Community Off To An Epiq Start In 2017

Clarence Property's Epiq Lennox Head is on track for a busy start to 2017, with a raft of new community facilities to be delivered to add to the lifestyle and appeal of the coastal community.

By early next year, Epiq's new community sporting fields are expected to be open to the public and will include an AFL ground, two Rugby fields, two soccer fields and two synthetic cricket pitches.

Construction of a clubhouse including a canteen, meeting room, public amenities and change rooms is also expected to start by the middle of 2017.

Additionally, plans are being finalised for a new neighbourhood shopping precinct, which will include a supermarket, specialty shops, a childcare centre and a medical centre. Construction is slated to commence in the second half of 2017, with a view to the shopping centre being open and trading by Christmas 2018.

The new sporting and retail amenities have helped drive demand for land in the beachside Epiq community, with the latest stage of 82 homesites selling out in one night for a total of $23.5 million.

Clarence Property General Manager Paul Rippon said prospective buyers should register their interest for the next stage of land, which is expected to be released in early 2017.

"We are planning to release stage three early next year, and we will follow the same ballot style sales process we had in place for stage two.

"All buyers will have the opportunity to register their interest ahead of an exclusive sales event, where the names of registered buyers are drawn and those purchasers are then invited to secure their preferred homesite," he said.

"We implemented the ballot system because there is such incredible demand for land at Epiq Lennox Head that we had multiple people vying for the same homesite before the lots were officially released.

Rippon expects to see a high level of demand for stage three, as the first homes in stage one are now under construction and the community is starting to take shape.

"The majority of purchasers in previous stages have been locals and many have been first home buyers," he said.

"Prices in stage two ranged from $250,000 to $365,000 which is very affordable when you consider the community's location just minutes from the beach and within easy reach of employment hubs like Ballina, Lismore, Tweed City and the Gold Coast."Elders Real Estate agent Michael King said that the completion of the $862 million Tintenbar to Ewingsdale highway upgrade - which includes the new St Helena Tunnel - has been a catalyst for an uptick in activity and values for property at Lennox Head.

The Tintenbar upgrade connects to the $640 million Ballina Bypass, which was completed in late 2012.

"This new uninterrupted thoroughfare means Lennox Head is now about 45 minutes door to door from the southern end of the Gold Coast," he said.

"This is big news for our real estate market for a number of reasons. Firstly, it opens Lennox Head up to the Gold Coast and Brisbane job markets. People who are employed in the city but want a more relaxed coastal lifestyle are now seeing Lennox as a viable option."Mr King said Lennox Head also appeals to those looking for an affordable beachside lifestyle.

"Lennox is still excellent value when you consider that it is well established, with great restaurants, cafes and entertainment, but is still priced below our northern neighbour Byron Bay," he said.

"The fact that we have a lower price base to build from is a positive thing for purchasers - young couples, families and retirees can still afford to buy here and make the most of living in a coastal region that has solid potential for growth."