Mandurah, approximately 74 kilometres south of Perth, has grown from a population of 12,000 to a city of just over 50,000 in the last 15 years. This influx of people has been driven by substantial land development and the construction of the Perth to Mandurah highway.

Projects totalling AUS$6billion are also proposed in the area with some already underway. The marina is rapidly expanding and will soon boast a mix of waterfront shops, restaurants, boutiques and apartments. A variety of water-sports are also on offer at the marina with the Robert Trent Hones Jnr golf club situated on the outskirts of the town also attracting investors to the Mandurah property market .

"The resource sector boom in WA means we get plenty of cashed-up, fly-in/fly-out workers who are buying in Mandurah so they can spend their time off in a relaxed lifestyle-focused area," David Green, principal agent at Century 21 Mandurah, told the Australian Sunday Times. "As well as the Perth and baby boomer market, we get huge interest from interstate and overseas." The shortage of land in the region has also driven prices up.

Elders Mandurah agent Renee Hardman also told the newspaper that despite rising values, the Mandurah property market was still an excellent place to buy and invest. "It is really good value for money and the canal and beachfront properties, especially, have been undervalued for a very long time."

Harlequin Property has recently brought Ravenswood Hotel and Resort to the Mandurah property market. Situated on the outskirts of Mandurah, 15 minutes from the sea, the resort will be set in 21 acres of land with a selection of apartments and fully-furnished one, two- and three-bedroom cabanas.

The off-plan development is due to commence in early 2007 with completion by 2010.

Dave Ames, Marketing Manager of Harlequin Property said: "Mandurah is a city expanding at a tremendous rate and quality accommodation such as Ravenswood will be highly sought after. Investors here will receive a two year 10 per cent guarantee followed by a five year 50 per cent room rate share deal along with 30 free days use per year."

Harlequin is now offering Ravenswood Hotel &Resort at pre-launch prices with fully furnished apartments starting from £100,000.

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Article published 28 December 2006