Aerial view of Airlie Beach.
Jared and Sophie Russell are part of a growing number of young Aussies priced out of major cities, leaving in droves for more affordable lives elsewhere on the coast.
The newlyweds, originally from the Gold Coast jumped at the opportunity to invest in a block of land in north Queensland and are currently building their dream home.
Jared and Sophie Russell are part of a growing number of Aussies swapping the hustle and bustle of city life for Airlie Beach.
“We were in town for an impromptu holiday, thanks to our wedding being postponed during Covid-19 and just fell in love with the scenery and pace,” Mr Russell said.
“We hadn’t ever considered moving any further north than the Gold Coast but between the lifestyle and the block, we were sold.
“Our land has million-dollar views of the entire bay and is something really special.”
Airlie Summit by Alder Developments.
The couple bought in Airlie Summit, a $60m project being developed by Queensland company, Alder.
“As first-time home builders, people told us we were crazy choosing a sloping block, but we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Mr Russell said.
“It has given us the opportunity to capitalise on space and design our home around the views.
“It will be split over four-levels, with three bedrooms, an office, two and a half bathrooms and we have excavated underneath to allow for an additional living space in the future.
Jared and Sophie Russell are part of a growing number of Aussies swapping the hustle and bustle of city life for Airlie Beach.
The Russells say their build has been smooth sailing despite labour shortages and problems sourcing materials in the construction industry.
“We watched other builds progress and met with numerous designers and builders before deciding to engage a local building designer and building team, that best suited our needs,” Mr Russell said.
“We went in with a host of ideas and ultimately took a step back to let the professionals, who understand the site and the region, guide us.”
Airlie Summit is one of the last remaining major subdivisions sites left in the burgeoning coastal town.
Alder general manager of developments Greg Tupicoff said Airlie Beach was ticking a lot of boxes for people, especially since the pandemic.
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Greg Tupicoff of Alder Developments.
“Airlie has the right amount of infrastructure and the laid-back lifestyle that so many people are now seeking,” Mr Tupicoff said.
“The town is really changing, and Australians are now recognising it as much more than just a holiday destination.”
Mr Tupicoff said he was also seeing a huge shift in the style of homes being built at Airlie Summit.
“The new builds are very similar to the upmarket dwellings we see in Noosa and on the Gold Coast, but they are being built at competitive prices.
“Buyers of land in Airlie Summit can get the same luxury finishes, but closer to the centre of town in a less busy, yet still thriving, Queensland community.”
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