Townsville doctor Junnel “Nel” Sinajon has secured and moved into his first home at Urbex’s Somers & Hervey community in under 18 months, after purchasing land during the project’s September 2024 release amid rising rents and increasing housing pressure across regional Queensland.
Originally from the Philippines, Nel said escalating rental costs and limited housing supply prompted him to enter the market sooner than expected, ultimately purchasing a block sight unseen after a friend encouraged him to secure neighbouring lots within the community.
Since purchasing, comparable land values in the surrounding area have increased by around $50,000 within months, reinforcing the speed at which buyers are being forced to act in Townsville’s evolving housing market.
“I wasn’t really looking for land or thinking about building,” Nel said.
“It was actually my friend who was actively searching and encouraged me to put down a deposit so we could be neighbours.”
The pair ultimately secured side by side lots, a decision Nel said unexpectedly reshaped his future.
“I wasn’t even there when I purchased it,” Nel said.
“It all happened very quickly, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Construction on Nel’s home began in July 2025, with the General Practitioner moving into the completed property in February 2026 alongside his mother, after initially planning to eventually retire overseas.
“Now that I’ve built here, I’m happy to stay and grow old where I am. It feels like home.”
Nel’s story is an unlikely one but it reflects a shift playing out across regional Queensland, where rising rents, limited supply and increasing housing insecurity are pushing buyers to act sooner than they planned, often in ways they did not expect.
“Renting was getting more expensive and harder to secure, so buying just made sense.”
Since purchasing in 2024, Nel has observed significant uplift in land values in the surrounding area, with comparable blocks he’s aware of increasing by around $50,000 within months of his purchase.
Now several months into living in his new home, he says the difference between renting and ownership has been immediate.
“It’s completely different when you own the place. You can make it your own and plan for the future.”
The home itself was inspired by an existing design, with modifications made to suit his corner block, while the relatively fast build timeline allowed him to move in sooner than expected, a contrast to many buyers still navigating delays.
Beyond the home, it is the lifestyle and location that have cemented his decision. Situated just minutes from Townsville University Hospital and major retail, Nel said accessibility, particularly working as local General Practitioner, was a key factor.
“It only takes me about 7 to 12 minutes to get to work, and everything is close by. It’s quiet, open and more homey. It doesn’t feel closed off, and that makes a big difference.”
The move has also enabled him to bring his mother to Australia, with the pair now settled into the new home together, further strengthening his ties to the area.
“She loves it here as well, especially how peaceful it is.”
As a first home buyer, Nel utilised the First Home Owner Grant to support upgrades to his home, rather than his initial deposit, allowing him to maximise the value of his build from the outset.
“The grant really helped. I was able to use it to improve the home rather than just cover upfront costs.”
He said careful planning and location were critical for anyone else thinking of building a new home, particularly as buyers weigh up affordability against long term liveability.
“Even if something is cheaper further out, you have to think about travel time and access. Being close to work and essential services makes a huge difference.”
What began as an unplanned purchase, encouraged by a friend and secured sight unseen, has ultimately become a long term home, underscoring how quickly circumstances are shifting for buyers navigating today’s property market.
Somers & Hervey sits between Mount Stuart and The Pinnacles, with a new on ramp from Beck Drive to the Ring Road connecting residents to James Cook University, Townsville Hospital, and Lavarack Barracks. Quality schools, childcare centres, shops and dining are within six minutes with the City centre just under a 30-minutes.
Interested buyers are encouraged to register their interest.