22 Aug 2025
Words Liz Langdale Port Macquarie News

Motel sale prices rocket on the Mid North Coast, 10-year data shows

Port Macquarie’s motel sale prices have rocketed up exponentially over the past 10 years.

There have been at least 14 motels sold in Port Macquarie over the last decade, showing that the business model is attracting strong interest from buyers.

Representatives from ResortBrokers were in Port Macquarie on Monday, August 18, to launch the Motel Report 2025.

The report has been described by the agency as “an accommodation industry first” and was compiled over several months with input from sales transactions across the country.

“No one has ever painted a picture of our industry before,” ResortBrokers property economist Josh Mangleson said.

There are over 3500 motels across Australia, making them the largest short-term accommodation asset class in the nation.

Port Macquarie is a key regional town with 27 motels, representing a high concentration of short-term accommodation.

Meanwhile, there are seven motels in Kempsey (five sales over the past decade) and 16 motels in Taree (with eight sales over the past decade).

In 2022, the Port Macquarie Hotel sold for the record price of at least $50 million.

In 2024, Ibis Style sold for $15.5 million (7.4 per cent yield).

Mr Mangleson said 10 years ago it was possible to buy a motel lease for under $200,000.

ResortBrokers Mid North Coast specialist accommodation broker Joshua Roberts has coordinated recent motel sales in the region, including East Port Motor Inn in 2024. 

Mr Roberts said the sale of motels continues to be strong, with rising prices reflective of the opportunity that comes with ownership.

“The crazy thing about it is that the market has gone so far,” he said.

Mr Roberts said he was proud of the East Port Motor Inn sale, as he built up a strong relationship with the owners.

The motel sold within three days after Mr Roberts showed the property to two potential buyers.

It sold for $4.55 million at a 10.9 per cent yield.

Mr Roberts said it’s important locals are aware motels are a “really strong asset to get [buy] into.”

“Port Macquarie and anywhere along the coast, if you can build, make or create a short-term accommodation asset ... it’s a strong market to build a little business in for yourself personally.” END