Dalby QLD Property Investment
Western Downs · 4405 · Score: 49/100 · Caution
Dalby Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Market
Dalby QLD Investment Brief
## 1. Investment Verdict We recommend a "Hold" strategy for Dalby, QLD, with the single most important number justifying this decision being the 27.5% 1-year price growth, indicating a recent surge in property values. However, the 1.0% 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) suggests that this growth may not be sustainable in the long term.
## 2. Market Overview The median house price in Dalby, QLD, is $562,653, while the median unit price is $462,821. The market has experienced a 27.5% price growth over the past year, which is a significant increase. However, the 5-year CAGR is only 1.0%, indicating that the long-term growth trend is relatively flat. The median weekly rent is $550, resulting in a gross rental yield of 5.1%. This yield is relatively attractive, but the days on market are not available, making it difficult to assess the current market conditions. For buyers, the recent price growth may indicate a seller's market, while for sellers, the current conditions may be favorable for selling.
## 3. Rental Market The vacancy rate in Dalby, QLD, is 3.0%, which is relatively low, indicating a moderate demand for rentals. The median weekly rent is $550, and the gross rental yield is 5.1%, making it an attractive option for investors. The rental demand is rated as moderate, with an owner-occupier rate of 64%. This suggests that the rental market is relatively stable, with a mix of investors and owner-occupiers. For investors, the current rental market conditions may be favorable, with a relatively high yield and low vacancy rate.
## 4. Short-Term Rental Opportunity The median nightly rate for short-term rentals in Dalby, QLD, is $420, with an occupancy rate of 44%. This translates to an estimated annual revenue of $73,320 (assuming 365 nights per year and an occupancy rate of 44%). In comparison, the long-term rental yield is 5.1%, which is relatively attractive. However, the short-term rental opportunity may be limited by the relatively low occupancy rate. Therefore, a long-term rental strategy may be more suitable for investors in Dalby, QLD.
## 5. Infrastructure & Growth Drivers There are no major projects on file for Dalby, QLD, which may limit the potential for long-term growth. The transport infrastructure is relatively good, with Dalby station 1.7km away. However, the distance from the CBD may limit the long-term capital growth potential, as stated in the scorecard details. The population of Dalby, QLD, is 12,758, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is relatively low. The supply pipeline is low, with price growth outpacing new supply, and a limited development pipeline.
## 6. Bull Case If the current market conditions hold or improve, the upside scenario for Dalby, QLD, could be significant. With a 3-year growth forecast of 13.5%, the median house price could increase to $641,419 (assuming a constant growth rate). This would result in a potential capital gain of $78,766, or 14.0% per annum. However, this scenario is highly dependent on the continued growth of the local economy and the limited supply pipeline.
## 7. Risks There are several risks associated with investing in Dalby, QLD. The distance from the CBD may limit the long-term capital growth potential, as stated in the scorecard details. The vacancy risk is relatively low, with a vacancy rate of 3.0%. However, the single-employer dependency risk is not available, as there is no data on the employment base. The supply pipeline risk is low, with price growth outpacing new supply, and a limited development pipeline. The rate sensitivity risk is not available, as there is no data on the interest rate sensitivity of the local market. Additionally, the flood risk is low, according to the QLD elevation-based flood proxy. However, the bushfire risk is not on record for this suburb in the state planning overlay, and an independent BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessment should be ordered before committing to an investment. The heritage status is also not on record, and confirmation with the council duty planner or a Section 10.7 (NSW) or equivalent certificate is required before proceeding with any development or renovation plans.
## 8. The Play For investors considering Dalby, QLD, the entry range could be between $450,000 and $650,000, depending on the type of property and the location. The minimum yield to target should be around 5.0%, considering the relatively high gross rental yield of 5.1%. Investors should watch for signals such as changes in the local economy, new infrastructure projects, and shifts in the supply pipeline. The recommended strategy is to hold existing properties and monitor the market conditions, as the current growth trend may not be sustainable in the long term. Investors should also consider the risks associated with investing in Dalby, QLD, and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.
Gentrification Index
Growth Forecast
low confidenceBasis: 5yr CAGR 1.0% + 10yr CAGR 2.8%
- −Population decline (-0.2%/yr) — demand headwind
- −High supply pipeline (250 new approvals) — may cap price growth
Suburb Metric Thresholds
Macro Environment
Macro Indicators
Cash Rate
4.35%
▲ 0.25%Cash rate as at 2026-05-06 · Credit data 2026-05
Suburb Supply & Demand
Suburb Supply Pipeline — New Dwelling Approvals
24
2020
70
2021
43
2022
49
2023
64
2025
New dwelling approvals — higher numbers mean more future supply
Socio-Economic Profile
Source: ABS Census 2021SEIFA Index · Postcode 4405
Decile 3 of 10 — High disadvantage
Population
14,360
Education (IEO)
2/10
Econ. Resources (IER)
3/10
10-Year Investment Projection
Modelled on Dalby QLD data — rent, capital growth, tax, and depreciation over 10 years.
Pre-filled: $550/wk median rent for Dalby. Capital growth and rent increase are editable assumptions.
Schools
In your catchment
These are the government-school zones containing this suburb centroid. Specific addresses within the suburb may fall in different catchments — confirm with the school directly.
Nearby Suburbs
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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.