Riley Neaton
26 Chatterton Boulevard, Gracemere, Qld 4702
Offers over $689,000
4 2 2
Open Saturday 14 November 1:15 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Gracemere — Darumbal Country
Gracemere was the site of the first major settlement in the Rockhampton district, established by the Archer brothers as a pastoral run. It evolved from a rural outpost into a vital rail and transport link for the Central Queensland cattle industry.
Today, it is a rapidly expanding residential satellite town characterized by modern housing estates and a demographic of young families and industrial workers.
Overall Score
7
A solid regional performer with high yields and strong capital growth prospects.
Name Origin
Named after the Archer brothers' pastoral run, 'Gracemere', established in 1855.
Established
Gazetted 1850s
Cattle Hub
Home to the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange, one of Australia's largest saleyards.
Connectivity
Strategically located on the Capricorn Highway and the Central Western railway line.
Water History
Named after the lake (Mere) on the property and Grace, the wife of Thomas Archer.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
8
Strong upward pressure due to low stock levels and regional infrastructure projects.
Amenity
6
Good local shopping and essentials, but relies on Rockhampton for major services.
Schools
6
Adequate local primary options; secondary students typically commute to Rockhampton.
Transport
5
Highly car-dependent with limited public transport frequency to the CBD.
Risk Profile
5
Moderate risk due to localized flooding and regional weather events.
Liveability
7
Attractive for families seeking large blocks and modern homes at lower price points.
Demographics
7
Dominated by young families and workers in the mining and agricultural sectors.
Rental Demand
9
Extremely tight vacancy rates driven by a lack of new supply and regional job growth.
Growth Potential
8
Significant upside from the Rockhampton Ring Road and renewable energy projects.
Affordability
9
One of the most accessible markets in Queensland for detached housing.
Crime & Safety
6
Generally safe, though some localized property crime is reported in newer estates.
Walkability
4
Low walkability; most errands require a vehicle.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$545,000
Projected March 2026
Annual Growth
11.2%
Past 12 months
Gross Yield
5.4%
For detached houses
Vacancy Rate
0.7%
Critically low supply
Family Ratio
74%
Households with children
Zoning
Low Density
Predominantly residential
✅ Key Advantages
- High affordability compared to coastal Queensland hubs
- Strong rental yields attracting interstate investors
- Modern housing stock with larger-than-average block sizes
- Proximity to major employment hubs in Rockhampton and mining regions
- Family-friendly atmosphere with numerous local parks and playgrounds
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant reliance on the Rockhampton economy and mining cycles
- Limited public transport options for non-drivers
- Localized flooding risks in specific low-lying estates
- High summer temperatures and humidity levels
- Rising insurance costs impacting holding expenses
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Family Residential
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly modern 4-bedroom detached houses on 600sqm+ blocks.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$420,000 – $680,000
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Gracemere serves as the primary 'overflow' suburb for Rockhampton, offering newer homes that are often cheaper than older dwellings in the city center. It is a critical entry point for first-home buyers and a hotspot for yield-focused investors.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$545,000
$450k – $700k
🏢 Unit Median
$335,000
$290k – $380k
📈 Price Trend
+11.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $550pw, Units $410pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The price gap between Gracemere and Rockhampton's premium suburbs (The Range) has narrowed, but Gracemere remains the value play for newer builds.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
55% below Brisbane metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
5.8x annual income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
5.4% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Gracemere remains exceptionally affordable for dual-income households, with mortgage repayments often lower than local rents.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.7%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+14% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Young families, mining contractors, and essential service workers.
💼 Investor Outlook
Extremely favorable for cash-flow investors. Low vacancy and high demand from the resource sector provide strong security, though capital growth is tied to regional commodity cycles.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+11.2%
1-Year Growth
+32% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+73% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Rockhampton Ring Road project improving regional logistics
- Expansion of renewable energy zones in Central Queensland
- Ongoing housing shortage in the Rockhampton region
- Relocation of families seeking lifestyle and lower cost of living
⛔ Headwinds
- Potential cooling of the mining sector
- Increased cost of construction for new builds
- Insurance premium hikes
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Steady growth expected as Gracemere matures into a fully serviced satellite city. Infrastructure improvements will likely sustain demand even if the broader market cools.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6
Safety Score
Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
Lower violent crime than Brisbane metro, higher opportunistic property crime
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium
Personal Safety: Low
Traffic Incidents: Low
📋 What to Check Locally
Check specific street-level data near the shopping precinct and ensure properties have basic security features like sensor lights.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental factors and economic concentration are the primary concerns for long-term holders.
🌊 Flood Risk
Localized overland flow issues in newer estates; check Rockhampton Regional Council flood maps for specific lot data.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Low risk within the main township; moderate risk on the rural-residential fringes.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Significant concern; premiums are rising due to the 'Northern Australia' risk profile. Obtain quotes before waiving cooling-off.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
Low Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Flood Hazard, Airport Environs (Rockhampton Airport flight paths)
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Western expansion corridor toward the Capricorn Highway.
Zoning favors detached housing, limiting the risk of high-density overshadowing but also restricting future walkability improvements.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Primarily car-dependent; limited bus services to Rockhampton CBD.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Gracemere Shoppingworld provides essential retail (Woolworths, specialty stores).
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Excellent local parks including Cedric Archer Park with its water play area.
🏫 Schools
Good local primary schools; secondary students usually travel 10-15 mins to Rockhampton.
🏥 Healthcare
Local GPs available; major hospital services located in Rockhampton (15 min drive).
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A young, working-class demographic with a high percentage of families and owner-occupiers.
💵 Median Income
$82,000 pa
🏠 Ownership
62% owner-occupied, 38% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 32
🎓 Education
High percentage of vocational and trade qualifications.
📊 Age Distribution
The young demographic ensures long-term demand for schools and family-oriented infrastructure.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Infrastructure projects are the primary catalyst for recent and future value uplifts.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Rockhampton Ring Road: Reducing transit times to northern employment hubs
- Rookwood Weir: Enhancing regional water security and agricultural jobs
- Gracemere Industrial Area expansion: Local job creation
📉 Negative Impacts
- Construction noise and traffic disruptions during road upgrades
- Potential for oversupply if too many new estates are released simultaneously
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍The Range
Position
North-East
Price
Much more expensive
Lifestyle
Historic, prestigious, closer to hospitals
Best for
Medical professionals and established families
📍Wandal
Position
North-East
Price
More expensive
Lifestyle
Character homes, closer to river and CBD
Best for
Renovators and urban professionals
📍Allenstown
Position
East
Price
Slightly more expensive
Lifestyle
Older suburb, very close to major retail
Best for
Downsizers and small families
📍Bouldercombe
Position
South
Price
Similar for land, more for acreage
Lifestyle
Rural residential, large acreage blocks
Best for
Lifestyle seekers and hobby farmers
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Ooralea
QLD
7/10
Satellite suburb of a major regional hub (Mackay) with modern housing and mining links.
Glen Eden
QLD
6/10
Affordable family hub for Gladstone with similar modern housing estates.
Brassall
QLD
7/10
Family-centric suburb on the fringe of a larger city (Ipswich) with high affordability.
Rural View
QLD
8/10
High-demand family suburb with modern amenities and strong rental yields.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the 'quiet country feel' combined with the convenience of being close to Rockhampton. It is widely regarded as a safe and affordable place to raise children.
★★★★★
Family Life
The parks here are amazing for the kids, especially Cedric Archer Park. It's quiet and we know our neighbors.
Community
Amenities
★★★★☆
Convenience
Great spot to base the family while I'm away. Easy run to the airport and the houses are modern and low maintenance.
Location
Maintenance
★★★★★
Investment
I've seen 40% capital growth in 4 years and never had a day of vacancy. The yields are some of the best in the state.
Yield
Growth
★★★☆☆
Transport
It's a bit hard if you don't drive. The buses aren't great and you have to go into town for the specialist doctors.
Transport
Healthcare
★★★★☆
Affordability
We couldn't afford anything decent in Rockhampton, but here we got a 4-bedroom house with a big yard.
Price
Space
★★☆☆☆
Rental Market
It's so hard to find a rental here. Every open house has 20 people and the prices keep going up.
Competition
Rent Cost
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties on the northern side of the Capricorn Highway for better long-term capital growth.
- Always check the flood overlay even if the property looks high and dry.
- Look for homes with side access for boats or caravans, as this is a high-demand feature locally.
- Verify the age and condition of the air conditioning units; they are essential for Central QLD summers.
- Negotiate on properties that lack modern security screens or fencing.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Has this property ever been affected by overland flow or localized flooding?
- What is the current insurance premium for this specific address?
- Are there any planned residential developments on the adjacent vacant land?
- What is the typical profile of tenants in this specific estate?
- Does the property have a current termite management system in place?
- How many offers have been received so far, and what are the settlement preferences?
- Is the property currently tenanted, and if so, when is the next rent review due?
- Are there any easements on the block that would prevent adding a shed or pool?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight energy-efficient features like solar power to offset rising electricity costs.
- Ensure gardens are low-maintenance but well-presented to appeal to busy FIFO families.
- Professional photography is essential as many buyers are currently purchasing from out of region.
- Address any minor maintenance issues before listing to avoid 'regional discount' negotiations.
- Position the property as a 'turn-key' investment to attract the interstate buyer pool.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a high-yield, low-risk entry into the Queensland regional market, emphasizing the modern build and family-friendly location.
💼 Investment Case
Strong cash-flow play with long-term capital growth supported by infrastructure.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Economic concentration in mining/agri and rising insurance costs.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom houses built after 2010.
- Ensure the property is outside the 1-in-100-year flood zone.
- Secure a local property manager with a strong track record in tenant vetting.
- Budget for higher-than-average insurance premiums in your cash flow analysis.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Have your application ready before the viewing.
- Offer a long-term lease (12-24 months) to stand out to landlords.
- Check mobile reception during the inspection as some pockets have weak signals.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Modern homes with plenty of space and great local parks.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
High competition for available stock and limited public transport.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Consider allowing pets to significantly increase your applicant pool.
- Install high-quality split-system air conditioning in all bedrooms.
- Review rents every 6 months to stay aligned with the fast-moving market.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure smoke alarm compliance is up to date with the latest QLD legislation and maintain regular termite inspections.
🤝 Agent Insights
- Stock levels are at historic lows, leading to multiple-offer scenarios.
- Interstate investors are currently outbidding some local first-home buyers.
- Properties with sheds or large outdoor entertaining areas sell 20% faster.
🎯 Marketing Angles
Focus on 'Modern Family Living' and 'Investor Goldmine' themes.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Interstate yield-chasers and local young families upgrading from rentals.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Check Rockhampton Regional Council flood maps.
✓
Obtain a building and pest inspection from a local regional specialist.
✓
Verify the property's inclusion in the Rockhampton Airport noise overlay.
✓
Confirm the status of the Rockhampton Ring Road proximity to the property.
✓
Check for any outstanding council rates or water charges.
✓
Review the title for any restrictive covenants or easements.
✓
Test all air conditioning units and ceiling fans.
✓
Verify the age of the hot water system and roof.
✓
Check the NBN connection type and speed availability.
✓
Get a formal insurance quote to confirm the property's insurability and cost.
✓
Assess the soil type if planning any structural additions (reactive clays are common).
✓
Check the proximity to the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange for potential noise/odor.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au
🔗 planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au
🔗 qldglobe.information.qld.gov.au
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on projected data as of 2026-03-13 and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence and consult with professionals before making any property purchase.
