Reed brings great Australian dream back within reach
May 21, 2013
With new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing the average annual wage or salary on the Sunshine Coast between 2009 and 2010 was $10,000 less than the Brisbane average, it is little wonder why Coast residents have struggled to afford housing within the region in recent years.
The figures come after Real Estate Institute of Australia President Peter Bushby recently raised concerns that the aggregate rate of home ownership in Australia would drop considerably in future years as a direct result of unaffordable housing.
Reed Property Group Sales and Marketing Manager Jason Kollanyi said despite the comparatively lower wages on the Sunshine Coast, it wasn’t all bad news for locals, with the great Australian dream still within reach.
“Having been a part of the Sunshine Coast community for more than 25 years, Reed Property Group has witnessed the changing property landscape over the past few decades, and we have responded to recent housing affordability issues by developing a number of affordable residential projects in the region,” Mr Kollanyi said.
“We recognised that centrality was a key requirement for many home-hunters and investors, so we deliberately designed apartments that are close to shops, childcare centres, schools, recreation areas and amenities, while staying within the entry level price range.”
“The Parks development in Sippy Downs is one such example, with the project designed to offer the average Sunshine Coast worker the opportunity to purchase a quality home within their budget.”
Mr Kollanyi said the formula had proved very popular with owner-occupiers and investors, and as a result, there was only one apartment remaining at The Parks.
“The demand for such affordable properties is through the roof at the moment; aside from The Parks, we’ve also had the mixed-use Emporio development in Maroochydore reporting record sales in recent months,” Mr Kollanyi said.
“It’s understandable why investors are being drawn to these developments. The average Emporio apartment is priced 30 per cent less than the average cost of other new apartment projects in the region, while still offering close proximity to restaurants, entertainment venues and shops.”
Mr Kollanyi said with more than 180,000 new residents forecasted to move to the Sunshine Coast over the next two decades, demand for affordable housing would only strengthen in the coming years.
“The reality is that both the private and public sectors need to work hand-in-hand to combat issues regarding housing affordability,” Mr Kollanyi said.
“Sunshine Coast Council has made a solid start in recently committing to providing up to a 50 per cent discount on infrastructure charges for developments commencing construction in July, and we recognise that as a local developer, Reed must continue to support the Sunshine Coast community through the delivery of affordable residential projects.”
While Stage One of the Emporio development has been completed, Stage Two is currently selling well and will bring a further 82 affordable apartments to the Coast in the next 12 months.
“Once the entire Emporio precinct is complete, we expect it will incorporate more than 270 residential apartments,” Mr Kollanyi said.
“Future stages are currently in the pipeline, affirming our commitment to supporting the local community over the long-term.”
For more information regarding Reed Property Group, Emporio or The Parks, visit www.reedproperty.com.au or contact Jason Kollanyi on (07) 5479 4444.
Ends.
Media contact: Maya Gurry – Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0410 109 102 E: maya@freshprm.com.au
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