Selling points: Heavily positively geared investment returns of up to 12% and 13%, with the added bonus of steady 8-10% capital growth per annum on top of your rental return profit, makes it one of the most attractive investment regions in Australia.
Port Hedland’s strategically-located export port makes it a vital artery for Australia’s exports (predominantly iron ore) and for its economy as a whole. This is why it is different from other mining areas within Australia that may be showing similar returns. The port gives security and confidence to property investors that the resource and mining projects are continuing here long term and the region is not just a mining boom area.
Most sought after properties: As our supply of available housing is extremely low, with vacancy rates below 1%, demand for all sales and rental housing is high.
New four by two or five by two houses are rare in the current market and always attract a premium rental price from executive tenants, while increasing in value especially well upon re-sale.
As with most suburbs around Australia, having a nice double garage with a bit of yard and high standard of finish in the building is always received well.
Most common properties: The suburb is predominantly filled with mid ‘70s and mid ‘80s brick veneer properties; a mixture of standard condition and partially to fully renovated versions with extras or pools added.
These are predominantly selling around the $799,000 to $840,000 range (with pools for around $900,000 plus), with a rental achievability of between $1,850 to $2,000 per week ($2,150 with pools).
Top amenities: Recently South Hedland has had around $380 million spent on it to re-develop the town’s amenities as part of the state government’s plan to expand the town by an additional 30,000 people in the next 10 to 12 years. The last 18 months have seen a brand new hospital built, which is the largest in the Pilbara region; a $35 Million state of the art recreational centre; community water park; and an upgrade of the youth centres and TAFE colleges to come. This is part of a plan to turn South Hedland into a Pilbara city of the North, which has support from the state government, Royalty for Regions programs and major resources companies such as BHP and Rio Tinto.
Local industry and business: The main industry driving the property market is the resources sector, mainly focused around iron ore, with Port Hedland’s port being the largest export port in Australia. Once BHP construct and build their outer harbour expansion between 2013 and 2025, it will be the largest export tonnage port in the world. There are major operations in the works from BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG and Hancock Prospecting, to name a few. Further to iron ore, the area has salt exports, magnesium and copper, and an industrial tourism industry, which is expanding with growing interest from South East Asia. There are also 300 to 400 mid-level company employers based in the town.
Recent changes: As per the above information, there has been an injection of change and development in the last two years.
Best streets: The most executive streets in the suburb are Cockatoo Court, Arabella Street, Mystery Court, Stanley and Kennedy Street new estates, Daylesford Close and many more. New developments are seeing other areas upgrade their status quickly.
Public transport: Local public transport is mostly non-existent, with people having their own cars, due to the proximity of amenities and services to housing.
Main arteries: Main entry points in and out of South Hedland include the Great Northern Highway, which enters into South Hedland, then continues on towards Port Hedland and main roads through to Broome as well.