The Stockland Rivermont masterplanned community is coming to life, with the first land settlements completed and major early works well underway.
Among the first buyers to secure their future in the growing Waraba region are first home buyers Travis and Virginia Matthews, who say they feel “incredibly lucky” to have secured a block of land in one of Rivermont’s early releases.
The couple, both in their late 20s, had been renting for years while trying to break into the property market. They say Rivermont offered the rare combination of affordability, location and lifestyle that finally made home ownership possible.
The Matthews’ experience reflects a broader trend across Moreton Bay North, where housing affordability has tightened significantly over the past decade.
The PropTrack Stockland Regional Snapshot report shows the median house price in the region has risen eight per cent in the past year to $825,000 and has more than doubled – 126 per cent over the past decade. At the same time, median house rents have increased 64 per cent over five years to $640 a week, making it increasingly challenging for young families to save a deposit.[1]
“We’d been house hunting for a year. We were looking for a smaller block so that we could put more into the house itself. Finding something affordable enough to do that hasn’t been easy – but Rivermont made it possible,” Mr Matthews said.
The Matthews acted quickly to secure their 263 square metre lot, with early land sales at Rivermont selling out within days.
“It was amazing how quickly the lots sold out. We honestly feel really lucky to have secured our block,” Mr Matthews said.
The couple plan to build a three-bedroom home tailored to their lifestyle, with a focus on creating a peaceful and stable environment for their five-year-old son, who is autistic.
“We currently live in Burpengary and wanted to stay close to our son’s school and therapies. We also wanted somewhere quiet and family friendly – a real community. Rivermont ticked all the boxes: green spaces, parks and a safe environment for our son.”
The decision marks more than just a change of address for the Matthew’s – it’s a major life milestone to finally have a place they can call home for the long-term.
“For us, home ownership means stability and security – not having to move every year, not worrying about rent increases – just knowing our son can grow up in a place that truly feels like home,” Mr Matthews said.
Stockland General Manager, QLD Development, David Laner said the early success of Rivermont highlights the need for well-located homes that cater to first home buyers and young families.
“Across South East Queensland, rapid population growth, rising house prices and increasing rental pressure continue to challenge first home buyers,” Mr Laner said.
“Communities like Rivermont are helping provide real pathways into home ownership, where young families and their children can grow as the community grows. We are looking forward to continuing progress on Rivermont and support the delivery of homes in a critical area of South East Queensland.”
The Matthews message to other first home buyers is simple: don’t give up.
“If owning your own home is something you really want, bite the bullet. There’s no harm in getting help – having the right people behind you, like a good broker and solid advice, can make all the difference,” Mr Matthews said.
About Rivermont
Located in Waraba, Rivermont is a 175-hectare masterplanned community that will be home to around 2,050 families across six distinctive villages. The community has been designed to balance lifestyle and convenience, with 47 hectares of open space including six local parks and conservation areas. Rivermont is ideally positioned close to Caboolture CBD, train stations, schools, childcare, a hospital and shopping centres, with future plans including a retail hub, and a Stockland Halcyon over-50s community.
[1] PropTrack Stockland Regional Snapshot: Moreton Bay North, September 2025, PropTrack Automated Valuation Model June 2005 – June 2025: https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/moreton-bay/proptrack
