📈 The Boom
Over the past five years, Mackay homeowners have seen one of the strongest runs in memory. Buyers who stepped into the market during COVID—many of them younger and first-timers—have been rewarded handsomely.
Homes that cost $400,000–$500,000 just a few years ago are now valued at $650,000–$750,000, and in some cases much more.
On paper, it looks like a dream come true.
But here's the reality: for many, that equity is trapped.
💰 The Equity Trap
Take the example of someone who bought for $450,000, whose home is now worth $700,000.
They may be sitting on $250,000 in equity.
But to upgrade into a $1 million property, the mortgage stretches to $750,000 or more.
Even with healthy gains behind them, the thought of servicing that higher debt in uncertain times is enough to freeze people in place.
This is one of the big reasons Mackay's market feels "stalled."
📉 Why Listings Are Dropping
It’s not that prices are collapsing—they remain strong.
It’s that people are hesitant to move.
Listings have dropped sharply month-on-month.
Fewer homes coming to market means buyers compete for limited stock.
This holds prices up but reduces overall activity.
🏘️ The Investor Effect
Southern investors moved into Mackay chasing yield.
Many southern investors moved into Mackay and the broader regional Queensland market chasing yield.
With rental returns above 5%, their properties largely pay for themselves.
Unless prices fall dramatically or surge another 25–30%, these owners have little incentive to sell, which locks up more stock.
🤔 What Should Homeowners Do?
It means you need to ask yourself a simple but crucial question: what's the smartest use of my equity right now? One option - and one that often gets overlooked - is to sell. By selling, you're not just capturing equity on paper, you're converting it into real cash. And unless the market rises another 25- 30% from here, you're unlikely to look back with regret. In fact, many would argue that today's conditions represent a golden window: stock is tight, demand is steady, and homes are still commanding strong results.
🌟 Why Now Might Be the Golden Window
Selling doesn’t mean rushing into your next purchase.
You might:
💡 Put Your Equity to Work
Equity locked in your home doesn’t:
Pay your bills
Fund your retirement
Give you flexibility
It only becomes useful when you put it to work.
🧠 Get Expert Advice
At Gardian, we can help you weigh your options.
Every situation is different.
This isn’t a bad problem to have—but it does require smart decisions.
📅 Ready to Act?
If you’ve been sitting on significant equity and wondering what to do next, now may be the perfect time to:
✅ Book an appointment
✅ Get the right advice
✅ Make your equity work for you
