Broome’s Housing Frenzy: Residents Camp Overnight as Land Shortage Fuels Urgent Demand

Broome’s Overnight Land Rush: Community Lines Up for a Future Home

In the heart of Western Australia’s remote Broome, the normally quiet streets outside Ray White Real Estate became the unlikely stage for a housing drama that speaks volumes about the town’s current reality. On a brisk Monday afternoon in November 2025, hopeful residents began arriving—some with little more than a mattress and a mozzie dome—to stake their claim in a property market where supply is dwarfed by demand.

The occasion? The release of just seven vacant blocks at the Waranyjarri Estate, part of stage 13 of DevelopmentWA’s ongoing expansion. The lots, priced between $280,000 and $450,000, were offered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. The catch: only those who physically camped outside and queued at the real estate office would have a shot at buying, turning the process into a test of endurance and commitment.

Camping for Opportunity: Stories from the Queue

Paul McKenzie, a local community member, was among the first to arrive. He began his vigil at 5 PM on Monday, trading shifts with his partner through the night. Their story, punctuated by sprinklers and passing locals, captured the lengths to which Broome’s residents are willing to go. “We weren’t going to come until about midnight, but got word there were people here at 5 o’clock,” McKenzie explained, reflecting on the anxiety and excitement that filled the night. For McKenzie, securing a block was more than a transaction—it was a leap toward building a duplex, a stepping stone in his family’s journey.

Others joined in, each with their own hopes. One anonymous buyer recounted camping out with pizza from a nearby pub, making the best of the situation. For many, the goal was simple: to move into a block of land, finally put down roots, and perhaps escape the uncertainty of rental markets and rising prices.

Investor Interest and the Regional Housing Crunch

The allure of Broome’s real estate isn’t limited to locals. Investors, some traveling from as far as Perth, descended on the town, hoping to capitalize on the limited supply. Their presence added another layer to the competition, intensifying the urgency and frustration felt by residents eager to build their own homes.

At the heart of this phenomenon lies a deeper issue: Broome’s housing shortage. According to Shire of Broome president Chris Mitchell, the region faces a shortfall of about 400 homes. “There are a lot of people out there chasing a block of land so they can build a house on it,” Mitchell remarked. He expressed disappointment that only seven blocks were released, advocating for much larger batches—ideally 40 to 50 at a time. His comments underscore the scale of the challenge and the community’s desire for decisive action.

Government Response: Promises and Limitations

DevelopmentWA, the agency behind the Waranyjarri Estate, acknowledged the urgency. Chief Executive Dean Mudford stated that efforts are underway to bring more land to market, including pre-releasing lots before official title issuance to help locals participate. Mudford said future release opportunities are being actively assessed, but the pace of development has left many feeling anxious about when meaningful relief will arrive.

The current approach—small, staggered releases and first-come, first-served policies—has created bottlenecks, often favoring those with time and resources to camp out. While it may foster local engagement, it also highlights the gaps in supply and the need for more comprehensive solutions.

Broome as a Microcosm: Regional Challenges in Australia’s Housing Market

The scenes outside Ray White Real Estate this November are emblematic of broader trends across Australia’s regional towns, where rapid population growth and constrained supply collide. Broome’s experience shines a spotlight on the human cost of housing shortages—families braving overnight waits, investors adding to competition, and local leaders voicing frustration with incremental government responses.

For many, owning land in Broome isn’t just a financial investment. It’s about stability, community, and the ability to shape a future in a town they call home. Yet, as prices rise and opportunities dwindle, the journey toward homeownership has become a marathon—one where only the most determined cross the finish line.

The urgency in Broome serves as a wake-up call for policymakers. Calls for larger releases and faster development reflect a need for solutions that match the scale of the problem. Without action, the cycle of scarcity and overnight queues may become the new normal, leaving residents to compete not just for land, but for the very sense of belonging that comes with it.

This situation in Broome is a stark illustration of how regional housing shortages can galvanize communities into action and highlight the necessity for more ambitious government interventions. The dedication shown by residents and the frustrations voiced by local leaders should not be seen as isolated events, but as signals for broader structural reform in Australia’s housing policy. Source: SSBCrack News.