The Heights sets new benchmark in delivering housing affordability

(L-R) NT Minister for Lands, Planning & the Environment Peter Chandler, Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor Prof Simon Maddocks, Member for Drysdale Lia Finocchiaro and The Heights, Durack Project Director Geoff Smith at the official launch of the “Lifestyle Housing” homes.

First “Lifestyle” home at new Durack development opens door to young buyers 

First homebuyers in the Northern Territory have a new benchmark in entry-level yet high quality housing following the completion of stunning new display homes at The Heights, Durack, which have been specifically designed for first-time buyers and people on moderate incomes.

As one of Darwin’s newest residential developments, The Heights has raised the bar and is helping deliver housing affordability with the official release of its first “Lifestyle Housing” homes in partnership with leading Territory builder Vantage Homes.

With house and land packages starting from only $495,000, the Lifestyle Housing displays at The Heights – which is located off Roystonea Avenue adjacent to Charles Darwin University at Palmerston – become arguably the highest quality new properties on the market for first homebuyers and modest income earners.

Geoff Smith, Project Director of The Heights, Durack, says the outstanding new homes form part of developer CIC Australia’s commitment to delivering 5% of all new homes in the development to affordable housing.

“For quality and price, our first Lifestyle Housing homes are quite possibly the best homes on the Darwin property market for first homebuyers and people on moderate incomes,” said Mr Smith.

“The Territory Government has long been looking at ways to deliver high quality affordable housing, and as part of the housing mix at The Heights, we’ve taken on the Government’s challenge and are now the first to deliver a lower cost product that is truly exceptional.

“For people who have been trying to break into the local real estate market, these new Lifestyle Housing homes are an absolute must-see and provide a terrific example of what can be done with a low budget through clever design and construction.”

The standout Lifestyle Housing display at The Heights is an elevated home featuring two bedrooms with built-in robes, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that opens out to a balcony entertaining area. The ground level features a laundry and storage room, plus a two-car carport.

There is also a solar hot water system and Daikin Inverter air-conditioning, while the turn-key package also includes landscaping and front fencing.

Mr Smith paid special tribute to Vantage Homes – which has been using its extensive local knowledge to design and construct award-winning prestige homes since 2003 – for developing such outstanding homes.

“It’s been a real collaboration between The Heights and Vantage Homes to not only design and construct high quality new homes, but doing so in such an innovative way to deliver housing affordability,” he said.

“Vantage has demonstrated a genuine understanding of the connection between design and cost, and has delivered on its promise to build new homes that are responsive to the tropical climate, while utilising high quality yet lightweight construction materials.

“These homes also have excellent street appeal and feature useable external open space, while the elevated homes in particular allow for additional rooms to be constructed at ground level in the future when owners’ financial circumstances allow for renovations.

“Vantage Homes’ commitment to quality really does shine through with these new Lifestyle Housing homes, which represent a complete turn-key delivery approach to buyers as house prices include landscaping, fencing and light fittings.

“They’re also nestled between million dollar homes at The Heights, but you’d be hard-pressed to notice many major differences such is their quality.

“Another great aspect is that because they meet certain government criteria, stamp duty is only payable on the land component of any house and land package purchased. This represents another fantastic incentive for prospective buyers, particularly when you add the $26,000 First Home Owner’s Grant which is currently available from the Territory Government on all new home builds.”

The Heights, Durack, is a $450 million project by CIC Australia, which will ultimately see 882 new homes built this decade. Parks, bike paths, walking tracks and a lakeside community centre to hold local events and exhibitions are also being established.

More than 300 allotments have already been purchased at The Heights, including lots ranging from 250 sq m up to 875 sq m to suit a variety of home designs for singles and couples through to growing families and retirees.

For more information, visit www.theheightsdurack.com.au.

Issued by Hughes Public Relations: 
Kieran Hall on 0422 147 151 or kieran@hughespr.com.au