The Upside — Why Activity Centres Can Be a Smart Play
For Investors:
- Infrastructure drives demand and growth
Government investment in public transport, schools, parks and town centres typically pushes values up over time. Buying early — before the full transformation — can deliver strong capital growth.
- Rental appeal & population inflow
More jobs, education and retail hubs create reliable rental demand. Young professionals and students are often drawn to these vibrant, well-connected precincts.
- Lifestyle upgrades attract buyers
Cafés, green spaces, bike paths and walkable retail help turn formerly overlooked areas into sought-after lifestyle hubs — a key ingredient for long-term value.
For Home Buyers:
- Better amenities close to home
Shopping, transport, medical services and schools improve as councils and the state upgrade these hubs. For families and commuters, this can make life more convenient and enjoyable.
- Longer-term value growth potential
Buying before infrastructure is complete can give you a value uplift once the area is established.
The Flip Side — Risks to Consider
For Investors:
- Increased supply can cap growth
Activity Centres are often targeted for new apartments and medium-density housing. If you buy a product that ends up oversupplied — like generic high-rise apartments — price growth and rental yields can stagnate.
- Changing tenant profile
New density may alter the rental market, bringing more transient tenants or creating competition if many investors buy similar stock.
For Home Buyers:
- Loss of privacy and space
Higher density can mean more traffic, fewer parking spots, and less open space over time.
- Potential overshadowing and view loss
If you’re buying a house or townhouse near an Activity Centre, you need to check zoning and development plans. That view or sunlight may disappear behind a mid-rise apartment block in five years.
- Changing neighbourhood character
A quiet, family-friendly street can feel very different when several hundred new apartments come online. The culture and mix of residents can shift quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Do your homework: Understand the zoning and future development pipeline around any property you’re considering.
- Pick quality, scarce stock: Boutique apartments, townhouses, and family homes with character and land still perform well even as density rises.
- Act with a clear plan: The buyers who focus on attainable, good-quality opportunities will secure now — those waiting may be forced to compromise later if prices keep climbing.
- Balance lifestyle vs. investment: An Activity Centre can be a growth engine, but it can also change a suburb’s feel. Decide whether you want to ride the growth wave or preserve lifestyle privacy.
If you need further assistance on the impact of these Activity Centres please give us a call.