Mackay South QLD Property Investment
Mackay · 4740 · Score: 52/100 · Hold
Mackay South Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Market
Mackay South QLD Investment Brief
HOLD — 3.5% gross yield on a N/A median.
THE MARKET
Mackay South has compounded at 0.8%/yr over 5 years. Median sits in the N/A band today. Properties are sitting on market for 45 days (roughly balanced conditions).
- Median house: N/A | Units: $0
- Gross yield: 3.5% | Net yield: 2.0%
- 5yr price CAGR: 0.8%/yr | 3yr forecast: 0.7%/yr
- Population: 85,500 | Owner-occupier rate: 64% | Affluence: Above Average
- Supply pipeline: Moderate — Development activity consistent with long-term averages
RENTAL SNAPSHOT
- Vacancy: 3.0% (stable) | Rental demand: Moderate
- Median weekly rent: $560/wk | Days on market: 45 (stable)
- Tenant market — vacancy elevated, negotiate hard on rent.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL
- Median nightly rate: $390/night | Occupancy: 44%
- Estimated annual STR gross: ~$62,573/yr
- vs long-term rent: $29,120/yr (+115% STR premium — factor in higher management costs)
INFRASTRUCTURE & CATALYSTS
- Bruce Highway Upgrade Program (under_construction)
- Transport: Mackay station 2.4km away
BULL CASE
If Mackay South maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 2.1%, median prices could reach $920,000 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.
BEAR CASE
A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Mackay South pull back 10-15% from $800,000, 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
- - Flood risk: MODERATE (qld_elevation_proxy) — part of the suburb sits near waterways or in a mapped flood-prone area
THE PLAY
Mackay South 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: N/A – N/A
- 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 0.8% + 10yr CAGR 2.0%
- −High supply pipeline (2359 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
350
2020
667
2021
468
2022
324
2023
550
2025
New dwelling approvals — higher numbers mean more future supply
Socio-Economic Profile
Source: ABS Census 2021SEIFA Index · Postcode 4740
Decile 5 of 10 — Average
Population
85,500
Education (IEO)
3/10
Econ. Resources (IER)
5/10
10-Year Investment Projection
Modelled on Mackay South QLD data — rent, capital growth, tax, and depreciation over 10 years.
Pre-filled: $560/wk median rent for Mackay South. 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.