Port Stephens: more than a sea change
When you think of Port Stephens it’s likely you’ll picture its pristine waters, national parks, dolphins, water sports and whale watching cruises. It’s the perfect spot to holiday, retire or enjoy a day trip. Why stop there? The Port Stephens Council has prioritised adequate supply of new housing for its anticipated growth which also makes it a great place for property development.
With land prices at a premium in Newcastle, Port Stephens is less than an hour up the road and has some great locations for multi unit investment property. But the exciting news is that the options for property development extend well beyond Nelson Bay!
A Vision for the Region
Councils from Newcastle and Port Stephens all the way up to the Midcoast are preparing for population growth. The Hunter Regional Plan 2041 focuses on ‘making great places with more everyday uses close to home, supported by the right sequencing of development and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth.’ All of NSW local government councils were required to develop a local strategic planning statement (LSPS) setting out the 20-year vision for land use in their local area, including the special character and values that are to be preserved, and how change will be managed into the future.
Of particular interest to investors and construction companies are these two key points of the plan:
- A focus on 15-minute mixed-use neighbourhoods.
- A preference for infill development rather than greenfield development, where we plan for housing densities that align with how a neighbourhood functions and the type of public transport available, and establish flexible land uses to allow communities to evolve.
The 15-minute mixed use neighbourhoods are designed to be convenient locations for living and investing where a mix of things can happen closer to your home so that everyday needs like schools, shops, cafes and businesses could be only 15 minutes away with a walk or bike ride, or by car in more rural areas. The Port Stephens Council recognises that infill housing creates more compact neighbourhoods and supports local businesses. It also contributes to the sustainability of the area by helping reduce the urban sprawl. Reassuringly for investors, construction companies and home builders, Port Stephens Council has made amendments to developing controls and monitoring of supply to increase the proportion of infill housing.
Port Stephens attracts not only those seeking a sea or tree-change but also ‘regional returners’, those that grew up in the area. Knowing that it’s also perfect for future residents looking for more affordable housing suited to their needs and their budget, the savvy builder would be wise to keep an eye open for property development opportunities in the Port Stephens area, including smaller places like Tea Gardens. Port Stephens Council infill housing study identified the areas offering the most infill housing opportunities were: Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Corlette. Other possibilities for selected types of infill housing were Anna Bay, the Tilligerry Peninsula, Karuah and Medowie.
Also of interest to home builders, Port Stephens Council have identified many blocks of land in Raymond Terrace that have potential to provide additional small-scale housing development such as duplex, triplex and dual occupancy. Construction companies will be happy to hear that the Council has been reaching out to landowners in Raymond Terrace to promote the potential for additional residential development.
More opportunities even further afield
Offering the best of both the beach and the bush Myall Lakes is great in any season – milder in Spring, long beach days in Summer and winter means less tourists and more wildlife, with 40 kilometers of unspoilt beaches along the coastline.
The Myall Lakes Waterway is the largest freshwater lake system on the eastern seaboard of Australia, perfect for canoeing and kayaking, boating and fishing. It’s also home to the tallest tree in NSW, a flooded gum known as ‘the Grandis’ (after its botanical name, Eucalyptus grandis).
But don’t be fooled into thinking this area is exclusively for the tourists! There are plenty of vibrant towns and villages within this Midcoast area that are benefitting from the emerging job opportunities in the health, agriculture, tourism, defence, energy and transport sectors. As a result, there’s a growing need for housing and great opportunities for property development.
A commutable 96 kilometers north-east of Newcastle, the inland township Bulahdelah is the western access to the Myall Lakes. This bypassed highway service town has had to search for a new identity and another potential location for property development.
For those ready to take advantage of land releases and property development opportunities in Port Stephens and the Myall Lakes area, you’ll be pleased to know that Valley Homes is already building in these areas and familiar with all the local council regulations.
Whether you have a duplex or multi unit development in mind, Valley Homes is the home builder to help you make your investment property dream a reality. So start exploring!
You bring the vision and we’ll build it
So on this note of optimism, we hope our ideas bring you the inspiration to make 2023 the year to fulfill your property dreams. Whether it’s to build a new home or an investment development, call the team at Valley Homes – we’re here to help make it happen.