PROPERTY BARGAINS

GET INTO MARKET WITH THESE GEMS

THE Far North remains a bargain-hunter’s dream for regional real estate with many quality deals available at both ends of the market.

Cairns property prices have barely moved in years, although this is expected to change in 2018 amid sustained growth in tourism and employment figures.

REIQ Cairns zone chairman Tom Quaid said the region’s property prices still favoured buyers.

“While the general consensus is that the Cairns property market is poised for growth in 2018, the region remains a generally affordable regional hub with bang for your buck available and a median house value of a bit over $400,000,” he said.

“From a practical perspective, and with a focus on those looking to get into the market for their first home, with the current low interest rate environment taken into account, there are some great opportunities on offer.”

At entry level, an array of quality units within the vicinity of the CBD can be snapped up for under $200,000.

Mr Quaid said the two-bedroom unit at 1-2/116 Maytown Cl, Manoora – available for offers in the high $100,000s – was a perfect example of Cairns’ value for money.

“Imagine a buyer in Sydney trying to find something in a comparable position for even double that figure,” he said.

He also said there was “incredible value” at the luxury end of the market.

Several waterfront mansions and stunning rainforest streets – such as the sevenbedroom home at 176 Sydney Cl (right) – are currently listed for offers just above $1 million.

But, for those looking to enter the property market, Mr Quaid said impressive homes could be picked up without breaking the bank.

“Provided you can do the hard yards in getting a deposit together – or are lucky enough to have family able to assist – property can be within reach in many suburbs,” he said.

“As long as you look practically for a first home, rather than the dream home from day one.”

According to the latest CairnsWatch report, the city had a median house price of $406,000 and a median unit price of $215,000 as of November last year. Grab the Real Estate guide in today’s Weekend Post.

HE SAID IT

WHILE THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS THAT THE CAIRNS MARKET IS POISED FOR GROWTH IN 2018, THE REGION REMAINS A GENERALLY AFFORDABLE REGIONAL HUB WITH BANG FOR YOUR BUCK AVAILABLE AND A MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE OF A BIT OVER $400,000 TOM QUAID