Are Canberrans still looking for a sea or tree change?

A COVID-charged property market saw an exodus from the cities as tree and sea-changers sought new lifestyles and to take advantage of better value propositions – but how’s the market faring now?

Glenn Brandon of Ray White Nowra says a lot of the steam generated by the pandemic property boom had gone, but there was still plenty of upside.

“We’re not fielding the same numbers of enquiries, but there are still many motivated buyers looking for quality homes,” he says.

“For example, we had about 50 people inspect the Jervis Street property on its opening weekend – and these potential buyers are committed to permanent lifestyles on the South Coast.”

Brandon says downsizers, retirees and families were among the buyer pool and that had been strengthened by the flexibility many now enjoyed in work-from-home options.

Nicholas Lyell of McGoldrick Estate Agents says local acreage lifestyle properties began at more than $2 million with quality options selling for several times that during the COVID boom.

“What we’re seeing now is a pool of potential buyers who are adopting more of a wait-and-see approach,” he says.

“During COVID, people were willing to buy a property that might tick five on a wish-list scale of 10 – now they’re waiting for a dream property that hits at least eight.”

Lyell says other potential buyers were also on the fence until broader economic conditions stabilised.

Value: Homes and properties in tree and sea-change locations certainly experienced price increases during COVID, as much anywhere else – but, even so, still offer plenty of value compared with city prices.

Lifestyle: The biggest driver in relocation is the desire for a new lifestyle characterised by more space, less congestion and broader options offered in remote work, and a wider world to explore.

Community: Moving to a regional area inevitably opens up more options to integrate into a smaller community. People tend to form deeper bonds with neighbours and there’s an encouragement to join in community activities.

Check out our top pick of homes for sale:

Nowra

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Fancy a sea change to a much-loved coastal location and a new lifestyle in a wonderfully restored home brimming with character? Sounds like the perfect equation – right? 

This classic Californian bungalow – on more than 600 square metres an easy stroll from the Nowra CBD – will not disappoint. It seamlessly fuses the best of its original art deco charm with the latest in contemporary lifestyle and presents as a light-filled home that will delight a family or those ready to downsize.

Character features include very high ceilings, fluted-glass doors, timber floorboards, deep skirtings and original picture rails. Skylights throughout help draw in natural light that enhances a feeling of spaciousness.

Here’s how it works: a wide verandah leads into the entry hall. There’s a main bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, en suite and study on one side with two further bedrooms on the other. That flows into the hub that includes two living areas – one highlighted by timber fretwork and a wood fireplace – then onto the dining room and kitchen.

There’s a second bathroom with a claw-foot bath, a separate laundry, and access to the rear deck that overlooks the private, fully fenced low-maintenance backyard.

Comfort is delivered through reverse-cycle air-conditioning and ceiling fans while costs are reduced by solar panels on a new Colorbond roof. There’s also a double lock-up garage with drive-through access.

Price guide: $929,000

Private sale

Agent: Ray White Nowra, Glenn Brandon 0438 207 846 

Or try these:

Berry

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Price guide: $2.7 million

Auction: 6pm, May 18

Agent: McGoldrick Estate Agents, Nicholas Lyell 0401 658 450

Royalla

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Price guide: $2 million-$2.2 million

Private sale

Agent: Blackshaw Tuggeranong, David Stokes 0410 598 463

Queanbeyan

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Price guide: $1.3 million

Private sale

Agent: Ray White Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra 0402 343 771