First-home buyers head to the region
First-home buyers are proving the Australian dream of owning your own home is still alive and well as an increasing number head to regional areas to cash in on big blocks with room to build the big family home.
Gleneagle couple Kate Benson and Heath Atkinson, both 22, couldn’t go past the opportunity to purchase a huge 680sq m home site for $242,900 in the $400m masterplanned community Eucalee, created by national developer Villawood Properties.
“We wanted to stay close to home as we have always lived in the area and love it here plus we could
n’t go past the value for money, as we looked at other estates in the surrounding areas and people are buying much smaller blocks for the same price we paid,” Ms Benson said.
“We looked at existing homes as we originally believed this was a safer option in a volatile market, how
ever, most of them needed work and this coupled with high prices led us to explore the options of building our own home and we are so glad we did because we will get the home we want.”
Oliver Hume research suggests the trend towards increased regional property demand is increasing with 37 p
er cent of national property sales in April this year attributed to the regional property market.
The couple looked at estates around town along with display homes and were directed to Eucalee, which offers an urban lifestyle within the picturesque Scenic Rim seven minutes from nearby Beaudesert and easy access to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“We love the vision for Eucalee with its beautiful parklands plus the estate has beautiful views of the surrounding Scenic Rim ranges and a serene feel,” Ms Benson said.
“It’s a beautiful estate to look to the future in with a caring community vibe.”
Villawood Properties Queensland general manager, Michael Williams said first-home buyers made up the majority of sales at the Eucalee project bolstered by Villawood’s First Home Buyer Boost which offers a $10,000 saving to first-home buyers for a limited time, in addition to the state government’s $15,000 First Home Buyer Grant.
“First-home buyers have shown increased interest in Eucalee with 33 per cent of sales from first-home buyers in April, rising to 56 per cent in May, and then an astounding 100 per cent in June,” Mr Williams said.
“We understand it is a difficult time for first-home buyers and as a result many are seeking out options like Eucalee away from city centres that offer more space, the option to build their own home, and a lifestyle created with natural beauty as the backdrop.”
While the couple are still in the early stages of designing their new home, they are looking forward to their future at Eucalee.
“We are so excited to be building our own home and while the whole process is a little daunting, we are still so happy,” Ms Benson said.
“The extra $10,000 offered by Villawood was another incredible incentive which offered an extra boost to help us out and it’s nice to know we will have a little extra money to support us on this journey.”
Published 25th August 2023 – Courier Mail and https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/developing-queensland-firsthome-buyers-head-to-the-regions
Photography by Bernie Bickerton
