Rush to secure big land release
THE NT Government released more land at Palmerston yesterday and says sales in the new suburb of Johnston are ‘‘rocketing’’.
Lands and Planning Minister Peter Chandler said the previous land release at Johnston had almost been completed — an entire year ahead of schedule.
‘‘(This) shows that developers and the market have confidence in the Territory’s housing future,’’ Mr Chandler said.
Only two of the 29 lots from the previous land release remain available to the public.
The Government put another 17 lots on the market yesterday, with 66 more set to be sold off the plan in early 2014.
‘‘This is great news for people struggling to get into the housing market,’’ Mr Chandler said.
‘‘The Territory is in the midst of a housing crisis.
‘‘My Department and I have been working hard to drive efficiencies and reduce redtape, resulting in a cultural shift towards working with developers to deliver affordable housing options for Territorians.’’
Mr Chandler said the Government was determined to release more greenfield sites, more crown land and more urban infill sites.
The NT News reported on Friday that the property market in the Top End is booming.
RP Data research shows that the number of homes listed for sale in the NT over the four weeks ending on November 24 was a 3.8 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Nationally, there was an 8.9 per cent reduction.
Darwin was the nation’s best-performing capital city with a 11.3 per cent increase in house sale listings.