One of Australia’s fastest‑growing regional markets has also just served up one of the most affordable buy‑ins with dozens of former defence homes on offer for under $200,000.
For months, speculation has swirled around the fate of 68 Defence Housing Australia properties located across three blocks in the Townsville suburb of Aitkenvale, nestled between Nathan St, Leopold St, Kimball St, and Kenealy St.
Now, the wait is over, with local firm Renewable Homes officially listing the properties with price guides of $110,000 and $190,000, undercutting the suburb’s circa‑$620,000 average sale price by as much as $430,000.
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Aitkenvale is also renowned as one of Townsville’s strongest rental markets, boasting an impressive yield of 5.43 per cent.
Examples of the DHA properties currently for sale on the Renewable Homes website. Picture: Supplied
The home’s are in good condition and priced between $110,000 and $190,000. Picture: Supplied
Defence Housing Australia confirmed in late May that Renewable Homes had secured the contract to relocate the vacant dwellings.
Advertised prices include transporting the house to a new site and a restumping allowance, making the package a sharp entry point for first‑home buyers, downsizers and investors prepared to relocate and refurbish.
Most of the stock comprises three‑bedroom, one‑bathroom high‑set homes, with a handful of four‑bedroom options.
Four homes have already gone under contract.
One of the home’s kitchens. Picture: Supplied
Open inspections are under way, with prospective buyers required to wear enclosed shoes and asbestos registers will be available to view on the day.
Renewable Homes director Jo Veneman said the portfolio is split into three pricing categories and urged house‑hunters to confirm a dwelling’s category before submitting an offer, after strong turnouts at previous opens saw some miss out.
“When you offer a price, please ensure you ask which pricing category they are in,” Ms Veneman wrote on social media.
“We had 60 people through our last open home inspections and because they were unaware of the pricing structure, they missed out on securing a home.”
All homes come with polished floorboards. Picture: Supplied
Some home also have decks. Picture: Supplied
Early demand has been brisk, with at least four homes already under contract between $110,000 and $160,000.
The company has also put the call out to small and medium businesses for B‑class asbestos removal prior to relocation.
Firms must hold the appropriate asbestos removal licence and ensure staff have the relevant B‑class competency, with works to be completed before the homes leave the site.
Looking ahead, DHA is preparing a new master plan for the Aitkenvale blocks that could deliver a mix of modern single dwellings, terraces and potentially low‑rise apartments.
A development application is expected to be lodged with Townsville City Council later this year.
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