Just over an hour west of Brisbane and adjacent to Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley is rapidly emerging as one of South East Queensland’s most promising regions for property development. Known as “Australia’s Salad Bowl” for its rich agricultural heritage, the region is now experiencing significant growth in population, infrastructure, and housing demand, making it an attractive destination for developers, investors, and landowners.
As of June 2024, the Lockyer Valley's population reached 45,054, marking a 2.75% increase from the previous year—surpassing the South East Queensland average of 2.59%. Projections estimate the population will exceed 63,000 by 2031, highlighting the region'srapid growth trajectory.
This population surge is driving demand for diverse housing options, from affordable family homes to lifestyle acreage properties. In 2023, the region approved over 1,000 new dwellings, with more than 900 lots approved and nearly 300 lots sealed, indicating a robust pipeline of residential development.
The Lockyer Valley's economy is flourishing,with a Gross Regional Product (GRP) estimated at $2.35 billion, representing0.45% of Queensland's Gross State Product. The region's economic profile is bolstered bysignificant infrastructure projects, including:
These developments not only stimulate the local economy but also enhance the region's appeal for residential and commercial investments.
The Lockyer Valley offers a compelling housing market, characterized by affordability and significant growth potential. As of mid-2023, the median house price stood at $540,000, with certain areas like Laidley experiencing a 105.6% increase over five years.
Rental demand is also on the rise, with median rents for four-bedroom homes reaching $550 per week, reflecting a 9.8% annual growth. This combination of rising property values and rental yields presents lucrative opportunities for developers and investors alike.
Situated strategically between Brisbane and Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley benefits from excellent connectivity via the Warrego Highway. The region's accessibility is further improved by ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Inland Rail and local road upgrades, facilitating efficient transport and logistics.
The presence of the University of Queensland's Gatton Campus adds to the region's appeal, offering world-class education inveterinary and agricultural sciences. This educational hub attracts students and professionals, contributing to the local economy and housing demand.
The Lockyer Valley Regional Council's proactiv eapproach to development is evident in the new Planning Scheme implemented in July 2024. This scheme provides clear guidelines and opportunities for sustainable growth, encouraging investment in residential, commercial, andindustrial projects.
The council's commitment to facilitating development ensures a supportive environment for landowners and developers, streamlining the approval process and fostering economic expansion.
Note: All data and projections are based on the latest available information as of June 2024. We welcome an indepth strategic conversation about your potential development opportunities including market analysis and project feasibility.
