Demand high for land close to CBD

ALLURE OF LIVING NEAR EVERYTHING THE CITY

LAND in established suburbs in Cairns is as rare as hen’s teeth with offerings quickly snapped up.

While there are options at residential estates in the southern corridor and northern beaches, residential land closer to Cairns CBD is scarce indeed.

Those aspiring to build a home have options at subdivisions such as Rocky Creek at Mt Peter, Sugarworld at Edmonton or Bluewater at Trinity Beach – but very few options in established suburbs such as Freshwater and Mooroobool.

Brenton Popp, of Twomey Schriber, said that established suburbs were pretty much built out.

“There certainly isn’t many blocks of land available close to the city, you’ve got to go to the southside or northern beaches,” Mr Popp said. “Older suburbs like Manunda and Mooroobool are built out,” he said.

Agent Debbie North of Cairns Property Office said many blocks in suburbs such as Edge Hill, Whitfield, Freshwater and Stratford that came on to the market were blocks that had been subdivided as larger parcels, as council regulations had eased in relation to minimum land size.

“I have strong interest in such a block in upper Nolan St at Whitfield, which is 450sq m and has pleasant views and was subdivided off a 900sqm block,” Ms North said.

“There is huge demand for land close to the city and very little available.

“There are various reasons as to why demand for land near the city continues to increase – the main one is the aversion to commuting,” Ms North said.

“I’ve always said that one of the luxuries of living in Cairns is the fact that we are able to live close to everything including our place of work and that there’s no real necessity to do long commutes,” she said.

“The other reason why people like to buy close to town is that all the suburbs within proximity of the city are established and therefore, the personality of the suburb, the demographics, the facilities available are apparent.

“In other words, you know what you’re buying into.

“Subdivided blocks have become smaller, but this also appeals to an emerging demographic of retirees or busy professionals who want a stylish new home but on a small manageable block,” Ms North said.

“The other trend has been that, where possible, people have bought land with very old houses and had the houses removed.”

She said an old house was removed from 36 Goodwin St, Edge Hill, and the 680sq m block sold for $505,000.

“There’s also a block in Walsh St, Edge Hill, in a similar scenario where the land has sold for $690,000,” Ms North said.

Quaid Real Estate agent Tom Quaid said that with land in major subdivisions sold “before the machinery even hits the ground”, owners of existing blocks were encouraged to sell.

“While building costs have gone up in the past 18 months, as the property market has got so competitive, we have seen more people looking at land as an option where they can at least secure the location they want, even if they might have to wait longer to be able to build,” Mr Quaid said.

9 Munro Tce, Mooroobool: Perched high in Mooroobool and on a quiet, no through road, this elevated residential allotment is 10 minutes from the Cairns CBD. It is one of the last elevated allotments left in the area and one would be well suited to split-level designs, with potential for views to the city, ocean and over the southern mountain ranges to Walsh’s Pyramid.

13 Esterina Close, Redlynch: This choice .59ha is in a quiet close and features mountain views. There’s a concrete driveway in place, electricity and water connected, mature trees and a seasonal creek, and it is surrounded by acreage properties. Offers in the $600,000s sought.

47 Macilwraith St, Manoora: Priced at $299,000, this 809sq m block is being marketed as a home site or investment property with potential to build a duplex or triplex, subject to council approval.

26/7 Tari Place, Trinity Beach: This sloping 920sq m block in Trinity Circle estate is surrounded by rainforest is 300m from the beach. Homes in Tari Place are highly sought after with three notable sales this month – 10 Tari Place sold for $746,000, a 1156sq m block sold for $450,000, and a home at 32/7 Tari Place fetched $1.5m.

80 Summerhill Drive, Mooroobool: A whopping 1170sq m block at City View Estate with city, ocean and mountain views to Walshs Pyramid, no easements and established trees on one side is on the market for $699,000. Soil tests, survey and building plans are available for the land surrounded by superior homes in a sought-after location.

142 Hearl Close, Brinsmead: This rainforest block on 0.72ha at the top of Brinsmead, has a common property easement with concrete driveway and services are ready for connection. It is being marketed with a price guide of $329,000 to $359,000.

13 Eleanor Close, Mooroobool: This elevated block with a north-east aspect offers mountain views and glimpses of the city. It is located near the top end of a quiet close in a prestigious part of Mooroobool.

Proposed Lot 1, 91 Nolan St, Whitfield: A 454sq m block that is among the last blocks available in the area; the land is going through its final stages of approval so a long settlement would probably be required. Offers of more than $329,000 are sought.

109-111 Fig Tree Drive, Caravonica: Located high in Caravonica with views over canefields, Yorkeys Knob and Trinity Beach, this 0.41ha sloping parcel of land is on the market for $229,000.

5 Lee St, Freshwater: Offers of more than $449,000 are sought for this elevated 863sq m, near-level block with views. It is in a cul-de-sac.