Strong demand fuels sale of 50 lots at Sanctum Residential Community

AT A GLANCE

• Rising Sales: 50 lots sold in just four weeks, with a mix of first homebuyers, upgrade buyers, and interstate investors capitalising on Townsville’s competitive prices and strong economic growth.
• Diverse Buyer Profile: From first-home buyers to investors seeking high rental yields, the estate caters to a broad range of buyers, with lot sizes ranging from 330sqm to 1,434sqm.
• Development and Growth: The ongoing expansion of the Sanctum Estate will accommodate over 3,000 families upon completion, with plans to meet the region’s increasing demand for housing amid a severe housing shortage in North Queensland.

Private North Queensland developer Maidment Group has tapped into a burgeoning new market for aspiring homeowners in Townsville with a swathe of sales across its $950 million Master Planned Sanctum Residential Community.

Maidment, one of the North’s most active private development companies, has sold 50 lots in the last four weeks as buyers take advantage of competitive land prices and low supply. A diverse array of buyers have dived into the estate including first homebuyers and second and third home buyers upgrading to larger family residences. Additionally, interstate investors are drawn to the area by favourable rental yields, with available lot sizes ranging from 330sqm to 1,434sqm.

Maidment Group Managing Director Glen Maidment said there had been a distinct shift in the Townsville market in recent months, which was reflected in the latest tranche of sales.

“The variety of buyers we’re seeing underscores the growing strength of the real estate market in North Queensland,” he said. 

“Buyers are seeing value when compared to Southeast Queensland and are supported by relatively low unemployment, increasing job opportunities and committed spend on major infrastructure projects across the region.

“Townsville is certainly offering a unique proposition for investors looking for strong returns in a growing
market.”

However, Maidment also noted that despite the region’s strong demand and positive growth outlook, there remains a significant housing shortage in North Queensland, underscoring the urgent need for additional support from all levels of government to unlock the necessary infrastructure to enable housing supply. 

“There’s no doubt that the demand for housing is strong, but we are facing a real shortage in the market,” said Mr Maidment. 

“We need support across all fronts – whether it’s for infrastructure, utilities, or streamlined planning process. 

“Developers like us are ready to help meet that demand, but we need the backing from both local and state governments to unlock further development potential and provide long-term solutions to the housing crisis.”

Located just 25 minutes north of Townsville’s CBD and airport, Sanctum Estate is positioned in the heart of the Northern Beaches, a rapidly growing area conveniently linked to essential services and major employment hubs, including the Townsville University Hospital and James Cook University. The Sanctum community is poised for significant growth, with plans for further development that will accommodate over 3,000 families within the estate on completion.

To date, Maidment Group has successfully delivered over 1,000 lots within Sanctum Estate, reinforcing its commitment to providing long-term housing solutions in Townsville and North Queensland. Looking ahead, demand is expected to remain strong from local buyers, interstate and out-of-town investors seeking blue-chip investment properties in the region.

House and land packages are available as turn-key solutions starting from $550,000, making Sanctum an attractive opportunity for investors and buyers alike.

“We are proud to contribute to the region’s development and meet the needs of our community,” said Mr Maidment.

“Our competitive pricing and flexible options are designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, and we are even seeing interest from Southeast Queensland residents considering relocation as the SEQ market has become quite challenging for buyers.”

The growing demand for housing in Townsville is underpinned by positive economic conditions that offer ample employment opportunities for those considering relocation. The region is experiencing a long-term population shift to North Queensland, driven by job security and the potential for career advancement.

“Job security and career advancement are significant factors driving people to North Queensland,” said Mr Maidment.

“With a variety of lot sizes available, we cater to everyone from first-home buyers to families seeking more space.”

Townsville has emerged as a hotbed for interstate and local investors, drawn by strong rental yields and opportunities to build diverse property portfolios.

“Investors are recognising Townsville as a prime location for growth,” said Mr Maidment. 

Sanctum Estate’s diverse range of land offerings supports both low-maintenance housing and larger family homes, making it an attractive option in a market with a rental vacancy rate below 1%. With land prices starting at $209,000 and complete house and land packages around the mid $550,000, 

Sanctum provides an attractive proposition for a variety of buyers. The ongoing development at Sanctum is further supported by significant government infrastructure, enhancing the area’s appeal and growth potential. As Townsville continues to attract new residents, the outlook for property pricing remains positive.

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