Townsville’s Fastest-Selling Property Market: A Guide for First-Home Buyers and Investors

Townsville’s Property Boom

Townsville has emerged as Queensland’s fastest-selling real estate market, with houses selling in an average of just 15 days in January 2024—down from 34 days in January 2023. This rapid turnover reflects high demand, driven by affordability, population growth, and limited supply.

Key Market Trends

• Median house price: Increased 23.8% in 12 months to $526,000.
• Fastest-selling price bracket: Properties between $450,000-$600,000 are selling in under seven days.
• Sub-$500,000 homes: Often sell within a day, attracting heavy buyer interest and investor demand.
• Investor activity: Many properties receive offers sight unseen from investors eager to secure homes quickly.
• Low supply: Townsville is experiencing its lowest-ever housing stock, creating urgency among buyers.
• High rental growth: Demand for rental properties remains strong, supporting investor confidence.
  

Top 5 Fastest-Selling Suburbs

📍 Cosgrove – 6 days
A high-demand suburb with new developments and affordability driving quick sales.

📍 Deeragun & Hyde Park – 7 days

Deeragun: Offers larger blocks at competitive prices, attracting families and investors.
Hyde Park: Limited housing stock creates high demand, pushing quick transactions.

📍 Heatley – 8 days
It is an affordable suburb with strong buyer interest, especially among first-home buyers.

📍 Douglas – 9 days
A prime location near Townsville University Hospital, Lavarack Barracks, and James Cook University, making it a hotspot for professionals and investors.

Unit Market Performance

• Townsville ranks seventh in Queensland for unit sales speed, with a median time on market of 25 days.
• Ipswich leads at 17 days, followed by Logan (21), Scenic Rim (22), Redland and Toowoomba (23), and Cairns (23).
  

Advice for First-Home Buyers & Investors

• Act fast: Competition is fierce—be prepared to make quick decisions.
• Pre-approval is key: Secure home loan approval before searching.
• Consider outer suburbs: More affordable options exist in Deeragun, Cosgrove, and Heatley.
• Look at rental demand: If investing, focus on suburbs near employment hubs like Douglas.

With prices rising and homes selling at record speeds, Townsville presents a prime opportunity for both first-home buyers and first-time investors looking to secure a property in a fast-moving market.