Housing market could benefit new resort
THE development company behind a major new retirement and lifestyle resort in Toowoomba’s western suburbs believes the city’s tight housing market could drive interest in its land.
Seachange Toowoomba, a massive 160-lot gated community based on Hampton St in Harristown, was officially launched to the public on the weekend.
The precinct, which has already cost upwards of $10 million so far, features luxurious community facilities, like a welcoming summer house and a country club with an indoor pool, bowling green and cinema.
About 30 homes have already been sold, and Seachange CEO Warren Harris said he expected greater interest heading into 2021.
He agreed with the notion that Toowoomba’s tighterthan-normal housing market could incentivise residents to consider selling their house for a good price and setting up in Seachange.
“Naturally, some of the inquiries died down during the early part of COVID, but we were always encouraging individual appointments, so we’ve been surprised by the uptake,” Mr Harris said.
“People have come to see us, they’ve been able to come to both the summer house, and then in July we finished this club house, and the reception has been great.
“We’re attracting the downsizers because there is no maintenance, so you’ve just got your yard to look after.
“But one of the issues is cost of living, (so) when you bundle it all together, it provides you with a lifestyle that’s the complete package to move into retirement.”
Seachange has continued its offer of a $25,000 grant for people wanting to build inside the resort, after gated communities where the developer retained land ownership were exempt from the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder grant.
Mr Harris said he was expecting to see another 50 homes bought by late next year.