Welcome back to another episode of Talk Property To Me! I'm your host, Brad East, and alongside my co-host Aaron Downie, we dive deep into the vibrant property market of Newcastle, exploring its historical evolution and future potential for investors.

In this episode, we discuss whether Newcastle is still a viable investment opportunity as we look ahead to 2025. We start by unpacking the historical context of Newcastle, which has transitioned from an industrial hub, known as the "Steel City," to a gentrified urban area with significant growth potential. We highlight the transformation of key areas like the Honeysuckle Precinct, which has evolved from a derelict industrial site to a thriving waterfront community.

We analyse the cyclical nature of Newcastle's property market, noting how past economic events, such as the GFC and COVID-19, have influenced buyer confidence and market dynamics. Despite recent high interest rates cooling the market, we observe that certain properties are still trading quickly, particularly in the sub-million dollar range, while others linger on the market longer.

As we look to the future, we discuss the impressive population growth forecast for Newcastle, projected at around 21% over the next two decades, which is above the New South Wales average. This growth is supported by substantial infrastructure investments, including upgrades to Newcastle Airport, the extension of the M1 motorway, and the development of a clean energy precinct at the Port of Newcastle. These projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy, making Newcastle an attractive place to live and invest.

We also touch on the ongoing redevelopment of the East End and Honeysuckle areas, which are becoming increasingly desirable for both residents and investors. With a focus on specific suburbs, we share our top recommendations for investment, including Lambton, New Lambton Heights, and Rankin Park, which are all positioned for significant growth due to their proximity to key amenities like hospitals and universities.

Throughout the episode, we emphasise the importance of understanding the nuances of the property market, including the need for situational awareness when selecting properties. We conclude by inviting listeners to reach out for personalised advice on navigating the Newcastle property landscape.

Join us as we explore the exciting opportunities that Newcastle has to offer for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply learn more about the market, this episode is packed with valuable insights and expert recommendations. Don't miss it!

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Newcastle's Property Market
• 00:00:24 - Historical Overview of Newcastle
• 00:01:01 - Transition from Industrial to Gentrified City
• 00:02:19 - Sustaining Growth in Newcastle
• 00:03:31 - Impact of Economic Events on the Market
• 00:04:03 - Revitalization of Waterfront Areas
• 00:05:21 - Post-COVID Market Dynamics
• 00:06:27 - Current Buyer's Market Analysis
• 00:07:23 - Future Market Predictions for 2025
• 00:09:13 - Population Growth and Infrastructure Investment
• 00:10:13 - Long-Term Population Forecast
• 00:11:50 - Major Infrastructure Developments
• 00:12:59 - Newcastle Airport Upgrades
• 00:13:43 - M1 Motorway Extension
• 00:14:52 - Port of Newcastle Developments
• 00:16:00 - John Hunter Hospital Investments
• 00:19:02 - University Expansion and Its Impact
• 00:20:13 - East End Redevelopment
• 00:22:43 - Top Suburbs for Investment
• 00:24:25 - Key Suburbs: New Lambton and Rankin Park
• 00:26:12 - Emerging Areas: Tighes Hill and Mayfield East
• 00:27:25 - Importance of Property Type and Strategy
• 00:28:15 - Future Topics and Conclusion

ABOUT THE HOSTS

BRAD EAST

Brad East is the Managing Director of Wisebuy Home Loans. Brad is an award-winning mortgage broker and has helped thousands of clients gain finance to purchase properties. Wisebuy Home Loans is the go-to mortgage brokerage for clients wanting out-of-the-box applications approved.

Website → https://wisebuygroup.com.au

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/newcastlemortgagebroker/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bradeast_mortgagebroker/

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/bradeastofficial

AARON DOWNIE

Joining the podcast in 2024, Aaron Downie is a seasoned property investor and director of Mackenzie Buyers Agency. Aaron's deep understanding of the property market and investment strategies provides listeners with invaluable insights.

Website: https://www.mackenziepropertygroup.com.au/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-downie-1b2749134/