The “two speed” economy that has been Australia in recent years has had a major impact on the fortunes of Queensland. Ongoing export demand for natural resources and agricultural products coupled with the steady northward migration of people and skills have created boom-like conditions that are set to continue for years to come.
With this comes the need for careful evaluation of investment opportunities that present themselves, for it is a truism that the greater the opportunity, the greater the risk. This is a fact of life. So “proceed with caution” and “do your research” is certainly good advice as you weigh up possible moves to the north!
While Queensland as a whole is a state on fast-forward, Cairns stands out as a beacon and investment hot spot in a region that has displayed strong economic growth over many years, and that is attracting increasing attention as an investment destination as a result. The Cairns property market has emerged as a clear opportunity for savvy investors looking to achieve far more than the “slow lane” offered by housing markets such as Sydney.
Cairns. Our Recommendation in Queensland
Cairns is a major city in North Queensland, a region that has experienced boom-like economic conditions in recent years as a result of its proximity to exceptional growth in:
• agriculture
• mining and exploration
• tourism
• reconstruction following Cyclone Larry
• northward migration
The Economics Group of the Housing Association of Australia (HIA) ranks Cairns amongst the top 10 fastest growing towns, cities and regions in Australia, and displaying the 7’th highest population growth rate in Queensland1.
Situated in the heart of the eco-paradise that includes the Great Barrier Reef and a tropical rainforest, Cairns has proved to be a magnet for investment in many sectors of the economy. This has led to strong demand for skills, attracting those who seek to relocate to an environment that offers significant employment opportunity and the promise of a lifestyle change.
With such strong inbound migration, demand for housing has never been greater, which is reflected in the number of housing approvals (an increase of 44% in December 2006 half year over the same period 2005)2, and the progressive reduction in vacancy rates (the trend vacancy level for rental properties overall reduced to 2.2% during August 2006, only marginally above its all-time low of 2.1% recorded in 2004”)3. Rents are rising across the board, and it is safe to say that the exceptional opportunities offered in terms of investment property in Cairns are no longer a secret.“Queensland tenants haven't seen anything yet”4 is a typical headline, and the KPMG Study on Australian Housing forecasts that the housing stock in Cairns is set to double over the 30 years to 20315.Finally, a well-managed regional development model and an increase in the number of commercial flights have led to a significant influx of tourists, investors and permanent residents alike.
Market Access for Investors Enabled
McCarthy Group - $1.5 billion investment experience in Queensland – and growing daily
If you are wondering how you could participate in the exciting success story that is Cairns today, the answer lies in a unique alliance of companies and professional skills that has led to an opportunity for investors to enter the market with the minimum of risk and with a level of support and all-round service that is without equal in the North Queensland investment property market.
The strong growth and accompanying investment opportunities in Cairns come as no surprise to those whose business it is to identify future growth nodes and to put in place the infrastructure needed to capitalise on them.
McCarthy Group is a Sydney-based organization whose investment concept and formula has enabled hundreds of private investors to successfully enter the investment property market. Many of our clients have become multiple property homeowners, with many describing their investment properties as “life-changing” decisions that have paved the way for their long-term financial independence and freedom.
One of McCarthy Group’s strongest attributes has been the ability to identify key investment opportunities on the eastern seaboard and thereby position their clients for the strong growth that has followed. A solid track record of investments in Brisbane, Perth, Townsville, Noosa and Darwin has preceded the current focus and unfolding success story that is Cairns today.
Spearheaded by the proven investment model of McCarthy Group, a seamless integration of major participants in the industry has enabled investors to place more than $1.5 billion with the Group over the past number of years, with Queensland being the major target for New South Wales investors.
The McCarthy Group investment concept delivers easy and reliable access to:
A selection of the best residential property developments in Queensland
Brand new residential homes built to exacting quality standards by one of the State’s top construction companies
The use of the most effective ownership structures, as well as access to services including finance, tax and support through McCarthy Group
Effective property management through Koala Blue Real Estate
This unique combination of skills and expertise has made it possible for Sydney investors to access markets remote from their place of residence with minimal risk and with an ownership experience that is widely described as “hassle free”.
An Opportunity not to be Missed
The economic conditions in Cairns and surrounds have laid the foundation for strong growth in rentals and property values for years to come. This is an opportunity that should not be missed, and as the Sydney-based partner for this alliance of companies, McCarthy Group is the first point of contact in terms of finding out how easy (and affordable) it can be for you to access this exceptional investment opportunity.
Sources:
Population and Residential Building Hotspots. Australia’s Fastest Growing Towns, Cities and Regions. Economics Group, Housing Association of Australia. March 2007
Midwood Queensland Investment Report, February 2007
CairnsWatch, Herron Todd White, Independent Property Advisors, September 2006
Weekend Australian Financial Review, 20-21 October 2007
KPMG Report, Bernard Salt, Anita Poppi. Media Release, 09/06/2005
