By Paul Tilden – Commercial Agent

The Hunter Region continues to experience remarkable momentum in industrial property – and few areas are seeing faster transformation than Rutherford Industrial area.

In just a few years, land values in this pocket have skyrocketed. As someone who works closely with developers, investors and business owners across this suburb, I’ve had a front-row seat to this growth—and I’m here to share why this market shift matters now more than ever.

From $120 to just under $500 Per Square Metre — A Land Value Shift You Cannot Ignore

In this key industrial estate of the Hunter Valley, land values have increased dramatically. What once sold for $120/m² only five years ago is now reaching up to $476/m², depending on services, zoning and access.

We’re seeing price points now that would’ve been unthinkable just five or six years ago. And it’s not slowing down — supply is tight, demand is strong, and the infrastructure is only improving.

What’s driving this uplift?

• A shortage of serviced industrial land for new builds
• Increased demand from owner-occupiers ready to design and construct their own industrial facility
• Rising investor activity, chasing yield and land-banking in growth corridors
• Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the New England Highway, M1 extension, and improved freight and logistics access.

 

Thornton, Rutherford & Maitland: A New Industrial Heartland

This corridor has evolved into a prime location for large-format industrial and mixed-use development. Major national tenants, developers and investors are now actively competing for sites once considered fringe.

Key drivers of interest include:

• Flexible zonings (IN1, IN2 and MU1) enabling diverse uses
• Proximity to Newcastle, the Expressway and key freight routes
• Large block sizes, typically 3,000m² to 20,000m²+
• DA-approved land being secured within days of hitting the market

Thornton, Rutherford and Maitland are no longer a ‘maybe one day’ market. It’s now firmly on the radar for businesses that want space, scale and connectivity.

 

On the Ground: My Role in the Region’s Growth

As one of the most active commercial agents in this part of the Hunter, I’ve helped clients across Rutherford, Thornton and Maitland:

• Acquire development-ready land with high exposure and zoning advantages
• Sell and lease existing warehouses, showrooms and commercial sites
• Navigate off-market transactions where competition is strong and listings are limited

Recent projects I’ve worked on include:

• DA-approved lots in Rutherford Industrial Estate
• Prominent development sites in Maitland CBD with MU1 zoning
• Future industrial land acquisitions ahead of rezoning or subdivision approvals

Every transaction is different—but what stays consistent is the level of activity and the increasing land value we’re seeing across the board.

 

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know Right Now

Land pricing is already pushing to up to $500 per square metre in some industrial pockets, particularly Rutherford Industrial area, and where services, DA approvals and road access are already in place. But there’s still real upside for buyers who act quickly, particularly on larger lots or strategic amalgamations.

If you’re:

• A developer seeking your next business park or industrial estate
• An investor looking for capital growth and tenant demand
• Or a business owner wanting to build and control your footprint

Now is the time to act while competition is rising and land availability tightens.

 

Let’s Talk: Work with a Specialist Who Knows the Region

If you’re buying, selling or leasing in Rutherford, Thornton or Maitland, I can help you make informed decisions backed by local knowledge, pricing benchmarks, and direct access to serious buyers and sellers.

From on-market listings to strategic off-market deals, I can guide you through every step of the process to unlock value and secure a stronger position in this fast-moving market.

Get in touch today for a current land value update.

 

Land values are rising — don’t wait for the next price jump.

Secure your next commercial opportunity with confidence and insight.

 

Paul Tilden | Commercial Agent | 0425 302 772
paultilden@movable.com.au

Always A Good Move.