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Dubbo – ripe for a treechange.

The real estate boom in regional Australia is one of the most significant and tangible effects of the coronavirus pandemic – and this auction is evidence of that.

One of Australia’s most respected and recognisable auctioneers, Damien Cooley, headed out to Dubbo, in NSW Central West, to host the first auction for just one of two ASX-listed real estate groups – The Agency – in the region today.

The property at 12 Buninyong Road, Dubbo, NSW.

The perfect spot for those cold winter’s nights in Dubbo.

Tree changer’s delight.

Located around 400km, north west of Sydney, Dubbo is best known as a prolific producer of wool and wheat, home of the Western Plains Zoo, the birthplace of cricket legend Glenn McGrath and a host of NRL stars past and present including David Peachey, Dean Pay, Andrew Ryan and Issah Yeo.

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It has also emerged as a sought-after regional location for treechangers, looking to leave the city behind.

According to CoreLogic, combined regional home values slipped just 0.1 per cent over the last quarter through July, compared to a fall of 2 per cent in the combined capitals, spearheaded by a 3.2 per cent drop in Melbourne.

This is largely attributed to a shift in lifestyle desires for home buyers away from the capital cities to a more balanced life in regional areas, as a result of COVID-19.

The home holds prime position in the gorgeous central west town.

This shift has been felt across the real estate industry as evidenced by today’s auction at 12 Buninyong Road, Dubbo.

On the market for the first time in 36 years, the 3-bedroom home on a one acre plot was owned by a well known and loved local miner who recently died.

The property is in a tightly held part of the town with great access to amenities, including schools, shops and Dubbo Base Hospital.

(L-R) The Agency seller’s agents Justine Campbell and Monica Henley, auctioneer Damien Cooley and buyers Kathy and John Slavin.

After a competitive auction, held on location, the property was eventually sold for $520,000.

“It was a fantastic result with both the vendors and buyers ecstatic with the outcome,” Mr Cooley said.

“It shows that in any market you can achieve a strong result using the auction method. It is the most transparent mechanism for both buyers and sellers.”

Seller’s agent Monica Henley had hoped for a good price given the renewed attention on the area, as shown by Mr Cooley travelling across almost half the state to be there.

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“We are delighted with the outcome for both our clients, we know how much this home will mean to its new family, it’s a wonderful property,” she said.

“The local market is strong irrespective of the broader COVID-19 environment. And we would especially like to thank Damien Cooley for travelling to Dubbo for our first local auction – he attracted a lot of positive local attention. He has groupies now!”

The post Treechange: Auction that proves regional Australia is booming appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Who said sustainability couldn’t come with style and an affordable price tag? These attainable homes prove you can have it all – and help the environment.

Sustainability is more than just a trend. Being environmentally conscious has become a way of life for many – and rightly so. More and more, buyers are looking to buy homes built with a greener future in mind.

The good news is that buying a sustainable home is becoming more affordable. Thanks to perks like Bank Australia’s Clean Energy Home Loan, you can receive a discounted mortgage rate if you purchase a home with a NatHERS rating of 7 stars or higher.

What’s a NatHERS rating, you ask?

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) assesses the energy efficiency of newly built or renovated homes and gives them a star rating out of 10.

We’ve rounded up the best homes on the market right now with stellar NatHERS ratings.

1. Stylish Melbourne apartment | 7.5 stars | $515k

So you want to live in a major city but also want a sustainable and affordable home? We’ve found the jackpot!

Brunswick and surrounding suburbs in Melbourne are ripe with developments focusing on a greener future.

One Wilson Ave is a sustainability-conscious apartment development in Brunswick, VIC. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

For instance, the One Wilson Avenue development by Neometro has a NatHERS rating of 7.5 and one-bedroom apartments in the complex are going for as little as $515,000.

The complex offers a rooftop solar system and all residents benefit from being part of an embedded green energy network. There is a 20,000 litre rainwater tank to be used in all common facilities, plus rooftop planter boxes and secure bike storage for anyone wanting to cut carbon emissions even further.

2. Brisbane four-bedder | 8.2 stars | $550k

This gorgeous home, which once served as the display home for the Carvers Ridge Estate by Green Homes, is now for sale in an up-and-coming area only half an hour south of Brisbane CBD.

Not only does it offer a stylish and affordable solution for families, with an excellent NatHERS rating of 8.2, it’s ideal for anyone with a green conscience.

Featuring passive solar design, great insulation, a 5kW solar system with Tesla power battery, polished concrete floors and glazed windows to help beat the heat, the family home is built for the future.

Four bedrooms, sustainability and style for under $550k? Yes, please. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

Carvers Reach Estate in the suburb of Park Ridge is a Green Homes Australia development, which Younique real estate agent Simone Fogarty says adds a greater guarantee of quality.

“Green Homes go to extra effort to draught-proof the home and use high quality insulation throughout – not all building companies do that,” Simone says.

3. Adelaide green dream | 8.2 stars | $950k

This stunningly chic three-bedroom home is currently under construction in the Woodforde estate near Magill, South Australia.

With a NatHERS rating of 8.2, it will be constructed using environmentally friendly materials. It also aims to reduce waste during and after construction.

A spacious and ‘green’ home in Adelaide’s suburbs. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

Featuring the highest quality insulation through a reverse brick veneer and double glazed windows, it has underfloor heating and a heat recovery ventilation system that helps to heat the home effectively. Surrounding greenery helps curtail heat in summer and improve air quality.

On top of low energy appliances, there is a solar power and battery system. There’s even a charging station for your electric car!

Currently selling for $950k, the family home is fitted with the latest smart home automation system to control blinds, lights and appliances to help you manage your energy conservation.

4. North-coast townhouse | 7 stars | $620k

It’s hard to come by affordable coastal living, but this two-bedroom townhouse in Warners Bay – a 25-minute drive to Newcastle – is not a bad offer at only $620,000.

This two-bedroom townhouse near Newcastle has a 7.5 star rating. Picture: Realestate.com.au/buy

Not only that, but it has a great NatHERS rating of seven and offers some exciting sustainable perks.

On top of excellent energy-efficient temperature regulation, it benefits from a 5kW solar and battery system.

“It’s not only the energy savings – it has special air-condition systems, special hot water services, double-insulated roof and extra insulated walls – you can also get a special home loan rate,” project development manager and sales executive at One Real Estate Eastlakes, Rod Conroy, says.

“There’s only two or three properties in Warners Bay like it and it’s definitely going to be the way of the future.”

5. Sustainable riverside bargain | 8 stars | $330k+

You can take your pick of new apartment developments in Rivervale, so why not choose one that provides sustainable perks?

Apartments in the Riverena block have an average NatHERS rating of 8, plus all the mod cons of a contemporary building complex.

A riverside apartment with green credentials. Realestate.com.au/buy

While individual apartments benefit from LED lighting and double-glazed windows, helping with insulation, the environmental benefits extend around the complex at large.

For example, common room lighting is controlled by motion sensors to avoid leaving the lights on unnecessarily. Plus, the swimming pool is solar heated.

Nature lovers will love the added bonus that the complex is built around a beautiful 130-year-old fig tree that also inspired the design.

The post 5 sustainable homes for sale right now with 7 or more stars appeared first on realestate.com.au.