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PRD  →  Research Hub  →  Wagga City Property Watch Q4 2012

Wagga City Property Watch Q4 2012

MARKET OVERVIEW This report covers the Wagga City residential real estate market located in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and extending across the 2650 postcode. Evidence of the regions economic growth is seen across all major property sectors. The expansion of the Bomen Business Park is underpinned by a new oil refinery and an integrated oil-seed processing plant, while on the retail front a new Masters Warehouse has entered construction phase. The expansion of the healthcare and retirement sector is led by the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital redevelopment and an increase in the number of retirement units across the ...

MARKET OVERVIEW

This report covers the Wagga City residential real estate market located in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and extending across the 2650 postcode. Evidence of the regions economic growth is seen across all major property sectors. The expansion of the Bomen Business Park is underpinned by a new oil refinery and an integrated oil-seed processing plant, while on the retail front a new Masters Warehouse has entered construction phase. The expansion of the healthcare and retirement sector is led by the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital redevelopment and an increase in the number of retirement units across the city. This stable and diversified economy provides employment for locals and attracts new residents from other parts of the state.

HOUSES

Recent evidence points to a growing number of pre-approved buyers in the market. Soft conditions over the past 24 months increased the cash position of buyers who are now ready to purchase. The Sales Cycle graph shows subdued activity since March 2010, with an average of 450 house transactions per half year period. Activity for the six months to September fell below 400 transactions. However, a recovery in the last quarter of 2012 is projected, backed by increased enquiry from a large buyers base of second home buyers, investors, up and downsizers. First home buyers represented less than 15% of enquiries despite the First Home Owner Grant and the First Home - New Home scheme making the purchase of new properties less taxing.

Most houses transacted in the $200,000 to $299,999 price point, accounting for 39% of sales in the September 2012 six month period. The share of transactions was equal to the September 2011 figure, pointing to the markets stability. The stability was further reflected in the median house price, increasing by 0.7% in the 12 months to September. Most houses transacted in Glenfield Park (14%),Lake Albert (13%) and Wagga Wagga (12%).

UNITS

Medium-density developments are increasing in Wagga City, adding to the dwelling mix and providing lifestyle solutions to empty nester residents and to an increasing number of professionals looking for low maintenance accommodation. Surprisingly, the number of unit dwellings in the City declined between 2006 and 2011, while the number of villas and townhouses increased. The developmentapproved Mill Residence and The Grange Village, currently in an advanced stage of construction, will add 282 units and townhouses to the Wagga market by 20142015. Additional townhouses are expected to be built in Estellas Settlers Village. Older villas remain an affordable option to first home buyers, investors and retirees, but sales of units in new development are set to create a dichotomy between high and low end product. In the past three years a decline in activity for attached dwellings has been linked to growth in demand for retirement village accommodation. Units in Over 55 villages do not offer a certificate of title, but a scheme whereby entry, ongoing and departure payment are paid, and any capital gain is retained by the resident upon departure. In the six months to September 2012, 45% of medium density dwellings
transacted for less than $200,000, while 47% of villas and units transacted in the $200,000 to $300,000 price point. Sales in the $300,000 plus bracket averaged 12% of sales. Two-bedroom units in The Mill Residences are priced from $360,000, with a three bedroom selling from $470,000. The higher prices asked by the developer of this project are a show of confidence in the Wagga market. Sales levels in this unique development will determine the strength of demand for luxury strata-titled product in this regional market.

VACANT LAND

Vacant land sales increased in the 12 months to September, with 83 transactions recorded for the September six month period. The figures represent an increase of 23 sales from the September 2011 period, cautiously signalling the bottoming of the market, following eight years of declining activity. Of the 83 lot transactions, 20 sold in Bourkelands, followed by Estella (15 sales) and Tatton (14 sales)
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While lot priced below $100,000 are still available, most vacant land blocks transacted in the $100,000 to $200,000 price point, accounting for 59% of sales. Supply has overtaken demand in the core land release areas, giving buyers a wide choice for lots. Given the ample supply of land and increase in competition from existing homes and new medium-density developments, the slow activity is expected to remain in large land estates in Lloyd, Estella, Bourkelands and Boorooma.


THE INVESTMENT MARKET

A Wagga City rental market experienced stable rent prices over the 12 months to September. A three-bedroom house recorded a median rent of $280, while a twobedroom unit/villa recorded a median rent of $220. Investors are looking for strong returns and low maintenance, with some opting for ex-housing commission homes in Ashmont, Tolland, Mount Austin and Kooringal. These dwellings can be purchased for less than $200,000 and provide a high yield. However, the higher income is often weighed against poor property condition and unreliable tenants. Conversely, modern four-bedroom homes attract short-term professionals who work in short term construction projects in the city. Theyre also proven popular with military personnel from the local RAAF base. Rental vacancy tightened from 2011, resulting in a 2.5% vacancy rate, compared to over three per cent in September 2011.

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