Applethorpe QLD Property Investment
Southern Downs · 4378 · Score: 54/100 · Hold
Applethorpe Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Market
Applethorpe QLD Investment Brief
HOLD — 2.8% gross yield on a $494,000 (pending peer validation) median.
THE MARKET
Applethorpe has compounded at 0.7%/yr over 5 years. Median sits in the $494,000 (pending peer validation) band today. Properties are sitting on market for 45 days (roughly balanced conditions).
- Median house: $494,000 (pending peer validation) | Units: $0
- Gross yield: 2.8% | Net yield: 1.3%
- 5yr price CAGR: 0.7%/yr | 3yr forecast: 0.7%/yr
- Population: 571 | Owner-occupier rate: 76% | Affluence: Below Average
- Supply pipeline: Moderate — Development activity consistent with long-term averages
RENTAL SNAPSHOT
- Vacancy: 3.0% (stable) | Rental demand: Moderate
- Median weekly rent: $265/wk | Days on market: 45 (stable)
- Tenant market — vacancy elevated, negotiate hard on rent.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL
- Median nightly rate: $503/night | Occupancy: 44%
- Estimated annual STR gross: ~$80,791/yr
- vs long-term rent: $13,780/yr (+486% STR premium — factor in higher management costs)
INFRASTRUCTURE & CATALYSTS
- No major confirmed infrastructure projects on record.
- Transport: The Summit station 4.9km away
BULL CASE
If Applethorpe maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 2.1%, median prices could reach $568,100 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.
BEAR CASE
A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Applethorpe pull back 10-15% from $494,000, with vacancy rising to 5.0% and rental yields softening as tenants gain leverage.
KEY RISKS
- Distance from CBD may limit long-term capital growth potential
COMPARABLE MARKETS
- Russell Island (QLD): $539,944 median, 4.3% yield, 22.0% 1yr growth
- Macleay Island (QLD): $617,941 median, 4.1% yield, 26.8% 1yr growth
- Burnside (QLD): $471,000 median, 4.9% yield, 9.6% 1yr growth
THE PLAY
Applethorpe offers balanced fundamentals but does not present an urgent buying signal. The market is in a recovery phase with moderate vacancy risk. Monitor vacancy trends and price movements over the next 6-12 months. Only enter if a property can be acquired at or below median pricing with yields exceeding 4.0%.
- Entry range: $444,600 – $543,400
- Minimum gross yield to target: 4.5%
- Watch signal: vacancy dropping below 2% and days on market falling below 35
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.
Gentrification Index
Growth Forecast
high confidenceBasis: 5yr CAGR 0.7% + 10yr CAGR 4.5%
- +Above-average population growth (2.2%/yr)
- −High supply pipeline (806 new approvals) — may cap price growth
Suburb Metric Thresholds
Macro Environment
Macro Indicators
Cash Rate
4.35%
▲ 0.25%Cash rate as at 2026-05-06 · Credit data 2026-04
Suburb Supply & Demand
Suburb Supply Pipeline — New Dwelling Approvals
86
2020
186
2021
210
2022
139
2023
185
2025
New dwelling approvals — higher numbers mean more future supply
Socio-Economic Profile
Source: ABS Census 2021SEIFA Index · Postcode 4378
Decile 3 of 10 — High disadvantage
Population
571
Education (IEO)
3/10
Econ. Resources (IER)
5/10
10-Year Investment Projection
Modelled on Applethorpe QLD data — rent, capital growth, tax, and depreciation over 10 years.
Pre-filled: $265/wk median rent for Applethorpe. Capital growth and rent increase are editable assumptions.
Schools
In your catchment
These are the government-school zones containing this suburb centroid. Specific addresses within the suburb may fall in different catchments — confirm with the school directly.
Nearby Suburbs
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Analyse a Property →Data sourced from ABS, state government property sales, and Airbnb market analytics. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.