Despite the impact of the “Rail Fail’’ crisis in disrupting the region’s train services, and concern about growing road gridlock, the Queensland capital has outranked Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Perth.

The Sustainable Cities Mobility Index, compiled by global design and consultancy firm Arcadis, puts Brisbane at number 48 overall in an assessment of 100 of the world’s growing centres.

“These results are very strong for Brisbane,’’ Dr Louisa Carter, Arcadis city executive for southeast Queensland, said.

“Brisbane is the lifestyle capital of Australia and we can now also boast we are also the sustainable transport capital.”

Dr Carter said the result made the city more competitive in attracting economic investment and knowledge workers.

The report, which looks at public transport, active travel such as cycling and road transport, rated Brisbane well on maintaining its quality of life.

And Dr Carter said we were on the threshold of “a one in a 100 year investment cycle” with projects including Cross River Rail, the Brisbane Metro network and European Train Control System to improve rail efficiency. “These are very exciting times,” she said.

The report added that Brisbane could learn from Amsterdam where the average commute had been cut to less than half an hour by prioritising cycling, creating capacity on trains and trams, and using tunnels for road and rail projects.

The index, which ranks each city on 23 measurements across social, environmental and economic indicators, said the use of public transport, cycling and walking was low by international standards.

Dr Carter said that might reflect commuter’s experiences but the best way to improve public transport was to use it more and attract more investment in it.

A lack of underground metro systems and dependence on private vehicles kept Australian cities around the middle of the rankings or lower, the report said.

Hong Kong was number one worldwide. The report said its “well-organised, modern and efficiently funded” metro system encouraged mobility, “creating economic opportunity and enriching the lives of citizens, businesses and tourists”.

It was followed by Zurich and Paris, with European cities dominating the top 20.

Image and original source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/study-finds-brisbane-has-australias-best-transport-system/news-story/cc63622bbaecfe6164b6e1418a6a5e8a

What is a ‘walk score’?

A ‘walk score’ or ‘walkability’, is the measurement of pedestrian access around a neighbourhood, essentially providing an understanding of how easy it is to get around on foot. On a scale of 1 to 100, ideally you’re looking for a location that is above 90 which indicates almost all errands can be done on foot.

Walkability indicates demand

A recent study in Seattle measured the effectiveness of walkability by measuring access to restaurants, schools, stores, transport and so on, and associating it with housing prices. Redfin data showed the median sale price of a home in the markets surveyed rose 0.9 percent, or $3,250 for a one-point increase in walkability between January 2014 and April 2016. The past has shown us that housing prices accelerate even more as the walk score gets closer to 100, implying high demand relative to supply for homes in high scoring city areas.

The closer the better

Most people are looking for a home that is in a convenient location, and being able to walk to work is an additional bonus for many, particularly young professionals. The old saying “location, location, location” has never been more true than it is today. As populations and locations become more dense, and people become more busy and strive for a convenient lifestyle at their fingertips, walkability is now a key priority for buyers.

Walk scores in Australia

Sydney takes the lead with walk scores in Australia, with 29 inner city suburbs exceeding a walk score of 90. Melbourne has a total of 12, and Brisbane is next with 5.

Sydney

• Haymarket – 99
• The Rocks – 98
• Sydney – 98
• Ultimo – 98
• Surry Hills – 97

Melbourne

• Carlton – 97
• Fitzroy – 96
• Fitzroy North – 93
• Melbourne – 93
• St Kilda – 93

Brisbane

• Brisbane – 95
• Fortitude Valley – 94
• Spring Hill – 92
• South Brisbane – 92
• Petrie Terrace – 91

Perth

• Northbridge – 95
• Perth – 89
• Highgate – 87
• East Perth – 87
• West Perth – 87

Adelaide

• Adelaide – 90
• Glenelg – 87
• Stepney – 86
• Norwood – 85
• North Adelaide – 83

Source: Real Estate, 2016, http://www.realestate.com.au/news/how-does-walkability-affect-house-prices/

To discuss how to leverage walkability through your investments, contact CPS Finance today.

Some of the city’s biggest infrastructure projects include the following:

• Sunshine Coast Airport. The airport in Maroochydore is currently undergoing a runway extension to the value of $347 million which will see the airport servicing larger aircrafts including Airbus 330s and Boeing 787s and 777s. Due for completion in 2020, commentators believe the airport upgrade could see an extra 500,000 visitors to the area by year 2040.
• Westin Hotel. Starwood announced their plan to open a $100 million Westin hotel in Coolum in 2021. Although still pending council approval, the reputable hotel is part of a $1 billion development and construction plan.
• New CBD. The Australian Financial review recently reported that the Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) plans to build a new $2.1 billion CBD, spanning over 53 hectares. The SCC stated the vision for the Maroochydore City Centre “represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to establish a new capital city for the Sunshine Coast.”
• Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Due for completion by the end of 2016, the new hospital may also call for a light rail network.

New Sunshine Coast CBD artist impression.

Source: The Sunshine Coast Council, 2016, https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Planning-and-Projects/Major-Regional-Projects/Maroochydore-City-Centre/Maroochydore-City-Centre-Vision

With these new developments, there is no denying that the Sunshine Coast is growing at a radical pace. The balance between increased population and brand new assets will mean it’ll be a strong contender for investors and homeowners alike. Now’s the time for investors to place their focus on the Sunshine Coast to reap the rewards in the future.

If you would like to discuss investment options available to you in the Sunshine Coast, contact CPS Finance today.

Whether a homeowner or a tenant, parents will tell you that it pays to live in the right school catchment zone. Not only will the catchment mean children are eligible to attend the school, it ultimately provides strong capital growth for the property, making it a fantastic strategic move for investors. Many investors have begun to purchase property near the top performing catchment zones to maximise their return.

Top 10 primary school catchment zones with highest price growth – national

Parramatta Public School – local prices up 56.6%
Ashbury Public School – local prices up 46.6%
Oatley Public School – local prices up 44.9%
Meadowbank Public School – local prices up 43.1%
Epping Public School – local prices up 41%
Glenfield Public School – local prices up 38.1%
Ryde Public School – local prices up 35.9%
Balmain Public School – local prices up 34.8%
Bicton Primary School (WA) – local prices up 34%
Pagewood Public School – local prices up 33.3%

Top 10 high school catchment zones with highest price growth – national

Strathfield Girls High School – local prices up 38.6%
Ryde Secondary College – local prices up 31%
Quakers Hill High School – local prices up 27.1%
Blakehurst High School – local prices up 25.7%
Cherrybrook Technology High School – local prices up 24.1%
McKinnon Secondary College (VIC) – local prices up 22.9%
Epping Boys High School – local prices up 22.9%
Alexandria Park Community School – local prices up 22.8%
Castle Hill High School – local prices up 22.1%
Model Farms High School – local prices up 21.7%

Source: Domain, 2015, http://domain-static.s3.amazonaws.com/pdf/Domain-School-Zones-capital-cities-July-2015.pdf

Like any property purchase, it is important to do adequate research and ensure the figures stack up before making any decisions. If you’re looking at a property on the boundary of a catchment, it’s essential to be certain of the catchment it is allocated to. It wouldn’t be unusual for different sides of the street to be allocated to different catchments. You can now access a Domain mobile app which will identify the correct catchment zone for your dedicated school.

Contact CPS Finance today to discuss your investment options.