Good signs for valley

Real estate agent confident of growth in Lockyer in near future

INVESTORS from Queensland and across Australia are eyeing off property in the Lockyer Valley ahead of what could be strong property growth.

That’s according to Gatton real estate agent Sharyn Dorber, who said the region’s housing prices would benefit from a string of major commercial developments.

Supermarket giant Aldi announced early last year it would move into a new town centre proposal at Plainland Crossing, which looks set to be the Lockyer Valley’s next town.

Meanwhile, Lockyer Valley Foods has announced it is even closer to establishing a new cannery at Grantham.

Ms Dorber, who works at JLC Real Estate, said she was receiving more interest about land in the Lockyer from outside investors than three months ago.

“Out of the 50 inquiries I’ve had, the majority are business and commercial people,” she said. “The other quarter are families that are relocating.

“Given what’s happening in the Valley, they’re getting in literally before a boom.”

The Lockyer Valley has enjoyed some modest quarterly growth according to Realestateinvestar.com.au, with median house prices sitting at $345,000, up 1 per cent from three months ago.

But Ms Dorber said the commercial growth in shopping centres, childcare facilities and restaurants would draw people to live and invest.

“I believe the big franchises do not build massive brandnew outlets unless they’ve done their research,” she said.

‘‘ GIVEN WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE VALLEY, THEY’RE GETTING IN LITERALLY BEFORE A BOOM.

SHARYN DORBER

“I think we’ll see the establishment of the commercial infrastructure, which will bring the people.”