Homebuyers from interstate are moving to the Territory to start a new life in Darwin’s flourishing rural areas.

First-home buyers are waving goodbye to Melbourne and Sydney real estate price tags for affordability in the Top End, with many turning to Zuccoli and the newest development Zuccoli Village.

Victorian man Anthony Millane and his family are making the move to Zuccoli Village after purchasing a house-and-land package for about $580,000.

“As a father of three, looking for our next home and being faced with enormous prices across Victoria was daunting,” Mr Millane said. “It really forced us to think about our next step and consider looking at other locations more seriously.”

Mr Millane said Zuccoli Village’s proximity to amenities, such as schools, restaurants, health clinics and shopping centres, was a drawcard.

“The property worked within our set budget, is located within a family-oriented community and has a nearby location for our daughters to go to school,” he said. “It really ticked every box we needed for a family home,” Mr Millane said.

The median house price for Greater Melbourne is $1m and for Greater Sydney $1.4m, according to CoreLogic’s most recent property pulse. Urbex Realty general manager Craig Covacich said it was a growing trend for families to consider a move to the Top End.

“Understandably, Australians are faced with affordability pressures in the current real estate environment,” he said. “Darwin and other regional locations are offering affordable yet attractive lifestyle options,” Mr Covacich said.

Urbex Realty sales consultant for Darwin Nicole Turner said: “We are finding that with the current housing climate, an increasing number of people including families and first time home buyers, are open to the prospect of resettling. “Growing regional communities like Darwin … offer high living standards for a fraction of the price tag” Ms Turner said.

Whether selecting a block of land, working with a builder or seeking tailored house and land packages, Zuccoli Village is fast becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after destinations for home buyers looking to make the ultimate sea change on their own terms.

Published: NT News 10/08/2022 ‘Families moving north for new life’.