Sold On Toowoomba & the Darling Downs

.

ON

To o w o o m b a & D a r l i n g D o w n s AUGUST 30, 2019

SP OTLIGHT

PRESTIGE PROPERTIES S E E F RU I T F U L R E T U R N S A BUYER’S GUIDE

SUBURB PROFILES

YOUR COMPREHENSIVE ROUND-UP OF SUBURBS INCLUDING THE LATEST STATISTICS

STRESS–FREE SALES How to get your home sold for a good price

BUYING AT AUCTION Advice on snapping up the property you want

PROPERTY MARKET Planning advice to get your foot in the door

VALUABLE ADVICE Property investment tips from the experts Page 1

Contents Market review.........................................3 Prestige properties 2018/2019 ..............4 Property sales advice.............................6 Auction tips and tricks ...........................7 Entering the property market ...............8 Expert investment tips ..........................9 Property Values.....................................10 Blue Mountain Heights...........................11 Centenary Heights.................................12 Cotswold Hills ........................................13 Darling Heights ......................................15 Drayton..................................................16 East Toowoomba...................................18 Glenvale................................................20 Harristown ............................................22 Kearneys Spring....................................23 Middle Ridge ........................................24 Mount Lofty .........................................26 Newtown..............................................29 North Toowoomba...............................30 Prince Henry Heights ............................31 Rangeville..............................................32 Rangeville..............................................33 South Toowoomba...............................34 Toowoomba City ..................................36 Torrington.............................................38 Westbrook ............................................39 Wilsonton.............................................40 Cabarlah.................................................41 Cambooya.............................................42 Charlton ................................................43 Clifton...................................................44 Crows Nest ...........................................45 Gowrie ..................................................46 Hodgson Vale .......................................47 Highfields .............................................48 Oakey ...................................................50 Pittsworth ..............................................51 Withcott................................................52 Warwick ................................................53 Rural......................................................54

The future’s looking bright EDITOR’S NOTE

Editor Darren Burton darren.burton@the chronicle.com.au (07) 4690 9319

A

Advertising Manager Deb Hanfeld deb.hanfeld@the chronicle.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.

Publishers Indemnity: Sold On is published by Toowoomba Newspapers. 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 indemnity the publishers and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.

hhhh, spring.

It’s a very special time on our calendar when the first warming rays of the season chase away the winter chills and we look ahead with optimism and anticipation.

It’s that time of year when our gardens and lawns spectacularly come back to life and we cheerfully welcome a fresh start.

I think that sentiment mirrors the current property market in the region.

Just like the winter weather, we’ve faced a couple of bleak days in the local real estate climate, but by and large the future looks pretty exciting.

If you turn to our comprehensive property chart on page 10, you’ll see how this year’s Corelogic data reflects what has happened over the past 12 months across our suburbs.

As always, there’s been highs and lows.

Last year’s frontrunners may have come back to the field while other suburbs may have surged on the back of being perceived

as better value to home buyers and investors.

The ever-consistent East Toowoomba has once again posted an 8.3 per cent rise in median prices since last year, but other suburbs have stepped up as well.

North Toowoomba has jumped a staggering 13.8 per cent and Cabarlah grew again, this time by 12.6 per cent (on the back of a stellar 2017).

In Wilsonton, units have increased in price by 7.8 per cent, yet houses have retreated by almost 9 per cent.

It’s how a fluid market works – even if it is a blatant contradiction, where everything moves independently, yet oddly in unison.

Millmerran prices have led the way for our rural sector with a gain of 16.2 per cent.

One thing has stayed consistent though.

Across the country, Toowoomba remains a favourite for investors and families looking for a great lifestyle at the right price.

Our property prices continue to be

extremely affordable and with fantastic schools, hospitals, shopping and infrastructure – we’ve staked a claim as one of the best locations in the state.

That’s why a city like Toowoomba, and the wonderful rural townships that circle it, are perfectly placed to ride a new wave of optimism and share in the many real estate opportunities and windfalls that lie ahead.

Don’t believe me?

Take a look outside and you’ll soon find it’s not just the weather that’s warming up.

Another sold.

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market review

Positivity returning to Toowoomba market While median house and unit prices have remained relatively flat over the past year, planned infrastructure projects for the Toowoomba region have begun to positively impact property prices. ata from the REIQ’s QMM, (reporting on the March Quarter) has revealed that while property prices in Toowoomba have remained steady over the past year, median house and unit prices have increased in the past five years by 8.3 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.

REIQ Darling Downs Zone chairwoman Katie Knight said planned infrastructure projects in the transport, healthcare, retail and horticultural sectors had given the local property market a much needed shot-in-the-arm.

"While a lot of these projects are still in the discussion stages, we have already seen a positive impact on property prices," Ms Knight said.

"Toowoomba’s lack of solid railway infrastructure has often been a mark on our otherwise strong transportation hub.

"The prospect of a high-speed rail network, championed by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) would significantly reduce travel times for commuters and tourists travelling to or from our region.

"We know that people are prepared to work further away from their homes, so a quicker commute to areas like Ipswich, Brisbane and the coasts has enticed buyers to choose the Garden City as their next place to call home."

Ms Knight also noted that the InterLinkSQ terminal planned for the Toowoomba region, on top of the multimillion dollar investment from the Australian and Queensland governments to improve the Warrego Highway between Oakey and Miles has boosted Toowoomba’s freight industry.

"The InterLinkSQ terminal, will connect and manage logistics for rail, road, sea and air, meaning a more efficient supply chain

across the board," she said.

"Construction along the Warrego Highway from Oakey and Miles has not only improved safety conditions for travellers, but has repositioned Toowoomba as a key freight link to western Queensland.

"Job creation from both of these projects have had (and will continue to have) a positive impact on our local economy and in turn, on our local property market."

Other major infrastructure projects like the Toowoomba Medicinal Cannabis Project, the opening of German hypermarket Kaufland and a proposed new urban village surrounding the Toowoomba train station have all sparked interest amongst buyers, Knight said.

The relaxation of mortgage restrictions by APRA, coupled with record-low interest rates have also piqued the interest of people looking to get into the Toowoomba market.

"Under these new rules, buyers can now borrow thousands of dollars more than they could before," she said.

"We’re now hearing from first home buyers especially now that these conditions are allowing them to finally break into the market.

"This has given older, smaller properties, in need of renovating, popularity among first home buyers, who can borrow more for renovations and spend less than they would on a brand new home.

As Toowoomba’s rental market continues to shine, investors could also benefit from loosened lending conditions should they decide to purchase and rent out property in the region.

With a residential vacancy rate of a tight 0.9 per cent, landlords have enjoyed solid yields and a rental market that has more demand than supply.

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Page 3

market review

Fruitful returns for high–end property market

T

oowoomba is renowned for the quality lifestyle it affords and the city boasts an impressive number of sought–after prestige properties across many of its popular suburbs.

Accordingly, the market saw a number change hands during the past year.

In the last 12 months, a total of 83 properties have been sold for at least $1 million in the 4350 postcode.

Of these properties, 39 were commercial properties, with residential properties — houses, flats, units and land — making up the balance.

The total value of these sales reached a cool $222,404,394.

Unsurprisingly, Toowoomba City proved a popular choice for investors, with 16 commercial properties and one residential unit being sold here.

The top three suburbs for residential purchases with a high price tag, were East Toowoomba, Middle Ridge and Newtown.

In East Toowoomba, 12 homes were sold for a grand total of $18,645,000, while in

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Middle Ridge, nine homes were sold for a total of $10,647,500.

In Newtown, one house and four units sold for a combined price tag of $7,033,167, while one commercial property sold for $1,815,000.

The median sales price for houses in the 4350 postcode was $1,268,750 and, for units and flats, it was $2,561,000 combined.

According to CoreLogic data, houses with at least five bedrooms sold for a median price of $1,200,000, with the highest sales price reaching $2,350,000.

The same data showed that two–bedroom houses sold for a median price of $1,566,183 and reached $1,833,167 at the high end.

In neighbouring Highfields, one property sold for $1,234,000 during the same period.

At auction, four properties in the 4350 postcode fetched a sale price of more than $1 million, the lowest selling for $1,050,000 and the highest for $1,290,000 (auctions in Highfields did not reach the $1 million mark).

These Toowoomba properties included vacant land, units and houses.

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That’s why she was voted #1 in the RateMyAgent 2019 Awards for Mount Lofty and attributed to her significant sales achievement award in recognition of outstanding dedication and contribution to the Ray White Group in achieving $2 million in gross settled commission in 2018.

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Page 5

selling tips

Top stress–free tips to sell for the best price

By MIKAELA DAY

E

veryone wants to achieve a premium price when selling their property. We talked to the experts to get some tips that will help take the stress out of the process.

PROPERTY EXPERT Making sure your property looks the best is paramount, according to Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

Ms Conisbee said de–cluttering and cleaning were two simple and cost effective ways that made a big difference to how buyers perceived the property.

“Be careful about renovating before you sell — you need to make sure that the renovation that you do will lead to at least the amount that you spent renovating,” she said.

“If you do decide to renovate, make sure that you keep colours neutral and look at what the most popular interior design trends are.”

Ms Conisbee advised to have the property staged to “show it off” in the best light.

“You wouldn’t go to an interview without looking your best and the same goes for your home when you sell it,” she said.

Key word searches on realestate.com.au for Queensland properties show buyers are big on garages, granny flats and balconies, but pools topped the list as the most popular item on house hunters’ wishlists.

SELLER’S ADVOCATE Selecting the correct agent to sell your property and knowing the value of your home are very important, GC Property Advisors’ Tony Coughran said.

Mr Coughran, who is a buyers’ and sellers’ advocate and property valuer, said when listing a property you should interview at least three agents.

“Look out for experience, strike rate, recent sales and high energy,” he said.

“Knowing the value of your home is also a big part of the puzzle to get the best traction.

“Don’t price yourself out of the market

and get it right the first time.

“Otherwise you’ll be stale and selling for less in the long run.”

Mr Coughran also said to ensure your property was light, bright and airy and to get the best photography possible.

“Naturally marketing will come into play, you can’t sell a secret,” he said.

“Well–maintained homes that are presented in the best light don’t last long on the market and are selling for a premium price.

“You can get it very right and get a fantastic result, or do nothing and get well below market value.”

He said taking the right steps to sell your home could result in five to 10 per cent added

value at sale time.

REAL ESTATE PRINCIPAL After more than 21 years in the industry, business owner Larry Malan, who runs multiple Ray White agencies on the Gold Coast, knows it’s the small things that make a big difference when selling your home.

“Always fix up small repairs around your house before you go on the market,” Mr Malan said.

“It’s got to be ready to go, or it’s a renovator house,” he said.

“As a rule, always tidy up your garden and make sure all your fixtures work.”

Marketing the property correctly was also important, especially online and through

social media, he said.

“But there’s no doubt that print marketing in the local paper also works,” Mr Malan said.

“In fact, I bought my own home after seeing an ad in the Gold Coast Bulletin as it reminded me of our home in Africa.”

Mr Malan said the magic number for selling a house at a premium was 30 days.

“Inside 30 days, competition can be created and buyers will pay a premium,” he said.

“The house is depreciating the longer it stays on the market.

“If it has been listed for 60 days or longer I would withdraw it, rest it for a few months and then go again.”

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auction action

Tried and tested tactics for winning at auctions

By YASMIN BONNELL

B

idding or selling at auction can be a daunting endeavour, but fear could be standing in the way of an extra few thousand dollars in the bank.

There are a range of tactics vendors and buyers can implement to get the best for their buck, with REIQ auctioneer of the year for 2016 and 2017, Justin Nickerson, baring tips for both.

For sellers, Mr Nickerson said putting your property up without a price can widen the pool of potential buyers.

“Having no price means there’s no ceiling and it also means that there’s not a deterrent of price for buyers,” Mr Nickerson said.

“You’re more likely to attract a whole different range of buyers and some of them may be people who can afford the property but didn’t realise they could, or maybe they came with a set budget in mind but once they got to the property they fell in love with it.

“People in real estate very rarely buy with logic; they normally buy with emotion first and they justify with logic after, so it’s just about getting people through the property in the first instance.”

Mr Nickerson said that making sure as many people as possible saw the listing through various forms of marketing was key to selling for the best possible price.

“The first thing to do as a seller, is invest in your marketing.

“You want to make sure that anyone with a potential interest in the property has an opportunity to see it,” Mr Nickerson said.

“You need to spread it across a range of different portals including realestate.com and a number of different websites.

“You should also make sure it’s in the newspaper, on sign boards in different areas and on social media which is a big one these days.”

When it comes to receiving offers before auction, Mr Nickerson suggested listening to the recommendations of your agent and being patient.

“I think you should wait until it’s been on the market for a couple of weeks and then listen to the advice of your agent,” he said.

“It’s very rare that you would sell a property inside the first week because you want to make sure it has enough time on the market to understand where the property sits price–wise.

“If the agent feels like it might be your only buyer or even your best buyer, then it might be a good idea to sell that property prior.”

When it comes to bidding at auction, Mr

Nickerson said research was a buyer’s best friend.

“Make sure you’ve done your research around the property and around your financial situation — find out how auctions go in your area and go watch a few,” Mr Nickerson said.

“Expect the unexpected, because sometimes you might turn up and be the only bidder, so you have to be ready to capitalise on it.

“Other times, you might turn up and be one of six bidders and then you need to make

sure you have a strategy and whatever that strategy is, put it in place to try and achieve the best price.”

Mr Nickerson said buyers should always put in an offer before auction, with the worst outcome being the seller declining it.

“You don’t need to come in with your biggest and best offer straight away, but you might want to come in at 80 per cent or 85 per cent of what you’re willing to pay and just test it out,” he said.

“The worst thing that could happen is that they say no.”

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property market

Planning: the first step into the property market

By ALICIA NALLY

W

hen it comes to taking that first daunting step on the property ladder, finance experts agree on a few things — have a plan, do your research, and don’t rush in.

Mortgage Choice chief executive officer Susan Mitchell said it was important to ask yourself a few questions, including whether you wanted to live in the property or rent it out, if you’d prefer an apartment or a house and where you want that dwelling to be located.

“Once you’ve answered these questions, find out the value of the type of property you wish to buy,” she said.

“From there, you will know potentially what deposit amount you will need.

“If you don’t already have one, create a budget, with a savings plan, so you can figure out how much you need to save each pay cycle in order to reach your goal within the time frame you set yourself.

“Living on a budget has never been more important for those planning to purchase a home.

“Lenders have been assessing home loan applicant living expenses with a heightened level of scrutiny over the last 18 months.

“If you live on a budget and have a clear understanding of your expenses, you are going to be less likely to overspend in areas where lenders could raise their eyebrows.

“Further, if you can set yourself a living expense budget for each month, and stick to it, it will go a long way to convincing a lender that you are in control of your spending and disciplined enough to maintain it.

“If you realise you will not have the capacity to save the amount you need in the time frame you set, you will need to decide whether your goal is unrealistic or whether you need to change some of your spending habits in order to save more.”

High–interest savings accounts, including ones created specifically for the purpose of saving a first home deposit, can help first home buyers to build a deposit, plus there is also the bank of mum and dad.

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, scheduled to start January 2020, will mean eligible first home buyers will be able to borrow more than 80 per cent of a property’s value and not need to pay for lenders’ mortgage insurance.

The scheme will be open to first home buyers who have saved a deposit of at least five per cent.

Buyers may also be eligible for a first home buyer grant from your state/territory government.

NAB acting general manager for Queensland regional retail, Wayne Tawse, said many people opened a separate account in which to store their savings.

He also recommended putting money aside weekly to help develop a habit.

Once you’ve got a nice nest egg behind you, it is time to decide how much of a deposit you will put on a property.

Mr Tawse said that all depends on the buyer, the location and whether you decide to buy a house, a unit or a larger lifestyle block.

“A deposit of between 10 – 30 per cent is ideal,” he said.

“Ideally, if you’ve got a 20 per cent deposit, you will not need mortgage insurance, and the more you save, the less you’ve got to pay in interest.

“It’s really important any customers do their research.

“You have to think about the location, the type of property you want, how many bedrooms you need, your long–term plans, whether you can maintain a block, if you want to be close to schools and shops, and what your lifestyle habits are.

“We find most people buy in the area they rent in because that’s where they feel comfortable.

“But, you have to assess how you travel to work and what your life will look like in the future and how the property fits into that.

“We get some people who come in for advice and then we don’t see them again for six months and that is great because we know they’re taking the time to plan and research.”

Ms Mitchell adds that a 10 per cent deposit as a minimum is legally required at the time of exchanging contracts, so don’t be caught short.

“Rent–vesting could be another pathway to home ownership.

“If you’re serious about buying a property, but you can’t afford to buy where you want, you may want to consider buying where you can afford and renting where it’s convenient,” she said.

She also reminded buyers of the other costs associated with home buying, which are not a part of your deposit, such as stamp or transfer duty, state taxes imposed on all property transactions; solicitor’s fees; and building and pest inspections.

“It is important to conduct these inspections before you purchase a property.

It may seem like just another expense but the reality is, it will give you peace of mind and allow you to identify structural faults or pest infestations in the property which would be much more costly over the long-term,” Ms Mitchell explained.

“Seek expert advice. Chances are that buying your first home or investment property is going to be the most significant financial decision you have made to date.

“There are many things to consider, which can be overwhelming. That’s where a mortgage broker can step in to guide you along the way. Whether you’ve just decided to buy a home and you need help determining what size deposit you need to save, or you’ve been saving for a while and think you’re ready to consider your home loan options, a mortgage broker can help.

“Not only that, they will do all the legwork for you from helping you get all your paperwork together for your loan application, to negotiating with lenders on your behalf to ensure you’re getting a competitive deal on your loan.”

On a final note, both Mr Tawse and Ms Mitchell recommend inspecting as many properties as you can before settling on one.

And, even if you don’t plan to buy through an auction, attend a few just in case that ends up being the only way you can get your dream home.

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Page 8

investment tips

Property investment tips from the experts

By DEBRA BELA

B

ecoming a property investor is like parenthood.

You prepare the property for market, ensuring it is in a supportive suburb with schools, shops, and transport close by.

You help it stand out from the competition and arm it with resilience to weather the ups and downs of a fluctuating market.

Then, you let it out into the world, where you hope others will take good care of it, knowing you will always be needed when things break down, fall apart, or the rental relationship doesn’t turn out as long–term as you’d hoped.

But, with the right advice upfront, the life of a Queensland property investor can still be a rich one.

Queensland property experts share their top investor tips: UNIT OR HOUSE? A unit is a good investment option if you are a first home buyer, Belle Estate Agents managing director Jonathan Bell said.

Home owners could potentially avoid stamp duty and get the first home owners grant, if it was a new unit.

“We wouldn’t suggest for a first home buyer to sit and wait for five years, saving to buy a house, if they could enter the market earlier in an apartment,” he said.

However, Mr Bell said he was a strong advocate for buying a house over a unit, where appropriate.

Look for hidden costs in the unit market before opting for an investment unit over a house, Streamline Property qualified property investment adviser Melinda Jennison said.

Body corporate fees, hidden maintenance costs, rental vacancy rates for the area and competition from other rental units must all be considered.

“The other thing we would consider, even with units, is how much land content can be attributed for a single unit,” she said.

“Generally, the land component

appreciates and the building component depreciates, so this is something that needs to be considered if long–term capital growth is the outcome.”

LOCATION Look for inner–city locations, regional areas that are experiencing growth, and suburbs close to transport corridors, schools and shops.

An inner–Brisbane apartment rental review by property consultants Urbis shows vacancy rates in new apartments for the March quarter at 1.6 per cent, a 0.6 per cent improvement on the previous quarter.

Across all inner–city rentals, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland reported a 2.1 per cent vacancy rate, down from 4 per cent in the last quarter of 2018.

WHEN TO LIST Peak times for people looking for rental properties are in September (at the start of spring) and in the December/January summer period (before school and work transfers), Place director of property management Cathie Crampton said.

But, she said, winter (which is traditionally a slow time for house rentals) was a peak time for apartments.

“In New Farm we are enjoying rent increases in winter,” she said.

Ray White property manager Jessica King said December could be busy, despite slowing around the Christmas break.

“Talk to your local agent about what time frames are in their market and seasonal times at that time of year,” Ms King said.

“If your property is going to be available at the end of April, make sure it’s ready for the school holidays around this time, or co–ordinate with a long weekend.”

PRICE POINT Analyse what is on the market, relative to your property and based on functional inclusions, like bathrooms, parking, location

to transport and amenities, Ms Crampton said.

“In the inner city, if you have off–street parking, a double garage and swimming pool, these are very popular and do drive a price up,” she said.

“Security and air–conditioning will definitely position a property higher than one without.”

If an area starts dropping rental prices, particularly a regional area, Ray White property manager Jessica King’s advice is to hold firm.

“If one person drops the price, everyone starts pulling prices down,” Ms King said.

“Sometimes you need to hold firm, allow the uneducated ones to come in sharply, undercut everyone and then the market stabilises again.”

However, do consider adjusting your rental price by 5 – 10 per cent if the property has been on the market for 7 – 14 days without being rented.

WHAT RENTERS WANT Queensland renters remain on the hunt for support with their rent, with the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) the most searched rental term on realestate.com.au.

In second place, renters are looking for properties with swimming pools.

Other property features sought by Queensland renters include pet–friendly properties, fully furnished, and properties with dual–living or granny flats.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said she was unsurprised by the findings, which indicate people are looking for ways to reduce financial pressure by sharing rental responsibilities and seeking assistance.

The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) housing affordability report 2019 found 52 per cent of private renters faced difficulties in meeting housing costs, compared with 38 per cent of home owners.

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WHAT’S YOUR PROPERTY WORTH Suburb

Property Type

Number Sold (12 months)

Median Sale Price (12 months)

Change in Median Price (past 3 months)

Change in Median Price (1 year)

Change in Median Price (3 years)

Change in Median Price (5 years)

Annual Change in Median Price (10 years)

Cabarlah

H

16

$721,000

10.1%

12.6%

12.3%

42.3%

6.3%

Cambooya

H

21

$330,000

0.0%

1.2%

2.3%

21.3%

3.1%

Centenary Heights

H

114

$362,500

0.7%

-0.8%

-1.8%

5.7%

2.7%

Centenary Heights

U

28

$332,500

5.6%

-7.1%

1.1%

3.1%

3.5%

Clifton

H

30

$226,000

-1.7%

-0.7%

14.1%

18.6%

1.7%

Cotswold Hills

H

21

$660,000

0.0%

7.3%

15.6%

25.7%

1.4%

Cranley

H

14

$432,500

-0.7%

0.8%

0.8%

-2.8%

n.a.

Crows Nest

H

31

$320,000

0.0%

1.1%

15.7%

25.5%

3.4%

Darling Heights

H

60

$327,350

-4.0%

-5.0%

-5.9%

0.6%

1.8%

Drayton

H

16

$325,000

4.8%

-7.1%

-7.3%

-6.5%

1.5%

East Toowoomba

H

84

$511,250

-0.4%

8.3%

14.9%

23.3%

3.7%

East Toowoomba

U

40

$317,500

-10.1%

5.1%

-11.8%

31.7%

4.5%

Glenvale

H

93

$365,000

0.6%

0.0%

-5.2%

1.5%

1.7%

Goombungee

H

15

$255,000

0.0%

0.0%

2.0%

6.3%

2.5%

Gowrie Junction

H

32

$462,500

-1.1%

-0.3%

5.2%

21.1%

3.6%

Harlaxton

H

38

$280,000

1.2%

-4.4%

-0.7%

6.5%

2.4%

Harristown

H

148

$317,500

0.8%

4.8%

-0.8%

4.8%

2.9%

Harristown

U

29

$273,000

1.1%

-10.5%

-5.5%

9.0%

3.2%

Highfields

H

111

$523,000

-0.8%

0.6%

4.6%

9.6%

2.8%

Hodgson Vale

H

20

$571,500

-3.1%

-3.5%

1.7%

5.8%

2.9%

Kearneys Spring

H

130

$383,375

-3.2%

-4.2%

2.0%

7.5%

3.0%

Kearneys Spring

U

32

$292,000

2.5%

4.3%

-7.2%

1.7%

2.0%

Kingsthorpe

H

34

$353,750

0.0%

8.0%

12.3%

18.5%

3.7%

Kleinton

H

36

$520,000

0.1%

1.1%

0.0%

8.7%

n.a.

Meringandan West

H

42

$407,750

-0.5%

-4.3%

5.4%

13.0%

2.7%

Middle Ridge

H

141

$560,000

2.8%

3.2%

5.2%

15.5%

3.4%

Middle Ridge

U

13

$250,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

-31.5%

n.a.

Millmerran

H

19

$210,000

0.0%

16.2%

14.4%

-2.3%

0.6%

Mount Lofty

H

73

$430,000

-9.9%

-13.0%

-8.1%

13.0%

2.2%

Newtown

H

178

$310,000

0.0%

3.3%

0.0%

8.8%

2.9%

Newtown

U

42

$221,500

-2.0%

2.3%

-24.7%

-22.3%

0.3%

North Toowoomba

H

57

$350,000

-5.9%

13.8%

10.9%

18.6%

4.3%

Oakey

H

39

$190,000

-13.2%

-28.3%

-22.4%

-15.1%

-0.3%

Pittsworth

H

33

$285,000

0.0%

-13.0%

-10.9%

0.0%

1.1%

Rangeville

H

148

$443,750

-0.3%

-1.4%

5.0%

12.3%

2.8%

Rangeville

U

25

$352,000

-0.3%

8.3%

-4.3%

10.3%

2.6%

Rockville

H

35

$250,000

-10.7%

-13.3%

-10.7%

-7.4%

0.9%

South Toowoomba

H

89

$322,500

0.8%

-2.3%

-7.9%

4.2%

2.6%

South Toowoomba

U

34

$276,500

-2.6%

-6.1%

-16.5%

-3.7%

2.5%

Toowoomba City

H

36

$367,500

1.1%

7.0%

6.1%

16.9%

3.2%

Toowoomba City

U

13

$246,000

4.7%

0.0%

-25.1%

-18.0%

2.1%

Top Camp

H

11

$579,500

-9.1%

6.1%

9.3%

21.5%

n.a.

Torrington

H

11

$570,000

-0.7%

6.8%

14.0%

5.7%

2.1%

Westbrook

H

64

$444,250

0.6%

-0.1%

-0.3%

3.2%

2.0%

Wilsonton

H

71

$285,000

0.0%

-8.9%

-8.8%

-5.6%

1.6%

Wilsonton

U

15

$248,000

7.1%

7.8%

10.7%

-4.6%

0.5%

Wilsonton Heights

H

46

$255,000

-1.4%

-1.9%

-10.2%

-8.3%

1.3%

Wyreema

H

26

$344,500

4.4%

2.8%

-0.7%

16.8%

2.3%

Yarraman

H

21

$145,000

-7.9%

-21.6%

-14.7%

-15.9%

-3.0% Source: CoreLogic July 2019

Page 10

suburb profile | Blue Mountain Heights

Tranquil suburb offers the best of both worlds N

estled 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

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

N/A N/A

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH (HOUSES)

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ..............................

12 months ....................................

3 years ........................................

5 years ........................................

Annually (10 years) .......................

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

N/A March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

N/A

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

N/A N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS townhouses and villas.

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

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.

Population

929

Average weekly household income

$2237

Median age

47

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suburb profile | Centenary Heights

Families prefer this highly popular school district S

SPOTLIGHT

ituated 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.

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$362,500 $350 p/w

$

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

CoreLogic figures for 2019 show a median sales price of $362,500 for houses and $332,500 for units, which is a 0.8 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 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 playgounds, with multiple walking and running paths

$$

March

?

$332,500 $300 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.7% 12 months ....................................-0.8% 3 years ........................................ -1.8% 5 years ........................................ 5.7% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.7%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

27 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

13.7 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

DEMOGRAPHICS criss–crossing 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.

The suburb’s shopping facilities include the Southtown Shopping Centre, with larger shopping centres in nearby Kearneys Spring

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Population

6063

Average weekly household income

$1179

Median age

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.

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suburb profile | Cotswold Hills

Large allotments ensure a sought–after lifestyle O

n your way to Oakey, just to the right of the Warrego Highway, you will pass an area of rolling hills and established trees.

This is Cotswold Hills, a rural–residential suburb of small acreages, covering about five square kilometres.

Like its namesake in England, this Cotswold Hills offers a welcoming country lifestyle and plenty of room to move, with established blocks ranging in size from one to five acres.

This suburb has been popular with families and retirees for decades, all taking advantage of the lifestyle opportunities associated with acreage living.

Because of the large block sizes available, the suburb boasts expansive homes with many featuring swimming pools and even tennis courts.

These added features equal higher property values than the Toowoomba average, with a median sales price of $660,000 (an increase of 7.3 per cent for the year).

In general, households in Cotswold Hills are made up primarily of couples with children and the vast majority of the residences are stand–alone homes, with some townhouses, villas and duplexes being built recently.

With the development of housing estates like the Essence Estate, Santana Park Estate and the Kooringa Valley Estate, more and more families will be heading to the area, hoping to take advantage of quiet streets and spacious parklands of the suburb.

The majority of homes (48.7 per cent) are owned outright, with a further 40.5 per cent being owned under a mortgage, indicating an established feel to the neighbourhood, as less than 9 per cent of properties are rented.

John Trousdell Park is a central park within Cotswold Hills, which comprises two separate areas in the Hamzah Drive section and the Roderick Drive section.

Adjacent to Hamzah Drive, this area of the park has an open space, multi–purpose court, a learn–to–ride facility and a basketball half–court.

Picnic facilities include play equipment, toilets, shelters and barbecues.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$660,000 $400 p/w

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.0% 12 months .................................... 7.3% 3 years ........................................ 15.6% 5 years ........................................ 25.7% Annually (10 years) ....................... 1.4%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

83 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.7 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

3.2% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1278

Average weekly household income

$1938

Median age Cotswold Hills is just 20 minutes’ drive to the Toowoomba CBD and less than 10 minutes to the Wilsonton Shopping Centre on Bridge Street, putting it within easy reach of all major services and conveniences.

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suburb profile | Darling Heights

A central hub for academic and cultural growth S

SPOTLIGHT

ituated at the south–western edge of the city, with the University of Southern Queensland at its centre, is Darling Heights.

With the bulk of its development occurring in the past 20 years, Darling Heights is still quite a young suburb and is increasing in popularity.

The suburb consists of detached brick–and–tile bungalow housing, with a mixture of larger homes as well as blocks of units and duplexes.

Its once rural appeal is slowly evolving into suburbia and, while a few of the horse paddocks momentarily remain towards the southern end of the suburb, development has seen a number of new housing estates spring up in the area.

The median sales price is $327,350 for houses, which is a decrease of 5 per cent from last year, according to CoreLogic figures.

Due to its proximity to the University of Southern Queensland, this suburb is particularly popular with students and young professionals, but acreage buyers are also catered for, with some larger allotments still available in the southern part of the suburb.

Both the rental rate and the increase of townhouses and unit developments cater for the needs of students at the university, while

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$327,350 $340 p/w

$

March

?

N/A $268 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ..............................-4.0% 12 months .................................... -5.0% 3 years ........................................ -5.9% 5 years ........................................ 0.6% Annually (10 years) ....................... 1.8%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

29 days ?

four and a half hectares of prime university real estate.

It plays host to many weddings through the year and it is quite common to see an artist painting or children feeding the fish, swans, ducks, geese and smaller native birds.

It is also a favourite romance spot among students, revered for its peaceful surrounds and beautifully manicured flora.

Westridge Shopping Centre is located in the suburb and features convenience shopping, takeaway food outlets, a pharmacy, butcher’s shop, bakery, news agency, post office, medical facilities and a hairdresser.

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AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

14 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

5.4% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

5192

Average weekly household income

$1262

Median age

28

7041794aa

March

Due to its proximity to the University of Southern Queensland, this suburb is particularly popular with students and young professionals. further education options are provided by Darling Heights State School.

With a multitude of bus stops both on and off campus, as well as stops all along West Street, residents of Darling Heights are always connected with the inner city and surrounding suburbs.

One of Toowoomba’s most beautiful parks — the Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens — can be found at the heart of Darling Heights.

Designed by Professor Kinsaku Nakane of Kyoto, the gardens opened in 1989 and is Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden, covering

$$

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

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suburb profile | Drayton

Historical Drayton caters for young and old alike A

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$325,000 $350 p/w

$

March

?

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.

The suburb also has a number of Queensland Heritage–listed properties, including the St Matthew’s Anglican Church and the Royal Bull’s Head Inn. Opened to the public as a museum in 1985 after an extensive reconstruction and conservation effort, the Inn offers patrons a glimpse into the early days of settlement on the Darling Downs.

Just a skip from the Inn, residents are treated to a selection of eateries; from the popular Steakhouse Fourty Eight across the road, to the Arches Café, the Lazy Fisherman and the Downs Hotel.

Relaxing is a breeze in Drayton, with plenty of parks to choose from, including the Thiess Dog Park at the border with Darling

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CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 4.8% 12 months .................................... -7.1% 3 years ........................................ -7.3% 5 years ........................................ -6.5% Annually (10 years) ....................... 1.5%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

48 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

5.6% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1710

Average weekly household income

$1133

Median age

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lthough 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.

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

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suburb profile | East Toowoomba

Inner–city living of enviable prestige and beauty A

s 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 $511,250 for houses (up 8.3 per cent) and $317,500 for units (up 5.1 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 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 Languages and Cultures

D SOL X NT R G A

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$511,250 $350 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$317,500 $270 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -0.4% 12 months .................................... 8.3% 3 years ........................................14.9% 5 years ........................................23.3% Annually (10 years) ....................... 3.7%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

28 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

11.3 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

3.6% 4.4%

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

DEMOGRAPHICS Population Festival.

From leafy avenues and woodlands to open space sporting ovals, all–abilities playgrounds, and barbecue and picnic facilities, the parkland has lots to offer across three distinct areas — namely, Queens Park Botanic Gardens, Vera Lacaze Memorial Park and Queens Park’s greater park area.

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 of East Toowoomba drawing student enrolments 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.

5244

Average weekly household income

$1409

Median age

39

For local market insights and information on our selling process contact Grant Nissen.

Grant Nissen East Toowoomba Specialist 0418 725 126 GrantNissen@mcgrath.com.au

32 Arthur Street, East Toowoomba 7029153ab

Page 18

4580 0811

353 Ruthven Street,Toowoomba 7035967aa

Page 19

suburb profile | Glenvale

Glenvale offers ‘family–feel’ at outskirts of city H

SPOTLIGHT

ome 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.

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$365,000 $360 p/w

$

Glenvale has seen incredible growth in the past decade, with subdivisions creating more than 1000 new lots in this time.

Glenvale’s median sales price for houses has stayed unchanged over the past year ($365,000), 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 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 Circuit, with construction of a Coles supermarket complex under way at the corner of Glenvale Road and Greenwattle streets.

Glenvale also boasts aged care and assisted

March

?

March

?

$

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.6% 12 months .................................... 0.0% 3 years ........................................ -5.2% 5 years ........................................ 1.5% Annually (10 years) ....................... 1.7%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.1 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

6353

Average weekly household income

$1509

Median age living facilities, along with access to public transport.

The 209 bus route between the Toowoomba CBD and Glenvale operates roughly every 15 minutes and calls in at several bus stops along the way.

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N/A $305 p/w

67 days

WHAT’S BROWN AND STICKY?

A STICK.

$$

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

32

5.1% N/A

suburb profile | Glenvale

McConnells love the Glenvale lifestyle I

LD 31 Blue Gum Drive, Glenvale

SO

LD

4 Fox Court, Glenvale

F SA OR LE

F SA OR LE

226 Hursley Road, Glenvale

Selling Glenvale and greater Toowoomba

SO

LD

Having the Toowoomba Showgrounds in close proximity is also a big bonus.

"If the weather’s nice, we’ll go down to the show and enjoy the fireworks or sit on the hill and watch some of the horse events that happen throughout the year," Elise said.

"It’s very relaxing and a great way to spend a couple of hours."

With more housing developments planned for the area, Jarred feels the influx of new builds can only improve facilities and infrastructure in the suburb.

"Already we’ve seen some major additions to the area, and it looks like the Coles Supermarket is going ahead, so we’re very happy to have established ourselves here in a very progressive part of Toowoomba."

SO

SO

LD

f you had asked Jarred McConnell what he thought of the suburb of Glenvale four years ago, the answer wouldn’t have been that complimentary.

In fact, if he had his way it wouldn’t have even been on the radar when he and wife Elise were scouting possible home locations.

"We were looking for a block to build on and had heard there were a number of allotments coming to market in the area," the 42-year-old said.

"Elise had suggested the suburb when we first started looking for our perfect home lot, but I wasn’t so sure.

"We’d been all over town and were weighing up our options when we first visited," Jarred recalled.

"It was in the middle of the drought and all the land and surrounds were brown and tinder dry, so it wasn’t terribly appealing."

But Elise could see past the simple cosmetics of a green lawn, instead focusing on the great land value and the sizeable blocks still available "so close to town".

Her persistence paid off, with the couple finding an ‘ideal spot’, that even Jarred conceded was a great location.

"She wouldn’t let it go. I just gave in to keep her quiet," he laughed. "Not true. It was everything we wanted with plenty of room to move and even though we had neighbours on both sides it didn’t feel like we were boxed in.

The land size immediately impressed the couple who were adamant they didn’t want a “poky suburban block” with no room for expansion.

"I had room for a pretty big shed where I can work on a few personal projects and still have space for the cars.

"And we’re very close to everything," Elise added.

"We’ve got Glenvale State School around the corner and the bowling alley close by and will occasionally head over to the Hockey Club for dinner.

"It’s a great neighbourhood and very quiet.

"I’m only 15 minutes to work of a morning – even less if I get the lights – and Clifford Gardens and the CBD are only a short drive away."

Murray Troy 0400 772 210 265 Greenwattle Street, (Development Land)

Villa 1/1 Ronald Court, Glenvale

Sue Edwards 0437 377 988

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Page 21

suburb profile | Harristown

Harristown offers buyers an affordable lifestyle T

SPOTLIGHT

ucked 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 $317,500 (which is a rise of 4.8 per cent on last year), while units have seen a drastic drop over the same period (10.5 per cent), bringing them to $273,000.

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 —

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$317,500 $335 p/w

$

March

?

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.8% 12 months .................................... 4.8% 3 years ........................................-0.8% 5 years ........................................ 4.8% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.9%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

March

?

$

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.

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.3 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

8555

Average weekly household income

$975

Median age

38

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Page 22

$273,000 $240 p/w

62 days

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

$$

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

5.5% 4.6%

suburb profile | Kearneys Spring

Parks and shops continue to draw families in W

ith 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 $365 and $280 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 $383,375 for houses (down by 4.2 per cent since last year) and $292,000 for units (up by 4.3 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

My clients enjoyed

32 days on market

Compared to the median of 53 days for Kearneys Spring

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$383,375 $365 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$292,000 $280 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -3.2% 12 months .................................... -4.2% 3 years ........................................ 2.0% 5 years ........................................ 7.5% Annually (10 years) ....................... 3.0%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

49 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

8.6 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

5.0% 5.0%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

8552

Average weekly household income

$1112

Median age 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, and other local fauna.

Outdoor exercise equipment can be found along the paths that criss–cross the park.

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

35

Because time really is money.

Longer time on market is the equivalent to discounting your price. A quicker sale means buzz, competition and ultimately a higher price for your property.

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Want to maximise your sale? Call me.

Page 23

suburb profile | Middle Ridge

Sought–after suburb with plenty to offer families W

ith 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 $560,000 for houses (up 3.2 per cent since last year) and $250,000 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,

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$560,000 $440 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$250,000 $373 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 2.8% 12 months .................................... 3.2% 3 years ........................................ 5.2% 5 years ........................................ 15.5% Annually (10 years) ....................... 3.4%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

40 days March

?

$ adding to the high–end, luxury feel of those properties.

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 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 irresistable appeal.

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.4 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

4.1% 7.7%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

7141

Average weekly household income

$1964

Median age

43

Mel Spencer has the Ray White_Know How to inspire passion for your property

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Page 24

Mel takes the time to understand what makes your place unique and she knows how to tell buyers about it. So people don’t just see a property, they see a lifestyle only your place can offer.

Get in touch with Mel. Let her show you how.

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raywhitetoowoomba.com

suburb profile | Middle Ridge

Parks and parklands around almost every corner T

here 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.

half–court, two gazebos and covered gas barbecues.

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 wheel chair friendly, even including an all ability swing.

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.

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

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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suburb profile | Mount Lofty

Escarpment views and leafy streets a favourite R

SPOTLIGHT

oughly 3700 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 parks, 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 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 resudents own their homes outright (37.7 per cent).

The median sales price of Mount Lofty is $430,000 for houses (down 13 per cent since last year).

Roughly 90 per cent of the properties in Mount Lofy are stand–alone houses, with the remaining 9.9 per cent made up of

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$430,000 $370 p/w

$

$$

March

?

$N/A $250 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .........................

12 months ..............................

3 years ...................................

5 years ...................................

Annually (10 years) ..................

-9.9% -13.0% -8.1% 13% 2.2%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

41 days March

?

$

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

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

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.

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

4.5% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

3775

Average weekly household income

$1685

Median age

43

We say what we do.... and we do what we say.

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Page 27

suburb profile | Mount Lofty

Heritage Oval — where sporting legends are made T

oowoomba is blessed with a multitude of parks and ovals saturating the city and, come any weekend, they are awash with scheduled sporting events and recreational users.

From housing netball courts to soccer ovals, softball fields or even BMX tracks, our parks accommodate a wide variety of past times and play a significant role in continuing Toowoomba’s reputation as a leading sporting and lifestyle hub.

One venue to have well and truly stamped its name in local sporting folklore is Heritage Oval (framed by North and Stuart streets) in

the Mt Lofty/Harlaxton region.

The picket–fenced arena has played home to a multitude of domestic matches, spirited T20 contests and exciting TCI finals, but it’s just not local fixtures that have called this reserve home.

The first recorded match saw a Toowoomba side take on a Queensland XI back in 1972; and a visiting England team also played Queensland in the ground’s only first–class match in December of 1994.

A virtual test–strength line–up featuring the likes of Gooch, Gatting, Atherton, Stewart and Hick battled it out with a

Queensland side not short of their own firepower in Hayden, Maher, Symonds, Law and Barsby. Both sides boasted an impressive bowling attack as well; with fast bowlers McDermott, Kasprowicz and Tazelaar trying to take bragging rights over the likes of international players Fraser, Malcolm and Tufnell.

For the record, England won a tenacious affair by 37 runs in the allocated four–day contest with Gatting (203 not out), Maher (100 not out), Symonds (108 not out), Barsby (101) and Hayden (119) all filling their boots.

Tazelaar took six wickets for the match.

But cricket hasn’t been the only sport to grace the hallowed playing surface, with rugby union well represented in regular Risdon Cup clashes and ‘old boys’ exhibition games.

Aussie Rules is also regularly featured, given Heritage Oval is home to the South Toowoomba Bombers.

Always in pristine condition, the oval is a popular venue for players and spectators alike with terraced seating on the eastern side of the ground, a canteen and a number of buildings featuring meeting and dressing rooms; as well as showers and toilets.

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Page 28

suburb profile | Newtown

Newtown still popular among first–time buyers N

ewtown 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 $310,000 for houses (up 3.3 per cent) and $221,500 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.

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.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$310,000 $310 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$221,500 $270 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.0% 12 months .................................... 3.3% 3 years ........................................ 0.0% 5 years ........................................ 8.8% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.9%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

52 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

8.7 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

5.2% 6.3%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

9596

Average weekly household income

$1029 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.

Median age

35

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7028956aa

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Page 29

suburb profile | North Toowoomba

Old–age charm a favourite for younger buyers N

SPOTLIGHT

orth 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 $350,000 (up 13.8 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 Toowoomba is occupied by renters and 55.7

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$350,000 $300 p/w

$

$$

March

?

N/A $250 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -5.9% 12 months .................................... 13.8% 3 years ........................................10.9% 5 years ........................................18.6% Annually (10 years) ....................... 4.3%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

40 days March

?

$

Due to the suburb’s age, many charming character homes can be found in the area. 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 and a Fantastic Furniture outlet, among other retailers.

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

4.5% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

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.

These tenancies include multiple gyms and office spaces, all of which make the most of the industrial chic feel of the development.

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

2953

Average weekly household income

$1158

Median age

36

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suburb profile | Prince Henry Heights

Exclusivity and tranquillity again offer advantage A

s 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,

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

N/A N/A

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ..............................

12 months ....................................

3 years ........................................

5 years ........................................

Annually (10 years) .......................

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

N/A March

?

$

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.

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

N/A

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

N/A N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

571

Average weekly household income

$2285

Median age

47

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suburb profile | Rangeville

Neighbourhood loved for its space and prestige C

ompared 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 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 $443,750 for houses (down 1.4 per cent) and $352,000 for units (growing by 8.3 per cent over the last 12 months).

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

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$443,750 $380 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$352,000 $310 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -0.3% 12 months .................................... -1.4% 3 years ........................................ 5.0% 5 years ........................................ 12.3% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.8%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

34 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.5 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

8312

Average weekly household income

$1439

Median age

43

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.

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• 39 Leslie Street Rangeville - $450,000 • 49 Leslie Street Rangeville - $455,000 • 2 Glen Cres, Glenvale - $450,000 • 26 Biscay Drive, Glenvale - $329,000 • 12 Underwood Cres, Harristown - $520,000 • 6 Ballantyne Court, Highfields - $650,000

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4.5% 4.6%

suburb profile | Rangeville

Rangeville area gets a Franke assessment L

ooking for a new home can be both an exciting and daunting experience at the same time.

Anyone who has been in the position knows trying to find the perfect property, for the right price in the right location is always a tough ask - but for married couple Roselyn and Rod Franke, it certainly helps if you know what you’re looking for.

Determined and focused, the couple was locked and loaded very early in their search, because they knew the popular suburb of Rangeville was where they wanted to call home.

"We love the area," Roselyn said. "It’s a great location that really suits our family.

"Everything is just five minutes away – work, great schools and beautiful parks. It certainly has everything that we want.

"The house and street we chose ticked a lot of boxes, so we were able to move straight in without having to do any renovations or compromise on what we were looking for in a property."

That was more than 10 years ago.

And aside from finding their dream home, back then the Frankes had one more priority - positioning themselves in a catchment zone offering quality primary and secondary schools.

With a young one on the way and another to follow, it allowed them to look to the future, confident their children’s schooling would be of the highest standard.

And while great schools and a short morning commute to work were important, the aesthetics of the area were also a telling factor when making their decision.

"It’s a really appealing suburb and most of the properties have large trees and established gardens – it’s all very green and has a very natural feel," Roselyn said.

For the Frankes, it was also important for the family to have that all important room to grow.

"Yard size is a big thing," Roselyn said.

"One of the big advantages with older blocks is their size, and with a younger family we wanted the girls to have plenty of space to run around."

And run they do.

Budding sport stars Jemma (10) and Rylee (8) love pulling on the sneakers before hitting the great outdoors.

"We’re a very active family," Roselyn said.

"So, we very much enjoy spending time in the nearby parks or heading up to Picnic Point or going for ride.

"With the bike pathway, you can go from Queens Park right the way through to the Waterbird Habitat, so it’s always great to get out and enjoy time as a family.

Health benefits aside, being near the park has further advantages when it comes to a busy social calendar.

"If there’s a birthday party or a play date then it’s so easy to head down to the park to play and enjoy the facilities," Roselyn said.

"When we’re out walking, you get a real

sense of community as you move around the neighbourhood," Roselyn said.

"Everyone’s friendly and will smile and say hello. It’s a great environment for bringing up

our girls.

"Even if we were to look at buying another place one day, we’d definitely want to stay in the Rangeville area."

Angus Mathieson has the Ray White_Know How Nobody understands the value of Rangeville like Angus.

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Page 33

suburb profile | South Toowoomba

A popular choice for investors and families alike W

hether 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 $322,500 for houses (down 2.3 per cent) and $376,500 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 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 Page 34

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$322,500 $320 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$376,500 $260 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.8% 12 months .................................... -2.3% 3 years ........................................ -7.9% 5 years ........................................ 4.2% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.6%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

33 days South Toowoomba has plenty of recreation opportunities thanks to spectacular parklands and sporting facilities.

March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.2 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

5224

Average weekly household income

$1103

Median age

37

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 hosts the Coca Cola Queensland PGA Championship, 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.

5.2% 4.9%

suburb profile | South Toowoomba

South Toowoomba appeals to local sports clubs the quality of it’s grounds and amenities has made it popular among players from all over the area (and beyond).

“Our player base comes from all backgrounds and locations,” Steve said, adding that the team even has players who drive all the way from Brisbane to join their team mates at games and training days.

Gold Park has a sports bar and function room, open to the public seven days a week.

The bar hosts presentations and lunches (like their Melbourne Cup Lunch), birthdays, weddings, get–togethers and much more.

Next to the grandstand at the main oval is a kiosk, serving up snacks, food and drinks to supporters and players alike.

The atmosphere at Gold Park is electric when the community gets together on weekends to enjoy a day out and support their sports club.

“We have sponsors enjoying the rugby and our famous deluxe burgers, friends and family filling the grandstand and grassed areas, young children running around near the sidelines and infants being nursed in the shade of the family tent,” Steve said.

With lush green grounds, dressing rooms, a stocked bar and kiosk, a covered grandstand and a centralised location, it’s no wonder Gold Park is such a popular sporting and social venue for residents.

PHOTO: KEVIN FARMER

outh Toowoomba has a close–knit community of sports clubs, businesses and families, all taking advantage of the suburb’s central location.

One of the sports clubs calling South Toowoomba home, is the Toowoomba Rangers Rugby Union Football Club Inc. Rangers was established in 1887, making it one of the oldest rugby clubs in town, with a rich history and great traditions.

Like all sports teams, Rangers need a place to train, to host competition fixtures, and to have fun with their supporters.

Their home, ever since 1968, has been Gold Park on Hume Street.

“To this day, the grounds are still in immaculate condition and, with the current board embarking on a redevelopment plan for the surrounding infrastructure at the venue, we are committed to seeing Gold Park continue to be a key venue for rugby union on the Downs,” Rangers club president Steve Weier said.

In recent years, the venue has hosted everything from grand finals and Ladies Days, to Classic Wallabies events.

Rangers share the ovals with five other teams, spread across three sporting codes.

The location of the venue puts it within easy reach of most Toowoomba residents looking for a run around on the paddock and

Toowoomba Rangers player, Fraser Hess, running with the ball.

S

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Page 35

suburb profile | Toowoomba City

Central suburb re–awakens a love for city living T

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$367,500 $300 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$246,000 $250 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 1.1% 12 months .................................... 7.0% 3 years ........................................ 6.1% 5 years ........................................16.9% Annually (10 years) ....................... 3.2%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

33 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.1 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

4.2% 5.3%

PHOTO: ARIANA POTAMIANAKIS

DEMOGRAPHICS Population 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.

2088

Average weekly household income

$951

Median age

40

7029153aa

oowoomba 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 investors 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

LD x TH RA cG

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Page 36

suburb profile | Toowoomba City

The historical city centre welcomes a new era T

he architecture of Toowoomba City has preserved the rich history on which this suburb — and the city — were built.

Settled near the turn of the 19th century, Toowoomba saw the construction of iconic buildings like City Hall, The Strand and the Empire Theatre shortly thereafter.

Toowoomba City Hall was the first purpose–built town hall in Queensland and has seen several decades worth of change, both in itself and the ciy around it.

It started as a timber building on the corner of James and Neil streets, but has been replaced and amended several times since then to keep up with the changing needs of the community.

The most recent change came in 2017, when the building underwent an extensive renovation, restoration and extension project to the value of $8.3 million.

This project revived an important Heritage–listed civic building and made it a highly adaptable and functional venue for current and future civic use.

City Hall now has the capacity to host functions in its auditorium and in the upper level banquet–style meeting room, and is primarily used for important civic events, like citizenship ceremonies.

Originally opened as a silent movie house in the early 1900s, the Empire Theatre too has seen a lot of change over the years.

From the fire that almost completely destroyed it in the ‘30s, to renovations and extensions throughout the 90 years since then, this iconic building has developed into the largest performing arts theatre in regional Queensland.

One of the reasons for the Empire Theatre’s closure as a movie house and its subsequent revival as a performong arts theatre, must have been competition from none other than the grand building just around the corner — The Strand.

Built as a cinema during an era of great enthusiasm for films, The Strand quickly legitimised cinema as a respectable form of middle–class entertainment.

Since then, cinema has become accessible to all people and still The Strand continues to be a popular venue for our favourite films.

With all these Heritage listings dotting the landscape of Toowoomba City, one could be forgiven for imagining the sound of horse–drawn carriages — like those housed at Cobb & Co. — everytime you stepped onto the sidewalk.

But, it is also important to notice the modern buildings and streets, artfully intermingling the old with the new and, together, telling a story of great progress and cherished history.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has taken great pains to develop the city centre into a space worthy of the 21st century.

The new Village Green upgrade perfectly

complements the new Toowoomba City Library and ties in with the refurbished City Hall building to create a popular meeting point for the city’s community.

Other developments and new businesses have helped to bring the more modern aspects of the city centre to the fore.

When walking though Toowoomba City, a person might discover an edgy mural never before seen, an interresting café or two, and restaurants and bars aplenty.

Found among the early 19th century buildings, are swanky rooftop bars, casual beer gardens that welcome dogs, ultra modern glass–clad offices, squares

surrounded by eateries and much more.

An ambitious $20 million development project is under way at the Kwong Sang Walk, which will replace the demolished Gladstone Hotel with a brand new 102–room hotel as part of the continued revitalisation of Ruthven Street and the city centre.

Massive projects like the Second Range Crossing, which is finally nearing completion, also stand to change the streetscape of Toowoomba City, as it directs more trucks from the city’s centre.

With more people calling for a city centre without traffic, only time will tell where Toowoomba City’s development will go next.

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Streets ahead with Alan Reilly 0427 655 767 | alan.reilly@coronis.com.au coronis.com.au Page 37

suburb profile | Torrington

Sleepy suburb set to increase its development T

SPOTLIGHT

orrington 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

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$570,000 $N/A

$$

$

March

?

?

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

SO LD

exclusively of stand–alone houses, with almost all of the homes owned outright or with a mortgage (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.

LE AS ED

29 Stathdarr Drive, Torrington

6 Fawngrove Drive, Torrington Page 38

RENT

$N/A $N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -0.7% 12 months .................................... 6.8% 3 years ........................................ 14% 5 years ........................................ 5.7% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.1%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

N/A March

households earning a median weekly income of $1728.

There are several residential estates — including 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

BUY

UNIT ....................

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

11.7 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

N/A N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

879

Average weekly household income

$1728 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.

Median age

45

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suburb profile | Westbrook

Getting more bang for your buck in Westbrook W

estbrook 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

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$444,250 $400 p/w

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.6% 12 months .................................... -0.1% 3 years ........................................ -0.3% 5 years ........................................ 3.2% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.0%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

56 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

6.9 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

4.7% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

3885

Average weekly household income

$2010

Median age students can flourish.

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

The park has been upgraded with new playground 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.

32

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suburb profile | Wilsonton

Wilsonton offers affordability and convenience SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$285,000 $320 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

$248,000 $265 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.0% 12 months .................................... -8.9% 3 years ........................................ -8.8% 5 years ........................................ -5.6% Annually (10 years) ....................... 1.6%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

50 days March

?

L

ocated 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 $285,000 for homes (down 8.9 per cent) and $248,000 for units, which is an impressive rise of 7.8 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 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 HOLD PERIOD

14.3 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

5.8% 5.6%

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

5955

Average weekly household income

$981

Median age

40

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suburb profile | Cabarlah

Locality on outskirts of town sees rapid growth S

ituated 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.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$721,000 $520 p/w

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ........................... 10.1% 12 months ................................. 12.6% 3 years ..................................... 12.3% 5 years ..................................... 42.3% Annually (10 years) .................... 6.3%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

N/A March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

14.7 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

3.8% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1075 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 weekly household income

$1916

Median age

40

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suburb profile | Cambooya

A growing community in Steele Rudd country S

ettled 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.

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 families moving to the area.

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.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$330,000 $340 p/w

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.0% 12 months .................................... 1.2% 3 years ........................................ 2.3% 5 years ........................................ 21.3% Annually (10 years) ....................... 3.1%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

41 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

11.9 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

5.4% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1584

Average weekly household income

$1316

Median age

35

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suburb profile | Charlton

Country living with access to all major services I

f Toowoomba is the doorway to the west, Charlton is the key.

Located about 13 kilometres from the Toowoomba CBD, Charlton has traditionally been a farming district, focusing predominantly on dairy farming.

The 2016 Census recorded just 120 residents in the area, with a median age of 43 years, which makes Charlton a small and close–knit community.

The data showed 43 private homes in the area, each housing just under three people, on average, and raking in a median household income of $1375 per week.

Sparsely populated (at about eight people per square kilometre), Charlton has country appeal, but is close to the city, its amenities and its services.

In recent years, the dairy farms have mostly been converted to grazing and cropping holdings, and the area has seen significant development in infrastructure, particularly relating to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.

The $1.6 billion project is designed to remove heavy vehicles from the Toowoomba CBD and is scheduled for completion sometime this year.

The project will improve driver safety and will create a faster, more efficient route for connecting freight to major ports and markets across Australia and abroad.

The interchange at Charlton is one of five key interchanges in the project and provides a link between western Queensland and the east coast.

Although Charlton has little to offer by way of shopping precincts, it does have a couple of small shops and service stations, stocked with the basic necessities.

The Wilsonton Shopping Centre on Bridge Street is less than 15 minutes away and has everything from a police station to a Woolworths, Coles, BWS, post office, hairdresser, and various take–out options.

Charlton offers residents a rural lifestyle in a prime location, on the fringes of town, with enough space to create a farming enterprise.

Residents of Charlton have easy access to interesting sporting hobbies, like clay target shooting, archery, and motor racing.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

N/A N/A

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ..............................

12 months ....................................

3 years ........................................

5 years ........................................

Annually (10 years) .......................

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

N/A March

?

$

In 1975, after racing at the Toowoomba Showgrounds for almost a decade, the Downs Speedway Club purchased land and relocated to Charlton.

Over the years since, the club has hosted a multitude of championships across different classes at the Hi–Tec Oils Speedway (just off the Warrego Highway).

With the official opening of a $750,000 QFES training facility in Charlton, the region’s firefighters are now better prepared to respond to all emergencies.

The facility is part of a major $11 million funding injection into the region, which will

see further development over the next couple of decades.

Toowoomba is a major regional centre in south–east Queensland and the Toowoomba Regional Council plans to develop the area into a sporting hub, intended to service local and regional sporting needs and to attract major sporting and cultural events.

Although Charlton has come a long way from its cattle and dairy farming days, this is still the suburb’s pedigree and will ensure Charlton continues to provide an affordable country lifestyle close to major amenities for any family looking to settle down.

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

N/A

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

N/A N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

120

Average weekly household income

$1375

Median age

43

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suburb profile | Clifton

Leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind C

SPOTLIGHT

lifton 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 home owners who no longer want the hassles of the big city.

The median sales price in Clifton is $226,000, which is a drop of 0.7 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

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$226,000 $260 p/w

$$

$

March

?

■ 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,

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -1.7% 12 months .................................... -0.7% 3 years ........................................ 14.1% 5 years ........................................18.6% Annually (10 years) ....................... 1.7%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

75 days March

?

PHOTO: TOURISM AND EVENTS QUEENSLAND

Clifton offers plenty of opportunity at affordable prices and it’s proving the perfect escape for home owners who no longer want the hassles of the big city. 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:

BUY

UNIT ....................

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.

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

10.8 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

6.0% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1456

Average weekly household income

$824

Median age

49

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suburb profile | Crows Nest

Country lifestyle close to inner–city convenience C

rows 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

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$320,000 $270 p/w

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. 0.0% 12 months .................................... 1.1% 3 years ........................................ 15.7% 5 years ........................................25.5% Annually (10 years) ....................... 3.4%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

129 days March

?

east of the town, where walking tracks lead to the Valley of Diamonds and a rock pool with a waterfall and steep granite gorges.

Wild flowers and birds abound — you may 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 HOLD PERIOD

12 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

4.4% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

2160

Average weekly household income

$814

Median age

52

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suburb profile | Gowrie

More and more families are choosing this area T

he statistical area of Gowrie is a large stretch of land located to the west of Toowoomba and encompasses (either fully or partically) townships like Gowrie Junction, Glencoe, Meringandan West, Kingsthorpe, Oakey and Jondaryan.

According to 2016 Census data, Gowrie is home to about 6411 people — 2120 of whom call Gowrie Junction home.

Bordering the north–western edge of Toowoomba, the town of Gowrie Junction is situated next to Cranley and Cottswold Hills to its east, Charlton to its south, Glencoe to its north, and Kingsthorpe in the west.

Splitting the town is Gowrie Creek, which runs west to east and provides the area with highly valued irrigation.

A comparison of Census data collected in 2006 and 2016, shows that Gowrie Junction’s population has grown by roughly 903 people in the past decade.

The community is located among rolling hills bordering fertile fields of crop.

With a median age of 36 years and households made up largely of familiies (86.4 per cent), it’s clear that Gowrie Junction has become a popular spot for putting down roots and raising a family.

The town is close to Toowoomba and all its amenities, but includes a state school of its own, as well as a community hall, a petrol station, parks and a convenience centre.

Buyers can expect large land parcels, good–sized houses and affordable prices when turning their attention to this town.

With a median sales price for houses of $462,500 and a rental price of $400 per week, Gowrie is one of the more affordable areas to live in and around Toowoomba.

Homes are made up solely of free–standing houses, 96.5 per cent of which are occupied.

Owner occupiers make up 88.5 per cent of residents, with only 9.1 per cent of properties in Gowrie Junction being rented.

Mortgaged properties account for 62.4 per cent of all homes in town, consistent with the recent growth in population.

The largest portion of Gowrie Junction’s workforce is made up of trades workers and technicians (19.6 per cent), followed by

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$462,500 $400 p/w

$$

$

March

?

BUY RENT

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -1.1% 12 months .................................... -0.3% 3 years ........................................ 5.2% 5 years ........................................ 21.1% Annually (10 years) ....................... 3.6%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

80 days March

?

$

clerical and administrative workers (16.7 per cent) and professionals (14 per cent).

These residents are earning a median personal income of $755 per week, with families making a median income of $1929 weekly.

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.6 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

2120

Average weekly household income

$1879

Median age

A comparison of Census data collected in 2006 and 2016, shows that Gowrie Junction’s population has grown by roughly 903 people in the past decade.

36

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suburb profile | Hodgson Vale

Hodgson Vale offers privacy and plenty of space H

SPOTLIGHT

odgson Vale is about 26 square kilometres in size and is located 12 kilometres south of the Toowoomba CBD, with a small community of 1379 people, according to the latest Census information.

Family households make up 92.5 per cent of Hodgson Vale’s population, with residents earning a median personal income of $900 per week.

Privacy, wide open spaces and the strong appeal of a rural residential lifestyle, are just some of the reasons buyers are heading to Hodgson Vale.

Toowoomba’s metropolitan overspill has seen the area grow, with larger rural–residential blocks proving popular with retired farmers and growing families.

Allotments are larger, usually with a minimum land size of 4000 square metres (about one acre) and, because of this, the homes are large.

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$571,500 $135 p/w

$$

$

March

?

?

$

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .............................. -3.1% 12 months .................................... -3.5% 3 years ........................................ 1.7% 5 years ........................................ 5.8% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.9%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

11.7 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

N/A N/A

Population

1379

Average weekly household income

$2304

Median age

36 Toowoomba are right at its doorstep, along with all the shopping and convenience services residents could need.

Selling Hodgson Vale, Vale View and Greater Toowoomba

C U O ND N E TR R A C T

LD

300 Dixon Lane, Ramsay

F SA OR LE

44 Berry Road, Vale View

F SA OR LE

F SA OR LE

N/A N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS

SO

SO

LD

March

11 Timothy Drive, Vale View

Ben Hopper 0448 877 423 17 Ramsay Road, Ramsay

RENT

135 days

Toowoomba’s metropolitan overspill has seen the area grow, with larger rural–residential blocks proving popular with retired farmers and growing families.

According to 2016 Census data, housing in the area is made up solely of stand–alone homes, 81.4 per cent of which have at least four bedrooms.

More than a third of homes (35.3 per cent) are owned outright, while 58.2 per cent are owned under a mortgage and 5.8 per cent are being rented.

The larger allotments also allow for extras like sheds, pools and tennis courts.

All of these factors add up to a median sales price of $571,500, which was a drop of 3.5 per cent in the past year, CoreLogic data shows.

Hodgson Vale is a relatively advantaged neighbourhood, scoring in the 98th percentile and being awarded a SEIFA index of 1107.3 in 2016.

This index indicates an area’s advantage, relating to factors like income, employment rate, house size, the population’s education and occupation, etc.

Although Hodgson Vale does not have it’s own schools, the prestigious schools of

BUY

UNIT ....................

485 Wyreema Cambooya Road, Cambooya

Murray Troy 0400 772 210

18 Manikato Drive, Hodgson Vale

Page 47

suburb profile | Highfields

Quaint village atmosphere a massive draw card H

ighfields 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 $523,000, an increase of 0.6 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.

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$523,000 $430 p/w

$$

$

March

?

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ..............................-0.8% 12 months .................................... 0.6% 3 years ........................................ 4.6% 5 years ........................................ 9.6% Annually (10 years) ....................... 2.8%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

56 days March

?

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

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

9.4 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

4.3% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

8131

Average weekly household income

$1792

Median age

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.

43 Federation Drive, Highfields

12 Barton Court, Highfields

5 Jenna Court, Highfields

6 Horizon Court, Highfields

5 Kingfisher Drive, Highfields

27 Reis Road, Highfields

4 Jenna Court, Highfields

1 Lynne Court, Highfields

4 Wedgetail Drive, Highfields

30 Honeyeater Drive, Highfields

7 Bronzewing Drive, Highfields

19 Merrol Street, Highfields

Page 48

BUY

UNIT ....................

42

Tony Franke sells 3 times more property than any other agent in Highfields put together. raywhitetoowoombarange.com.au

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suburb profile | Highfields

Young family finds perfect match in Highfields F

or the Mullins family, life could not get much better, now they live in Highfields.

Christiane and Brendan have been living in their newly built home with their two children, Eden (4) and Noah (8) since April.

The family previously lived in Kearneys Spring, but felt that suburb was not quite for them, so decided to have a look around.

There were many things which made Highfields a desirable location for them, like the space offered by the suburb.

“We wanted to find a modern home on a larger block, something which is few and far between in Toowoomba,” Christiane said.

The couple looked at established homes in the area, but decided to build their family home instead.

“We always wanted to build and to have something that felt like ours from the beginning; ultimately it seemed comparable in price to build,” she added.

The whole building process took just over a year to complete, from the planning stage to the day they moved in, giving the family plenty of time to familiarise themselves with their new neighbourhood.

“The Highfields area offered the facilities and infrastructure that our bigger suburban areas like Westbrook didn’t offer — everything feels ‘just around the corner’ in Highfields and it’s a quieter area.”

The family has always preferred the local Highfields swimming pool to Toowoomba’s swimming pools and made the trip regularly, even before living in Highfields.

“The new park at the sports fields and Peacehaven Park are great draws for our kids,” Christiane said.

She believes the parks are generally well–kept and looked after, which makes going to the park a breeze.

“It’s easy to find a good little park to run out the extra energy,” she explained.

The family tried many of the local eateries and have found many favourites.

“We’ve always loved Chocolate Cottage and want to try Sugar Maples, because we hear good things,” she said.

The peaceful atmosphere in Highfields has also been a noticeable difference in the everyday lives of the Mullins family.

“The community vibe is much more prominent than in our previous suburb; we’ve met most of our neighbours and the kids can ride up and down the street without concern,” Christiane said.

“The street and the area are full of young families like us and, in that way, it’s a pretty relaxed, child–friendly environment.”

From their new home, Christiane and

Brendan face a 20 to 25–minute commute into the Toowoomba CBD every morning, which takes some getting used to.

“The commute is not great, but is certainly still better than a metro level commute,” Christiane said, adding that their travel time has been doubled since exchanging Kearneys Spring for Highfields.

But, despite the increased travel time,

Highfields is just a couple of kilometres out of town and it’s a doable trip.

“Highfields is close enough that a couple of trips a day, or going in for the kids’ sports on the weekend, doesn’t feel onerous.”

Christiane said they’re now looking forward to completing their landscaping and back yard as soon as the weather warms up enough.

LEANNE GILLAM I’ve gone from building dream homes, to selling dream homes. Highfields holds a special place in my heart and it’s where I raised my children. I’ve been a local since 1985 and still support the local community.

Curious about current prices? give me a call for a free Market Appraisal!

House Estate Agents - We’re Back!

“Leanne’s local knowledge of the market and awesome personality and ability to get great results are second to none. I would not hesitate to recommend Leanne if you are buying or selling.”

Tim K

Leanne Gillam P: 0400 968 319 | E: Leanne@houseestateagents.com.au Page 49

suburb profile | Oakey

This western country town has much to offer O

n your way out west, you’ll likely come across Oakey.

You may even decide to stay.

Only about 30 kilometres from Toowoomba, this rural Queensland town has what it takes for anyone to call it home.

First settled in the early–to–mid 1800s by pastoralists looking for good grazing, the town of Oakey started to develop when the railway reached it in 1867, followed by the building of the first post office two years later and a primary school five years thereafter.

By that time, the iconic Jondaryan Woolshed in nearby Jondaryan was already built and servicing the area’s booming wool industry.

Coming along in leaps and bounds since then, Oakey’s population has grown to about 4705 people, most of whom are employed as labourers (30.6 per cent), technicians and trades workers (15.2 per cent) and community workers (10.6 per cent).

The top employing industries in town, were shown to be the meat processing industry (15 per cent), the meat, poultry and small goods wholesaling (5.3 per cent), and defence (5.2 per cent) industries.

The town now has several schools too, including St Monica’s Catholic Primary School, the Oakey State School and the State High School.

These schools cater to the 21.5 per cent of the population who are aged 14 and under.

The median age in Oakey is 38 years, with 17.2 per cent of the population made up of people aged 65 and older.

The town is also home to an Australian Defence Force aviation centre and airfield.

Although the airfield is regulated and controlled by the military, a small civil terminal has been maintained at the airport.

Along with a wide selection of grocery stores, eateries and parks, Oakey has an indoor sports centre to keep residents occupied for hours with anything from men’s and ladies’ beach volleyball to indoor cricket, netball and dodgeball.

More than 90 per cent of Oakey’s homes are occupied and 92.5 per cent of those homes are free–standing.

Just over 60 per cent of homes are owned

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$190,000 $295 p/w

$

$$

March

?

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

N/A $225 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ........................... -13.2% 12 months ................................. -28.3% 3 years ..................................... -22.4% 5 years ..................................... -15.1% Annually (10 years) .................... -0.3%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

105 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

13.7 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

8.1% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

4705

Average weekly household income

$1116

Median age

either outright (30.7 per cent) or subject to a mortgage (29.6 per cent), with rentals making up 35.6 per cent of the residential market in Oakey.

There are also several inns and hotels to accommodate travellers making their way between Toowoomba and the west.

38

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0429 693 303

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3 Houses

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Toowoomba 07 4630 1161 | Oakey 07 4691 1344 WestgarthRealty.com Page 50

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Most Recent Oakey Residential House Sales

suburb profile | Pittsworth

Spacious country living at affordable prices S

ituated about 40 kilometres south–west of Toowoomba on the Gore Highway.

The town boasts some of the richest farming land in the country, with cotton being one of its most wide–spread and valuable crops.

Other primary industries include poultry and egg farming (which employs 6.9 per cent of the town’s residents), grain and dairy.

At the 2016 Census, Pittsworth had a population of 3294 people and the median age was 43 years.

The town offers large allotments at affordable prices — it is a great choice for families chasing space and looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

With a mix of house styles — from classic cottages to renovated colonials and modern brick homes — Pittsworth really has a home to suit every buyer’s needs and tastes.

According to CoreLogic data, the median sales price for houses is $285,000 (which remained unchanged over the year).

This presents a great opportunity to buyers happy to take on a longer commute in exchange for that country town feel.

Renters can expect to pay a median rental price of $300 per week for houses and $260 per week for units.

More than 90 per cent of homes in Pittsworth are occupied, with free–standing homes making up 92.8 per cent of the housing market.

Owner–occupiers make up 67.5 per cent of households, with 36.2 per cent of them owning their homes outright.

Renters account for 27.7 per cent of the town’s occupants, which indicates opportunity for investment.

Pittsworth supports a large business community offering a wide range of shops, banks, professional and trade services, eateries and entertainment.

The town’s amenities include a town hall, library, art gallery, a historically preserved pioneer village, municipal swimming pool, golf course and bowls club.

Education facilities include child minding centres, as well as State and private schools, like the Pittsworth State High School and St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School.

Sold

31 Stanley Street, Pittsworth

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

$285,000 $300 p/w

$

$$

March

?

With a mix of house styles — from classic cottages to renovated colonials and modern brick homes — Pittsworth really has a home to suit every buyer’s needs and tastes.

Sold

5 Edward Street, Pittsworth

For Sale

For Sale

32 Railway St, Pittsworth $410,000

N/A $260 p/w

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months .........................

12 months ..............................

3 years ...................................

5 years ...................................

Annually (10 years) ..................

0.0% -13.0% -10.9% 0.0% 1.1%

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

115 days March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

12.3 years

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

5.5% N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

3294

Average weekly household income

$1183

Median age

43

We know the area.

We know the market.

Pittsworth a progressive township offers a buyer a community lifestyle where all your needs are met and an easy commute to Toowoomba, made easier now too with the new Bypass.

4-6 Sullivan Crescent, Pittsworth $480,000

BUY RENT

UNIT ....................

Kathy Hohns a local with over 26 years experience can assist you to find the right home for you and your family.

Kathy Hohns 0417 197 746 kathy.hohns@raywhite.com

raywhitepittsworth.com.au Page 51

suburb profile | Withcott

Withcott — a warm and wholesome environment to bring up the family

SPOTLIGHT MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

N/A N/A

$$

$

March

?

BUY

UNIT ....................

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ..............................

12 months ....................................

3 years ........................................

5 years ........................................

Annually (10 years) .......................

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

N/A March

?

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 experience 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 supermarket,

Withcott

$

0400 131 317

ricky.smith@realway.com.au Page 52

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

N/A N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

1844

Average weekly household income

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.

Withcott

Withcott

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

80 Gatton Creek Road

37 Berghofer Drive

12 Kimdonn Drive

Withcott

Withcott

Withcott

Ricky Smith Property Consultant

N/A

$1776

Median age

37

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nyone 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

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

suburb profile | Warwick

Warwick — what a fantastic place to call home F

SPOTLIGHT

amously known as the Rose City, Warwick was settled more than 150 years ago and now has a population of more than 12,000.

It has always served as a popular stop for drivers as the Cunningham and New England highways pass through the city.

Strolling through the CBD of Warwick opens a door to yesterday with beautiful sandstone buildings and historic architecture scattered throughout this popular southern Queensland city.

Located on the banks of the Condamine River, Warwick incorporates a variety of housing styles from Queenslanders and worker’s cottages to more modern brick homes.

And, while most homes are detached (84.4 per cent), there still is a fair amount of units and townhouses (14.2 per cent) in town.

Owner–occupiers make up 58.4 per cent of households, with 37.4 per cent of homes occupied by renters.

MEDIAN PROPERTY PRICE HOUSE ....................

N/A N/A

$$

$

March

?

RENT

N/A N/A

CAPITAL GROWTH

Change in median sales price in: Past 3 months ..............................

12 months ....................................

3 years ........................................

5 years ........................................

Annually (10 years) .......................

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON MARKET (HOUSES)

N/A

Famously known as the Rose City, Warwick was settled more than 150 years ago and now has a population of more than 12,000.

Families are well–catered for with multiple state primary schools, a state high school and a number of private primary and high schools to choose from.

There are good recreation and sporting facilities throughout Warwick including sports fields, a swimming pool and cycling track.

There are also parks with sporting clubs for rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules football, netball, tennis and cricket (as well as other sports).

Various motorsports and the Warwick Polocrosse Club call Morgan Park home.

The region has a strong agricultural industry for which Warwick serves as a convenient service centre.

The livestock industry is also vitally important with the Warwick Saleyards

BUY

UNIT ....................

March

?

$

AVERAGE HOLD PERIOD

N/A

GROSS RENTAL YIELD

Houses.....................................

Units........................................

N/A N/A

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

12,222

Average weekly household income

$936

Median age holding regular cattle and sheep sales.

Tourism is another major industry in Warwick with easy access to Main Range National Park which offers bushwalkers a plethora of hiking and bushwalking options.

Warwick also hosts a number of annual

events including the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival and the Rose and Rodeo Festival — the oldest and most famous rodeo in Australia.

No matter what your tastes are — there’s something for everyone in Warwick.

41

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Page 53

suburb profile | Rural

Resilient rural sector remains active in 2019 F

rom avocado farms in Cherry Creek (near Crows Nest) to livestock in Westbrook or poultry farms in Pittsworth, the rural footprint of the region is vitally important to the growth and prosperity of our local pastoral communities and larger cities further afield.

Farms, in all their forms, are the livelihood of the nation and local rural properties (and the fertile soils that make them so appealing) have been in demand the past year.

Over the past 12 months, real estate sales have been buoyant in the area with the ‘top disclosed sale’ being recorded for a grain property in Bowenville with a figure of more than $7 million.

Further sales of ‘rural-zoned’ properties in the Toowoomba region (since July 1, 2018) reported: ■ 31 sales under $500,000 ■ 47 sales between $500,000 to $1 million ■ 22 sales between $1 million and $2 million ■ 15 sales over the $2 million mark It highlights the strong interest generated by the rural sector and how important quality farmland is to both generational farmers and investors alike.

Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that in 2016–17 there were 205 farms in the Toowoomba region with an estimated value of agricultural operations of $40,000 or more.

This figure made up 1 per cent of all farm businesses in Queensland and could be broken down into the following industry classifications: ■ Beef Cattle Farming (Specialised) – 66 farms ■ Vegetable Growing (Outdoors) – 39 farms ■ Other Grain Growing – 26 farms ■ Dairy Cattle Farming – 21 farms ■ Horse Farming – 10 farms ■ Grain–Sheep or Grain–Beef Cattle Farming – 10 farms ■ And Other – 33 farms

Further to this, figures show that in 2017–18, the gross value of agricultural production in the Toowoomba region was $348 million.

This represented three percent of the total gross value of agricultural production in Queensland which was $13 billion.

Poultry led the way as the most important commodity in the Toowoomba region (based on the gross value of agricultural production) with $50 million, and this was followed by sweet corn ($44 million) and lettuce ($36 million).

Combined, these commodities added up to 37 percent of the total value of agricultural production in the region.

Far more than just sideshow rides and fairy floss, local shows serve as a valuable meeting point for farmers and property owners, exhibitors and distributors to come together and discuss issues they’re facing or learn details of the latest agricultural developments.

Usually held during February, March and April each year, the region celebrates showtime at: ■ Clifton ■ Cooyar ■ Crows Nest ■ Goombungee/Haden ■ Millmerran ■ Oakey ■ Pittsworth ■ Toowoomba

LOCAL SHOWS An integral part of our region’s communities is the local show – a chance to showcase quality livestock, produce and the very latest in farm machinery, off–road vehicles and ag programs.

Check the Toowoomba Regional Council website to confirm when the next event is coming to your area.

SOLD PROPERTIES

110 McNally Road, Greenmount MIXED FARMING 103.6 HA

30 Hartwigs Road, Quinalow MIXED FARMING 340.23 HA

1547 Gatton Helidon Road, Grantham LIFESTYLE 5.95 HA

‘Kialla Hill’ Christensen Road, Greenmount MIXED FARMING 104.69 HA

513 Pauli Road, Felton MIXED FARMING 101.17 HA

Trevor Leishman 0427 598 106 trevor.leishman@elders.com.au

Page 54

Errol Luck 0427 561 678 errol.luck@elders.com.au

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Page 55

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