ME reveals the top 20 suburbs for Australian property investors
After retreating during the early stages of the pandemic, it appears that investor interest in the property market has come roaring back. At least, that’s the picture painted by the latest home loan data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Lending figures from the ABS reveal that after dropping to a decade-low $4.2 billion in May 2020, new loan commitments made by investors have marched higher and higher in the year and a half since.
New borrowing reached $9.6 billion in September (the latest data available) suggesting that - unlike owner occupiers who have been backing away from new loans - investors may be less fazed by rising property prices. At least, for now.
And it’s with this backdrop of strong investor enthusiasm that ME Bank has released a new report which explores the best places in Australia for investors to buy.
Based on research conducted by planning and economics firm Ethos Urban, the report outlines the top 20 suburbs in the country for residential property investors to buy in, based on criteria such as population growth, rental yields, house and rental prices, transport infrastructure and the attractiveness of suburbs to renters.
So which areas came out on top? Woolloongabba, in Brisbane’s inner east, took out the number one spot, followed by fellow Sunshine State suburb Burleigh Heads in second and Sydney’s Five Dock in third.
Overall, suburbs in New South Wales accounted for 45% of the top 20 followed by those in Queensland which made up 25% of the list. Here’s the full rundown:
Australia’s top 20 best places to invest - ME
| Suburb | Primary dwelling type |
| 1. Woolloongabba (QLD) | Apartment |
| 2. Burleigh Heads (QLD) | Apartment |
| 3. Five Dock (NSW) | House |
| 4. North Melbourne (VIC) | Apartment |
| 5. Rozelle (NSW) | Townhouse |
| 6. Ellenbrook (WA) | House |
| 7. Parramatta (NSW) | Apartment |
| 8. Crows Nest (NSW) | Apartment |
| 9. Preston (VIC) | House |
| 10. South Melbourne (VIC) | Apartment |
| 11. Yanchep (WA) | House |
| 12. Waterloo (NSW) | Apartment |
| 13. Coffs Harbour (NSW) | House |
| 14. North Sydney (NSW) | Apartment |
| 15. Pyrmont (NSW) | Apartment |
| 16. Claremont (WA) | House |
| 17. Mermaid Beach (QLD) | Apartment |
| 18. Miami (QLD) | Apartment |
| 19. Concord (NSW) | House |
| 20. Fairfield (QLD) | House |
According to ME’s Consulting Demographer, Chris McNeil, one of the common themes that links the top performing suburbs as being potentially good areas for investors is new transport infrastructure.
“Woolloongabba, for example, is already serviced by two train stations and the new Cross City Rail Project will provide a new line running directly under the suburb, increasing connectivity and changing the way people use the area. This will only be bolstered in the coming years as Brisbane prepares its infrastructure for the 2032 Olympics,” he said.
“Add to this the exciting atmosphere in Logan Street, its rapid population growth and steady house price growth, it really does offer a unique opportunity for those looking to invest in the residential property market.”
McNeil also noted that while there were no suburbs in the ACT, Northern Territory, South Australia or Tasmania on the top 20 list, that was more of a reflection of some of the major infrastructure projects being developed in the other states and not due to a lack of investment options.
RELATED: Capital gains tax: A guide for property investors
Weighing up a property investment move of your own in the near future? While you’re researching great locations to buy in, don’t forget to take the time to find a home loan that suits your needs too.
Our investment loans comparison table makes it easy to compare interest rates, fees, features and more on a range of loans all in the one place. Or if you’re interested in getting started straight away, check out some of the great offers in the table below.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo
Promoted
-
Basic Home Loan
- Investment
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.36
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,108
No annual or application fees. Competitive rate tiers based on your LVR as well as interest only and split repayment options. Fast application and turnaround process. Secure online application.
- Interest rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.36
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Neat Home Loan
- Investor
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.24
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.26
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,075
- Interest rate
-
6.24
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.26
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Neat Home Loan
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2024
Unloan Variable
- Investment
- LVR <80%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,092
Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for investors. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Unloan Unloan Variable
-
Neat Home Loan
- Investor
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.24
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.26
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,075
- Interest rate
-
6.24
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.26
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Neat Home Loan
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2024
Unloan Variable
- Investment
- LVR <80%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,092
Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for investors. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Unloan Unloan Variable
-
Special Real Deal Home Loan
- LVR<80%
- Investment
- Principal & Interest
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,092
Investors enjoy no monthly or annual fees to pay. Flexibility to choose your repayment schedule (weekly, fortnightly or monthly). Make regular additional repayments and extra lump sum payments. Split your home loan into multiple loan accounts.
- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Newcastle Permanent Special Real Deal Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
- Investor
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.53
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,092
- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.53
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
- Fixed
- Investor
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.53
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,092
- Interest rate
-
6.29
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.53
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Investment
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.36
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,108
No annual or application fees. Competitive rate tiers based on your LVR as well as interest only and split repayment options. Fast application and turnaround process. Secure online application.
- Interest rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.36
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Investment
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.59
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,108
Up to 10 offsets. Competitive rate tiers and interest only repayment option. No application fee. Split loan option. Fast, secure online application. $248 annual fee.
- Interest rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.59
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Fixed
- Investment
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <70%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.55
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,177
Lock in repayments from 1 to 5 years. Competitive rate tiers depending on your LVR. No application or annual fee. Fast, secure online application.
- Interest rate
-
6.55
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Fixed
- Investment
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <70%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.55
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.65
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,177
- Interest rate
-
6.55
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.65
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
-
SMSF Home Loan
- LVR <70%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
6.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
7.00
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,323
Enjoy a competitive rate on your SMSF home loan with Loans.com.au. Available for refinancers only. No application fee and no settlement fee. No monthly, annual or ongoing fees. Unlimited extra repayments. Online access via Smart Money App. 30% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
7.00
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$720
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $50,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $2,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this loans.com.au SMSF Home Loan
-
SMSF Home Loan
- LVR <80%
Go to site- Interest rate
-
7.49
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
7.50
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,493
Enjoy a competitive rate on your SMSF home loan with Loans.com.au. Available for purchase and refinance. No application fee and no settlement fee. No monthly, annual or ongoing fees. Unlimited extra repayments. Online access via Smart Money App. 20% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
7.49
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
7.50
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$720
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $50,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $1,500,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this loans.com.au SMSF Home Loan
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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.
** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.
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