Port Douglas is a beautiful coastal town in Far North Queensland, roughly an hour’s drive north of Cairns. With its gorgeous homes, friendly atmosphere, and endearing lifestyle, buying Port Douglas real estate has increasingly become a more and more attractive option for people living across Australia and around the world.
Whether you are looking to buy a home, unit, holiday house, or investment property in this town, you won’t regret your decision to buy one of Port Douglas’ real estate houses for sale. At Property Shop Port Douglas & Mossman, we are passionate about helping our clients buy into this bustling property market. If you would like to become one of these people, then look no further than this guide to buying Port Douglas real estate.
Location, Location, Location
Port Douglas is a popular luxury tourist destination known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural sites. With easy access to Four Mile Beach, great fishing spots, and the meeting point of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the town offers unforgettable experiences year-round, complemented by historical landmarks, a golf course, and excellent dining options.
The property market in Port Douglas offers a range of options, from lavish houses with expansive gardens and pools to smaller, cosy properties perfect for comfortable living. There are also apartment blocks available for outstanding unit living. Average property prices in Port Douglas are around $830,000 for houses and $285,000 for units, while rental prices are approximately $550 per week for houses and $350 per week for units.
To find out more about why location matters so much for Port Douglas property, be sure to read our blog Port Douglas Location Profile.
Making an Offer on a Port Douglas House
Making an offer on a Port Douglas house is a crucial step in expressing your interest and initiating the process towards owning the property, which involves signing a contract of sale.
When making an offer in the Port Douglas market, you have two options: making a verbal offer to the sales agent or submitting a written offer using a form. Regardless of the approach, you need to specify the amount you are willing to pay, and the sales agent will then communicate your offer to the property owner for acceptance or rejection.
Once your offer is accepted, a contract of sale will be created, which specifies the purchase price, deposit payment details, and settlement date for the Port Douglas house. It becomes legally binding after both parties sign it, and there is a five-day cooling-off period for either party to change their mind, except for properties purchased at auction. You will need to pay a deposit as outlined in the contract, typically within 2-3 days after signing, and ensure that any specific conditions, such as securing finance or passing inspections, are included in the contract before signing it.
Find out more about this topic by reading our article Your Guide to Making and Offer on a Port Douglas House.
Buying an Apartment
When purchasing an apartment in Port Douglas, it’s important to consider the strata fees associated with being part of an owners corporation, which cover maintenance costs such as cleaning, repairs, and facility upkeep.
Due to the coastal climate, factors like rusting and the need for regular glass cleaning should be taken into account, making it crucial to choose building materials suited for the weather conditions. Thoroughly investigating the costs and factors affecting strata fees is essential before making a commitment to your new home.
It’s also important to consider nearby amenities and options that align with your desired lifestyle, such as parking availability and proximity to dining and recreational areas. Being community-minded is crucial in a small town like Port Douglas, so finding a building where you can connect with like-minded individuals is recommended.
Additionally, ensuring the security of the building is essential, particularly if you plan on leaving the apartment unoccupied for extended periods or if you intend to rent it out as a holiday stay.
Discover more about this topic in our blog Your Guide to Buying an Apartment in Port Douglas.
Buying a Beach House
Investing in a beach house in Port Douglas has become an appealing option for property investors across Australia due to the reasonably priced and attractive beachside homes that can serve as long-term rentals or holiday houses, offering tenants and vacationers a tropical escape.
Port Douglas and its surrounding region offer a highly regarded beachside community known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and cozy beach houses, providing a perfect balance between comfort and retaining its identity. The town provides convenient access to amenities, shops, and dining options, while being in close proximity to Cairns for a wider range of facilities, making it an attractive destination for both holiday-goers and long-term tenants looking for an investment property.
When investing in a Port Douglas beach house, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of its purpose, whether it will be a holiday home or a property for short and long-term leases, as each option comes with different considerations.
For a holiday home, you should be prepared for seasonal demand fluctuations and the possibility of vacant periods, while short and long-term leases offer more consistent returns but require ongoing property management and maintenance expenses. It’s important to account for additional costs such as property management fees, maintenance, repairs, and upkeep before making a decision to purchase a Port Douglas beach house.
Learn more by reading our blog article Buy a Port Douglas Beach House: What You Need to Know.
Buy Port Douglas Property Through Property Shop
If you are thinking of buying Port Douglas property, then be sure to contact the friendly team at Property Shop Port Douglas & Mossman today!