by Mat Churchill

It's been a tough couple of years in the Port Douglas real estate market, according to Tony McGrath, a veteran of the housing game for 35 years, 25 of those right here in Port Douglas.

"It's been the toughest two years I've seen including when the pilot strike was on and during the 'recession we had to have'," he said.

But things seem to be on the improve with people from the southern states looking at housing prices in the area and seeing opportunities.

"When things are good it's a feeding frenzy. Right now they are starting to nibble at the edges," Tony said.

And it's the villas at the Sheraton Mirage which seem to be an oasis in an otherwise lifeless market.

"Mirage villas have been popular. It's appealing because of the perception that the property will be improved (on its sale). Other than that it's been spasmodic.

"Industrial land has been hard to sell for the past three years because of building costs, but suddenly we're getting enquiries on land," he said.

With southerners looking to purchase Port's property, is there a risk that locals will be priced out of the market?

"There's no concern at present. Sellers are fairly negotiable," Tony said.

"In tourism driven places there are generally low wages. If you haven't got the income you have to look outside of Port Douglas like Cooya Beach. (In that respect) it's no different to any other place."