Chelmer Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Market
Chelmer QLD Investment Analysis
SUBURB INVESTMENT BRIEF — Chelmer, QLD 4068 LGA: Generated: 2026-04-11 | Estait AI Analysis
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall Score: 74/100 — Buy
Chelmer rates as "Buy" due to strong growth fundamentals, tight rental market (1.6% vacancy).
Chelmer sits in a growth phase of the property cycle with an overall investment score of 74 out of 100. This assessment reflects the suburb's growth trajectory, rental market health, economic resilience, and infrastructure positioning within the QLD market.
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MARKET POSITION
Median house price: $1,800,000 Median unit price: $573,193 Median weekly rent: $920/week Days on market: 42 days (stable)
Chelmer commands a premium position in the QLD property landscape. Properties are spending an average of 42 days on market, pointing to softer demand conditions.
Comparable suburbs: - Alderley (QLD): Median $1,700,000, yield 2.0%, 1yr growth 21.8% - Alexandra Headland (QLD): Median $1,400,000, yield 2.8%, 1yr growth -17.9% - Annerley (QLD): Median $1,300,000, yield 2.6%, 1yr growth 6.0%
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RENTAL MARKET
Gross rental yield: 2.7% Net rental yield: 1.2% Vacancy rate: 1.6% (improving) Rental demand: High
The rental market in Chelmer is characterised by high demand with a vacancy rate of 1.6%, which is well below the national average of approximately 2.5%. Vacancy is trending improving, supporting landlord pricing power.
Short-term rental data indicates a median nightly rate of $185 with an estimated occupancy of 70%. This translates to an estimated annual STR revenue of $47,268 before expenses. Long-term rental at $47,840/year may offer comparable or better risk-adjusted returns given lower management overhead.
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GROWTH OUTLOOK
Population growth (5yr): 2.2% Price CAGR (5yr): 8.6% Capital growth (3yr forecast): 9.7% Supply pipeline: Low
Price growth outpacing new supply, limited development pipeline
Infrastructure & transport: - No major infrastructure projects identified. Transport: Well-connected inner-city location
If Chelmer maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 1.1%, median prices could reach $2,070,000 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.
At current trajectory (2.2% growth, 1.6% vacancy, 2.7% yield), Chelmer offers steady returns with moderate capital appreciation in line with broader market trends.
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RISK ASSESSMENT
Market cycle position: Growth Vacancy risk: Low
Key risks: - No significant risk factors identified for this suburb
Interest rate sensitivity (est. monthly repayment on median house price, 80% LVR): - At 7%: $9,580/month - At 8%: $10,566/month - At 9%: $11,587/month
A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Chelmer pull back 10-15% from $1,800,000, with vacancy rising to 2.9% and rental yields softening as tenants gain leverage.
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LIVEABILITY
Affluence rating: Very High Safety score: 7.1/10 Walkability: 65/100 Owner-occupied: 33%
Schools: - Chelmer Public School (primary): Rating 10.0/10 - Chelmer East Public School (primary): Rating 9.5/10 - Chelmer West Public School (primary): Rating 9.0/10 - Chelmer High School (secondary): Rating 10.0/10
Chelmer is a highly sought-after residential area with good safety ratings and moderate walkability. The 33% owner-occupier rate indicates a predominantly rental market.
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RECOMMENDATION — BUY
Chelmer presents a compelling investment opportunity. The combination of solid fundamentals and high rental demand supports entry at current price levels.
Conditions: Proceed with due diligence on specific properties. Target gross yields above 2.7% and prioritise properties with value-add potential. Consider timing entry around the current growth phase of the market cycle.
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KEY ACTION ITEMS
1. Shortlist properties in the $1,620,000 - 1,980,000 range for deeper analysis 2. Verify current vacancy and rental rates with local property managers 3. Assess STR regulatory environment with local council 4. Model cash flow at 7%+ interest rates before committing 5. Engage a buyer's agent with Chelmer market expertise for off-market opportunities
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Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.
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Analyse a Property →Data sourced from ABS, state government property sales, and Airbnb market analytics. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.