The Hunter is Australia's largest regional economy, valued at over $60 billion. Just a two-hour drive north of Sydney, the region’s lush vineyards, wildlife reserves and world-class restaurants help to attract more than two million visitors each year.
Exciting upcoming projects will add to diverse industries, including leading educational and medical facilities. Combined with housing affordability, the Hunter Region is alive with opportunities for investors.
The Hunter Region is surrounded by world-class beaches and waterways, including the Newcastle Baths.
Rapidly rising employment opportunities
The Hunter Region’s sustained economic growth is predicted to rise by nearly 75% by 2036.
The Hunter Region’s sustained economic growth is predicted to rise by nearly 75% by 2036. Currently, approximately 322,000 jobs stretch across industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, tourism, mining, agribusiness and a start-up sector supported by the NSW government. With new infrastructure in the works, the number of jobs are predicted to increase 19% by 2036.
Major infrastructure projects
The Hunter is an economic powerhouse with world-class infrastructure including the nearby University of Newcastle, the Newcastle Port (one of Australia's biggest ports) Newcastle Airport, the Hunter Valley Wine Region and Maitland’s power generation industry. Additional projects underway are:
- $1 billion Sydney-Newcastle rail upgrade.
- $763 million energy infrastructure upgrade in the NSW Hunter region has been approved.
- $780 million John Hunter Health Precinct redevelopment approved.
- $509 million Muswellbrook Coal Mine approved.
- $73 million Hunter Water Upgrade
Leading educational and research facilities include the University of Newcastle.
Key areas for population growth
587,165 people call the Hunter Region home and that’s set to increase significantly. The NSW government’s planning portal predicts growth in the key areas of Newcastle, Cessnock, Maitland and Lake Macquarie by 175,600 people over the next 25 years.
To support the population growth, around 40,000 new dwellings need to be built. Many areas within the Hunter remain affordable, for example in the suburb of Bellbird, the median house price is just $477,000. By comparison, the average median house price in the Sydney metro area is $1.3 million. The average rate of capital growth over the last ten years in the Hunter suburb of Bellbird was 6.6% p.a. Last year, the median rental yield there was 4.7% p.a. Growth suburbs on DPN’s investment radar include Bellbird, Cliftleigh, Farley, Lochinvar, Rutherford and Thornton.
The Hunter Region’s renowned wineries attract millions of tourists each year.
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Exceptional lifestyle perks
The Hunter Region offers both sea and tree change lifestyle opportunities. The coastline includes the pristine bays of Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie is one of the largest saltwater lakes in the country. The Barrington Tops National Park and Myall Lakes National Park provide stunning scenery for bushwalking, boating, swimming and picnicking.
In terms of arts, culture, food and shopping, the region’s wineries count among a diverse range of recreational options. Historic Maitland is a hub of art galleries and Newcastle brims with boutique bars and performing arts venues. Large shopping centres include Westfield Kotara, Charlestown Square and Stockland Greenhills.
With natural beauty on the doorstep of innovative entertainment, booming infrastructure, stable population growth and affordable housing, the Hunter Region ticks all the boxes for successful property investment.