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West Mackay suburb profile

West Mackay is a charming suburb located just a few kilometers from the heart of Mackay, Queensland. Known for its lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The area is home to the beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure. West Mackay features a mix of traditional Queenslander homes and modern residences, catering to a diverse community. With its proximity to schools, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities, West Mackay is a popular choice for families and professionals alike.

West Mackay property market performance

Current median dwelling price$507,500Past 3 months

Property growth+32.5%Past 12 months

West Mackay's property market has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months. House values have surged by 19.4%, with the median house price now at $590,000. Meanwhile, unit values have skyrocketed by 45.5%, although the median unit price remains at $0, indicating limited data or sales in this category.

Sales activity has been robust, with 35 houses and 8 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are taking a median of 39 days to sell, while units are moving faster with a median of just 17 days on the market, suggesting strong demand for units despite the limited sales volume.

In the rental market, house rents have increased by 9.1% over the last 12 months, with an average rent of $600. Unit rents have remained stable, with no change over the same period, maintaining an average rent of $475.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$590KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
19.4%45.5%
Sold
Past 3 months
358
Median days on market
Past 12 months
3917
Average rent
Past 12 months
$600$475
Change in rent
Past 12 months
9.1%-1.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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West Mackay demographics

West Mackay, located in Queensland, is a suburb that offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of Mackay city. With a population of 6,536, it is a community that appeals to families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle. The median age of 42 suggests a mature population, with many residents likely to be established in their careers or enjoying the later stages of family life.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being owned outright (30.4%) or with a mortgage (34.0%). This indicates a stable community with a mix of long-term residents and newer homeowners. Additionally, 35.6% of the properties are rented, providing options for those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area.

Family dynamics in West Mackay are varied, with couple families with children making up 39.5% of the households, while couple families without children account for 42.7%. One-parent families represent 16.5% of the community, highlighting the suburb's inclusivity and support for diverse family structures. The median total household income of $1,696 per week reflects a comfortable standard of living, making West Mackay an attractive option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with access to the natural beauty and economic opportunities of the Mackay region.

West Mackay infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

West Mackay is benefiting from ongoing upgrades to essential health infrastructure, with the presence of Mackay Base Hospital contributing to higher local amenity and demand from both residents and medical professionals. The suburb offers easy access to major roads and public transport, supporting connectivity to the Mackay CBD and surrounding areas and enhancing the appeal for families and professionals alike.

Recent improvements and ongoing investment in nearby retail precincts and the Mackay Botanic Gardens are enhancing the area’s liveability. While no major new school or transport developments have been reported recently, West Mackay’s established local schools, parks, and proximity to core services help underpin strong property demand and steady price growth. At this time, there are no significant new infrastructure projects or council planning changes directly impacting the property market in West Mackay.

West Mackay rental market trends

The rental market in West Mackay has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 9.1% over the past year to $600 per week, while unit rents have remained stable at $475 per week. This stability in unit rents, combined with the rise in house rents, suggests a balanced market, making West Mackay an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking steady returns.

Suburbs near West Mackay

Some popular suburbs near West Mackay include:

How does West Mackay compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: West Mackay’s median house price is 5.4% higher than South Mackay’s.
  • Median unit prices: West Mackay’s median unit price is 26.5% higher than South Mackay’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in West Mackay have grown 2.4% higher than in Rural View.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in West Mackay have grown 10.0% higher than in South Mackay.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby South Mackay are selling 17.9% faster than in West Mackay.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in West Mackay are selling 22.7% faster than in South Mackay.

Common questions about West Mackay

  • Is West Mackay a nice place to live?

    West Mackay is a delightful suburb that offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment with the convenience of being close to the bustling city of Mackay. This charming area is known for its lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate a balance between suburban tranquility and urban amenities. The suburb is home to the beautiful Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, providing residents with a serene escape and ample opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure.

    Families will find West Mackay particularly appealing due to its proximity to schools, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities. The suburb's housing options cater to a diverse community, with a mix of traditional Queenslander homes and modern residences. This variety ensures that both long-term residents and newcomers can find a place that suits their needs. The community vibe is welcoming and inclusive, with a strong sense of stability and support for diverse family structures.

    While West Mackay offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. The suburb may not have the same level of nightlife or trendy dining options as more urban areas, but it compensates with a strong community feel and a quieter lifestyle. Safety is generally not a major concern, and the presence of the Mackay Base Hospital adds to the local amenities and appeal for medical professionals and families alike.

    Overall, West Mackay is a wonderful place to live for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the natural beauty and economic opportunities of the Mackay region. Its established local schools, parks, and proximity to core services make it a popular choice for families and professionals looking for a balanced and fulfilling way of life.

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  • Is it expensive to live in West Mackay?

    Living in West Mackay can be considered moderately expensive, especially when you look at the broader Queensland context. The current median house price in West Mackay is $590,000, which is relatively affordable compared to larger cities like Brisbane. However, given the average annual wage in the Mackay region is around $92,000, purchasing a home could still demand a significant portion of one's income.

    Renting in West Mackay is a bit more accessible, with the average rent for houses at $600 per week and units at $475 per week. When you compare this to the median total household income of $1,696 per week, renting takes up a substantial part of the budget but is still manageable for many households.

    Overall, while West Mackay offers a more affordable option compared to major urban centers, the cost of housing, whether buying or renting, is still a considerable factor to weigh. If you are thinking of living in West Mackay, it's essential to consider how these costs align with your financial situation and lifestyle preferences.

    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 West Mackay a good place to invest?

    West Mackay is showing promising signs as a potential investment hotspot, particularly with its impressive growth in property values over the past year. The suburb has seen a significant 19.4% increase in median house values, which indicates a strong demand for housing in the area. Even more striking is the 45.5% surge in median unit values, suggesting a rapidly growing interest in more affordable housing options, possibly driven by first-time buyers or investors seeking entry-level properties.

    While the rental market for houses in West Mackay has experienced a healthy 9.1% increase, the rental growth for units has remained flat. This could imply a current oversupply of rental units or a shift in tenant preferences towards houses. However, the substantial rise in unit values suggests that investors are still seeing potential in the unit market, possibly anticipating future rental demand or capital growth.

    Overall, West Mackay presents a dynamic investment landscape with its robust property value growth and evolving rental market. The suburb's potential for continued appreciation, especially in the unit sector, makes it an intriguing option for investors looking to capitalize on both capital gains and rental income. As always, keeping an eye on local developments and market trends will be key to making informed investment decisions in this promising suburb.

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Choose the right real estate agents in West Mackay

Currently, there are 53 real estate agents working in West Mackay—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 53 agents sold 36.5% of all properties in West Mackay over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in West Mackay typically charge a commission of 1% to 3.13%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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