this is by feeding the rational part of your brain, so that it’s strong enough to push back against any distracting emotions. Which is to say, you need to do your research – and that starts with either getting your head around how the auction process works, or learning all the lingo that auctioneers use on the big day.

Here’s our guide to the auction process and the terms you need to know.

How does an auction work?

While there are rules about how an auction must be run, each auctioneer has a different way of doing things.

The auctioneer’s goal is to encourage as many bidders as possible to compete, to achieve the highest possible price for the vendor.

One of the tools in the auctioneer’s arsenal is tempo control; the most common way they use it is by announcing the amount by which bids increase – known as rises or bidding advances.

You don’t have to bid at the amount stated by the auctioneer, but, if you bid less, they can choose to reject your offer.

Tips for making a winning bid

From the style of the auctioneer to the bidders you’re competing against, every auction is different, which means each one requires you to chart a slightly different course to success.

However, there are some general rules that apply to all auctions, and below are three of them.

1. Bid confidently The number of bidders you’re up against determines whether you should come out of the gate with an aggressive bid that blows your competition out the water or pull your punches until the auction nears its end. Whichever strategy you choose, you’ll need to bid confidently.

This shows your competition you mean business, which will throw them off their game and help clear your path towards a successful bid.

2. Ask questions The more informed you are at an auction, the easier it will be for you to beat your competition. Make sure to keep tabs on who is bidding and how much they have bid, and don’t be afraid to ask the auctioneer if the property is on the market.

This advice holds good for your pre-auction preparation, too. Ask the vendor’s agent lots of questions so that you can find out why the vendor is selling, how much interest has been shown in the property and which type of buyer is interested in it. This information will help you prepare the most appropriate bidding strategy.

3. Stick to your limit Before you arrive at the auction, make sure you know what your bidding limit is. This should be based on your personal finances, as well as recent sales of comparable properties.

You should also seek pre-approval from your lender so that you know exactly how much money you have to play with. This is especially important when bidding at auction, as you aren’t entitled to a cooling-off period if you change your mind.

Once you’ve come up with a limit, write it down on a piece of paper and keep this in your pocket during the auction; having a physical reminder will help keep your emotions in check.

What is a vendor bid?

A vendor bid is a bid made by the auctioneer on behalf of the vendor. It’s not an actual bid to buy the property; rather, it’s a public statement that the seller is not happy with the amount of the last bid, and is used to keep the bidding moving forward. The auctioneer must announce they are making a vendor bid.

The auctioneer may also halt proceedings if the bidding dries up. When this happens, they’ll usually say that they are ‘going inside’ or ‘seeking advice or instructions’ from the seller. They use this time to discuss the progress of the bidding with the seller.

If the bidding has reached or is close to reaching the reserve price – defined as the fig-

ure at which the vendor has previously agreed they will sell – the auctioneer will talk to the seller to find out whether they are willing to sell at the highest bid.

If they say yes, the auctioneer will publicly announce that the property is on the market.

Bidding will then continue and the property will be sold to the highest bidder.

Don’t pass out if it passes in The auctioneer will seek bids until they meet the seller’s reserve. But if the bidding fails to reach the seller’s target price, the property will likely be passed in. The highest bidder will then be offered the first right to negotiate with the seller, in an effort to achieve a sale.

There are important differences between buying a house at auction and by private sale.

One of the main differences is that, if you buy at auction, you don’t get a cooling-off period if you change your mind – and you can’t make the contract subject to any conditions.

This means that if you are planning to have a building or pest inspection – which we recommend you do – this needs to happen before the auction.

If you buy a property by private sale, however, you are able to make the contract subject to conditions.

In a private sale, a cooling-off period of three business days also applies from the date you sign the contract, unless this is within three days before or after a public auction.

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Not all buyer’s agents are created equal HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR WHEN ENGAGING A BUYER’S AGENT ALTHOUGH buyer’s agents are not as prominent in the Australian property market as they are in other countries such as the US, UK and Canada, buyer’s agents are now a permanent fixture in the property market landscape, and it is useful to understand what to look for when seeking to engage a buyer’s agent.

Let’s explore four key attributes: 1. Accreditation - In Queensland, all buyer’s agents must be qualified and licensed Real Estate Agents. While all Real Estate agents can act as buyer’s agents, it is far better to engage a specialist and you should ask if they are accredited with either the Real Estate Institute of QLD (REIQ) or Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA).

2. Qualifications – This is where buyer’s agents differ most. Ask your buyer’s agent what relevant qualifications beyond their mandatory Real Estate training they have that will help you in your property journey.

3. Capabilities – This separates the wheat from the chaff. All buyer’s agents can deliver appraisals, conduct inspections and compile reports. What you are looking for here are agents which have real researching skills and an ability

apply analytical processes to understand the market better than your Real Estate agent.

Most of all, ask them what negotiation training they have and what negotiation strategy they plan to employ.

4. Fees – Prices cover the spectrum and typically buyer’s agents list ‘Lite’ and ‘Full’ packages based on what services they provide. Some buyer’s agents will charge a percentage of the list or purchase price. Our best tip is to find a buyer’s agent that only charges a fixed price or percentage of any gains made for the buyer. A good buyer’s agent should only be charging a fee if they have succeeded in providing an excellent service and saved you money.

There are many great reasons to engage a buyer’s agent: Gain the competitive advantage by having your own advocate who is representing your interests 100% throughout the purchasing process Save you time and money Negotiate the best terms on your behalf Provide an emotion-free perspective during the purchase

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Top tips for getting started in property investment

By Tony Rigby

7. Buy with your head, not your heart When house hunting it’s very easy to get caught up in emotions. While a home on a steep block may have a stunning view, it could be a nightmare to renovate due to retaining or excavation costs. Be sure you weigh up the pros and cons.

WHEN it comes to building a retirement nest egg for the future, property is still regarded as one of the safest long-term investments.

While some investors may want to buy a property and rent it out straight away, others may choose to live in the home while they renovate it. Knowing what to do and not what to do is crucial to making a successful investment. Investing in bricks and mortar can be a great way to create wealth, but there are some golden rules to consider before taking the plunge into property investment.

1. Know your budget Before investing in property it’s vital to have a thorough understanding of your cash flow.

Also, ask your bank for a pre-approval of your investment loan, so you know how much you’re able to borrow before you start hunting for properties.

2. Don’t underestimate ongoing costs Make sure you budget enough for rates, insurance and general repairs. And when you have purchased your ideal investment property do what you can to prevent costly maintenance issues arising, such as replace ageing taps.

3. Buy in a growth area Try to choose an investment property in an

8. Think carefully before negative gearing If your repayments on the investment loan won’t be fully covered by the rent, your property will be negatively geared. While this can have tax advantages, it can also lead to financial stress if you don’t have enough cash flow to cover the loan repayments, rates or body corporate fees, so consider your budget carefully before buying

area where there is a strong demand for rental accommodation. Buying a property close to transport, universities and schools will make it more attractive to renters.

4. Be realistic about your investment goals Are you looking for fast capital growth or wanting to hold the property long-term? During boom periods, it’s much easier to renovate properties and turn them over for a quick profit.

In slower economic times, it may take many years to achieve the same growth.

5. Build sweat equity Paying tradesmen to renovate your investment property is costly. If you’re prepared to get your hands dirty you can save money and increase your profit margin by doing the work yourself.

9. Still paying off your own home?

It isn’t necessary to have your own home fully paid off before buying an investment property, however it is important to be comfortable with your current debt levels. Ideally, you’d want to have a large portion of your own home paid off and other debts, such as credit cards, under control.

6. Look for liveable, not luxury Remember, a rental property only has to be clean and functional. Don’t get sucked into buying a property simply because it has a stylish interior.

10. Get a building inspection Before signing a purchase contract, take the time to understand the building report to avoid expensive repairs down the track. Termites are one potential problem to watch out for.

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SUBURB PROFILE I BLUE MOUNTAIN HEIGHTS

Escape the hustle and bustle NESTLED between Highfields and Toowoomba proper, Blue Mountain Heights offers residents the best of both worlds, without compromising on convenience.

It’s a sanctuary, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of town life, but it’s right on the doorstep of all the amenities residents could want or need.

It comes as no surprise, then, why this suburb continues to be one of Toowoomba’s more popular suburbs.

It’s ideally located — just seven kilometres north of the city and only a few minutes’ drive from a host of city amenities and parklands — and it’s private.

The majority of the suburb is located to the east of the New England Highway and makes the best of its stunning escarpment position and views across the Lockyer Valley.

Turning off Murphy’s Creek Road, Skyline Drive runs along a spur of the Great Dividing Range, parallel to the New England Highway connecting Toowoomba and Highfields.

Despite its proximity to this busy thoroughfare, Blue Mountain Heights is a peaceful community, surrounded by lush bushland and tall trees which provide a natural sound barrier.

A series of tree–lined cul–de–sac streets run off Skyline Drive, which forms the spine of this section of the village–like suburb — affording the properties a great sense of privacy and seclusion.

The area abounds with natural fauna, like king parrots, echidna and possums and the suburb has a comfortable, established feel with tended gardens and a bush outlook.

There are many architecturally designed houses from different eras (bringing a unique character to the suburb), with most positioned to take in the spectacular views.

According to data from the 2016 Census, there are just under a thousand people who call Blue Mountain Heights home, with a median weekly income of $2,237 (and less than three people) per household.

The vast majority of residences in the suburb (98.9 per cent) are separate houses with the remaining 1.1 per cent made up of townhouses and villas.

The lack of units adds to the relatively low population density of the area, with about 200 people per square kilometre.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

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CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months.............................................n/a 3 years................................................... n/a 5 years................................................... n/a

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DEMOGRAPHICS Population Having no shops of their own, is not a draw– back, but a bonus for the residents of Blue Mountain Heights.

The suburb is roughly 10 kilometres to Murphys Creek and a short drive to Highfields, as well as being just a stone’s throw from the Toowoomba CBD. In nearby Highfields, residents have access to everything from supermarkets to hair salons, take–away food outlets, doctors, gyms and

everything in between.

Toowoomba’s Northpoint Shopping Centre is another option, leaving Blue Mountain Heights shrouded in peace and quiet without compromising its convenience.

Residents of Blue Mountain Heights wake up to the sounds of Kookaburra and can enjoy their morning coffee while listening to the wind sighing through the leaves, knowing they’ve snapped up a bit of paradise.

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SUBURB PROFILE I CENTENARY HEIGHTS

A host of schooling opportunities SITUATED neatly between Hume Street to the west and Mackenzie Street to the east, Centenary Heights has much to offer its current and future residents.

With a wealth of shopping and parklands on its doorstep and only a short drive to Toowoomba’s CBD, Centenary Heights remains an incredibly popular suburb for families and investors.

Primarily developed in the 1960s and ‘70s, Centenary Heights features a mixture of brick veneer and timber homes and, in recent years, there has been in–fill unit developments in the suburb — with a combination of multi–unit complexes and duplex units.

CoreLogic figures for 2020 show a median sales price of $361,000 for houses and $330,000 for units, which is a 2 per cent drop for houses in the last 12 months.

Centenary Heights is extremely popular with families because of the schooling options available, including Concordia Lutheran College’s Hume Street campus, St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School and Centenary Heights State High School.

The highly sought–after school catchment areas from primary school to Year 12 are a massive draw card for the area.

Centenary Heights High School has about 1600 students from Year 7 to 12, with a socially and culturally diverse student population representative of 43 different nationalities and 60

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$361,000

$330,000

$345pw

$290pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.............................. 3.6% 12 months..................................... -2.4% 3 years............................................ -3.2% 5 years.................................................. 11%

spoken languages.

The suburb covers an area of approximately three square kilometres, with Census data showing a population of about 6000 people living off a median weekly income of $1179 per household. Dissecting this family–friendly suburb, is a series of connecting parks and playgrounds, with multiple walking and running paths crisscrossing the area.

Located between Ballin and Amanda drives, is the attractive open recreation corridor of Ballin Park, which is particularly popular with

walkers and joggers.

The park features a large, permanent spring– fed pond at the north–east end on Mackenzie Street, as well as a picnic shelter and basketball half–court.

Shopping facilities include the Southtown Shopping Centre, with larger centres in nearby Kearneys Spring and Rangeville.

Southtown Shopping Centre features a café, Thai restaurant, convenience store, hair salon, a pharmacy and a liquor store, as well as other specialty retailers, taking care of all your needs.

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

88 days March

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AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

7.56 years

Wade Lockrey knows your property’s potential.

Wade Lockrey has forged strong relationships in Centenary Heights and has the knowledge and expertise to talk to buyers about your property’s potential. He inspires buyers to imagine a lifestyle in your property and encourages the highest valuation in their mind.

Wade Lockrey 0406 996 115 wade.lockrey@raywhite.com

Let Wade show you how. Get in touch.

raywhitetoowoomba.com

V1 - TCHE01Z01FG

SUBURB PROFILE I CRANLEY

Families wanting a better lifestyle are looking to The Views JUST 6km north-west of Toowoomba’s city centre lies Cranley, a rising suburb offering both convenience and a fresh lifestyle, attracting families, young couples and empty nesters alike.

Named after James Cranley, a landholder and farmer in the district in the 19th Century, he was also a municipal councillor from 1864 to 1865. Previously filled with small farms and very low-density rural homes, Cranley is morphing into a suburb suited to those looking for a fresher lifestyle. Blocks in new housing estates are being snapped up and it’s no wonder, as the suburb is convenient to well, everything!

Situated on a north facing ridge overlooking the Toowoomba Ranges and Gowrie Mountain, the newest housing estate in Cranley, The Views Sanctuary Rise, promises a spectacular, panoramic view from every block. The 44 blocks currently on offer in Stages 4 & 5 are now selling with completion late November and ready to build on in December 2020, allowing buyers to take advantage of up to $45,000 worth of government grants.

Locals love the tranquil suburb of Cranley because they have a peaceful lifestyle with everything they need “just around the corner”.

The Views offer even more. Large blocks of land in a prestige location, situated right on the border of Cranley Park Reserve offering 45 hectares of key recreation and open space with interesting bushwalking trails. There’s plenty of room to picnic, play, run and cycle and all just a few metres walk from The Views.

“There’s plenty of space for our family home with a pool and yard for the kids, and looking at those views every day… well it’s just the perfect location.” said Abby, new owner of a block in Stage 5. “It’s exciting to see the development progressing so quickly, we can see it changing every week. Our new, healthier lifestyle is getting closer and closer as we’re looking forward to getting the kids out into nature, right on the doorstep of this prestige estate. We can’t wait to start building in December and meet our new neighbours” she said.

Within a 3km radius are numerous childcare options, public, private primary and high

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n/a schools, amusements centres and parks and playing fields, perfect for kids of all ages. There are also cafés, restaurants and fitness centres, Wilsonton Shopping Centre and St Andrews Private Hospital a 5 minute drive away, giving Cranley a Community score of 9/10, a Family score of 7/10, a Lifestyle score of 8/10, and a Tranquility score of 8/10 according to microburbs.com.au. If you’re working in Toowoomba’s CBD, well that’s just a short 20 minute peak-hour drive. Eat your heart out Sydneysiders!

Cranley also caters to those wanting a more active lifestyle. There are cycling, basketball, car, para/hang-gliding, archery, walking and social clubs as well as a local community centre.

If you’re making a tree change and need work, the Toowoomba region is booming so there are plenty of employment options. A diverse and strong economy has grown from agri-

cultural beginnings, expanding into education, health, mining, defence and construction.

Manufacturing, especially in the agricultural, freight, logistics and mining sectors has made the region it’s second-largest exporter. Wellcamp Airport and Business Park is an easy 20 minute drive from Cranley via the Toowoomba Bypass.

The Cranley lifestyle is relaxed, yet has a very optimistic, up-and-coming vibe with families of all ages moving into the area and enjoying an active lifestyle without the hustle and bustle of the CBD and inner suburbs. If you’d like to learn more, visit http://www.theviewssanctuaryrise.com.au.

Download a walking trail map of Cranley Park Escarpment: http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/edocman-document-detail-page/facilityrecreation/sportrecreation/cranley-escarpmentwalking-trail-map

$

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses...................................................n/a Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

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TOOWOOMBA CARPET COURT 60B Stephen Street, Toowoomba City QLD 4350 P 4637 8400

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Prestige living integrating seamlessly with nature from only $178,500

STAGES 4 & 5 NOW SELLING RESERVE

243 701m2

SOLD 709m2

237 589m2

245 598m2

236 565m2

235 565m2

234

233 700m2

SOLD 700m2

232

SOLD 635m2

246 541m2

231 571m2

247 580m2 230 594m2

RE

SE

RV E

RO AD

244 689m2

STAGE 4 238 550m2

215 550m2

214

SA NC

217 609m2

290

2

ADELAI

218 607m2

219 560m2

220 560m2

221

SOLD 560m2

222 SOLD 560m2

223 560m2

224 SOLD 560m2

225 560m2

226 549m2

211

RIV

228 569m2

291

2

A stone’s throw from Toowoomba’s CBD, The Views Sanctuary Rise offer spectacular, panoramic, north-facing views of the Toowoomba ba ranges and Gowrie Mountain.

227 579m2

212 TU AR YD

229 700m2

25

249

ADELAIDE STREET (SOUTH)

213

186

248 701m2

ADELAIDE STREET (NORTH)

216 SOLD 560m2

210

E

209

208

187

207

206

205

EXISTING STAGE 3

188 189

204

SANTUARY DRIVE

203

202

121

120

11

SA

184

The Views offers:

STAGE 5 261

278

262

263 264 703m2 633m2

SOLD 707m2

277

276

275

ADELAIDE ADELAIDE

303

304

305

STREET

STREET

301 76

77

RESERV E ROAD

265 266 SOLD 637m2 612m2 267 600m2

274

273

272

268 601m2

271

270 583m2

(NORTH

)

(SOUTH)

75

307

308

309

310

311 606m2

STREET

41

40

42

39

AGENT ON SITE

Saturdays 2-3pm

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE

$25,000

• Lot sizes from 541m2 to 773m2 priced from $178,500 to $245,000 • All Lots have Sewerage, Water, NBN, Gas & Telstra Connections • Duplex & Dual key opportunities • Only 6km north-west of the Toowoomba CBD • Close to schools, childcare, Wilsonton Shopping Centre, St Andrews Hospital and Toowoomba International Airport

Intersection Sanctuary Drive & McDougall Street, Cranley

$5,000

REGIONAL HOME BUILDING BOOST GRANT

$15,000 FIRST HOME OWNERS GRANT

For enquiries & site visits by appointment call Tony Robards on 0413 871 727 or email discoverypg@gmail.com

Agents & Builders Enquiries Welcome!

For more information or to register your interest visit

www.theviewssanctuaryrise.com.au V2 - TCHE01Z01FG

AND THE

HOME BUILDER FIRST SCHEME HOME OWNERS ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR GRANT

290

SOLD 617m2

ADELAIDE

306

REALTY Pty Ltd

Stunning views from every block

ROAD

WANDSWORTH STREET

242

241 700m2

240 615m2 239 548m2

Another Quality Development by

SUBURB PROFILE I DRAYTON

A true sense of history in Drayton ALTHOUGH it was the first substantial settlement on the Darling Downs — established in 1842—Drayton did not develop as fast as its younger sister settlement, Toowoomba.

This resulted in Drayton becoming an outer suburb of Toowoomba, located to the south west and bordering Glenvale, Harristown and Darling Heights.

Its proximity to the University of Southern Queensland and its affordable rent market has now made it a popular suburb among students, particularly in the area around Gipps and Baker streets (in the north eastern corner of the suburb).

Drayton is quite a large suburb — covering more than 10 square kilometres — and has a relatively low population density (housing about 165 people per square kilometre).

It’s a quiet area and, perhaps due to its age, has been a favourite among older residents looking to settle down.

Its peaceful, established streets have therefore proved to be a good place to raise children, with 69.3 per cent of households consisting of families (parents and children).

Children aged 14 years and under, make up 17.8 per cent of the population of Drayton, while residents aged 65 and over make up a slightly smaller percentage (17.2 per cent).

Drayton State School caters for children from Prep to Year 6, with a preschool available next door for children aged from two years and three months to school age.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$310,000

n/a

$300pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months.............................................n/a 3 years..........................................-12.7% 5 years...........................................-15.1%

Employed residents make up the vast majority of Drayton’s population, with 85.6 per cent working either full time or part time — predominantly as trades workers, technicians and labourers (30.9 per cent).

Of the occupied homes in Drayton, 73 per cent are free–standing homes, with flats, units and semi–detached housing coming in at 25.6 per cent.

Most of these homes have at least three or four bedrooms (74.4 per cent), with the vast majority being owned either outright or with a mortgage (59.3 per cent).

According to 2016 Census data, 84.1 per cent of households who rent their homes are paying rent at a rate lower than 30 per cent of their household income.

The same data shows that 95.3 per cent of residents who have a mortgage are also paying at a rate lower than 30 per cent of their household income.

A range of shopping options are available to residents, including the sizeable Woolworths shopping centre, which provides a liquor store, bakery and pharmacy, among many other shops.

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

69 days March

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AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.85 years

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SUBURB PROFILE I EAST TOOWOOMBA

The jewel in Toowoomba’s crown AS one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious suburbs, East Toowoomba is highly regarded for its stunning older properties and its proximity to the CBD, Queens Park and schools.

On its tree–lined streets, it boasts gorgeous historic homes (many of which have been beautifully extended and renovated), making it one of the most highly prized suburbs in the city.

Currently, the East Toowoomba median sales price sits at $513,750 for houses (up 1.2 per cent) and $365,500 for units (up 10 per cent).

The suburb’s proximity to the CBD makes it easy for inner–city workers to commute to work — in fact, they can often leave their cars at home and either walk or cycle.

The suburb has even become a must–see destination, attracting locals and visitors from all over Australia.

Through its museums, cultural events, heritage listings, and astonishingly beautiful gardens, East Toowoomba has the power to not only attract tourists, but also to make locals feel like visitors to the area.

Set across more than 25 picturesque hectares, Queens Park has been enjoyed by generations of locals and regional visitors since it first opened to the public in the late 1800s.

It’s a beautiful calm space where nature showcases its seasonal offerings, alongside the city’s bustling CBD. A kaleidoscope of riotous colour erupts

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$513,750

$365,000

$360pw

$275pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months.........................................1.2% 3 years................................................. 17% 5 years......................................... 20.6%

Picture: Ben Walker, Statik Illusions.

every spring and carries on throughout the warm summer months, while autumn brings with it a radiant show of red, orange and yellow as the massive deciduous trees shake off their leaves.

Combined with the evergreen trees and shrubs, autumn’s multi–coloured carpet provides spectacular views throughout the park.

It is no surprise why Queens Park and its Heritage–listed Botanic Gardens are the chosen venues for many community activities and annual events, like the ever-popular Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, various fun runs and charity walks, as well as the Toowoomba Lan-

guages and Cultures Festival.

Reinforcing the magnetic pull of Toowoomba and its appeal as a regional hub for sports, arts, culture and education, there are several prestigious schools in the suburb drawing student from all over the Darling Downs.

State and private schools like Toowoomba Grammar School, Fairholme College, Toowoomba East State School, Mater Dei Primary School, Toowoomba Anglican College and Prep, and tertiary institutions like TAFE Queensland and South West campus, provide reason enough why this suburb is so popular with families.

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

78 days March

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AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.37 years

When your experience is my success.

Another 10 out of 10 Customer Satisfaction score.

Seller of 49 Ipswich Street, East Toowoomba - SOLD with multiple written offers “From the minute we first met Anne I was inspired by her readily evident passion for her work, her creative, yet realistic plans for the sale and presentation of my house, and her honest appraisal of the market in the current times. She worked over and beyond what I would have expected and she did an outstanding job. She impressed me once again with her seemingly abundant energy and tireless attention to detail.”

More recent results for my East Toowoomba clients: • 7/1a Stirling Street - Sold with 6 written offers after the first open home • 2B Bruce Street - Under Contract before the first open home

With customer satisfaction at the forefront of my sales strategy - I ensure my clients enjoy the highest quality of service while achieving them outstanding outcomes.

Can I help you with your successful sale? Get in touch.

Anne Pohlner 0419 796 759 anne.pohlner@raywhite.com raywhitetoowoomba.com

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SUBURB PROFILE I GLENVALE

Glenvale - a suburb on the move HOME to slightly more than 6300 people, Glenvale covers an area of 10.5 square kilometres on the western fringes of Toowoomba and has seen incredible growth in the past decade, with subdivisions creating more than 1000 new lots in this time.

Some of these subdivisions are still under construction this year and more are planned.

Due to this growth, most houses in Glenvale are free–standing, modern brick homes and duplex units.

The established section of Glenvale has small acreage allotments with large family homes, some with swimming pools and tennis courts.

Glenvale’s median sales price for houses has dropped slightly over the past year ($360,000), with its residents earning a median weekly income of $1509 (according to 2016 Census data).

Three–quarters of all residents in Glenvale are families who take advantage of the suburb’s established parks, which create a family–friendly feel.

These parks include the popular Glenvale Park, which is designed to encourage healthy, active recreation and play for all age groups.

From exciting shade–covered playground equipment, to cricket practice wickets and a multi–purpose court (for tennis or basketball), picnic facilities and a gazebo, drinking fountains and toilet facilities — Glenvale Park has it

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$360,000

n/a

$355pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.............................-7.4% 12 months.......................................... -4% 3 years................................................ -4% 5 years............................................ -7.7%

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

79 days March

all and showcases the family–friendly appeal held by the suburb.

Other amenities include a mix of public and private school facilities, the Toowoomba Showgrounds, and the Toowoomba Criterium Cir-

cuit, with construction of a Coles supermarket complex under way at the corner of Glenvale Road and Greenwattle street. Glenvale also boasts aged care and assisted living facilities, along with access to public transport.

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

7.96 years

Thinking of Selling?

Can You Help me....

SOLD! Ronald Court, Glenvale

Call me now for a confidential discussion.

Ian O’Donnell 0409 348 238 ian@spp.net.au

SOLD! McDougall Street, Glenvale

SOLD! Balaroo Drive, Glenvale

7184979ab

All my GLENVALE lisings now SOLD or Under Contract!

Cashed up INVESTORS waiting?

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SUBURB PROFILE I HARRISTOWN

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$315,000

$231,000

$335pw

$250pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months............................16.9% 12 months....................................... 3.8% 3 years............................................ -1.6% 5 years............................................ -1.6%

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

82 days

Harristown offers a mix of quality housing options to suit all tastes TUCKED into an almost perfect square between Greenwattle and West streets and covering about 7.3 square kilometres, Harristown is home to about 8555 people.

Located just three kilometres southwest of the CBD, Harristown is a residential suburb that started developing around the turn of the century.

Much of Harristown’s development is post– World War II and the housing styles reflect that, with a mix of traditional colonials, post– war housing, chamferboard and brick–and–tile houses on small allotments.

Many of the suburb’s homes have been renovated in recent years, with free–standing homes remaining the most common housing type, despite the suburb’s proximity to the University of Southern Queensland.

The median sales price for houses is $315,000 (which is a rise of 3.8 per cent on last year), while units have seen a drastic drop over the same period (10 per cent), bringing them to $231,000.

There has been an increase in unit development in the suburb, with a mixture of multi– unit complexes and duplexes.

Harristown has numerous educational facilities within its borders, including two campuses of Concordia Lutheran College, the Warwick Street campus and Stephen Street campus, as well as the highly reputable Harristown State High School.

Near these schools, the Toowoomba Saleyards can be found; playing an integral part in the region’s livestock industry.

There are significant portions of Harristown

that are zoned for industrial use, particularly on the western boundary of the suburb, where businesses such as Boral Concrete and Wagners have their offices and yards.

In the same area, residents have access to a large Bunnings warehouse, catering to their DIY needs.

You’ll also find the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery on the corner of South Street and Anzac Avenue.

As one of the state’s earliest surviving cemeteries, with the earliest burial recorded in 1866, the cemetery was listed in the Queensland Heritage Register on August 14, 2009.

This is yet another ode to Harristown’s past and development, containing the graves of pioneers, previous mayors, and other prominent people who shaped Toowoomba’s history.

March

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AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.96 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses.......................................... 5.53% Units.............................................. 5.62%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

8555 Average weekly household income

$975 Median age

38

Ben sells more property in Harristown than anyone else.

That’s why he’s the leading sales person for Harristown on realestate.com.au and his clients rate him with 5/5 star reviews.

He knows the local market and how to achieve premium results.

Don’t let your property gather dust. Call Ben and get it sold.

Ben Liesch 0400 436 802 ben.liesch@raywhite.com raywhitetoowoomba.com V1 - TCHE01Z01FG

SUBURB PROFILE I KEARNEYS SPRING

Amenities galore in popular suburb WITH roughly the same population as nearby Harristown (about 8500 people) and covering slightly less area (6.5 square kilometres), Kearneys Spring has been a popular residence option for many years.

A south–side favourite, a large proportion of Kearneys Spring was developed in the 1970s, but in the past five to 10 years there has been significant urban growth on the southern fringes. Homes in the suburb are primarily brick in construction and the newer homes are quite large, with spacious family living areas.

Its proximity to the University of Southern Queensland has made it popular with students and young professionals alike.

The suburb has a median weekly rent ranging between $370 and $290 for houses and units respectively, with more than a third of residents (43.4 per cent) living in rentals.

Investors and owner–occupiers are equally well catered for, with a good balance of family homes and multi–unit complexes and duplexes available.

Kearneys Spring is an affordable suburb, located to the west of Middle Ridge, with a median house price of $395,000 for houses (up by 3.9 per cent since last year) and $270,000 for units (down by 5 per cent).

A total of 26.8 per cent of homes are owned outright and 22.3 per cent are mortgaged.

According to 2016 Census data, the median household income is $1112 per week, with the majority of the population aged between 30 and 34 years.

Shopping facilities are extensive, with Toowoomba Plaza, the Harvey Norman Centre, The Ridge Shopping Centre, Westridge Shopping Centre and Uni Plaza all within the suburb’s boundaries.

Christian Outreach College Toowoomba is located within the suburb.

The school is a co–educational facility, catering for students from pre–school through to Year 12.

Running through the middle of Kearneys Spring (along West Creek), is an extensive green belt with great walking and bike paths, making it ideal for families who like to get out and be active on the weekends.

Kearneys Spring Historical Park contains the Murray Clewett Wetlands, which is home to a multitude of flying foxes, ducks, parakeets,

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$395,000

$270,000

$370pw

$290pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months................................-15% 12 months....................................... 3.9% 3 years............................................. 2.9% 5 years...................................................6%

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

85 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.83 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses......................................... 4.87% Units.............................................. 5.59%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

8552 Average weekly household income

$925 and other local fauna.

Outdoor exercise equipment can be found along the paths that crisscross the park.

The park is also a major fully–lit sporting facility, which includes 10 touch football fields and four softball diamonds.

Median age

35

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Another sold in Kearneys Spring Verity Campbell knows what buyers are looking for in Kearneys Spring and understands how to present your property in the best light to gain curiosity, ongoing interest and ultimately the best offer. She has exceptional market insight and the strategic skills to deliver an effective customised marketing campaign for your property. That’s why she gets it sold.

Curious to see what your property is worth? Get in touch.

Verity Campbell 0460 045 212 verity.campbell@raywhite.com raywhitetoowoomba.com

Sold

4 Esperanto Court Kearneys Spring

47 Broadfoot Street Kearneys Spring

Villa 1/47 Entabeni Drive Kearneys Spring

2 Hillcrest Court Kearneys Spring

16 Hennenlotter Court Kearneys Spring

Unit 1/28 Sambar Court Kearneys Spring

Villa 2/47 Entabeni Drive Kearneys Spring

17 Kratzmann Court Kearneys Spring

57 Entabeni Drive Kearneys Spring

V2 - TCHE01Z01FG

SUBURB PROFILE I MIDDLE RIDGE

Prestige suburb a family favourite WITH a median household income of $1964 per week, Middle Ridge is one of the more affluent suburbs of Toowoomba.

Featuring an impressive and accommodating mix of acreage and smaller allotments, with quality modern housing, Middle Ridge remains one of Toowoomba’s most sought–after residential suburbs.

Much of the area saw its development in the 1980s, leading to a majority (94.4 per cent) of free–standing homes — most with good yards for families.

The remaining 5.4 per cent of housing options in Middle Ridge is made up of town houses and units.

The latest CoreLogic data lists the median sales price at $645,000 for houses (up 3.2 per cent since last year) and $270,000 for units.

The suburb covers an area of 6.7 square kilometres, from Hume Street to the east and Stenner Street to the south, housing just over 7100 people.

Middle Ridge’s popularity is partially due to its many family–friendly attributes.

The suburb is well catered for, with primary school facilities including both Middle Ridge State School and Gabbinbar State School within its boundaries.

Park facilities also make the suburb a favourite among families, and Middle Ridge Park is among the many quality offerings.

The park includes two tennis courts with lights, three soccer fields, a cricket oval with turf wicket, cricket nets with artificial grass, a basketball half–court and playground equipment.

Residents also have use of a clubhouse, which features a canteen, meeting room, toilets and showers.

Picnic facilities include gas barbecues and covered picnic tables and toilets.

There is a fully fenced playground, with play equipment catering for many age groups — the area is also wheelchair friendly with an all–ability swing.

Golf enthusiasts will be impressed with Toowoomba Golf Club — an 18–hole course offering golfers of all levels a challenge — situated at the north eastern edge of the suburb.

Some homes back on to the golf course, adding to the high–end, luxury feel of those properties.

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$645,000

$270,000

$450pw

$378pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months............................ -4.2% 12 months.....................................14.2% 3 years...........................................22.2% 5 years...........................................23.2%

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

72 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.21 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses..........................................3.63% Units...............................................7.27%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population Picture: Ben Walker, Statik Illusions

The south eastern corner of the suburb is given over almost entirely to Glen Lomond Park; a popular area for walking, bike riding and horse riding.

The park offers three trails of varying length and difficulty—the 2.1 kilometre Glen Lomond Bridle Trail, the 2.75 kilometre Hell Hole Track

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and the 340 metre Spur Track—with various points of access, depending where you are in the park.

Middle Ridge is also home to the iconic Gabbinbar Homestead — a popular and absolutely gorgeous Heritage–listed wedding venue — which adds to this suburb’s irresistible appeal.

7141 Average weekly household income

$1964 Median age

43

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SPOTLIGHT

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NEWS

Pull on the walking boots and get back to nature THERE are many reasons to love Middle Ridge, whether you live there or are just passing through.

Perhaps one of the most prominent reasons for falling in love with this suburb, is the multitude of parks and parklands scattered throughout the area.

MIDDLE RIDGE PARK This large park is located on Stenner Street, in the north–eastern corner of the suburb.

Facilities on offer, include two tennis courts with lights, three soccer fields, a cricket oval with a turf wicket and cricket nets with artificial grass, a basketball half–court, and play equipment. The on–site clubhouse features a canteen, meeting room, toilets and showers.

Park–goers have access to gas barbecues and covered picnic tables, as well as toilets separate from the clubhouse.

The fully fenced playground ensures hours of fun for many age groups and the area is wheelchair friendly, even including an all ability swing.

MENZIES STREET PARK Tucked into the lazy corner where Menzies Street becomes Dallang Road, this well–featured park includes everything from play equipment to bicycle tracks, a basketball half–court, two gazebos and covered gas barbecues.

GLEN LOMOND PARK Perched at the edge of the escarpment, in the south–eastern corner of the suburb, this park can be reached from multiple directions.

Activities on offer here, include mountain biking, horse riding and bush walking.

Walkers have the option of three trails: The Glen Lomond Bridle Trail, which is a

multi–use track of about 2140 metres (one way) that’ll take you about 30 minutes to complete.

The Spur Walk, which is a quick 15–minute walk that starts halfway along the Glen Lomond Trail and offers great views of the Lockyer Valley.

The Hell Hole Trail and Falls Walk, which is the longest of the three trails and will treat walkers to magnificent views of Table Top

Mountain, while traversing steep cliff–sides and tranquil paddocks.

A map of these walking trails can be found on Council’s website.

Many other, smaller parks dot the landscape — from Christy Court Park to Nielsen Park and many others in between — ensuring residents don’t have to travel for more than a few minutes for a taste of the great outdoors.

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Delta Panels general manager Todd Guy said his company worked with several builders who reported similar results.

“In the Queensland climate, adding a covered, insulated outdoor area can be a significant selling point,” Mr Guy said.

“Not only does a covered patio give protection from the sun but it can really improve the look of a home, plus extend the living areas for use all year round.

“Patio roofs now come with skylights and

LEDs, so your indoor-outdoor area is light and comfortable at any time of day.”

Real estate agent Haesley Cush said there were plenty of ways that homeowners could add value.

“Firstly, it’s really important to do your research and see what is in demand in your market before spending a cent,” Mr Cush said.

“If you are renovating to turn a profit, don’t just consider what you like because potentially not everyone else will like that.

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“Think about what sort of things can make a home more useful, and practical and what will suit a lot of different family types.

“Make it look like you can move straight in.

Little things like peeling paint can make it look like it requires maintenance, so consider a lick of paint, carpet and furniture.

“Ultimately, that first impression only takes a few seconds and the open house lasts less than an hour, so the pressure is on to make it ‘the opening night on Broadway’.”

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YOU don’t need to be a contestant on The Block to make money through renovation.

It can be easy to add value with a few simple changes, according to Dan Meehan of Citibuild.

You just need to make sure you do the right renovations.

Mr Meehan said that in the Queensland climate, even just creating an outdoor entertainment area through the addition of a patio could add thousands to the final selling price.

While his core business is commercial construction, Mr Meehan said he was often on the lookout for homes to renovate.

His latest acquisition is a three-bedroom brick house at Berringa Court, Ashmore which he bought about two months ago.

“It was a mortgagee in possession sale, so I was able to get it pretty cheap and then do some work to add value to it,” he said.

On completion he will have invested about $60,000 in renovations, including updating the kitchen and bathroom, painting and putting on a new extended outdoor patio and a carport.

“With the changes, my agent tells me we should be able to see a return of double the amount we invested in the renovations,” Mr Meehan said. One of the big improvements was creating an outdoor living area and carport, which only cost about $15,000 but will have increased the property value by double that.’’

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SUBURB PROFILE I MOUNT LOFTY

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$475,000

n/a

390pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.......................... -15.8% 12 months......................................11.8% 3 years............................................. 5.6% 5 years...................................................6%

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

73 days March

?

8.34 years

Gorgeous escarpment living Queensland in trust by the Boyces.

Most of Mount Lofty’s leafy neighbourhood is populated by families (70.9 per cent) and more than a third of the suburb’s residents own their homes outright (37.7 per cent).

The median sales price of Mount Lofty is $475,000 for houses (up 11.8 per cent since last year).

Roughly 90 per cent of the properties in Mount Lofty are stand–alone houses, with the remaining 9.9 per cent made up of townhouses and units.

Architecture in Mount Lofty ranges from turn–of–the–century houses and cottages through to contemporary brick homes with almost every style of housing design of the past century evident.

$

To further add to Mount Lofty’s appeal, it offers some wonderful views, both over the escarpment and back across the city.

The homes built along the escarpment are constructed to make the most of the views, with many having been architecturally designed.

The homes are expansive, with many also boasting extra amenities such as swimming pools and tennis courts.

Located just 2.5 kilometres from the city centre, the suburb offers plenty of amenities and great educational facilities, including Toowoomba State High School.

Mount Lofty is also home to multiple aged– care facilities, such as Mt Lofty Nursing Home in Rifle Range Road and TriCare in Curzon Street.

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Houses..........................................4.27% Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

3775 Average weekly household income

$1685 Median age

43

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ALMOST 4000 people call Mount Lofty home and, according to 2016 Census data, the median age here is 43, with households earning a median income of $1685 per week.

With sensational range views to the east and impressive escarpment living, this leafy suburb provides a welcome mix of luxury homes and long–established suburban living against a distinctive green background.

It has three main parks (as well as multiple smaller ones), covering nearly 32 per cent of the suburb’s total area of 10 square kilometres.

In addition to these, Mount Lofty is home to Boyce Gardens, a six–hectare natural paradise.

It was developed by Leslie and Margaret Boyce over 60 years as a private garden and was given to the University of Southern

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

SUBURB PROFILE I NEWTOWN

Affordable and convenient: Newtown NEWTOWN is one of Toowoomba’s most densely populated suburbs, with about 1700 people per square kilometre.

Home to slightly more than 9500 residents (made up mostly of people in their early to late 20s), it is a popular suburb with young people looking to get a foothold in the property market.

Newtown’s popularity is largely due to its proximity to the CBD and its continued affordability.

With households earning a median wage of $1029 per week and Newtown’s continued development and renovation, this is a great suburb for families to get their hands on a ‘starter home’.

Historic Newtown features some beautiful character homes in various states of renovation — from original to fully renovated and extended — with more brick residences on the western edge of the suburb.

In recent years, there has been an increase of in–fill unit developments. Newtown currently has a median sales price of $295,000 for houses (down 3.3 per cent) and $232,500 for units (up 2.3 per cent), making it an ideal choice for first home buyers or investors.

Schools are also abundant in Newtown and include Newtown State School, Our Lady of Lourdes School, Holy Name Primary School, The Glennie School, St Ursula’s College and St Mary’s College.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$295,000

$232,500

$310pw

$280pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months............................ 10.7% 12 months..................................... -3.3% 3 years........................................... -3.4% 5 years...........................................-6.6%

Newtown’s main public space, Newtown Park, is one of Toowoomba’s premier parks and covers an area of 12 hectares.

The park opened in 1913 and is a must–see location, with three main feature areas including the renowned Queensland State Rose Garden, a children’s playground and barbecue area, and sports ovals with croquet lawns and cricket pitches.

Bordered by Holberton, Taylor, Tor and Pottinger streets, the park is popular for its gardens, family activities, and participation in sport

or fitness pursuits.

Pathways link across the park alongside a collection of murals and plaques, and there are rest areas dotted throughout for the enjoyment of park users.

There are several shopping centres located around the suburb, catering to its residents’ every want and need.

The largest, Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre, has a variety of stores including two supermarkets, banks, eateries, department stores and specialty retailers.

Genuine and Understanding Agent “Selecting an agent to find a new owner of our pride and joy was not a light decision. We are so glad we chose David and Angela. They had an enviable sales history in our area and after meeting them, we understood why. David and Angela are willing to back themselves and their commitment to selling our house was what we were looking for. They were flexible and accommodating to both us and our buyers in a truly trying time and we can’t recommend them strongly enough.” - John and Kylie

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

78 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.52 years

Buying, Selling or Renting?

CONTACT US! Angela Harms T: 0407 455 413

David Harms T: 0438 739 955 www.successrealty.com.au Shop 5, 255 Herries Street Newtown Shops

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“David was clearly knowledgeable and honest about the market and what he could do for us. He was proactive and motivated and went above and beyond our expectations. He’s very personable and develops connections quickly, understanding what people are looking for and matching that with what we had to sell. Selling higher than expected (although within a range he predicted) and during COVID. Amazing”. - Di TCHE01Z01FG - V1

SUBURB PROFILE I NORTH TOOWOOMBA

SPOTLIGHT

Character homes add to appeal NORTH Toowoomba was one of the earliest developed suburbs in the Toowoomba region and, as such, features distinctive bluestone kerbing, lining its heritage areas.

It extends from the Toowoomba railway yards in the west, to Harlaxton in the north and Mount Lofty in the east (covering about two square kilometres), housing approximately 3000 people.

Due to the suburb’s age, many charming character homes can be found in the area (many of which have, or are undergoing, renovation and extension work).

Most of the streets are lined with trees, some of which have quite substantial and established canopies.

North Toowoomba is another affordable suburb with median house sales price of $355,000 (up 6 per cent in 12 months).

The suburb has seen a rise in renovations, with more and more young families looking to get their foot in the door of the property market.

At the time of the 2016 Census, the median age of residents in North Toowoomba was 36, with the majority of residents between 20 and 29 years old and holding at least a Certificate III or bachelor degree, showing a clear preference for the suburb among young professionals, couples and families.

More than a third (41.8 per cent) of North

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$355,000

n/a

$320pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.............................. 3.9% 12 months............................................ 6% 3 years........................................... 18.3% 5 years............................................12.2%

Picture:

Toowoomba is occupied by renters and 55.7 per cent of homes are either fully owned or owned with a mortgage.

The suburb is close to the CBD with schools and shopping amenities in nearby Newtown, East Toowoomba and Harlaxton.

West of Ruthven Street to Mort Street and extending down to Bridge Street, is a substantial light–industrial area running more–or–less parallel to the railway.

This area includes a Bunnings warehouse

Ben Walker, Statik Illusions.

and a Fantastic Furniture outlet, among other retailers.

The former Dairy Farmers milk processing facility in Brook Street — listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2008—has been redeveloped in recent years into multiple commercial tenancies.

The spectacular Queens Park is within easy reach for residents, so are the multitude of cafés, bars and restaurants of the vibrant Toowoomba CBD.

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

72 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

6.70 years

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SUBURB PROFILE I PRINCE HENRY HEIGHTS

A fine suburb that is fit for royalty AS one of the most sparsely populated suburbs in Toowoomba, with barely 570 residents earning a median household income of about $2285 per week, Prince Henry Heights retains its reputation as an exclusive neighbourhood.

The suburb’s 2016 Socio–Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) was 1177.6 — an index above the national average.

The suburb’s index was in the 90th percentile, meaning 90 per cent of Australian suburbs have a SEIFA index lower (are more disadvantaged) than Prince Henry Heights.

Its SEIFA score therefore categorised it as a suburb of relative socio–economic advantage, based on factors like house size, income, education, employment rate and skilled or professional occupations.

Perched at the eastern edge of Toowoomba, with sweeping views of the escarpment towards Withcott, this suburb offers generous blocks, large family homes, and several small parks for residents to enjoy.

The majority of homes in Prince Henry Heights are free–standing, with a few residential land packages making up the rest of its housing options.

Nearly 45 per cent of the residents in Prince Henry Heights are aged 50 years and older, with people aged 65 or older making up 17.7 per cent of this group, according to 2016 Census data.

The median age for the suburb was 47 years,

with children aged up to 14 years making up 19.4 per cent of Prince Henry Heights’ residents.

The suburb is surrounded by bushland, with Jubilee Park to the north and Redwood Park to the south.

With 313 hectares of bushland, Jubilee Park is one of Toowoomba’s largest parks and is popular with bushwalkers, runners, and mountain bikers.

The park contains the first legal downhill mountain bike track in Queensland, as well as a cross–country loop at the park’s base.

Forming part of the National Bridle Trail network, which allows people to traverse Queensland on horseback, this massive park also offers horse–riding opportunities.

Located on the Great Dividing Range, Redwood Park has a great diversity of plant and animal life, including grey ironbark, river oak and blue gum trees, numerous bird species, goannas, and wallabies.

Formerly home to a zoo and a Great Depression era unemployment camp, the 243–hectare Redwood Park now has a bushland picnic area, with picnic tables and a compost toilet, along with several walking trails, making it a great place to spend the day.

Despite the suburb not having any school or shopping facilities of its own, it has easy access to these facilities and amenities in nearby suburbs such as Rangeville, East Toowoomba, Mount Lofty and North Toowoomba.

For many, the lack of schools and shopping centres in the neighbourhood adds appeal to the area and contributes to the exclusive and secluded feel of the suburb.

With some of Toowoomba’s best escarpment views, privacy ensured by its location, and tranquillity in abundance, Prince Henry Heights is understandably a sought–after address by many.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months.............................................n/a 3 years................................................... n/a 5 years................................................... n/a

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

n/a March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

n/a

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SUBURB PROFILE I RANGEVILLE

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$447,500

$336,000

$385pw

$315pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.............................12.5% 12 months..........................................1.1% 3 years................................................... 5% 5 years............................................ -1.9%

March

?

84 days March

?

for families.

For the adventurous, there are several graded walks and a bridle trail extending from the top of the range and down through bushland to the east.

The suburb also includes the Table Top Bushland reserve, another recreational favourite among Toowoomba residents.

At its western border with Centenary Heights, Rangeville houses the Toowoomba Waterbird Habitat, a 19–acre park, designed to mimic natural wetlands.

The median sales price in Rangeville is $447,500 for houses (up 1.1 per cent) and $336,000 for units (growing by more than 6 per cent over the last 12 months).

The median household income for Rangeville households is $1439 per week, according to

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AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.21 years

Location, location, location COMPARED to other Toowoomba suburbs, Rangeville is relatively large — covering about 10 square kilometres — and therefore houses a hearty population of more than 8300 residents.

Sitting a mere five kilometres southeast of the CBD, this residential suburb remains a popular location for investors and families.

Renowned for its tree–lined streets and spectacular views from the edge of the range, the main focal point of the suburb is Picnic Point— one of Toowoomba’s oldest recreation areas.

The popular area presents panoramas that encompass the Lockyer Valley, with Tabletop Mountain prominently in the foreground.

Picnic Point has multiple playgrounds, including the Witch’s House playground in Heller Street Park — a popular spot for children’s birthday parties — making it a favoured choice

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

$

2016 Census data.

With a SEIFA index of 1046.4 in 2016, Rangeville again proved to be a relatively advantaged suburb, with 74 per cent of Australian suburbs being less advantaged than Rangeville.

Making Rangeville even more popular with families, are the school facilities, which include Rangeville State School and St Joseph’s College.

Rangeville State School is one of the most sought–after public school facilities in the city so, with catchment enrolments in place, this makes a residential address in the suburb desirable for many families.

The Range Shopping Centre and High Street Plaza provide quality retail options including supermarkets, takeaway food outlets and restaurants.

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses......................................... 4.47% Units............................................. 4.88%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

8312 Average weekly household income

$1439 Median age

43

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SUBURB PROFILE I SOUTH TOOWOOMBA

Sporting options for all persuasions WHETHER you are looking for a social outing or a competitive contest, South Toowoomba has plenty of recreation opportunities thanks to spectacular parklands and sporting facilities.

The suburb has seen mixed housing styles since the early 1900s and, as larger portions were subdivided, the houses have reflected the style of that era.

Immediately adjacent and to the south of the CBD, South Toowoomba is about four square kilometres in size and has eight parks covering nearly 19 per cent of the total area, including Lake Annand Park.

According to 2016 Census data, South Toowoomba is home to about 5224 people, with a median age of 37 and each earning a median personal income of $630 per week.

Residents occupy a mix of free–standing homes and units in the suburb, in both multi– unit complexes and duplexes.

According to CoreLogic data, the median sale price in South Toowoomba is $342,500 for houses (up 8.7 per cent) and $303,500 for units (down 6.1 per cent).

Free–standing homes make up 71.6 per cent of properties in the suburb, with townhouses making up 23.9 per cent and units or apartments 3.4 per cent.

The suburb has a strong investor presence with 45.7 per cent of properties being rented.

The remaining 50.8 per cent of homes are owned, either outright or with a mortgage.

On the southern fringes of the suburb, residents are spoiled for choice, with a number of fast food outlets catering to their take–out needs.

St Saviour’s Catholic Primary School and St Saviour’s College are close to the suburb’s northern boundary, with the primary school offering a co–educational facility from Prep to Year 6, while the college is an all–girls school from Year 7 to Year 12.

There are several motels in the suburb, providing accommodation for travelling workers and tourists throughout the year.

The suburb is also home to the gorgeous neo–gothic St Patrick’s Cathedral, built in the late 1800s.

Rich in history, this bluestone cathedral hosts countless weddings each year and adds romance to the streets of South Toowoomba.

Among the suburb’s sporting and recreation

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$342,500

$303,500

$330pw

$280pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months............................. -9.1% 12 months....................................... 8.7% 3 years..............................................8.7% 5 years..............................................5.4%

March

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

72 days facilities, are City Golf Club, South Toowoomba Bowls Club and Clewley Park (the latter of which, is part of the West Creek corridor).

Clewley Park is adjacent to the Toowoomba Hospital, on Pechey Street, and lies in close proximity to the city centre (with the main vehicle entrance in Water Street).

The park is an inner–city oasis with two distinct areas divided by West Creek and connected by a bridge.

The Pechey Street side has a large central pond with lily pads and a bridge, as well as gardens, bird life and playground equipment.

There are barbecue and picnic facilities, toilets, and inviting walking and cycling paths— not to mention the large open areas.

The Water Street side also has barbecue and picnic facilities, toilet amenities, off–street parking and Parkour play equipment.

It mirrors the appeal of Pechey Street with walking and cycling paths and large open areas, which are popular for kick–about activities.

With many facilities on offer and stunning natural landscaping including a scenic pond, Clewley Park is popular with small groups.

The City Golf Club is an 18–hole course which has hosted the Queensland PGA Cham-

'

James was excellent from the start and while working with us throughout the sale process. He was friendly and professional the entire time. Very happy with his work.

- Andrew, South Toowoomba Seller

pionship, offers tee times to both members and social players and includes a mini–golf course and driving range.

The club is open seven days a week and is great for families and golfers keen to hone their skills.

The mini–golf course includes 18 fun–filled, themed holes with many obstacles, twists and turns to keep people coming back time and time again.

The club is also a popular choice for functions and has a large restaurant, serving tasty dishes.

If golfing is not for you, perhaps lawn bowls is. South Toowoomba Bowls Club is located on Hume Street and offers facilities for socialisers and bowlers alike.

Souths on Hume boasts two function rooms — each with their own bar — a newly refurbished beer garden, a professional kitchen and two bowling greens.

The relaxed, casual atmosphere makes the venue perfect for birthday parties, hen’s parties, staff parties or social club gatherings.

The club also offers a variety of barefoot bowling packages, with a choice of barbecue, high tea or party platters.

March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.29 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses.......................................... 5.01% Units.............................................4.80%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

5224 Average weekly household income

$1103 Median age

37

For knowledge, professional advice and a premium service, you can rely on the expertise of the Daniel Burrett Team for outstanding agents who provide outstanding results.

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SUBURB PROFILE I TOOWOOMBA CITY

SPOTLIGHT

A city with a proud history TOOWOOMBA City’s many handsome old buildings and wide streets reflect its rich history and importance as the first suburb in the city.

There is a mixture of housing styles from the oldest colonial architecture to modern apartments, large masonry residences to fibro cottages in both renovated and original condition with some situated in a ‘heritage overlay’ planning area.

Being so close to great amenities, residents often save a buck on expenses like petrol and parking, by choosing to walk or cycle instead.

Unsurprisingly, more than a quarter of the suburb’s population is between 20 and 34 years old, with nearly 30 per cent of the total population holding at least a bachelor’s degree or Certificate III qualification.

According to 2016 Census data, Toowoomba City residents are earning a median personal income of $578 per week, with more than 55 per cent working full time.

Toowoomba City offers some great affordable buys, and while the median house price of $367,00 for houses is up seven per cent, the unit price (now at $246,000) has remained unchanged.

Free–standing houses make up 51.5 per cent of the dwelling options in Toowoomba City, with townhouses and units making up 45.4 per cent.

A large proportion of the suburb is rented (59.1 per cent), making it a good suburb for in-

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$292,500

$285,850

$330pw

$245pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months....................................... 9.7% 3 years........................................... -2.9% 5 years.............................................12.1%

Picture: Ben Walker, Statik Illusions

vestors to consider.

The median rent for houses is $300 per week (a 4.2 per cent yield) and $250 per week for units (a 5.3 per cent yield).

More than a third (34.7 per cent) of properties are either owned outright or with a mortgage, with the remaining 6.2 per cent otherwise occupied or unspecified.

Toowoomba City is bounded by Hume, James, West and Bridge streets and contains Laurel Bank Park with smaller parks dotted around the suburb.

Holy Name Primary School, which was established in 1916, and the North Toowoomba

State School, which stands on the site of the original Mort Estate School (established about 1869), are in the suburb.

Toowoomba City contains several shopping centres — including Grand Central — and abundant street shopping along Margaret and Ruthven streets.

The suburb has the greatest concentration of cafés, restaurants and curb–side eateries found anywhere in Toowoomba and is leading a cultural and culinary awakening in the city.

It’s also the central hub for transport, with the Toowoomba railway station and the city’s bus interchange on Neil Street.

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

75 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

13.07 years

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SUBURB PROFILE I WITHCOTT

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$488,000

n/a

$428

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.............................. -7.1% 12 months....................................... 9.2% 3 years............................................. 3.9% 5 years.............................................. 7.3%

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

98 days March

?

Plenty of room with every convenience at your doorstep ANYONE who has made the trek west to Toowoomba knows the delightful community of Withcott.

Nestled at the bottom of the Toowoomba Range, Withcott has long welcomed travellers heading to the Garden City and has also provided a permanent home to residents looking for a more relaxed and laid–back lifestyle than the big cities.

It can be argued buyers get a lot of ‘bang for their buck’ due to the size of the allotments and sub divisions and many properties have expansive homes with multiple living spaces, large bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garages; there is also plenty of room for large detached

sheds and pools (which are often utilised during the summer months).

Withcott is almost exclusively comprised of free–standing homes (97.3 per cent), of which 83.2 per cent are owned, either outright or with a mortgage, leaving just 13.6 per cent rented.

The majority of the town (84.8 per cent) is made up of households with children.

Another reason families make the move to Withcott is the cheaper cost of living, with council land rates deemed more affordable in the town as compared to Toowoomba Regional Council.

Withcott State School provides quality primary school education where students can ex-

Thinking of selling?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

5.98 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses......................................... 4.56% Units....................................................... n/a

perience success through engaging curriculum programs, a range of sporting and musical pursuits, environmental experiences and extra– curricular activities.

The town also has a range of shops, including a FoodWorks supermarketCHECK, butcher, a hotel and bakery; as well as a hardware store, an aquatic centre and a petrol station.

There are also quality medical facilities available.

Catering to the sporting needs of the community, Withcott has a pony club, a strong soccer club and a large sporting complex with playing fields and an indoor sports hall which is available for hire.

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

3885 Average weekly household income

$2010 Median age

32

Free appraisals (sales and rentals)

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SUBURB PROFILE I WILSONTON

Everything you could need LOCATED less than five kilometres north– west of the CBD and covering an area of roughly 5.4 square kilometres, Wilsonton is home to about 6000 people.

The median age of Wilsonton’s residents is 40, according to 2016 Census data, and households are earning a median income of $981 per week.

Affordable homes and a quality shopping precinct are just two of the major draw cards of the neighbourhood.

The suburb’s housing stock is mostly brick in construction with a few older timber homes, but a number of in–fill multi–unit complexes have been built in recent years.

Wilsonton is a popular choice for renovator buyers, as the homes are solid with great potential for modernisation.

The median house price is $302,000 for homes (up 5.4 per cent) and $225,000 for units, which is a fall of about 9 per cent in the past year.

There are a number of motels in the suburb, which help cater for peak festival times, such as the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers every September and CRT Farmfest, which is held at Kingsthorpe every June.

Wilsonton has a good array of schools within its boundaries, catering for the 63.4 per cent of households that include children.

These include the Wilsonton and Fairview Heights State schools, Sacred Heart Primary

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$302,000

$225,000

$320pw

$290pw

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months..................................-4% 12 months....................................... 5.4% 3 years........................................... -0.5% 5 years........................................... -2.4%

March

School and the Wilsonton State High School.

The Wilsonton Shopping Centre includes both Woolworths and Coles supermarkets, a post office, various bank branches, takeaway food outlets, a bakery, butcher, news agency, GP clinic and a pharmacy.

The suburb has 12 parks and its sporting fields can be found at Captain Cook Park, which is one of the city’s major sporting facilities and forms the south western tip of the Black Gully Reserve.

The park includes five turf cricket ovals (one of which has lights), cricket practice nets, a national standard BMX track with lights, and a skate park.

The oval configuration allows for up to seven rectangular fields and there is a clubhouse with a canteen, as well as two dressing rooms with toilets and showers.

Picnic facilities include picnic tables, a playground, barbecues, toilets and a large off–street parking area.

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

181 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.03 years

WELCOME TO YOUNG REAL ESTATE AT WILSONTON SHOPPING CENTRE Young Real Estate has operated from Wilsonton since April 2002. We are a small dedicated and passionate team who strive to provide honest, reliable and friendly service to our clients. We are part of this community and place our reputation ahead of our sales targets. We maintain a strong presence with our experienced team and ever growing property our experienced team and ever growing property management portfolio with rental properties over all parts of Toowoomba and surrounding areas.

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V1 - TCHE01Z01FG

SUBURB PROFILE I CABARLAH

A country lifestyle so close to town

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$762,500

n/a

$490pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months..................................... -4.7% 3 years..........................................44.7% 5 years............................................... 7.1%

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

n/a March

?

SITUATED about 15 kilometres north of Toowoomba’s city centre, Cabarlah offers residents a tranquil, country lifestyle within easy reach of modern amenities.

The suburb is situated on the Great Dividing Range and, like its Toowoomba counterparts, enjoys spectacular views to the east from many of its residential properties, all of which were free–standing homes at the time of the 2016 Census.

Of these homes, 40.8 per cent are owned outright, while 48 per cent are owned with a mortgage and 10.1 per cent are rented.

Its proximity to Toowoomba and Highfields, their shops, schools and other amenities and services, has made Cabarlah a popular suburb, with an impressive growth rate—with property values shooting up by 12.6 per cent in the past

year alone.

Residents have realised the potential of living in a suburb mere minutes from work, while taking advantage of the open spaces and natural tranquillity of the area.

The median age in Cabarlah is 40 years, with children aged 14 and under making up 23.2 per cent of the suburb’s population.

Families closely split between those who have children and those who do not (40.9 per cent of Cabarlah’s families do not have children, while 59 per cent do).

While the suburb doesn’t have its own schools, there are plenty of great schools nearby, including the Mary MacKillop Catholic College in Highfields, Highfields State School, and Geham Primary.

The majority of residents in Cabarlah are

employed full–time (61.4 per cent), while 28.8 per cent are working part–time.

Almost 20 per cent of residents work in professional capacities, while technicians and trade workers making up a slightly smaller portion of the workforce (19.3 per cent).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a large portion of Cabarlah’s residents are employed in the Australian Defence Force (15.3 per cent), putting them within minutes of the Borneo Barracks and golf course.

According to 2016 Census data, employed residents in Cabarlah are earning a median personal income of $814 per week and a median weekly family income of $2018.

The Farmers Arms dishes up the goods to Cabarlah residents, but in neighbouring Highfields a vast selection of other eateries are also on offer, with the Meringandan Pub also proving to be a popular dinner destination in the area.

Cabarlah also has a healthy inter–cultural community, including people of Afrikaans, German, Polish, Greek and Serbian heritage.

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

n/a $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses..........................................3.34% Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1075 Average weekly household income

$1916 Median age

40

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0438 804 093 | gleesonbuilding@outlook.com | www.gleesonbuilding.com.au TCHE01Z01FG - V1

SUBURB PROFILE I CAMBOOYA

Family-friendly country escape SETTLED in the mid–1800s, Cambooya is situated on prime land — smack dab in the middle of Steele Rudd country.

Affordable prices make Cambooya a great rural location for buyers eager to move to the area south of Toowoomba.

Just half an hour’s drive from the Garden City, Cambooya is an affordable town in which to buy, with a median sales price for houses of $330,000, an increase of 1.2 per cent in the past year.

The town is made up almost exclusively of free–standing homes (94.9 per cent), with just 4.4 per cent of the dwellings consisting of townhouses and units.

There is a mix of established and new homes on offer in this lovely little town.

Nearly 28 per cent of the properties in Cambooya are owned outright, with 23 per cent being rented.

It’s a great place to raise a family and many people are doing just that.

Almost 85 per cent of the town is made up of couples and 44.3 per cent of them have children.

About 15 per cent of the population are one– parent families and there is also a good number of over–65s (12.9 per cent) who call Cambooya home.

Its appeal for families lies in its proximity to Toowoomba, while still offering a laid–back country town vibe.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$336,000

n/a

$330pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months.................................... -0.4% 3 years............................................. 9.4% 5 years........................................... 15.9%

March

?

Cambooya is a growing community with several land releases in recent years, including the Cambooya Ridge Estate in the south–eastern part of town, which includes plans for a shopping centre in the future.

Most of the homes in this estate are modern brick homes with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garages, catering for the

growing demand from arriving families.

The town has a primary school, bowls club, post office, general store, public hall, three churches, several sports groups and three parks.

A real highlight of the community is the Bull and Barley Inn, a traditional country pub that is a popular destination for both visitors and residents of the town to enjoy a hearty pub meal.

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

106 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

n/a

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SUBURB PROFILE I TORRINGTON

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$570,000

n/a

n/a

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months.............................................n/a 3 years................................................... n/a 5 years................................................... n/a

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

n/a March

A western treasure ready to grow TORRINGTON is about 10 square kilometres in size and sits on the western edge of Toowoomba, just seven kilometres from the CBD. The suburb is home to a significant industrial area, servicing the Toowoomba region.

From Torrington’s eastern boundary (ironically, on Boundary Street), along Carrington Road towards the west of town, large industrial and agricultural businesses like Vanderfield and BMS Mitre 10 (among many others) can be found.

Moving away from Carrington Road, however, the majority of the suburb remains largely under–developed.

With barely 900 residents, Torrington is sparsely populated—housing as little as 90 people per square kilometre.

More than 90 per cent of the suburb’s residents work either part–time or full–time, with technicians and trades workers making up the

largest portion of the suburb’s workforce (17.5 per cent).

The median personal income of Torrington’s residents is $752 per week, with households earning a median weekly income of $1728.

There are several residential estates—including popular Sovereign Hill Estate — with large modern homes on large lots, offering a comfortable and peaceful rural–residential lifestyle.

Torrington has been identified as one of the areas that will have to cater for Toowoomba’s expanding population and, in response, more residential land is being developed in the area.

Due to the large allotments and houses, the median sales price is $570,000, which saw a rise this year of 6.8 per cent.

Torrington’s housing options are made up exclusively of stand–alone houses, with almost all of the homes owned outright or with a mort-

gage (86.5 per cent).

Only 11 per cent of the suburb is rented.

It is a popular choice among families, with 86.8 per cent of residents made up of family households (parents and children) taking advantage of the space offered by Torrington’s residential landscape.

The suburb maintains its rural–residential feel, with large allotments, paddocks and bushland offering great rural views.

There are no schools in Torrington, but the Wilsonton and Fairview Heights schools are both within easy reach during the morning commute into Toowoomba.

The main park — Joe Allen Park on Cumner Road — is located in a natural bushland setting and provides contemporary shaded play equipment with ‘soft–fall’ underneath.

Its picnic facilities include gazebos, tables and benches.

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

11.7 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses...................................................n/a Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

879 Average weekly household income

$1728 Median age

45

Selling greater Toowoomba Sue Edwards 0437 377 988

2 Roseburn Court, Torrington

7 Sylvia Court, Vale View

11 Tower Park Court, Crows Nest

19 Oaklands Street, Glenvale

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18 Weller Street, Rangeville

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SUBURB PROFILE I CLIFTON

The perfect escape from the big city

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$215,000

n/a

$265pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months...................................... 4.9% 3 years............................................. 4.9% 5 years...........................................19.4%

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

n/a March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

n/a CLIFTON has a population of about 1400 people, with more than 60 per cent of residents being of working age (between 15 and 64 years old).

The median age in town is 49 and nearly 30 per cent of residents have reached retirement age (are at least 65 years old), according to 2016 Census data.

Clifton offers plenty of opportunity at affordable prices and, being just a short distance south of Toowoomba, it’s proving the perfect escape for homeowners who no longer want the hassles of the big city.

The median sales price in Clifton is $215,000, which is a drop of .05 per cent in the past year.

Most of the town’s housing is made up of free–standing houses (92.2 per cent), with townhouses and units making up 7.3 per cent.

Similarly, 64.6 per cent of properties are either owned outright or with a mortgage, with 29 per cent being rented and the remaining 6.4

per cent otherwise occupied or unspecified.

The housing styles in Clifton range from classic timber to modern brick homes.

The town is well–equipped to cater for the needs of residents and visitors, offering a wide range of essential services, retail outlets, sports and community facilities.

The town also boasts high–quality medical services, including Clifton Community Health Services (a community–owned, not–for–profit health services organisation operating since 1949). The organisation runs the following health services in Clifton: The Clifton Co–op Private Hospital, which has 12 private beds and adjoins the medical practice.

The bulk–billing Clifton Medical Practice, offering a variety of services — from immunisation to minor surgery, antenatal care, mens and womens health, and everything in between.

The Clifton Nursing Home, which provides

accommodation to 23 residents and has been steadily growing since its establishment in 1982.

Nirvana Hostel, which provides assisted living accommodation to residents.

Vedette Villas, giving residents the security of being supported by the hospital, while occupying any of the eight independent living villas.

Clifton has an abundance of high–quality recreation and sporting facilities catering to a large regional area.

These include a 25–metre indoor pool, golf course and racetrack.

The town offers schooling from Prep to Year 12, with a state primary school and a Catholic primary school (Prep to Year 6), as well as a state high school (Years 7 to 12).

A number of cafes and hotels are available, offering a range of food and beverage options and there is also a supermarket, newsagent, butcher, hardware store, post office and various mechanical trades.

$

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses.......................................... 6.41% Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1456 Average weekly household income

$824 Median age

49

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SUBURB PROFILE I CROWS NEST

Attractive blend of housing options CROWS Nest is a rural town of about 2160 people, situated roughly 43 kilometres north of Toowoomba.

The town offers residents a laid–back country lifestyle, while still being close enough to Toowoomba for workers to commute.

With some of the Toowoomba region losing value over the past year, Crows Nest residents are delighted with the CoreLogic data showing their median house prices have risen in value by 1.1 per cent.

The town presents affordable housing options with a good blend of classic cottages and modern brick homes.

The block sizes are large and there are rural residential and small acreage allotments.

The median sales price in Crows Nest is $320,000 and most dwellings in town are free– standing homes (94.6 per cent).

Townhouses make up 2.7 per cent, units 1.2 per cent and other dwelling types 0.9 per cent.

Owner–occupiers make up 69.9 per cent with 44.1 per cent of residents owning their properties outright.

Today, the business centre clusters around Centenary Park, which was established as a village green.

Crows Nest’s streets are filled with striking old buildings, like the Heritage–listed post office (which is still used for its original purpose).

More than a third of Crows Nest’s residents are older than 65 years (34.4 per cent), with about 456 children aged 14 years and under making up 18.5 per cent of the town’s population.

To cater for these children, the town and district offers a Prep to Year 10 state school, a library, shopping area and swimming pool, as well as golf and bowling facilities.

There’s also a hospital, a progress association, historical society, the showgrounds and the former shire hall.

Of historical interest is the Ray White real estate empire, which began in 1902 in Crows Nest, with a tin shed in the railway yards housing the first office.

Crows Nest National Park is six kilometres east of the town, where walking tracks lead to the Valley of Diamonds and a rock pool with a waterfall and steep granite gorges.

Wildflowers and birds abound— you may

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$275,000

n/a

$290pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months......................................... 10% 3 years............................................ -5.2% 5 years............................................ 0.0%

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

117 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

12.62 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses......................................... 5.48% Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

2160 even see the rare brush–tailed rock wallaby.

Held in October each year, the Crows Nest Festival includes among its highlights the infamous Perseverance Cup for racing worms.

Within spitting distance from natural attractions like Perseverance Creek Dam, Ravensbourne National Park and Deongwar State

Forest, residents have weekends sorted.

By taking a short, scenic drive from Crows Nest, residents have all the convenience of inner–city Toowoomba at their fingertips, without having to compromise on the peace, quiet and backyard space offered by rural–residential living.

Average weekly household income

$814 Median age

52

Sell with Confidence ...

Buy with Confidence ...

Lease with Confidence ...

When dealing with Real Estate matters in country areas, you need to be dealing with people who know and live in the area. Much like the Ray White company itself, I was born and bred in Crows Nest. Local knowledge is something that is of the utmost importance and having a wealth of this is something that I pride myself in.

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Ray White Rural Crows Nest TCHE01Z01FG - V1

SUBURB PROFILE I MILLMERRAN

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$192,500

n/a

$265pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months.................................... n/a 12 months..................................... -8.3% 3 years.........................................-10.5% 5 years................................................... 5%

How multi-generational living is affecting the property market

By Kirsten Craze SAVING for a deposit, cashing in on childcare or rejecting retirement living – whatever the reason, more Australians are choosing to live with their extended family.

The ABS predicts the number of households with “other related persons” living at the one dwelling – which includes both older parents living with adult children, or grown children staying at home longer – will grow to around 800,000 by 2036.

Social demographer Mark McCrindle said the data also showed the average household size increased in the last census.

“And it’s not because of an increasing birthrate, because that’s actually declined a little bit over the last few years, it’s because of the increasing number of people per household.

Younger generations are either leaving home later or returning back to the parental home,” he said.

“Then on the parents’ side, they’re living longer and sometimes the older parents are moving in with the middle-aged children, creating the three – or in some cases four – genera-

tions under the one roof,” he said.

The phenomenon of generations Y and Z shacking up with the family for longer periods due to affordability constraints is now stretching to Baby Boomers, who are pooling their household expenses with their adult children to not only save money, but to maintain their lifestyle.

Mr McCrindle said less than 10 per cent of Australians now move out of their home into retirement living facilities.

“While it’s a big industry, most people stay in their own home, or in a family context in a private dwelling, before they eventually need some supported aged care much later in life,” he explained.

In past decades, grandparents might have been given a spare bedroom to call their own, however, the modern multi-generational set up has had a facelift with granny flats and duplexes becoming hot property.

Dana Lightbody, 41, a single mother to three-year-old twins, and founder of the Single Mother By Choice Expo, said having her parents as neighbours suits the whole family.

“I live in a duplex next door to my parents

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and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The support and help they are able to give me means I can give my kids the life I want to by allowing me to work and provide for the whole family,” she said.

Margaret and Jim Lightbody, who are 73 and 75 respectively, live next-door to their daughter and grandchildren, Ava and Zach in Mosman.

“We tried living in a large house together, but it didn’t work. The beauty of the duplex option is that you have your own space but also the quick and easy access to share family meals, company and also to care for each other. They look after my children but in the future, I’ll be able to return the favour by caring for them,” Ms Lightbody said.

Mr McCrindle described today’s multigenerational way of living as an economy within itself.

“The various generations contribute to the running costs of the home. It’s a win-win, because each party is paying less than they would if they were running their own rental, and yet there’s economies of scale there and the costs are shared across more people,” Mr McCrindle added.

71 Campbell Street, Millmerran QLD 4357 (07) 46591355

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

n/a March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

n/a $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses...........................................7.16% Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1563 Average weekly household income

$1161 Median age

43

SUBURB PROFILE I HIGHFIELDS

No stopping Highfields popularity HIGHFIELDS is incredibly popular among families, with 86 per cent of households being classified as ‘family households’ in the 2016 Census, a number that excludes group households where the occupants are not related to one another and sole occupants.

The town has quickly built a reputation as one of the fastest growing suburbs in the state — it’s a welcoming, family–friendly area with strong infrastructure and great quality of life, after all.

Roughly 24 square kilometres in size, it’s located on the border with Blue Mountain Heights, about 12 kilometres north of the Toowoomba CBD, and is home to a little more than 8100 people.

One of the most popular residential areas on the Darling Downs, it features acreage and town–sized blocks, many with fantastic views of the Downs or the Great Dividing Range.

Even with its population booming in recent years, Highfields has retained its village atmosphere, with cafés, art galleries and small businesses dotting the landscape.

Neighbourhoods in Highfields benefit from the established, shady trees that make up much of the area’s appeal.

The median sales price for homes in Highfields is $526,000, a decrease of 0.8 per cent in the past year.

The vast majority of properties (80.9 per cent) are owner–occupied and 16.1 per cent of the homes are rented.

The suburb has a number of café and tourist precincts, as well as two suburban shopping centres.

Families can enjoy the beautiful parks— such as Peacehaven Park — and a recreation centre, which includes an outdoor public swimming complex and a large indoor arena, holding two volleyball and basketball courts and a gym.

Highfields Pioneer Village is another draw card to the quaint community.

Visitors can explore a variety of museums (like the transport, ambulance and fire brigade museums), have their wedding in the Heritage Chapel (built in 1909), or have a walk through the slab cottage to get a feel for pioneering living conditions.

The latest community facility to be developed, is the Highfields Sports and Recreation

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$526,000

n/a

$440pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months........................... -0.9% 12 months.................................... -0.8% 3 years............................................... 3.1% 5 years............................................... 3.1% Annual (5 years)...............................

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

114 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.83 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses..........................................4.35% Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population Picture: Ben Walker, Statik Illusions

Park which provides a high–quality, multi– sports facility that offers a range of opportunities for residents and has the capacity to host larger events and carnivals.

With the growth of the area, more schools have been built and Highfields now has a state primary school, a state secondary college, the private Toowoomba Christian College and Mary Mackillop Catholic College.

Highfields is expected to grow by 10,000 people in the next 15 years and, to cater for this growth, more land is being released for residential development.

One such residential estate, is the Avenues of Highfields (situated near the north–eastern outskirts of town), which offers house–and– land packages as well as vacant land for sale to would–be residents.

8131 Average weekly household income

$1792 Median age

42

TCHE01Z01FG - V1

NEWS

IMAGE COURTESY BY FOXTEL

Great ideas to give your home interior a lift THE Block judge and co-host of Foxtel’s Love It Or List It Neale Whitaker believes your home is your castle – regardless of what is trending in interior design.

However, if you want to embrace the latest in cool, you can still inject your own personality.

He suggests thinking about how the space you have to work with makes you feel, warning that not all designs would be a good fit.

You also should not fear merging trends to suit your own home and style, with Mr Whitaker saying that maximising light to elevate your mood and creating warmth with lamps, rugs, personal photographs, mementos and favourite

art pieces a good way to make a design trend your own.

“When it comes to the home, it’s always good to know what the trends are and why they are, but I do believe your home is all about you,” Mr Whitaker told realestate.com.au.

But what is expected to trend in interior design in 2021.

Earlier this year, just before global lockdowns due to the pandemic, Mr Whitaker attended the biannual interior design trade fair, Maison & Object in Paris.

Here are Mr Whitaker’s top three tips for interiors for the next 12 months and his take on how to incorporate them into your home.

Bricolage Mix up styles, eras, shapes and textures for truly unique interiors and a very personalised space.

Love the Hamptons style or is Mid-Century more your jazz? Whatever your taste, don’t be afraid of adding a healthy dash of your own style in there.

Artisan-made Natural fibres including rattan, jute and wicker are all materials that are often created using handmade techniques. By including these in your decor you’re not only adding wonderful warmth and texture, but you’re also adding a

human touch.

Consider a wicker pendant light or cane basket – often these are inexpensive and will add just the right amount of style.

Global-nomad With influences from the Middle East and Asia, this trend is all about being curious about the world along with a healthy dash of wanderlust.

Dust off those trinkets you’ve gathered on your travels that remind you of those special happy times and display them with pride. Not only will you be instantly taken back but your home will have a lovely international vibe.

Selling twice the number of homes in the Highfields area than any other agent!

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SUBURB PROFILE I WESTBROOK

Large blocks offer a tree-change WESTBROOK is a popular suburb with families looking for more space and a quieter lifestyle.

The reason for this is obvious — the allotments are large, the houses are spacious and there is a strong community feel about the area.

The population of about 3900 people is a relatively young one, with a median age recorded during the 2016 Census of 32 years.

Nearly 60 per cent of the population is made up of couples with children, with residents earning a median personal income of $804 per week.

The majority of the homes are modern brick constructions and many have more than three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage.

Nearly 75 per cent of Westbrook homes have four or more bedrooms.

Because of the size of the land, a high proportion of the properties also have detached sheds.

The median sales price is $444,250 for houses; a drop of 0.1 per cent in the last year.

According to 2016 Census data, the suburb is almost completely made up of free–standing homes (98.1 per cent), with 1.7 per cent made up of semi–detached housing.

Of these homes, 80.4 per cent are owned either outright or with a mortgage and 18.8 per cent are rented.

In recent years, there have been several land releases, including Shoesmith Estate, where lots range from about 950 to 1200 square metres in size.

The suburb is located just 20 minutes south– west of Toowoomba and has convenience shopping, a tavern, a bakery, childcare centre and a primary school (Bunker’s Hill State School), which has been in operation since 1899.

As with all facilities in Westbrook, the school is lucky to have the convenience of being very close to Toowoomba and all its facilities and services, while still being in a rural setting.

It is this country atmosphere which permeates the school, so that children, staff, parents and the wider community contribute to a caring, supportive environment in which students can flourish.

Westbrook’s Centenary Park is a well–utilised area, particularly on weekends.

The park has been upgraded with new play-

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE

$

$$

HOUSE

UNIT

$444,250

n/a

400pw

n/a

CAPITAL GROWTH Change in median sale price in: Past 3 months..............................0.6% 12 months......................................-0.1% 3 years........................................... -0.3% 5 years.............................................. 3.2%

March

?

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET

56 days March

?

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

6.9 years $

GROSS RENTAL YIELD Houses............................................. 4.7% Units....................................................... n/a

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

3885 Average weekly household income

$2010 ground equipment and coin–operated LED lights installed over the tennis courts.

More work is scheduled, including fencing,

new signs and pathways.

Farmland still exists in the district, adding to the country feel of Westbrook.

Median age

32

TCHE01Z01FG - V1

NEWS

Six property settlement tips for home buyers

By Claire Noone WHEN it gets down to the nitty gritty, few people savour the process of buying a new home.

Sure, searching online and attending inspections can be a lot of fun, but find me a buyer who says they enjoy the protracted negotiations and tumultuous back-and-forths and I’ll show you a liar.

Property settlement is the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the day when you become the legal owner of the home you’ve long wanted to call your own.

And the good news is the difficult work’s done for you.

Here are six tips to guide you through the property settlement process:

2. Arrange your final inspection The seller must hand over the property in the same condition as when it was sold. A good way to check the vendor is on course to meet this obligation is to inspect the property sometime during the settlement period.

Legislation pertaining to a buyer’s entitlement to a pre-settlement inspection, however, varies from state to state.

Either way, you’ll need to contact the agent to arrange an inspection, during which you should check all the items listed in the contract are there and in the right condition.

3. Organise building and contents insurance Your lender will usually recommend you take out building and contents insurance effective from the date the seller signs the contract.

This is to safeguard their interest in the property, as well as your own.

4. Check measurements Your legal practitioner or conveyancer will send you a plan of the land so that you can ensure the measurements and boundaries correspond with the Certificate of Title. You should let them know if they do, and alert them to any discrepancies if they don’t.

It’s important that you provide documents and other information promptly when requested, as delays can be costly.

5. Apportion outgoings During the property settlement, your representatives and the seller’s representatives will need to work out the share of rates and other charges each of you must pay.

While the seller is responsible for rates up to and including the day of settlement, you are responsible from the day after settlement.

The exact amount you will be held responsible for will be laid out in what is known as a settlement adjustment statement.

This adjustment statement will also outline

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how much land transfer duty (also known as stamp duty) you will need to pay on the sale.

Depending on the state in which the property is located, you will be given anywhere between 28 days and three months after settlement to pay this duty – although it’s important to note that you cannot receive the title to your home until you have paid it.

6. Understand what happens on settlement day Your lender and settlement agent (either your solicitor or conveyancer) are the ones in the driving seat on settlement day – so much so that you don’t even need to be there.

They will meet the seller’s representatives to sign and exchange the final documents of sale, with each of them responsible for certain tasks.

Your lender will register a mortgage against the title of your new property and provide the funds to purchase the new property, and your solicitor or conveyancer will need to check that any rights of third parties have been removed

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or released, that the existing mortgage on the vendor’s title has been discharged, that all clauses on the sales contract have been fulfilled, and that the property and mortgage transfer is registered with the relevant titles office.

Once that’s all done, your lender will debit from your loan account the amount they paid at settlement, and then you’ll need to pay the land transfer duty.

After that, you’re free to pick up the keys and move on in.

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1. Learn what property settlement is First things first: Property settlement is a legal process that transfers the ownership of a property from one owner to another. It’s when you pay the balance of the sale price, and it’s usually conducted by your legal and financial representatives and those of the sellers.

The seller sets the settlement date in the contract of sale, with most scheduled between 30 and 90 days after you agreed the sale.

NEWS

Can regional markets benefit from COVID-19?

AN EMERGING narrative around regional dwelling markets is that they may see increased demand as a result of COVID-19.

This is thought to be driven by the way the pandemic has forcibly introduced remote work for knowledge-based or clerical workers.

As employers and employees adapt to remote working conditions, physical proximity to a workplace may become a less important factor in home purchases.

In the June 2020 quarter, about three months into the engineered economic slowdown, CoreLogic data showed regional centres have seen higher capital growth than the capital city regions.

This more positive outcome is short term and is more likely tied to cyclical patterns than changes in demographic trends, which are typically a gradual phenomenon. But even though regional centres have not seen price falls in the June quarter, growth rates have seen a slowdown in momentum.

Regional growth rates peaked around late 2019 and could nudge into negative territory later this year without significant improvement to economic conditions or a demonstrated shift in demand side factors like population growth.

The relative stability of growth rates mean that these regional centres may not see as deep a downswing in the coming months.

COVID-19 AND LONG-TERM DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS

Regional Australia is considered appealing for relatively low levels of density, less congestion, and typically lower price points for property.

The median dwelling value for combined regional areas of Australia was $394,570 at June 2020, 38.5 per cent lower than the combined capital city median of $641,671.

This may reflect both availability of developable land transitioning to large greenfield housing estates as well as cohorts such as inner-city renters and first home buyers making the transition to buy in more affordable areas that are still commutable to the CBD. That is an important trend to consider, because it is a scenario where past migration may have been driven by affordability instead of preference for a regional lifestyle.

If that is the case, a mitigating factor to the

REGIONAL MARKETS: An emerging narrative around regional dwelling markets is that they may see increased demand as a result of COVID-19.

Picture: Contributed

draw of regional areas during COVID-19, is that dwellings closer to the city are also becoming cheaper, which may slow migration to the city fringe.

But affordability is not the only drawcard of regional Australia.

Parts of regional Australia may offer lower levels of population density, which is arguably desirable in the wake of a pandemic.

There have also been recent examples of people departing from higher socio-economic areas to parts of regional Australia.

The normalisation of remote work amid COVID-19 is more likely to bolster regional migration than slow it.

But in the wake of the pandemic, the return to an office environment may still be desirable for some employees and employers.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the broad-based impact to housing demand from the pandemic could see prices fall in regional centres over the second half of 2020.

Price falls are unlikely to be as sharp as what will be observed in capital city markets, where more expensive, capital city markets have historically shown more volatility than regional Australia.

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