Palmer penthouse the year’s priciest

A NORTH Ward penthouse has topped the list of Townsville’s most expensive homes sold in 2018 after Clive Palmer bought the luxury property for a whooping $2.7 million.

The controversial billionaire bought 9/88-90 Mitchell St in an off market sale in July through Helen Munro Property.

It’s known as being one of Townsville’s most luxurious penthouses and takes up the entire top-floor of the apartment complex.

It’s 600sq m in size, has sweeping ocean views and fronts on to Strand Park.

The second most expensive residential sale recorded in Townsville in 2018 was 5 Arundel Crt, Castle Hill.

It was sold by Janice Gallagher form Janice Gallagher Real Estate for $2.4 million in February. A couple from regional Queensland bought the three-level home which has six bedrooms, sweeping views, an indoor heated pool and wet bar.

3 The Point, Castle Hill, was sold for $2 million in January by Julie Mahoney owner of Ray White Julie Mahoney. Ms Mahoney also sold the fifth most expensive home at 5 Fryer St, North Ward, for $1.75 million, and 26 Cleveland Terrace came in at fourth place selling in March for $1.9 million.

Ms Mahoney said high end buyers in the $1.5 million plus price bracket wanted top quality properties in a prime location with ocean views.

“When you’re in paradise you want the best of paradise so most of these homes have massive open-plan living areas with a segregated media room, room for guests and views,” she said. “Both of these sales were to families that were intending them to be a long-term investment in Townsville and they wanted a great lifestyle within walking distance to The Strand and proximity to schools.

“For homes to sell in that high price bracket they have to be spot on and they have to be something spectacular.”

The home at The Point has some of the best views in Townsville and is in a prestigious pocket of Castle Hill while 5 Fryer St has an infinity pool and basketball court.

Of the top five, 26 Cleveland Tce is the most historic. It dates back to the Federation era. It was meticulously renovated before it was sold.

The home has a wraparound veranda, character details and swimming pool.

It’s on a 1879sq m block in one of Townsville’s most coveted locations with views out to Magnetic Island and the Palm Island Group.