The PocketHunter platform is designed to simplify property investment by providing actionable insights into key metrics and trends. This glossary helps you understand the critical features and data powering informed decisions.
Understanding the language of property investment is crucial for success. The following glossary defines the terms and features used on the PocketHunter platform to guide you through market analysis and investment strategies.
Key Features on the PocketHunter Platform
📍 LGA (Local Government Area)
An administrative region in Australia governed by a local council. LGAs often encompass multiple suburbs and provide critical infrastructure and services, making them a key factor in property investment decisions.
🏘️ Suburb
A city or town in Australia, often defined by a local government area (LGA).
📊 SA1 Level (Statistical Area Level 1)
A geographic unit defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for detailed population and housing data.
- Covers 200-800 people.
- Ideal for analyzing specific neighborhoods.
🔥 Hotspot List
This feature highlights "warm" suburbs—areas that haven’t yet taken off but have potential runway to grow. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure where to look. While these areas show promise, always conduct your own due diligence.
📈 PocketHunter Score
This score provides an overall indication of a suburb's suitability based on factors like income levels, owner-occupier rates, and more.
- Scores below 5: Dig deeper into specific metrics to identify weak spots.
- Scores above 8: These suburbs typically meet key criteria for strong investment potential.
💰 Income Levels
Represents the average income of individuals or households in a given area, influencing:
- Demographics.
- Spending power.
- Rental demand and property affordability.
Dashboard Insight: Darker green on the dashboard indicates higher income levels.
🏡 Owner-Occupiers Percentage
The proportion of properties owned and occupied by their owners rather than rented out.
- High percentages indicate stable, community-focused neighborhoods with lower investment risk.
Dashboard Insight:
- 🔴 High Risk: Below 50%
- 🟡 Balanced: 50%-70%
- 🟢 Ideal: Above 70%
💵 Median Price & Rent
The midpoint price or rent for houses in a suburb, where half are priced above and half below this figure.
Used to gauge:
- Affordability.
- Market trends.
⛏️ Mining Towns
Towns primarily driven by mining activities, characterized by:
- ⚠️ Volatile property markets.
- High yields during boom periods but significant risks during downturns.
📉 IRSAD (Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage)
A ranking system developed by the ABS to measure an area’s economic and social conditions.
| Level of Advantage | IRSAD Decile | Color Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Most Disadvantaged | 1 (Bottom 10%) | 🔴 Dark Red |
| Disadvantaged | 2-3 (10-30%) | 🟠 Red |
| Moderately Disadvantaged | 4-5 (30-50%) | 🟡 Yellow |
| Moderately Advantaged | 6-7 (50-70%) | 🟢 Light Green |
| Advantaged | 8-9 (70-90%) | 🟢 Green |
| Most Advantaged | 10 (Top 10%) | 🟢 Dark Green |
Dashboard Insight: The darker the shade of green, the higher the advantage level.
🏚️ Social Housing
Government-funded housing for low-income individuals or families.
- High proportions of social housing may affect rental demand and property value growth.
Dashboard Insight:
- 💚 Ideal: 0%
- 💛 Acceptable: 0%-5%
- ❌ High Risk: Above 5%
Darker red areas indicate a higher proportion of social housing. Always check surrounding SA1 pockets for a comprehensive view.
📈 Median Yield
Represents the annual rental income as a percentage of the house’s purchase price.
A critical metric for evaluating cash flow potential.
Dashboard Insight:
- 🟢 Greener shades: Higher yields.
- 🔴 Darker red shades: Lower yields.
Final Thoughts
The PocketHunter platform empowers investors with detailed insights into key metrics that drive successful property investments. By understanding these terms and leveraging our dashboard features, you can make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of market trends.
For more guidance on property investment strategies, explore our resources or consult with our expert advisors.