A lot has been said about the potential of recurring pandemics triggering an exodus of city dwellers keen to leave the confines of high density living behind. And I have written off the increase in enquiries experienced by R & R from urbanites attracted to our country life.
Covid-19 delivered some unexpected silver linings. We learned not to take toilet paper supplies for granted. We adapted to change. We went with the flow. We were taught how to home school. We learned to work from home. And as working from home options are now not only acceptable, but integral to new workplace policies and procedures. And with that, many families and individuals are now seeing a realistic opportunity to shed the mega mortgage and get back to what’s really important – less financial stress, increased family time and a more relaxed lifestyle. In short, a better work/life balance. The pandemic has given people everywhere a heightened zest for life. The connection with one’s environment has moved to a deeper level. There’s a heightened sense of community. Veggie plots are springing up and chickens happily scratch in residential gardens everywhere. People are taking stock of life’s priorities. It’s heart-warming.
Today’s technology including the NBN, wireless broadband, Wi-Fi and the improved transport infrastructure that reduces travel time – for when we need to visit the city – means that the Hunter Valley and Mid-North Coast are now viable destinations for tree and sea changes, or extended weekends where working from a retreat now works seamlessly with urban living. This is reflected in one of the popular real estate search engine sites’ market report for June 2020 which identifies the average house price as $350,000 at Stroud, $347,500 at Bulahdelah, $330,000 at Gloucester, $565,000 at Forster and $640,000 at Port Stephens. As city house prices plateau, regional coastal and rural towns are seeing listings remain on the market for less days and selling prices on the increase – and all this as we head deep into winter.
If you’re reading this blog, you clearly have property on your mind. We are excited at the prospect of welcoming new residents to our gorgeous coastal and rural regions. R & R Property has five dynamic offices: Stroud, Bulahdelah, Gloucester, Forster and Port Stephens (Raymond Terrace). Our teams of local experts have a wealth of knowledge about property and trends in each of our locales and we have residential, rural, rural lifestyle, commercial, vacant blocks and rental properties to suit the needs and budgets of a variety of buyers, tenants. Call or visit one of our offices today and speak to our Team about selling or buying in the current market. We’re committed to making your property dreams come true.
