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Ooralea suburb profile

Ooralea is a growing suburb located in the southern part of Mackay, Queensland, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and modern amenities. It offers a mix of residential developments and green spaces, making it an attractive option for families and professionals. The suburb is home to the Mackay Regional Sports Precinct, providing excellent recreational facilities for residents. Ooralea is conveniently situated near the Central Queensland University campus and the Mackay Base Hospital, enhancing its appeal for students and healthcare professionals. With easy access to shopping centers and transport links, Ooralea combines suburban comfort with urban convenience.

Ooralea property market performance

Ooralea's property market has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months, particularly in the housing sector. House values have surged by 23.3%, with the current median house price reaching $741,000. In contrast, the unit market has remained stagnant, with no change in median unit value and minimal sales activity, as only one unit was sold in the past year.

The housing market in Ooralea is quite active, with 23 houses sold over the last 12 months and a median of just 18 days on the market, indicating strong demand. The unit market, however, shows little activity, reflecting a lack of available units or demand.

Rental prices in Ooralea have seen moderate increases, with house rents rising by 3.0% and unit rents by 10.0% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $680, while units average $550, suggesting a stronger demand for rental units despite the limited sales activity.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$770KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
22.4%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
181
Median days on market
Past 12 months
17N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$680$550
Change in rent
Past 12 months
0.7%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Ooralea demographics

Ooralea, a suburb in the Mackay region of Queensland, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. With a population of 3,691 and a median age of 35, Ooralea is a community that appeals to both young families and professionals. The suburb's proximity to Mackay's central business district makes it an attractive location for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.

The suburb is characterized by a strong family presence, with 47.4% of households being couple families with children, and 38.5% being couple families without children. This family-oriented environment is complemented by a relatively high median household income of $2,248 per week, indicating a comfortable standard of living for its residents. The presence of one-parent families, making up 12.4% of the community, adds to the suburb's diverse family dynamics.

In terms of housing, Ooralea offers a mix of ownership options. A significant portion of properties, 31.6%, are owned outright, while 42.0% are owned with a mortgage, reflecting a stable housing market with opportunities for both new buyers and long-term residents. The rental market, comprising 26.4% of properties, provides flexibility for those not yet ready to commit to homeownership. Overall, Ooralea's combination of family-friendly living, economic stability, and housing diversity makes it a desirable place to call home in the Mackay region.

Ooralea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Ooralea is benefiting from ongoing suburban development, with Mackay Regional Council anticipating further residential growth in the area. The presence of Central Queensland University's Mackay campus and the Ooralea Shopping Centre enhances access to education and retail amenities, adding to the suburb’s appeal for families and investors. Proximity to the Paget Industrial Hub supports strong local employment opportunities, further underpinning demand for property in Ooralea.

There are currently no major announcements regarding new transport infrastructure or significant school upgrades within Ooralea, but the suburb remains well-connected via the Bruce and Peak Downs Highways and enjoys convenient access to major arterial routes. Recent trends show consistent property price growth, driven by its family-friendly environment, accessibility to jobs, and absence of flood risk. At this time, no significant council planning changes or large infrastructure projects have been publicly announced that would markedly alter the local market outlook.

Ooralea rental market trends

The rental market in Ooralea has shown moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 3% over the past year to $680 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 10% to $550 per week. This growth reflects a steady demand for rental properties in the area, making Ooralea an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking stable returns.

Suburbs near Ooralea

Some popular suburbs near Ooralea include:

How does Ooralea compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Ooralea’s median house price is 30.7% higher than West Mackay’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Ooralea have grown 1.9% higher than in North Mackay.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Ooralea are selling 56.4% faster than in West Mackay.

Common questions about Ooralea

  • Is Ooralea a nice place to live?

    Ooralea is a delightful suburb that offers a charming blend of suburban tranquility and modern convenience, making it a lovely place to live. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and strong community spirit, Ooralea is particularly appealing to families and professionals who appreciate a balanced lifestyle. The suburb boasts a variety of amenities, including parks and recreational facilities, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Its proximity to the Mackay Regional Sports Precinct ensures that residents have access to excellent sports and fitness options.

    For families, Ooralea is a welcoming environment with a range of housing options that cater to different needs, from spacious family homes to more compact residences. The suburb's location near educational institutions and healthcare facilities, such as the Central Queensland University campus and Mackay Base Hospital, adds to its appeal for students and healthcare professionals. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's family-friendly vibe.

    While Ooralea offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The suburb lacks the bustling nightlife and cultural attractions found in larger urban centers, which might be a consideration for those seeking a more vibrant social scene. However, the convenience of nearby shopping centers and transport links ensures that residents can easily access the amenities they need. Overall, Ooralea is a wonderful choice for those seeking a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle with the added benefit of urban conveniences close at hand.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Ooralea?

    Living in Ooralea can be considered moderately expensive, particularly when compared to the broader Queensland area. The median house price in Ooralea is currently $741,000, which is a significant investment. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is $680 per week, while units, though not currently available, have an average rent of $550 per week when they are on the market.

    When we look at the income side of things, the median total household income in Ooralea is $2,248 per week. This is higher than the Queensland state average wage of approximately $83,000 per year, which translates to about $1,596 per week. This suggests that households in Ooralea generally earn more than the average Queensland household, which can help offset the higher property prices and rental costs.

    Overall, while Ooralea does have higher housing costs, the relatively high household income in the area helps balance the cost of living. If you're thinking of living in Ooralea, it's important to consider how these costs align with your financial situation, especially if you are planning to buy a house in this suburb.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Ooralea a good place to invest?

    Ooralea is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot, especially for those interested in the housing market. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a significant 23.3% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This surge suggests that Ooralea is becoming increasingly attractive to buyers, possibly due to its appealing lifestyle or proximity to key amenities.

    While the median unit values have remained stable with no change over the past year, the rental market for units has seen a notable 10% increase. This suggests a growing demand for rental properties, which could be appealing for investors looking for steady rental income. The rental market for houses has also seen a modest increase of 3%, further supporting the suburb's potential for generating rental returns.

    Overall, Ooralea presents a compelling case for investment, particularly in the housing sector. The significant rise in house values combined with the strong rental growth for units highlights the suburb's potential for both capital appreciation and rental income. For investors seeking a balanced opportunity with growth potential, Ooralea is certainly worth considering.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Ooralea

There are 37 real estate agents working in Ooralea, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 45.8% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Ooralea typically range from 1% to 3.13%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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