While the spotlight is firmly fixed on the CBD markets, many regional property markets are quietly staging robust performance better than their inner city big brothers a new report has shown.
Many regional properties were more insulated during the GFC and now recording impressive growth such as those seen in Newcastle, Cairns and Darwin.
The Newcastle and Hunter Valley markets are currently seeing growth due to the increasing number of companies expanding and establishing their base in the regions according to Sean Fox, Knight Frank Newcastle director.
"One of the main drivers of this growth is the coal mining and export industry," said Fox. "Newcastle is one of the largest coal exports in the world but has suffered over the recent years with supply chain issues."
Fox noted that these are being addressed with rail track expansion and upgrades, mid-2010 completion of a new third coal loader by Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, the expansion of existing coal handling and loading facilities at a cost of $670 million by Port Waratah Coal Services and strategic planning to accommodate the long term delivery of coal from new mines.
Wagga Wagga is also showing a marked increase in commercial activity with enquiry levels from national retailers reaching historical highs.
"With a strong university population and enduring support from the government sector, in particular Defence, Wagga Wagga is something of a safe bet for companies in a roll out phase said Jill Toheey, principal, Knight Frank, Wagga Wagga.
Commercial activity in Cairns is also ramping up in reaction to the resource boom in Papua New Guinea. "The direct benefit for the Cairns market is that the resource sector are looking to relocate their staff to Cairns and the recipients of the mining royalties are looking to invest in the area," said Greg Wood, principal, Knight Frank Cairns.
