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Ooralea suburb profile

Ooralea is a growing suburb located on the outskirts of Mackay, Queensland, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient amenities. Situated just a short drive from Mackay's city center, Ooralea offers residents a peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban conveniences. The suburb is home to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, providing a beautiful natural retreat for locals. Ooralea is also close to the Central Queensland University campus, making it a popular choice for students and academics. With its blend of modern housing developments and green spaces, Ooralea is an appealing destination for families and professionals alike.

Ooralea property market performance

Ooralea’s property market has shown robust growth in the housing sector over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 11.9%. The current median house price stands at $773,000. However, the unit market remains inactive, with no sales or value changes reported. This indicates a strong preference for houses in the area.

Sales activity for houses has been moderate, with 18 houses sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling quickly, with a median of just 14 days on the market, reflecting high demand and buyer interest.

In the rental market, house rents have seen a modest increase of 1.4%, with the average rent at $700. Units, despite no sales activity, have experienced a 3.6% rise in rent, averaging $570, suggesting some demand in the rental sector.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$725KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
11.8%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
17N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
14N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$730$570
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.5%3.6%

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, it is a community that balances family life with the benefits of living close to a regional city. The median age of 35 suggests a youthful yet mature population, likely comprising young families and professionals who appreciate the suburb's family-friendly environment and proximity to employment opportunities in Mackay.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a strong sense of ownership, with 31.6% of properties owned outright and 42% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable community with a significant number of long-term residents. The rental market, accounting for 26.4% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including newcomers and those transitioning into home ownership.

Family life is a prominent feature of Ooralea, with 47.4% of households being couple families with children, and 38.5% being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and couples enjoying a quieter lifestyle. The presence of one-parent families, making up 12.4% of households, adds to the suburb's diversity and community spirit. Overall, Ooralea offers a welcoming environment with a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Ooralea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Ooralea is benefiting from ongoing residential expansion, with nearby masterplanned estates such as Ooralea Waters adding new housing stock, modern streetscapes and improved parkland connections that enhance the suburb’s appeal to families and investors.[8] Its position on the southern approach to Mackay, close to major employment hubs and retail centres, supports steady buyer demand and underpins recent strong capital growth.[2][6]

Proximity to established education options in the wider Mackay area, along with easy access to key arterial roads, contributes to good connectivity for commuters and students, which is a drawcard for owner-occupiers and renters alike.[2][4] At present there are no widely publicised large-scale new transport or school projects within Ooralea itself, so property performance is being driven mainly by incremental residential development, regional infrastructure and the suburb’s convenient location.

Ooralea rental market trends

The rental market in Ooralea has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing by 1.4% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have risen 3.6% to $570 per week. This steady growth reflects a stable demand in the area, making Ooralea an attractive option for renters seeking affordability and convenience in Queensland.

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 9.0% higher than South Mackay’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby West Mackay have risen 3.9% more than in Ooralea over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Ooralea are selling 17.6% faster than in West Mackay.

Common questions about Ooralea

  • Is Ooralea a nice place to live?

    Ooralea is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, it is an ideal place for families seeking a serene environment without sacrificing convenience. The suburb's proximity to Mackay's city center ensures that residents have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while still enjoying the charm of a quieter lifestyle. The presence of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens provides a beautiful natural retreat, perfect for leisurely strolls and family outings.

    Families will find Ooralea particularly appealing due to its strong sense of community and the availability of modern housing developments. The suburb's welcoming vibe is enhanced by its diverse demographic, which includes young families, professionals, and students, thanks to its closeness to the Central Queensland University campus. Safety is generally not a concern, making it a reassuring choice for those with children. While Ooralea may not offer the bustling nightlife of a city center, its peaceful streets and green spaces more than compensate for those seeking a quieter, family-oriented lifestyle.

    One trade-off of living in Ooralea is the current lack of large-scale new transport or school projects within the suburb itself. However, the ongoing residential expansion and the suburb's strategic location on the southern approach to Mackay ensure that it remains a desirable place to live. The suburb's connectivity to major employment hubs and retail centers supports a steady demand for property, making it an attractive option for both owner-occupiers and investors. Overall, Ooralea is a charming suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to call home for families and individuals alike.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Ooralea?

    Living in Ooralea can be considered moderately expensive, especially when compared to other areas in Queensland. With a current median house price of $773,000, purchasing property in Ooralea requires a significant investment. However, it's important to note that there are no current median unit prices, which suggests limited availability or demand for units in the area.

    When it comes to renting, the average rent for houses is $700 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $570 per week. This is relatively high compared to the average wage in Ooralea, which is approximately $106,000 per year. In comparison, the median total household income weekly is $2,248, indicating that a significant portion of income would be allocated towards housing costs.

    Overall, while Ooralea offers a pleasant lifestyle with its suburban charm, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, might be a stretch for those earning the average wage. If you are thinking of living in Ooralea, it would be wise to carefully consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with residing in this area.

    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 suburb, particularly for those interested in the housing market. Over the past 12 months, the median house value in Ooralea has increased by an impressive 11.9%, indicating strong demand and potential for capital growth. This growth suggests that the suburb is becoming more desirable, possibly due to its appealing lifestyle or proximity to key amenities.

    While the median unit value has remained stable with no change over the last year, the rental market for units has seen a 3.6% increase, which could be attractive for investors seeking rental income. This suggests a steady demand for rental properties, particularly units, which might appeal to young professionals or students looking for affordable living options.

    Overall, Ooralea presents a balanced investment opportunity. The significant rise in house values points to strong capital growth potential, while the steady rental increases for units offer a reliable income stream. For investors looking for a mix of growth and income, Ooralea could be a suburb worth considering.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Ooralea

There are 39 real estate agents 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 33.8% 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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