As Australia’s capital cities feel the squeeze of housing affordability, a town in regional North Queensland is experiencing a record number of enquiries from interstate families looking to relocate.
Charters Towers has seen enquiry rates from interstate people considering a tree-change at record highs as rising capital city property prices continue to drive people to the regions.
With the median house price tipping $1M in Melbourne and Sydney and Brisbane at record highs, it’s easy to see why disheartened home buyers are looking to regions like Charters Towers, where $187,000* can buy you a home in the city.
Julia Fraser is a Real Estate Agent at Harcourts Kingsberry Towers and said during the last 12 months the business had fielded a record number of relocation enquiries from people outside the region and interstate.
“What we’re seeing in Charters Towers is a shift. More Australians are prepared to consider housing options outside of capital cities.
“The prospect of owning a home is very attractive to people who could never have afforded a home in Sydney or Melbourne,” said Julia.
“We’ve not seen this level of demand for many years.”
It’s not just enquiries though, 55 percent of all properties sold in Charters Towers were to first-home buyers and investors from outside the region.
Julia told us people from capital cities are looking for a community with work-life balance, affordable housing, and a lifestyle that’s great for families; things Charters Towers has in spades.