Relaxation of restrictions in ACT and NSW brings buyer focus to South Coast holiday homes

Increasing relaxation of restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing back into focus Canberra’s traditional holiday playgrounds on the NSW South Coast and in rural areas.

Tracey Coe of One Agency Country Living says demand for properties along the coastline and inland is buzzing.

“Buyers are either looking for a holiday home or to establish a lifestyle in a new community,” she says.

“But do your homework if you’re buying a holiday home to use for part of the year and short-term accommodation for the balance.”

Coe says properties that have easy access to local attractions and amenities are sought after.

“Homes close to beaches or bush are attractive options, but owners need to be sure they can source housekeeping and maintenance services if their home is used as an Airbnb or similar,” she says.

Kim Poso of Kim Poso Properties says holiday homes and lifestyle relocations are booming.

“We’re getting plenty of inquiries from Sydney and Canberra buyers. A big driver is the opportunity to cash in on their buying power,” she says.

“Buyer can translate their lifestyle to a coastal or rural community with surplus funds going toward savings or super.”

Poso says rural buyers are usually looking for extra space with the opportunity to develop a more sustainable lifestyle.

“Some really want to get into growing vegetables and fruit trees along with running a few chooks,” she says.

“On the practical side – proximity to infrastructure like hospitals, airports, major roads and shops is also highly regarded.”

• Location. There’s a wide range of options, but the NSW South Coast probably still tops as Canberra’s favourite weekend or holiday playground. Small acreage hobby farms and alpine getaways are also popular.
• Money-makers. Holiday homes can provide an income stream from the short-term rental market. Airbnb-like properties in popular locations enjoy high levels of occupancy. Local businesses can provide housekeeping and maintenance services.
• Infrastructure. A change of lifestyle, perhaps retirement, brings with it a different set of needs. Relocation requires new decisions on what you need to be close to such as airports, roads, hospitals, shops, and others.

Allhomes’ top pick of holiday homes in the NSW South Coast:

Nowra

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Here’s a home that’s minutes from Jervis Bay, the beautiful Shoalhaven River and scenic bushwalks.

That’s probably why it’s been given the name The Anchor.

This luxurious five-bedroom family sanctuary has a free-flowing, open-plan design and statement fixtures and fittings.

Glass-wrapped dual living interiors capture bush aspects as the floor plan flows toward a wood-burning fireplace and firebox. Other feature highlights include quality flooring, stackable doors, louvred windows, outdoor shutters and reverse-cycle airconditioning.

There’s a massive gourmet kitchen in the heart of the home with oversized bench space. Appliances include an integrated Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and fridge, induction cooktop and a self-cleaning oven.

Three bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes, are on the lower level. The family bathroom features a Caesarstone benchtop, stone basins and a free-standing bath. Upstairs are two further bedrooms and another living area.

Outside, there’s a resort-style pool area and a split-level entertainer’s deck overlooking established, low-maintenance gardens. The in-ground, concrete, magnesium pool is solar-heated and there’s an outdoor copper shower, firepit, covered barbecue area with sandstone benchtops and sink, and a children’s play zone.

There’s plenty of parking with a double garage and additional hard standing space for a caravan or a boat on a 689-square-metre block.

The Anchor is only a short drive or walk to schools, specialty shops, cafes, hospital, and Nowra’s CBD.

Price guide: $900,000 +

Auction: 10.30am, October 11

Agent: One Agency Country Living, Tracey Coe 0428 805 611 

Or try these:

Mogareeka

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Price guide: $1.485 million

Private sale

Agent: Elders Real Estate Tathra, Greg Coman 0412 849 058

Broadwater

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Price guide: $1.295 million

Private sale

Agent: Kim Poso Properties, Kim Poso 0427 413 699

Jindabyne

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Price guide: $2 million

Auction: Midday, October 31

Agent: Henley Property, Michael Henley 0403 165 563