How has the ACT lockdown impacted the NSW surrounding region's property market?
Agents are turning to technology and innovation as property buying methods are affected by strengthening COVID-19 lockdowns throughout the ACT and NSW.
Michael Henley of Henley Property says his agency has been able to quickly pivot in the face of the sudden regional NSW state lockdown.
“We’ve been refining our ability to market and sell online over several years,” he says.
“Many buyers can’t physically visit our properties even under normal circumstances and we’ve invested in continually improving our online product.”
Henley says this has included professional photography, drone technology and streaming platforms that enable inspections and auctions.
“Just last week we sold a $1.35 million property to a buyer who had never set foot in it,” he says.
“We offer great 3D walk-throughs that give buyers a really good experience.”
Henley says the biggest challenge in the current market for regional agents was similar to that in city areas: “Supply is just as tight with a strong upward pressure on prices.”
Edwina Brown of Yass and Murrumbateman Real Estate says she has noticed a reduced presence of buyers from Sydney.
“But that has been balanced by us fielding more inspections over platforms like Zoom and FaceTime [in NSW],” she says.
“Genuine buyers have been very happy to go virtual – they’re comfortable with the option.”
Brown says the Canberra lockdown has obviously had an effect on the number of physical inspections by potential buyers.
“We’ve also had to contend with nuances in cross border and intrastate travel restrictions,” she adds.
- Inspections. Check with agents about their options for inspecting properties online. They include 3D walk-throughs and pre-recorded video tours in ACT, or real-time inspections on platforms like Zoom and FaceTime in NSW.
- Buying. Auctions are continuing to be offered through phone bidding and in an online environment. Sales by private treaty can continue to be made via phone, email and other digital methods.
- Selling. There will likely be a slowdown in homes coming to market during lockdown. That will create something of a vacuum afterwards as sellers scramble with preparations such as maintenance, styling and photography.
Check out our top pick of homes for sale just across the border:
Jindabyne
There’s nothing like the high country: wide-open spaces, mountain-fresh air and a complete change of lifestyle.
If that sounds like the tree change you’ve been looking for, then this contemporary country-style home set on 2.2 hectares with sweeping views could be the answer.
The property is just seven kilometres from all the amenities and services of Jindabyne – and it’s only a little further to the year-round recreation options in Kosciuszko National Park.
Inside, big picture windows make the most of the views while engineered-timber flooring and an open-plan design enhance the country feel.
Families will enjoy the massive kitchen, dining, and living areas, one with a winter-warming stone fireplace.
There’s plenty of scope for country cooking in the well-appointed kitchen and butler’s pantry.
The big living area flows onto a paved outdoor entertaining terrace highlighted by a firepit and a spa.
A thoughtful feature off the laundry is a passage configured as a boot room.
That’s en route to a nest of bedrooms. The master is spacious with an en suite and walk-in wardrobe. Two of the bedrooms open onto the outdoor terrace and one also offers access to a large attic space.
There are six undercover car spaces and two more in a large workshop/shed.
Hobby farmers will enjoy the potential of four paddocks. And there’s a secure chook pen.
Price guide: $1.9 million-$2.2 million
Online auction: 4pm, September 8
Agent: Henley Property, Michael Henley 0403 165 563
Or try these:
Queanbeyan
Price guide: $685,000-$735,000
Online auction: 5pm, August 31
Agent: Belle Property Queanbeyan, Aaron Papahatzis 0419
Avonside
Price guide: Mid-$800,000s +
Online auction: 6:30pm, September 14
Agent: Nick Kirshner Property & Livestock, Nick Kirshner 0416 287 829
Yass
Price guide: $855,000
Private sale
Agent: Yass Real Estate, Edwin Brown 0429 327 059
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