More land available

Additional lots of land have been released for purchase in Karratha after a record surge in land sales on the back of the State Government’s Regional Land Booster Package. In the first week alone, landbuyers placed offers on 18 lots in Madigan Estate, while Pilbara News last week reported Karratha-based building company TIMIK Developments had received 56 home-building inquiries in town since the start of June. As a result, DevelopmentWA has released a further 15 lots to meet the strong demand in the local market. The sales mark the first DevelopmentWA land sales in Karratha in six years and are set to increase stocks in town after housing supply dropped to around 1.5 per cent earlier this year. The package has lots in Madigan Estate in Baynton West slashed by $24,000, to start at $95,000. It complements the State Government’s Building Bonus Grant and the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder grant, enabling eligible landbuyers to receive up to $69,000. While the discounts are a win for those looking to build, they are also helping stimulate the local construction sector, with Karratha builder TIMIK receiving $26 million worth of residential inquiries in the last two months. Lands Minister Ben Wyatt said the numbers were outstanding. “Delivering more affordable land in regional areas will help stimulate local economies, drive business investment and support local jobs in the regional building and construction sectors, as well as supporting sectors such as transport and logistics,” he said. “I look forward to seeing more sales across the State in the coming weeks.” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said it was a fantastic opportunity for people to invest and build and make the Pilbara their home. “I have worked with the minister to help local residents access affordable land in the Pilbara, and the recent sales data shows that demand is now growing,” he said.