40 Corfe Road, Roma, Qld 4455
Auction
5 2
Open Saturday 18 July 10:00 am Auction Friday 31 July 10:00 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Roma — Mandandanji Country
Roma was the first town gazetted in the new colony of Queensland. It quickly became a vital pastoral hub before the accidental discovery of natural gas in 1900, which transformed the town into a pioneer for Australia's energy industry.
Today, Roma serves as a sophisticated regional service hub, balancing its identity as a major cattle-trading center with its role as a strategic base for the Surat Basin's gas operations.
Overall Score
6.8
A solid regional performer with strong yields but capped by geographic isolation and environmental risks.
Name Origin
Named after Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen, the wife of Sir George Bowen, the first Governor of Queensland.
Established
Gazetted 1862
Cattle Hub
Home to the largest cattle saleyards in the Southern Hemisphere.
Bottle Trees
Famous for the 'Heroes Avenue' of over 100 heritage bottle trees.
Gas Pioneer
Site of Australia's first natural gas discovery.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6
Steady demand driven by the resources sector, though lacking the rapid capital growth of coastal regions.
Amenity
7
Excellent for a regional town, featuring a major hospital, diverse retail, and the iconic Big Rig complex.
Schools
7
Well-serviced by Roma State College and St John's School, providing comprehensive P-12 options.
Transport
4
Limited public transport; heavily reliant on private vehicles and the regional airport for Brisbane links.
Risk Profile
5
Flood history is a major factor; insurance premiums and property selection must be carefully managed.
Liveability
7
High quality of life for families seeking a community-oriented, slower pace with essential services nearby.
Demographics
6
A mix of long-term agricultural families and a transient professional workforce in the energy sector.
Rental Demand
8
Very tight vacancy rates due to the influx of contract workers and limited new housing supply.
Growth Potential
6
Tied to future gas projects and agricultural commodity prices; moderate but stable.
Affordability
9
Extremely accessible compared to South East Queensland, allowing for high home-ownership rates.
Crime & Safety
6
Typical of a regional hub; opportunistic property crime occurs but violent crime remains low.
Walkability
5
The town center is compact and walkable, but residential fringes require a car for most tasks.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$365,000
Affordable entry point
Gross Yield
6.4%
Strong investor returns
Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Extremely tight market
Healthcare
Major Hospital
Roma Hospital (Public)
Connectivity
Daily Flights
Direct links to Brisbane
Education
P-12 Options
State and Private schools
✅ Key Advantages
- High rental yields often exceeding 6% gross, attractive for cash-flow investors.
- Robust local economy supported by two major industries: agriculture and energy.
- Comprehensive regional infrastructure including a modern hospital and airport.
- Strong community spirit with numerous sporting clubs and local events.
- Low cost of living compared to Queensland metropolitan areas.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant flood zones around Bungil Creek can impact insurance and resale.
- Economic volatility linked to the 'boom-bust' cycles of the gas industry.
- High summer temperatures and semi-arid climate challenges.
- Limited capital growth compared to coastal or metropolitan markets.
- Distance from major specialized medical and tertiary education facilities.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Regional Hub
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly detached single-storey houses on large blocks, with some modern estates.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$280k – $550k
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Roma is the primary service center for South West Queensland. Its dual-industry base provides a level of economic insulation not found in single-industry mining towns, making it a more stable regional investment.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$365,000
$310k – $480k
🏢 Unit Median
$245,000
$210k – $290k
📈 Price Trend
+5.5% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $450pw, Units $320pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
Prices have shown steady recovery and growth following the post-CSG construction slump, now driven by genuine undersupply and high employment.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
Approx 60% below Brisbane median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
4.8x annual income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
6.4% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Roma remains one of the most affordable major regional centers in Queensland, with local incomes bolstered by the resources sector.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
High
👤 Tenant Profile
Resource sector contractors, government employees (health/education), and agricultural workers.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong. The lack of new construction and consistent demand from corporate leases in the gas sector keeps vacancy rates low and yields high.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.5%
1-Year Growth
+18% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+28% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing maintenance and expansion of Surat Basin gas projects.
- Consistently high cattle prices benefiting the local agricultural sector.
- Government investment in regional health and infrastructure.
- Relative affordability attracting 'tree-change' workers in remote-capable roles.
⛔ Headwinds
- Environmental risks (flooding) limiting development in certain areas.
- Potential shifts in global energy policy affecting gas demand.
- General regional population stagnation trends.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady, moderate growth. Roma is unlikely to see a 'boom' but its role as a critical service hub ensures it will outperform smaller, more isolated towns.
🛡️ 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, higher opportunistic theft than metro average
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium
Personal Safety: Low
Drug-Related: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Check specific street data via the QPS Online Crime Map; opportunistic theft is the most common issue.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
The primary physical risk is flooding from Bungil Creek, while the primary economic risk is the town's reliance on the energy sector.
🌊 Flood Risk
Significant portions of the town are subject to inundation. Always verify the Maranoa Regional Council flood overlay for specific lots.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Low risk within the main township; moderate risk on the rural-residential fringes.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Can be expensive or difficult to obtain for properties in known flood zones. Always get a quote during the due diligence period.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
Low Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Flood Hazard, Airport Environs, Bushfire Hazard
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Newer estates on the northern and western fringes, away from the creek line.
Zoning is generally permissive for residential use, but overlays (especially flood) significantly dictate build costs and insurance.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Private vehicle is essential. Regional airport provides vital links to Brisbane for business and health.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
High for its size. Includes major supermarkets, local boutiques, and the 'Big Rig' parklands.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Excellent. Adora Park and the Big Rig area offer great family spaces and walking tracks.
🏫 Schools
Strong. Roma State College is a major P-12 facility; St John's provides a reputable Catholic alternative.
🏥 Healthcare
Very good. The Roma Hospital is a significant regional facility with emergency and specialist services.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A hardworking community with a higher-than-average median income for regional QLD, reflecting the skilled nature of the local workforce.
💵 Median Income
$78,500 pa
🏠 Ownership
32% owner-occupied, 35% owned with mortgage, 30% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 35
🎓 Education
High vocational training (trade) percentage, reflecting the gas and agricultural industries.
📊 Age Distribution
The young median age and high employment rates suggest a stable, family-oriented community with consistent housing demand.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Focus is on energy infrastructure and hospital upgrades rather than large-scale residential subdivisions.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Ongoing Surat Basin gas project maintenance ensuring long-term employment.
- Upgrades to the Roma Saleyards to maintain its status as a premier trading hub.
- Continued investment in the Roma Hospital facilities.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Limited new residential land release in flood-free areas.
- Infrastructure strain during peak resource project cycles.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Wallumbilla
Position
East
Price
Lower
Lifestyle
Small village feel, very quiet.
Best for
Those seeking a rural retreat within commuting distance to Roma.
📍Mitchell
Position
West
Price
Much Lower
Lifestyle
Smaller service center with famous artesian baths.
Best for
Budget-conscious buyers or retirees.
📍Surat
Position
South
Price
Lower
Lifestyle
Riverside town with a focus on fishing and agriculture.
Best for
Lifestyle buyers focused on the Balonne River.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Dalby
QLD
7.2/10
Similar mix of agriculture and energy industries with a strong regional service character.
Chinchilla
QLD
6.5/10
Heavy reliance on the gas industry and agricultural surrounds.
Narrabri
NSW
6.7/10
A major agricultural center now seeing significant gas and resource investment.
Emerald
QLD
7.0/10
Large regional hub serving both the mining (coal) and agricultural sectors.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the 'big small town' feel, where everyone knows each other but all essential services are available. There is a strong sense of pride in the town's history and economic importance.
★★★★★
Family Life
It's a fantastic place to raise kids. The schools are supportive and the sporting culture is huge here.
Community
Safety
★★★★☆
Work-Life Balance
Great base for work in the Surat Basin. The airport makes it easy to get to Brisbane when needed.
Employment
Connectivity
★★★★☆
Healthcare
Having the new hospital facilities nearby is a huge relief as we get older. Everything we need is in town.
Services
★★★★☆
Rental Yields
The yields are some of the best in the state, though you have to be very careful about which streets you buy in due to the creek.
Returns
Flood Risk
★★★☆☆
Entertainment
Affordable to buy, but I wish there were more options for nightlife and dining on the weekends.
Affordability
Nightlife
★★★★★
Local Economy
The town is buzzing when the saleyards are busy. It's a very resilient local economy.
Economy
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties located north of the railway line, as these are generally on higher ground.
- Always request a detailed flood report specifically for the lot you are interested in.
- Check the age of the stumps and roofing; regional QLD conditions can be harsh on older timber homes.
- Look for properties with modern air conditioning and insulation to manage the summer heat.
- Consider the proximity to the airport if you are sensitive to noise, though traffic is relatively low.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Did this specific property or street experience any inundation during the 2010, 2011, or 2012 flood events?
- What is the current insurance premium for this property, and does it include flood cover?
- Is there a current corporate lease in place, or has there been one recently?
- What is the proportion of owner-occupiers in this specific street?
- Are there any planned infrastructure projects nearby that might impact noise or traffic?
- Has the property been treated for termites recently, and is there a current management plan?
- What is the typical 'days on market' for similar properties in this part of Roma?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight any flood-mitigation work or 'high and dry' status in your marketing.
- Ensure gardens are well-maintained with drought-tolerant plants to appeal to busy professionals.
- Professional photography is essential to attract out-of-area investors.
- Be realistic about capital growth; focus on the strong rental yield story for investors.
- Minor cosmetic updates to kitchens and bathrooms can significantly increase rental appeal.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'set and forget' high-yield investment or a secure, well-serviced family home in a resilient regional hub.
💼 Investment Case
Roma offers a compelling cash-flow case with gross yields often 2-3% higher than Brisbane.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Economic concentration in gas/agri and physical flood risks.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-4 bedroom houses that appeal to families and corporate contractors.
- Verify if the property has a history of corporate leasing with gas companies.
- Secure comprehensive insurance that specifically includes flood cover.
- Use a local property manager who understands the specific needs of the resource sector workforce.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Be ready with your application; the market moves very fast due to low vacancy.
- Look for properties with undercover parking to protect vehicles from the sun and occasional hail.
- Check if the rent includes water, as this can be a significant cost in regional areas.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Access to a tight-knit community and high-quality local schools.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Limited availability of modern apartments; most stock is older detached housing.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Maintain high standards of air conditioning to retain professional tenants.
- Consider offering longer-term leases to government or corporate tenants for stability.
- Regularly check gutters and drainage given the intense summer storm season.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarm and safety switch requirements are met, as regional inspections can be strict.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is currently driven by yield-seeking investors from interstate and Brisbane.
- Properties priced between $320k and $400k are the 'sweet spot' for quick sales.
- Flood-free status is the number one question asked by serious buyers.
🎯 Marketing Angles
Focus on 'Recession-proof regional economy' and 'High-yield opportunity'.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Interstate investors, local first home buyers, and resource sector professionals.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Check Maranoa Regional Council Flood Maps for the specific lot.
✓
Obtain a formal building and pest inspection with a focus on termite activity.
✓
Verify the property's zoning and any overlays via the QLD Planning Portal.
✓
Request a copy of the most recent rates notice to check for any special levies.
✓
Confirm the availability and speed of NBN (Fixed Wireless vs. FTTN).
✓
Check the QPS Crime Map for the immediate surrounding streets.
✓
Review the school catchment zones for Roma State College.
✓
Get at least two insurance quotes to ensure the property is insurable at a reasonable rate.
✓
Inspect the condition of the stumps (concrete vs. timber) and the roof.
✓
Verify the distance to the nearest gas processing facilities or industrial zones.
✓
Check for any heritage listings that might restrict renovations (especially on 'Heroes Avenue').
✓
Assess the orientation of the house for energy efficiency in the hot climate.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 maranoa.qld.gov.au
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au
🔗 qps.qld.gov.au
🔗 data.qld.gov.au
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-13. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence, including legal and financial consultations, before proceeding with any property transaction.
