How first homebuyer landed top lifestyle for less

Junnel Sinajon is building his first home in Townsville, a place he loves for its lifestyle and community. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Junnel Sinajon may not have been born in Townsville but he is now a confirmed local, building his first house in the NQ capital and proudly declaring his allegiance to the Cowboys and the Maroons.

Dr Sinajon came to Townsville about 10 years ago and fell in love with the community and lifestyle.

“I came from a tropical country, The Philippines, and Townsville has similar weather to back home,” he said.

“I finished a degree in nursing at JCU and went back to become a medical practitioner.

“I got some job offers from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and even Coffs Harbour in NSW but I wanted to stay in Townsville.

“It’s very relaxing here and the lifestyle is good.”

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The slab has been poured on Junnel Sinajon’s Somers & Hervey block. Picture: Supplied

Dr Sinajon said he loved that Townsville had most of the services and amenities of a big city and a multicultural community.

“You can connect to people from all different backgrounds,” he said.

“I’m the kind of person who goes out to restaurants, pubs and clubs, and Townsville has so much to offer in that aspect.

“You can enjoy the Strand, walk and have a coffee in front of the beach and even go to Magnetic Island easily.”

Dr Sinajon said he was now also a proud NQ Cowboys and Maroons supporter.

“When I was working at Townsville hospital, everyone would wear maroon for State of Origin,” he said.

“I didn’t really understand the game … but I knew Queensland was the best.”

Urbex’s Somers & Hervey development at Rasmussen. Picture: Supplied

The new MCG Four-Pillar Lifestyle Index confirmed Dr Sinajon’s estimation of Townsville being a lifestyle gem, ranking the NQ region as the sixth best property market in the country for lifestyle and potential price growth.

Townsville also had the lowest median house price on the list.

Dr Sinajon has taken advantage of Townsville’s affordable property market, buying a block of land at the Somers & Hervey estate in Rasmussen and engaging the local Keir Constructions to build his new home.

“We compared other estates but Somers & Hervey really captured our attention,” he said.

“As soon as we found a lot, we paid a deposit.

“The slab has just been poured – it’s very exciting.”

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