‘Lifestyle’ Factors Lift Prices Of Farms For Sale QLD To Record Highs

Record Prices Attributed To Strong Commodity Prices, Favourable Seasonal Conditions And Renewed Interest In Rural Lifestyle

Strong growth in Queensland farmland values accelerated in 2021 as the median price per hectare of farms for sale QLD increased 31.3 per cent to a record high for a second consecutive year, according to the just-released Australian Farmland Values 2022 report.

The median price of $6,827/ha is a 47 per cent increase on 2019, and almost double the median price in 2011, taking the cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) to 10.4 per cent over five years and the 20-year CAGR to 9.4 per cent.

Above: Queensland's median price per hectare of $6,827/ha is a 47 per cent increase on 2019

The median value of farmland in all Queensland regions increased year-on-year (YoY), with West Queensland’s growth (+33.6 per cent) outpacing other regions for the second consecutive year.

Aided by lifestyle factors, South Queensland recorded the largest acceleration of growth of any region, jumping from an increase of 2.5 per cent in 2020 to 26.6 per cent in 2021.

Consistent growth in median price of Central Queensland farmland saw a 22.1 per cent increase, on par with last year’s 20.5 per cent.

After a decline in the median price of North Queensland farmland in 2020, a 15 per cent increase to median price in 2021, while the lowest of all regions, sees it retain the highest median value of all regions.

Strength in growth of price per hectare was coupled with a surge in transaction numbers as Queensland recorded the largest YoY increase of any state by both percentage (35.7 per cent) and number (679 transactions). This added to a significant 20.1 per cent jump in transactions in 2020 which has accelerated again in 2021 to reach a 13 year high of 2,583.

Above: In 2021 Queensland farmland sales showed a clear trend of increased sales of higher-priced farms for sale

Growth in transaction numbers was strong across the regions, led by North and South Queensland which registered growth of more than 40 per cent.

Total area traded increased to 4.1 million hectares, a 9.7 per cent YoY increase and on par with the five-year average, but 40 per cent below the 20-year average.

A higher volume of sales in higher valued but smaller parcel sized regions resulted in the median parcel size declining by 3.9 per cent YoY.

In 2021, the split of farmland sales by price range showed a clear trend of increased sales of higher-priced transactions. The number of sales above $10,000/ha increased 78.2 per cent YoY and made up 35 per cent of all transactions in Queensland, exemplifying the demand for higher valued, smaller parcels of farmland. Strong growth in higher-priced transactions has been a trend over the past three years which has seen the number of transactions above $10,000/ha more than double since 2019.

By region, this trend was strongest in the North and South regions, the two areas with the highest median dollar per hectare values.

For the first time in five years, median price per hectare increased YoY in all parcel size segments in 2021, and all reached record highs.

Above: Parcels sized between 200-400 hectares recorded the largest increase in median price at 24.8 per cent

By percentage, parcels sized between 200-400 hectares recorded the largest increase in median price at 24.8 per cent. But in line with the recurring theme of increased demand for smaller-sized, higher-valued properties, it was the 30-100 hectare segment that gained the most in dollar terms, lifting $2,018/ha YoY to $10,701/ha.

In 2021, sales of 30-100 hectare parcel size properties made up 52 per cent of all transactions in Queensland, the highest proportion of any parcel size category in a single year.

Rural Bank Eastern Australia’s Andrew Smith says increased median prices were driven by strong demand for smaller, higher-valued lots in prime farming land close to population centres, aided by strong commodity prices, favourable seasonal conditions and renewed interest in the rural lifestyle.

“Improved pasture growth and appreciating stock value saw cattle operations looking to expand in grazing regions. While growth is expected to continue, it may slow down in some districts in the coming year with the rising cost of inputs and equipment, particularly if interest rates rise and commodity prices ease,” he says.

Farms For Sale QLD: Central QLD

Central Queensland recorded an increase in median price per hectare of 22.1 per cent in 2021 to a record $3,992/ha, following on from 20.5 per cent in 2020, taking the five-year CAGR to 11.4 per cent.

Median prices increased in all municipalities in the region, with the most significant YoY gains seen in the Central Highlands and Livingstone municipalities due to favourable seasonal conditions and high cattle prices.

After reasonably steady transaction volumes for the 10 years prior to 2020, the number of sales has shown significant YoY growth in consecutive seasons, increasing 26.1 per cent in 2021 to reach a 13-year high.

Above: Central Queensland farmland prices have recorded a five-year CAGR of 11.4 per cent

With the exception of Livingstone and North Burnett, all municipalities experienced higher transaction numbers YoY, with the largest increases near larger population centres in Goondiwindi and Gladstone.

The largest increase in number of transactions by price range was in the highest $5,000/ha and above category, accounting for 39.7 per cent of all sales. The increased proportion of higher-priced transactions is observable in the larger number of smaller parcel sizes traded in 2021. The 30-100 hectare parcel size accounted for 36 per cent of all transactions in 2021 following an increase of five per cent.

The strongest growth segment in 2021 was the 300-600 hectare parcel size, increasing 20.3 per cent year-on-year, but is also the only segment which did not achieve a record high median value. The standout performer with the highest five-year CAGR, however, is the 600 hectare and above segment at 31.2 per cent.

Farms For Sale QLD: North QLD

Following a decline of 1.3 per cent in 2020, the North region recorded a 15 per cent YoY increase in median price per hectare to reach a record $10,150/ha in 2021, taking the five-year CAGR to six per cent.

The number of transactions in Queensland’s North region reached a 13-year high of 474 in 2021, recording the largest single year increase in more than 25 years.

Across municipalities, the number of transactions were either unchanged or increased YoY, with the largest increase in Mackay where transactions increased 60 per cent following a decline in 2020.

Above: North QLD farmland prices jumped 15 per cent YoY to reach a record $10,150/ha in 2021

The increase in transaction volume was strongest for higher-priced transactions. The volume of sales priced above $15,000/ha increased 82.6 per cent YoY.

Growth in the North Queensland region was predominantly driven by strong demand for smaller parcels in higher-valued coastal municipalities, with the largest increase in the 30-50 hectare range.

However, the strongest median price growth by parcel size was in the larger than 200-hectare group, which increased 32.1 per cent YoY, taking its five-year CAGR to 31.2 per cent.

Farms For Sale QLD: South QLD

The median price per hectare of farmland in South Queensland increased 26.6 per cent in 2021 to a record $9,434/ha, the fourth consecutive year of growth. This saw the five-year CAGR increase to 8.6 per cent in 2021.

South Queensland has the longest run of growth of Queensland’s regions, experiencing YoY increases in nine of the past 10, and 19 of the past 22, years.

All municipalities in the region recorded YoY growth with the exception of Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast.

Above: South QLD has had the longest run of median price growth of all of Queensland’s regions

The number of transactions in the South region jumped 44.4 per cent YoY in the largest yearly increase in more than 25 years. The only municipality to record a decline in the number of transactions was Moreton Bay. All other municipalities recorded increases, with all but Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg increasing by more than 35 per cent YoY.

Transaction volume grew for all price ranges in the state. The strongest growth was seen in the highest valued land priced above $15,000/ha which had twice as many transactions as 2020.

As with price ranges, all parcel size ranges experienced growth in transaction volume and all reached record high median prices. The largest increase in transactions was in the 50-100 hectare category which made up 36 per cent of the region’s transaction. This segment also saw the largest YoY increase with a median price rise of 37.6 per cent to $9,693/ha.

Farms For Sale QLD: West QLD

The median price per hectare of farmland value in West Queensland increased by 33.6 per cent in 2021, the highest growth rate of any region in the state, taking the five-year CAGR to 16.3 per cent.

Following two years of declining transaction numbers, 2021 saw a 13.5 per cent increase to 185, the highest number of sales in 13 years.

Results were mixed across the region with half of the municipalities recording a rise in transaction numbers YoY.

Above: West QLD farmland prices increased by 33.6 per cent in 2021, the highest growth rate of any region

The trend in 2020 of a greater proportion of higher-priced transactions continued in 2021. The number of transactions over $800/ha increased 25.5 per cent YoY.

The split of sales by parcel size saw a shift toward medium-sized parcels between 4,000 and 12,000 hectares. The region saw a 19.2 per cent rise in the number of transactions between 4,000-8,000 hectares and a 137.5 per cent rise in transactions between 8,000-12,000 hectares. Longreach and Barcaldine accounted for the largest increases transactions between 8,000-12,000 hectares in the region.

While all parcel sizes recorded increases in median price per hectare, the most significant increase was in the 4,000-8,000 hectare range, up 74.6 per cent YoY to $745/ha. Large parcels of land changed hands in Cloncurry and Mount Isa municipalities where there had been no transactions since 2015.

If you’re looking to buy farms for sale QLD check out some of our favourite farms for sale QLD below. To view more than 1,250 farms for sale QLD click here.

Farms For Sale QLD: Peeramon

Bordering Petersen Creek, this remarkable farm for sale QLD is situated 20 minutes to Atherton and 10 minutes to either Yungaburra or Malanda on the beautiful Tablelands.

Above: This farm for sale QLD comprises 145.4 hectares of predominantly rich volcanic soils

Comprising 145.4 hectares (359 acres) of predominantly rich volcanic soils over five titles, this farm is presently planted with sugar cane (233 acres) and hay (80 acres) but has previously grown corn and grazed cattle.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is presently planted with sugar cane and hay

The gently undulating property is set up for serious crop production and has 546 megalitres of water from four irrigation bores (one production bore with electric centrifugal pump equipped, the other three ready with power supplied), and one domestic bore which supplies both houses on the property.

Above: This farm for sale QLD has 546 megalitres of water from four irrigation bores

Featuring a 1m x 6m span centre pivot, and 1m x 3m span centre pivot with end gun, the hay block is set up with two outlets for a traveling irrigator. All drainage for runoff water reports into silt traps strategically placed on the property.

Above: This farm for sale QLD boasts a large 46m x 13m machinery shed with workshop

Approximately one-and-a-half hours' drive from Cairns, this farm for sale QLD is boundary fenced and also features a large 46m x 13m machinery shed, with a workshop.

Above: This farm for sale QLD features two residences

There are two homes; the original timber homestead has four bedrooms and a large indoor entertaining area. The second home, on a separate one-acre title, is red brick veneer with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, large outdoor undercover area.

Above: This farm for sale QLD features an original timber homestead with four bedrooms and a large indoor entertaining area

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale QLD at Peeramon.

Farms For Sale QLD: 131 Bullaburrah Creek Road, Dimbulah

Situated approximately 10 minutes from the dynamic food bowl centre of Dimbulah on the Atherton Tablelands, this farm for sale QLD comprises two adjacent blocks on Bullaburrah Creek Road approximately 12km from the Dimbulah township.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is located in the dynamic food bowl centre of Dimbulah on the Atherton Tablelands

Adjoining the Walsh River, the country is flat to very gently sloping red and grey granite based sandy loams typical of this area and ideal for a wide range of tree and vine crops.

Above: This farm for sale QLD houses approximately 4,000 Kensington Pride mango trees

The farm currently houses approximately 4,000 Kensington Pride mango trees of varying age covering around 40-50 acres with plenty of vacant arable land to allow further development and expansion. The fruit from these trees is packed under contract off farm.

Above: This farm for sale QLD features plenty of vacant arable land to allow further development and expansion

Additionally, there is a first-class, brand-new large steel frame packing facility with packing machine in place that just needs connecting to power to make operational.

Above: This farm for sale QLD includes a brand-new large steel frame packing facility with packing machine in place

What's more, each block of land on this farm for sale QLD features a three-bedroom, one-bathroom masonry block home in place with ancillary machinery and workshop shedding.

Above: This farm for sale QLD includes two three-bedroom, one-bathroom masonry block homes

Water is sourced via a 125-megalitre water licence from the Walsh River and pumped by a 100hp mains-powered electric pump through two separate six-inch main lines and delivered to the trees by under-tree sprinklers. On top of this, there is approximately 60 acres under two-inch feed solid set sprays which could quickly be brought into production for such crops as pumpkins, melons etc.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is an ideal opportunity for established operators or new entrants/investors

This farm for sale QLD affords an ideal opportunity for established operators to expand or new entrants/investors to enter the industry in this prime horticulture area.

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale QLD at 131 Bullaburrah Creek Road, Dimbulah.

Farms For Sale QLD: Redhill Farms

Set on two titles totalling approximately 81.91 hectares (197 acres), this farm for sale QLD comprises some 1,621 mango, 1,693 custard apple and 13,570 avocado trees plus packing shed equipped with processing line and cold room – and topped off with a four-bedroom homestead.

Above: This farm for sale QLD boasts 81.91 hectares of land with thousands of mango, custard apple and avocado trees

Located in the Wide Bay Burnett region, Redhill Farms benefits from secure water, including a dam with a capacity of around 110 megalitres plus Sunwater allocations across the two titles totalling 70 megalitres fitted with several electric pumps feeding into six-inch PVC pipe system to automatically water most of the orchard.

Above: This farm for sale QLD benefits from secure water, including a dam with a capacity of around 110 megalitres

Extended in 2017, the main packing shed boasts an 18m x 45m floor space and includes a six-pallet cold room, 1.5 tonne/hr mango and avocado processing line, and detached toilet and septic system.

Above: This farm for sale QLD includes extensive shedding for machinery, workshops and sorting and packing

Additional shedding includes a machinery shed with workshop and smoko room, a 30m x 6m shed with workshop and lunchroom, a 12m x 10m machinery shed (spanned over two shipping containers), a 12m x 10m open-sided machinery shed, an avocado shed and a three-bay shed with one lockable bay.

Above: This farm for sale QLD boasts 1,621 mango, 1,693 custard apple and 13,570 avocado trees

There are also four 23,000-litre rainwater tanks on the property, connected and plumbed into shed system; and a 28kW diesel generator connected to the main shed and residence.

Above: This farm for sale QLD features a home with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms

The residence boasts four bedrooms plus study/nursery off the master, two full bathrooms plus separate toilet, laundry room, full-length veranda at the front and 8m x 6m deck at the rear.

Above: The home on this farm for sale QLD includes a full-length veranda at the front and 8m x 6m deck at the rear

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale QLD at Redhill Farms.

Farms For Sale QLD: 99 Bundesens Road, Yalboroo

Boasting high rainfall, established irrigation and excellent soil types, large-scale properties like ‘Mont Clare’ rarely come to market in such a fantastic location.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is located in the Whitsunday region, halfway between Mackay and Airlie Beach

Well positioned in the Whitsunday region, halfway between the major centre of Mackay and the lifestyle centre of Airlie Beach, this property has an estimated carrying capacity of 500 breeders.

Above: This farm for sale QLD has an estimated carrying capacity of 500 breeders

With very high average rainfall and a tropical climate, this farm for sale QLD presents as an excellent opportunity to purchase safe and sizeable coastal breeder country.

Above: This farm for sale QLD features multiple new dams and several bores

Water security is a major feature with multiple new dams, several bores and 200 acres of irrigated cultivation, demonstrating that ‘Mont Clare’ is a safe and productive coastal fodder factory.

Above: This farm for sale QLD has some gently undulating areas of cultivation and grazing, running to cleared and selectively cleared ridges

The property has some gently undulating areas of cultivation and grazing, running to cleared and selectively cleared ridges, lightly treed open forest and some heavily timbered areas. The ridges and elevated country are exhibiting predominately good scrub soil types with multiple spring-fed gullies.

Above: This farm for sale QLD has 200 acres of irrigated cultivation area

Situated in the Yalboroo district, the property features a renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom homestead fitted with air-conditioning, multiple sheds and garages, new steel cattle yards, 90 per cent of fencing less than 18 months old, equipment, implements and irrigation equipment, and multiple tractors and vehicles.

Above: This farm for sale QLD features a renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom homestead

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale QLD at 99 Bundesens Road, Yalboroo.

Farms For Sale QLD: Blackbutt Crows Nest Road, Blackbutt South

A rare offering for the region, the ‘Green Nugget’ aggregation is a premier irrigated avocado orchard located in the South Burnett region.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is located in the premier farming district of the South Burnett  

With access to the domestic and export end markets, this farm for sale QLD provides the key pillars of a profitable orchard. The aggregation spans a total of 569.71 hectares with a total of 272.54 hectares under plantings. There is considerable scope to further expand the orchard.

Above: This farm for sale QLD has a total of 272.54 hectares under plantings

The strategic location of this farm for sale QLD within the Blackbutt region, conveniently situated to a range of small towns and larger regional centres including Yarraman, Nanango, Kingaroy and Kilcoy, provides convenient access to a full array of markets, services and amenities.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is a premier irrigated avocado orchard

The property is equipped with quality operational infrastructure including a 66-pallet cold room, packing shed, two machinery sheds, workshop, lock-up shed, staff room, office and cattle yards.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is equipped with quality operational infrastructure including a 66-pallet cold room and packing shed

Accommodation facilities on this farm for sale QLD include a substantial brick homestead with panoramic views of the open valley, manager’s residence and brick dwelling.

Above: This farm for sale QLD includes a substantial brick homestead with panoramic views of the open valley

The aggregation is watered via secure town water to three of the properties, underpinned by five earth storage dams and seven bores interlinked with a fertigation system. The fourth property is securely watered via six bores linked to an extensive irrigation network. All are supported by an average annual summer dominant rainfall of 857 millimetres.

Above: This farm for sale QLD is watered via  town water plus five earth storage dams and seven bores

Click on the following link for more information on this farm for sale QLD at Blackbutt Crows Nest Road, Blackbutt South.