A rare housing opportunity has emerged in North Queensland after 68 former Defence Housing Australia (DHA) homes were listed for sale in Townsville with prices starting from just $110,000.
The homes, located across three blocks in the suburb of Aitkenvale between Nathan Street, Leopold Street, Kimball Street and Kenealy Street, have been placed on the market by Renewable Homes following months of speculation about the future of the properties.
With price guides ranging from $110,000 to $190,000, the homes are attracting attention because they are being offered at a fraction of the suburb’s average house price of approximately $620,000. In some cases, the asking prices are up to $430,000 lower than typical Aitkenvale property values.
However, buyers should understand that the sale does not include the land. The dwellings must be relocated to a new site, with the advertised price including transportation and a restumping allowance.
Strong Demand as Buyers Chase Affordable Homes
Interest in the properties has been immediate. Renewable Homes says at least four homes have already gone under contract, with sale prices reported between $110,000 and $160,000.
The company has divided the portfolio into three separate pricing categories and has urged prospective buyers to confirm which category a property belongs to before making an offer. According to Renewable Homes director Jo Veneman, previous open inspections attracted around 60 visitors, with some buyers missing out because they were unaware of the pricing structure.
The majority of the available stock consists of high-set Queensland homes featuring three bedrooms and one bathroom, while a smaller number of four-bedroom options are also available. Many retain polished timber floorboards, and some properties include outdoor decks and elevated living spaces that remain popular with Queensland buyers.
Open inspections are currently under way, with attendees required to wear enclosed shoes. Asbestos registers are available for inspection, allowing buyers to review information before proceeding with a purchase.
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Rental Appeal and Future Redevelopment Plans
Aitkenvale remains one of Townsville’s stronger-performing rental markets, with rental yields reported at approximately 5.43 per cent. That combination of affordability and rental demand has helped attract both owner-occupiers and investors looking for alternative entry points into the housing market.
The relocation process also involves asbestos management requirements. Renewable Homes has called on small and medium-sized businesses with the appropriate B-Class asbestos removal licences and qualified staff to undertake removal work before the homes are transported from the site.
Defence Housing Australia confirmed in late May that Renewable Homes had secured the contract to relocate the vacant dwellings. DHA has since revealed plans to prepare a new master plan for the Aitkenvale land once the houses are removed.
The redevelopment could eventually deliver a mix of modern detached homes, terrace housing and potentially low-rise apartment buildings. A development application is expected to be lodged with Townsville City Council later this year.
The unusual sale arrives as housing affordability continues to dominate discussions across Australia. Buyers exploring opportunities like the Aitkenvale homes may also want to understand Australia’s new property rules taking effect from July 1, which could affect property transactions and market activity in the months ahead.
Further details about the relocation project and DHA’s plans for the site are available through the official Defence Housing Australia announcement.
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