LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
HEADING SOUTH: Investing Down Under
By: Carly Dolan
April 2014
From stately farms to vivacious vineyards to sparkling sea and sunshine, the Australian and New Zealand real estate markets offer a diverse and luxurious range of properties for investors and vacationers alike.
There are many reasons to invest in these southern lands. For one thing, there is the impressive stability of the property markets: Australia’s market has been one of the most consistent anywhere in the world over the past three decades, comfortably riding the financial crash. And for another, New Zealand boasts a blend of no capital gains tax and favourable exchange rates from US dollars, British pounds and euros.
We've headed down under, to the vast continent of Australia and the stunning islands of New Zealand, to find some of the best investment opportunities currently on the market in the southern hemisphere.
Te Rere Cove, Church Bay, New Zealand
This NZ $22 million (US $18 million) luxury waterfront estate on New Zealand’s internationally-acclaimed Waiheke Island encompasses 34 acres of prime land, including a six-acre vineyard that produces Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. The architecturally-designed plantation-style home won New Zealand’s ‘Master Builders Award’ for the best house in Auckland and Northland in 2012, and sits on the ridgeline to maximise views across the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland. Bayleys real estate agent Clive Lonergan says properties in Auckland have increased in price over the past 12 to 18 months by 13 per cent, and the market is still surging forward. “It may be possible to have a compound increase of up to 50 per cent in five years,” says Mr Lonergan. “And there is also the wine-making business to take into consideration, as wine consumption is now also increasing worldwide.” Find out more at bayleys.co.nz
Whitsunday, Queensland, Australia
If you’re heading to Australia for its world-famous beaches, then this AU $2.95 million (US $2.7 million) southern Whitsunday property is the perfect investment for your getaway. Their area offers endless recreational activities, and the property comes with a registered mooring, private pontoon and over-water decks – perfect for fishing. With a glittering constellation of tropical islands in the backyard, this property is all about the location. “This fertile coastal belt is one of Queensland’s most magnificent,” says Mackay Marina’s Deborah Griffiths, “making it the fastest growing in regional Queensland, promising excellent capital growth for unique properties such as this waterfront beauty.” The house is set on two titles, lending even greater options for investors, with potential for the adjoining block to be developed into two villas with shared recreational facilities. Deborah conservatively estimates the property’s rental value to be up to AU $1,600 per week. Email deborah.griffiths@mackaymarina.com to find out more
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