Queensland 2015 predictions: Raine & Horne's top areas to watch

Everyone is keen to know how the property markets will fare over 2015, but it seems that Queensland is on many investors' radars.

Raine & Horne real estate agents have shared their predictions of where the best areas of the state may be.

General manager Queensland, Steve Worrad, said that market conditions are improving in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, however noted that the "smart money" is looking further afield.

"Major hubs such as Toowoomba are set to benefit from major infrastructure improvements, while smaller centres such as Woodford and Kingaroy will enjoy the benefits of factors such as lower interest rates and the breaking drought," he said.

"Once we get past the Queensland election, which was called by the Premier this afternoon for 31 January, homeowners and investors considering the sale of a regional property in Queensland can expect excellent selling conditions in 2015," said Worrad.

Toowoomba
Source: Andrew Lynch (principal, Raine & Horne Toowopomba)

Expectation:

• Growth from 5% to 8% over the year
• Major driver: The recent launch of the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport is likely to have a positive impact on the economy and real estate, being a first for Toowoomba.

Signs of change:

• Large number of commercial developments have attracted enquiries from businesses considering relocating from Brisbane due to the airport.

Features of the town:

• Multi-industry town with strong service and healthcare businesses, plus a robust agricultural sector.
• Strong education hub that is also a big employer for local people.

Suburbs to consider:

• Charlton, which isn't far from the airport.
• Rangeville and Centenary Heights – both tightly-held owner occupier suburbs on the eastern side priced around $400,000. Currently in strong demand.
• Darling Heights and other west side areas close to USQ, which are already popular with yield chasing investors. There are some new developments in the area.

Moreton Bay
Source: Jill Garth (principal, Raine & Horne Woodford)

Major driver:

• Demographic shift in the area
• Low interest rates
• Has hit the bottom of the cycle with only a positive outlook available

Signs of change:

• First time buyers are re-emerging in the area, potentially due to lower interest rates
• Higher number of investors have already been seen

Investment features:

• High yields available in excess of 6%.

South Burnett region
Source: John Allery (co-principal, Raine & Horne Kingaroy)

Expectation:

• Up to 5% growth over the year

Major driver:

• Increase in rainfall has been good for the agricultural area.

Features of the town:

• A number of piggeries and grain producers.
• Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factor employs 500 people and is one of Australia's most significant pork abattoirs
• Famous for peanuts.
• 2.5 hours north west of Brisbane
• Stanwell Power Station employs 450 locals

Investment features:

• Due to the 2014 drought, real estate is currently affordable in the area
• A number of entry-level homes sub-$200,000
• Currently a buyer's market