So, you’ve fallen in love with this beautiful beachside town and are now looking at buying an apartment in Port Douglas. And who could blame you? Port Douglas really is the crown jewel of Far North Queensland. On top of the beautiful tropical beaches and relaxed lifestyle, Port Douglas is also the meeting place to two of Australia’s most prized UNESCO sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest.

Port Douglas is a truly unique place, and buying an apartment is a great investment for you to make if you are moving to the area or are a regular visitor. So we have curated a list of things to consider when looking at apartments for sale in Port Douglas.

1. Consider strata fees

If you are buying an apartment there it is likely that you will be part of an owners corporation, commonly known as a body corp. This is a collection of other owners who you share the building with – and also share maintenance fees with. Maintenance fees include cleaning, lift maintenance, any structural repairs, and caring for facilities. This list goes on, and so you may be able to understand how fees could vary greatly from building to building depending on location and other things.

When moving to Port Douglas, you must always factor in the coastal climate into your strata fee choice. Salt air causes a lot of rusting on steel and metal, so your building materials have to be of a high grade and well suited to weathering. Glass is also something that is used heavily in coastal locations – making sure you get those views is essential. But as such, this amount of glass requires a lot of cleaning to make sure they are free of salty grime.

There are many considerations that go into the cost of strata in apartment complexes, so make sure to investigate the costs fully before you commit yourself to your new home.

Port Douglas Apartments2. Nearby amenities and options

Living in a tourist town like Port Douglas means that you really have to consider your apartment’s surroundings. The likelihood is that you are moving to Port Douglas because you might have had a great stay there and just can’t get enough of it. However, living in a holiday spot can be a bit of a different experience to visiting, and you need to think about what you want your lifestyle to look like.

Parking, for example, is a big factor for you and your future visitors. While there may be parking for you in your building, it is likely that your friends may have to rely on street parking. This can be a major battle in the peak of tourist season. If you are someone who loves to host, you might want to consider an apartment with ample visitor parking to avoid this issue.

You are never far from natural spaces in Port Douglas, and if you have a dog the beautiful Four Mile Beach is dog friendly  – with exception of the most northern end of the beach where the red and yellow flags are situated. If you loved the dining experiences from your stay, you might want to make sure you are living close to Macrossan or Garrick to capitalise on your foodie dreams.

3. Be community-minded

In a small town like Port Douglas, community is everything. So it’s important that you seek out your people and live in a building that you will mesh with socially.

Another thing to remember about Port Douglas, is that many of the tenants may be more seasonal – visiting for the holidays and then going back home during the off-season. When viewing your building, it is worthwhile getting a gauge of how your community that you built over summer might be affected. Get as many visits as you can in so you can determine whether it’s the right crowd.

Be sure to be really clear about the type of person you are and what you want from living in this beachside locale when working with your agent. Whether you want to invest in the quiet life, or prefer to be super social, there is an option for everyone in Port Douglas.

4. Stay secure

A lot of Port Douglas buyers are people looking to invest in a holiday home. A low maintenance property like an apartment is perfect for this as it allows for coming and going with stretches in between. However, if you do plan on leaving your apartment for long stints, we highly recommend considering the safety of the building you are choosing to live in.

While crime is statistically lower in Port Douglas compared to many small towns in Australia, you don’t want to risk anything. If your apartment building doesn’t offer adequate security, you may have to consider investing in your own system as well. This is an even greater consideration if you plan to rent your apartment out to others as a holiday stay.

5. Find an agent who knows you and the area

When buying in a small community like Port Douglas, it is a good idea to invest in a real estate agent who not only knows the area well, but also knows you. Convey to your agent what it is you are looking for – not just in terms of price, but also layout, general energy, and lifestyle. If you have an agent who is local and knows the area, they will be able to guide you to the most suitable spots.

Your agent should know everything about the apartment from the get go, and will be able to walk you through building maintenance and any issues with the apartment (damp, noise, smells etc) that you may have missed. Your agent should be on your side, and can also be your gateway to local know-how. In your apartment hunt they are your most valuable resource.

The next step to buying an apartment in Port Douglas

Buying an apartment in Port Douglas is an exciting next step on your journey – whether it is a first home, holiday spot, or a relocation. This small piece of paradise is a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of bigger metro areas, and will offer you that beach town life you have always wanted.

Remember to stay smart and informed when buying an apartment in Port Douglas. Apartments come with their own set of considerations that you won’t experience in regular houses, and these considerations can be even more unique in Port Douglas.

If you are interested in purchasing an apartment in Port Douglas, make sure to get in touch with our friendly local Port Douglas real estate agents to discuss how you can make your dream reality.