GRANTS SPARK SURGE IN DEMAND FOR LAND

A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION combination of reduced prices and two COVID-INspired government grants has created an unprecedented land rush at Townsville’s Bushland Beach.

The city’s beachside community has become one of the hottest suburbs in town with more than 25 blocks snapped up during the past three weeks.

Entire stages have sold out and, with very limited blocks remaining for prices from $85,000, the development is expected to sell out in coming weeks.

Next Level Land Marketing principal agent Jess Baker ( pictured) said her phone had been ringing off the hook as buyers rushed to take advantage of reduced prices and up to $45,000 in government grants.

She said prices at the estate had been slashed by as much as $40,000.

“We haven’t seen this level of activity since before the global financial crisis,” Ms Baker said.

“We’ve gone from doing about two sales a month to selling almost 30 blocks in June alone. I’m getting dozens of phone calls each day.

“It’s a unique set of circumstances and no one wants to miss out on their chance to secure a deal that may never be repeated.”

The announcement of two COVID-19 stimulus grants — the Federal Government’s $25,000 Homebuilder and the State Government’s $5000 Regional Home Building Boost — have combined with the State’s $15,000 First Home Owner Grant.

Ms Baker said the Homebuilder grant required housing construction to start within three months of the signing of the building contract.

It made registered land such as the blocks at Bushland Beach extremely attractive.

“I haven’t seen this level of sales and inquiries in a very long time and it is wonderful to see so many people building at Bushland Beach,” Ms Baker said.

She said the demand for land was being repeated at other estates.