The inaugural Fast 50 report from Smart Property Investment has highlighted the top Australian suburbs geared for capital growth in 2012 — with New South Wales dominating the list.
Of the 50 suburbs featured, 18 were located in NSW, with regional centres such as Bathurst, Mudgee and Goulburn attracting a mention as well as several Western Sydney suburbs, including Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool and Seven Hills.
SQM Research director, and Fast 50 contributor Louis Christopher, expects that as a result of the region’s significant infrastructure plans, dwelling prices in Western Sydney will grow between 5.1 and 8.1 per cent, over a five year period, compared to the greater Sydney forecast of 2.3 to 5.3 per cent.
Pyrmont, on the edge of the CBD, and Neutral Bay, located on the lower North Shore, were also highlighted for investment potential.
Outside of NSW, resource towns in Queensland and Western Australia also made up a large proportion of the report. Queensland accounted for 11 suburbs and Western Australia 10.
Meanwhile, Victoria registered four suburbs, South Australia six and ACT one. Tasmania and the Northern Territory did not have any suburbs included in this year’s report.
Editor of Smart Property Investment Phillip Tarrant said the 2012 Fast 50 proves there are still plenty of opportunities for astute property investors.
“We’re moving into a new era for property in Australia and investors will need to do their homework and buy strategically in order to secure the best returns,” he said
The Fast 50 hotspots were selected based ona range of metrics including population growth, demand for housing, income levels, employment, vacancy rates, previous capital growth and current gross rental yields.
