Its skyrocketing population, thriving economy and idyllic lifestyle make it a red hot target for investors. But what exactly is Macarthur and what makes it so attractive?
The Macarthur region isn’t the most well known area for investors. It doesn’t have the cosmopolitan flair of Newcastle, nor the coastal appeal of Wollongong. Or the razzle-dazzle of the Gold Coast. It’s not a city. Most people would have trouble defining exactly where its boundaries lie.
Nonetheless, the Macarthur region has been quietly growing and flourishing under the radar. In fact it’s predicted to have 600,000 people by 2036 and expected to have a greater population than Wollongong or the Sunshine Coast.
Its skyrocketing population, thriving economy and idyllic lifestyle make it a red hot target for investors. But what exactly is Macarthur and what makes it so attractive?
Macarthur covers a large area of Sydney’s south west, and it has been described as where Sydney meets the countryside. Its main centres are Campbelltown, Camden, the growing town of Picton and greenfield CBD New Wilton Town. The Wollondilly Shire makes up the largest part of the region and is a predominantly rural area with the Warragamba Dam sitting along its western border. Macarthur is a region of rolling green hills, pastoral grasslands with deep rural history.
So why is Macarthur a prime investment target?
Macarthur has been described as where Sydney meets the countryside.
Construction of the $10bn Western Sydney International Airport is entering its final construction phase and is estimated to begin operation in 2026. Offering 24hr operation for transport and cargo it is set to supercharge the local Western Sydney economy. Located in the new suburb of Bradfield, it will offer a hub for both retail and commercial activity.
Bordering the airport will be the newly created Bradfield City Centre, located within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis industry precinct which will contain 60 hectares of land earmarked for development including:
Access to Bradfield City Centre and the wider Western Sydney will be greatly improved by the major arterial roadway under planning, the M9 Motorway, which will provide fast travel from south to north of the region.
Creation of new greenfield city 'Wilton New Town' is underway, located next to the Hume Motorway and 8 min from Picton. The town centre will provide employment including retail and commercial opportunities, It will be home to 15,000 people and support 15,000 new jobs.
Macarthur has excellent capital growth, with house prices surging as its population increases. Burgeoning areas such as the suburb of Tahmoor has seen its house prices experience 11.0% growth per annum over the last 3 years. Equally rental yield is on a positive trajectory, with its houses having a median rental of around $480 per week yet still affordable for residents.
Total returns over the last 5 years for Tahmoor when combining its capital growth and rental yield has provided a strong 7.7% p.a.
The Macarthur region ticks all the boxes that we frequently set out for potential investment areas. It has strong property demand from a booming population, limited land availability, good rental yields and heavy planned investment in infrastructure causing strong capital growth.