Welcome to the Queensland country town where house blocks cost $25,000
They are buying up and breeding up in the far western Queensland town of Quilpie, where 1000 square metre house blocks are selling for far less than the average house deposit.
The comparative low price is being further sweetened by a local council ‘new homeowner grant’ and the promise of more land and housing being opened soon to accommodate the influx of interest.
The only catch for some will be living on the edge of the Simpson Desert, more than 10 hours’ drive west of Brisbane.
But according to Quilpie Shire Council CEO, Justin Hancock, the remote location is proving no barrier to those looking to enter the housing market and escape the million-dollar prices in big cities.
“We can offer the security of good jobs with well-paid positions available right now, a township that has a reputation of being one of the friendliest in the State and a great way of life,” he said.
“And with blocks still as low as $25,000 for serviceable, flood-free land we’re an awesome regional option. We think an outback change beats a tree or sea change any day.”
As the landscape changes in Quilpie, so is the town’s demographic.
According to Hancock two new buyers will welcome babies soon, while more than 10 locally based families will have babies arriving between now and March, with six of those set to be born over December and January.
It’s exciting for the local childcare centres and schools and refreshing to see the town attracting young families as well as retaining young couples who are keen to start and establish their families in Quilpie,” he said.
“We expect our land and region to continue attracting good growth. In the last 12 months we have seen a 57 per cent increase in sales to April this year.
“New businesses are opening, and with land also available in Quilpie’s industrial area business opportunities will continue to develop.”
The homeowner grant that was launched 12 months ago remains available in Quilpie and is under-written by Quilpie Shire Council – giving anyone who purchases a block of land in the Quilpie Shire the opportunity to have $12,500 reimbursed when they build and live in the new house for a minimum of six months.
The offer is made in addition to other first homeowner government incentives.
Hancock said land values had doubled in the Quilpie region since the grant was launched last October.
He said council also had a $2 million grant through the Queensland Government re-develop its old works depot into six, 2–3-bedroom townhouse villas in the New Year.
He said council would release the tender to undertake the build, with the potential to extend up to 30 dwellings.
