The Block 2021: Will the cul-de-sac location appeal to buyers?

When the Queensland government proposed a new model code for neighbourhood design that would see grid-like streets replace cul-de-sacs as the preferred design style, the community response was loud and clear: leave the much-loved cul-de-sac alone.

More than 20,000 responses to the proposed code were received through the community consultation period in 2019, with discussion around cul-de-sacs one of the hottest topics: residents were adamant they wanted these “dead-end” streets incorporated into new residential development.

While some urban planners argue cul-de-sac design unintentionally restricts quick and easy access to parks, shops or other amenities and may promote a reliance on cars, the cul-de-sac has become synonymous with safe family living.

Many of us have happy memories of growing up in an Aussie cul-de-sac – games of cricket and handball, lemonade stalls and street Christmas parties – but is the cul-de-sac still king of the suburbs? Fans of The Block will soon find out, with producers this year punting on a tiny no-through-road in Melbourne’s beachside suburb of Hampton. 

Bronte Court is home to just eight dwellings, five of which were snapped up last year by Channel 9 ready for this year’s season of Fans vs Faves.

One of the homes, a modernist gem by acclaimed architect Neil Clerehan, belonged to buyer’s advocate Nicole Jacobs, who has helped buyers in the purchase of 13 Block properties.

Jacobs told Domain she loved cul-de-sac life, especially moments like those on Anzac Day 2020.

“We had a beautiful Anzac Day service,” she says. “It was during the very first lockdown and everyone came out onto their driveways with their candles. House 10 had the only flag pole there at the time. [A neighbour] read out the whole service and we had a bugle recording playing, but it was so still it felt like it was live. It was very special.”

• The Block 2021 listings are live. See them here.

Jacobs’ three daughters would take their skateboards and bikes out onto the court and the whole family spent a lot of time “living in the front yard”.

“People would walk past and we’d say, come in and have a drink. Our front yard was really like a typical back yard. From a security point of view everyone knows everyone, people look out for each other.”

Jacobs says she’s had overwhelmingly positive feedback from potential buyers.

“Buyers are loving the cul-de-sac,” she says. “They’re very much looking for a family home. Through COVID we’ve had a lack of stock so timing-wise it’s fantastic. The Block houses will have genuine families wanting to buy and move into that area.”

Buyer’s advocate Greville Pabst, who has helped buyers in the purchase of six Block properties, believes the cul-de-sac location is a winning move from The Block, not least for its lack of through traffic.

“In terms of location it’s certainly a step up from the Oslo Hotel in Grey Street, St Kilda, which was a main road. The Gatwick, being in Fitzroy Street St Kilda, was a great building but not a great location. And last year the location on New Street was a Brighton address but it does carry a bit of traffic.

“This location, being a cul-de-sac, is certainly an advantage – it’s quite nice and private in there. And the buildings just get better and better every year, I really like the fact that they’ve had respect for the different architectural styles.”

Belle Property Sandringham agent Jenny Dwyer has sold many homes in Melbourne cul-de-sacs and says buyers “love them”.

Engaged by The Block contestants Ronnie and Georgia to sell House 1, Dwyer says cul-de-sac properties are especially popular with families with young children, who will pay a premium of up to 10 per cent to buy in a dead-end street.

“They’re seen to be a safe environment, relatively speaking, and a cul-de-sac often invites really good neighbourhood conversation and really good social interaction,” she says. “Kids grow up together the old-fashioned way.”

McGrath St Kilda’s Michael Townsend, the agent for Mitch and Mark’s House 2, says buyers gravitate towards cul-de-sacs because they’re considered safer and friendlier.

“They’re almost a community within a community,” he says. “You’ll have street Christmas parties, the kids can be out there riding their bikes, you’ll often find a basketball hoop for collective use.”

Ray White Cheltenham agent Kevin Chokshi, the selling agent for Josh and Luke in House 4, agrees. 

“A couple of buyers have referenced the episodes from The Block when contestants were playing cricket in the street – it’s a really good representation of what they’ll be able to do there,” he says.

“No one grows up dreaming about buying a home on a main road. Buyers have a strong preference for cul-de-sacs. Location is something you can’t change and being in a cul-de-sac adds so many extra points.”