Post Cyclone Jasper - Why buying in Port Douglas now is a good idea

*This piece is written by Rosie Wang, who is a local real estate agent at Property Shop Port Douglas

From the dramatic images on national and international media of Cyclone Jasper hammering Far North Queensland and the massive floods due to the rain trough that followed, it would be easy to understand why prospective buyers may not only be getting wet feet, but cold feet when looking to buy in the area.

Nearly three months later with roads rebuilt, infrastructure mended, Port Douglas has dusted itself down and is ‘back in business’. Guest accommodation for 2024 is being filled and tours and restaurants (5 of which have won Chef’s Hats in 2024) are ready with open arms to welcome customers.

So why is it good to buy property in Port Douglas now?

Firstly, much of the due diligence has been done for you. The properties on the market now have survived major diverse weather events. The roofing has been solid, and more importantly, the property remained unflooded and dry. 

Often, when showing prospective buyers around properties, the question that’s regularly asked is  “does this property flood?”. Or with drainage works carried out “will this be enough to stop the property getting flooded?”.  

Jasper in December 2023 answered this highly succinctly, as some houses got unforeseen water features, while others, like water off a duck’s back, remained dry. Queenslanders built from the 1880’s were designed specifically to cater for the tropical Far North Queensland climate. 

Douglas Shire Council produce Storm inundation overlays so you can see the potential flood zones.

The location and design of the property, whether on a ridge, higher raised ground or on piles is now a consideration to avoid future flooding. Some of the ridge properties did have damage from the rear from landslides and rain runoff, so again, you will know, buying now, which properties were affected and if they were, what alterations have been made to cater for this in the future.

Buying a property that had flooded is not a problem. You know what the problem has been and where it came from. Specific works can be done to redirect water for future weather events. Re-working the drainage around the house, building up protection walls can be introduced as preventative measures.  

Appliances also became Jasper’s victims as water seeped into motherboards and electric circuitry.  So, when buying properties now, make sure appliances and A/C’s are checked before settlement. Also, many will have been replaced, so there is a likelihood you will be buying properties with new appliances still under warranty. 

If you are inspecting properties it is also worth checking the ceilings for signs of any discoloration from leaks, this may indicate that the roof needs attention. Be aware that if it is an apartment or townhouse that roof defects would be covered by body corporate.

Purchasing properties on raised ground and unaffected by recent weather events is good future insurance.