Crocodiles and rain fail to deter resilient Daintree property owners

Media release - 17th August, 2015

The Daintree Rainforest is one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions, and it also has a very active real estate market, according to local agent Mark Whitham, from Raine & Horne Mossman.

Mr Whitham is the only real estate agent who currently lives in the Daintree Rainforest, which includes the suburbs of Forest Creek, Kimberley, Cow Bay, Diwan and Cape Tribulation.

“We have approximately 300 homes in the Daintree Rainforest and about 120 land blocks, yet I’m selling 30 properties a year,” says Mr Whitham.

“I attribute the high turnover to the Daintree’s climate, which is hit with up to six metres of rainfall annually, coupled with the local fauna that you must deal with on a daily basis, such as crocodiles. It really separates the toughies from the rest.”

Yet there is no shortage of buyers ready to take up the challenge and buy a Daintree Rainforest property, according to Mr Whitham.

“There’s a small segment of second home buyers looking to get out of the city. Many of these people want a block where they can erect a structure or park a caravan to enjoy the natural delights of the rainforest,” says Mr Whitham.

“There are also retirees with cash looking for a peaceful and quiet lifestyle, and they make up about 30% of buyers, as well as families, who represent another third of buyers.

“We also get a lot of people from Darwin moving away from the humidity of the Top End. It’s hot here but the rainforest does provide some relief from the heat, which you don’t get in the Northern Territory.”

Despite the disparate buyer segments, Mr Whitham said all buyers share one thing in common – a desire to take in the fresh air and water that the Daintree Rainforest is renowned for globally.

“The Daintree also appeals to those who have dreamed of living off the electricity grid because there is no mains power in the region,” says Mr Whitham.

“Every house in the Daintree relies on solar energy backed with generators to help out in the wet season.”

Apart from its unique lifestyle charms, the Daintree Rainforest’s real estate affordability is another enticement for buyers.

For example, Raine & Horne Mossman recently listed a rustic two-bedroom, one bathroom retreat on 9 acres at 215 Forest Creek Road, Daintree for $230,000.

Mr Whitham has also listed three acres of land at 513 Silver Ash Road, Daintree for $130,000.

“This property comes with the additional bonus of an 18-foot caravan complete with gas stove, fridge and double bed, and would make for a perfect weekender,” says Mr Whitham.

For buyers considering a Daintree purchase, Mr Whitham says now is the time to look into the local property market.

“The dry season between July and December is the best time to visit the Daintree Rainforest if you’re thinking about inspecting a real estate listing in our region,” he confirmed.

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Mark Whitham, Sales Agent, Raine & Horne Mossman on 0419 735 943

Andrew Harrington, National Communications Manager, Raine & Horne, on 02 9258 5400