Beaudesert caters to both worlds

The Queensland suburb of Beaudesert was recently named in the highly coveted Smart Property Investment Fast 50 ranking for 2024, which launched last month.

The report and ranking combined the insights of a 14-strong investment expert panel and recent housing performance drawn from open-source data, and it aims to give unparalleled insight into the Australian suburbs that are set for future growth.

Nestled in South-East Queensland’s hinterland, Beaudesert has long been something of a well-kept secret for those eyeing more of a rural lifestyle but wary of being cut off from the big smoke.

Approximately 70 kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district and just under 60 kilometres to Surfers Paradise, the town is tucked into the Logan River and Albert River valleys and is surrounded by some of the best hiking, camping and rock climbing in the region, not to mention the pastoral calm nurtured by the nearby farming community.

Based on the data from CoreLogic, Beaudesert offers an entry into the market that is well below the median house price for both of the neighbouring metropolises, yet within easy commute of both.

The average home price in the bucolic setting goes for $500,000. By comparison, the median value for a house in Greater Brisbane as of April 2023 was $781,881, while the median Gold Coast abode will set you back $945,000.

And properties in the hinterland location have performed well over the past year, and consistently in general. Beaudesert’s median quarterly growth sits at 4.20 per cent, while its average annual growth comes in at 4.9 per cent. Over the past 12 months, however, the town has seen prices increase in value by 20.70 per cent. Investors can expect annual yields of roughly 4.3 per cent off the back of average rents that hover around $410 per week.

Currently, the town is home to just over 6,400 people, with population growth making modest but steady gains. With room to grow, the most significant developments in recent years have been the establishment of two new well-laid-out residential areas — Brayford Estate, two kilometres east of the town, and Tullamore Downs, four kilometres north.

Lately, it’s been proving popular to adventure lovers who are looking to base themselves at the gateway to the Scenic Rim’s spectacular scenery and nature-centric activities.

The centre of the Scenic Rim is dominated by the Flinders Peak Group and rugged mountainous terrain that forms the southern boundary with NSW. Hiking and climbing are popular pastimes in the area, as the region is home to Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain, McPherson Range, Main Range National Park, Mount Barney National Park and landforms including Cunninghams Gap and Fassifern Valley.

The peak at Mount French, part of Moogerah Peaks National Park, has become particularly attractive to climbers from all over the world who pursue a “traditional” method of the sport, operating without bolted climbing routes.

With such inspiring surrounds, it’s no wonder that the small town has become host to a large creative community. Beaudesert’s culture hub, called The Centre, draws in locals and visitors alike with art exhibitions and performances by acclaimed bands, singers and dance groups, as well as screenings of recent release films.

The Beaudesert Community Arts and Information Centre, in the north of the town, sells local arts, pottery and crafts.

Meanwhile, the Beaudesert Historical Museum is open daily in Jubilee Park, displaying local farming artefacts like vehicles, machinery and tools dating back more than 100 years, as well as preserving Pioneer Cottage, an authentic slab hut built in 1875.

The town is a great match for families, with two primary schools, two high schools and a range of aged-care facilities. A bustling main street caters to a host of daily needs, including shopping, dining and medical services.

To find out which other suburbs made the Fast 50 2024, click here.