North Queensland's property market booming as interstate buyers take advantage of lower prices

Real estate agent Chelsea Stevens says she's having 20 to 30 groups through an open home. (ABC North Queensland: Zilla Gordon)

Chelsea Stevens has 100 buyers ready to find their next home, but there are no houses for them to buy. 

The real estate agent in Townsville, North Queensland, said some were so desperate to secure a property, they were making an offer despite not setting foot in the state.

"It's absolutely crazy, to be honest.

"I never thought I'd meet so many people who were willing to purchase a property [relying] on the agent to walk them through everything inside and out."

Ms Stevens said about 60 per cent of her buyers were located in either New South Wales or Victoria, but technology meant could-be owners got a good glimpse online.

Real estate agents believe people are heading to North Queensland because it offers value for money. (ABC North Queensland: Zilla Gordon)

"Everything is digital, social media, video walk-throughs, videography, they're all the things I'm seeing," she said.

Hot property, but still more to sizzle

While southern buyers were keen to own a slice of North Queensland, it would be some time before they made the move up.

"They're not just coming to relocate, but also to invest for the next one to three years, and then they're looking at also relocating here," Ms Stevens said.

Ms Stevens said she believed the city's value for money was driving the push, but prices were on the rise.

"I do think there is further growth, I do not think this is the end, I do think it's only the beginning for Townsville," she said.

Many buyers are coming from New South Wales and Victoria. (ABC North Queensland: Zilla Gordon)

Striking a balance between lifestyle and opportunity

REIQ zone chair Ben Kingsberry said Townsville's claim as the capital of North Queensland made it the ideal location for a sea change.

"There's actually quite a broad range and depth of employment opportunity," Mr Kingsberry said.

"If you come to Townsville, you can still further your career and you can still continue what you're doing professionally, just in a place that offers a lot better value for money and a much better lifestyle."

Mr Kingserry said Townsville has had a reputation for being an under-performing location.

But with capital city prices booming, and interest rates tipped to rise, investors were now recognising the city's potential, Mr Kingsberry said.

While buyers were planning on renting their properties for the next few years, the rental demand in the region was expected ease for around 12 months. (ABC North Queensland: Zilla Gordon)

The message to buyers was to be ready.

"If you go to an open home and there are 30 groups at a house you like, chances are there are going to be people making offers on that property," he said.

"If you do let it sit for a few days, it's probably gone."