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Melbourne’s development industry has welcomed the government’s roadmap to recovery.

Melbourne’s building industry has welcomed a “vote of confidence” from the Victorian government’s roadmap to recovery.

But they are calling for the government to review renovation and real estate restrictions that will hamstring activity and the construction pipeline until October 26 at least.

They are also calling for federal government intervention to extend the $25,000 HomeBuilder grants scheme for Victorians.

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From September 28 builders will be shifted to a ‘restricted’ work force that will “significantly” increase activity and employment in the sector.

So long as infection numbers continue to decline over the next three weeks, it will end a pilot light phase that has been in place since 11.59pm August 7.

The changes would see builders and specialist tradies working on new houses across the city allowed to move between up to five properties a week instead of three at the moment, though still capped at five people working on site at any given time.

Large construction sites will see worker numbers surge from 25 per cent to 85 per cent.

Larger projects, above three storeys, will ramp back up from 25 per cent of their baseline workforce to 85 per cent — or up to 15 workers, whichever is the higher.

Developers building infrastructure to title land will be allowed to have 20 workers per hectare, up from 10 during the stage-four lockdown.

But renovations at inhabited homes are still banned, with no date yet suggested when they will be able to recommence.

Restrictions will ease further to normal working arrangements, subject to observing social distancing and working from home where possible, at a later stage.

Urban Development Institute of Australia Victorian chief executive Danni Hunter said the changes were a “vote of confidence” after the industry had demonstrated its ability to “keep COVID-19 cases at a minimum, manage and mitigate the risk of any outbreaks on worksites and keep our industry working safely”.

UDIA Victorian chief executive Danni Hunter (left) and Ben Turner, Director, at a Carlton building site in August. Picture: Jay Town.

“This has put the building, construction and development industry in the strongest possible position to be able to get back to work as soon as possible,” she said.

“We have made the strongest possible case for getting back to work and the government is listening and will support our industry and our workforce just as we support the Victorian economy.”

Ms Hunter said it would be a “significant” boost for the industry, but they would seek to have display suites reopened “urgently” in order to ensure a continued pipeline for home builders.

They will also seek an extension to the federal government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder grants in order to shore up jobs into the new year.

Civil works continued during stage-four lockdown at the Orana estate in Clyde North.

Property Council of Victoria group executive for policy Mike Zorbas welcomed the roadmap, but said there was still more work to be done to open up real estate transactions to support the construction sector.

“It takes months for construction and real estate businesses to access government relief schemes; stimulus measures need to be brought forward immediately,” Mr Zorbas said.

“The fact is both the construction industry and the Victorian budget rely on rental and purchasing transactions to create demand and new projects. We will now work closely with the Government on safely getting those settings right as soon as possible. ”

Master Builders Association Victorian chief executive Rebecca Casson said the news was “extremely tough” for other parts of the sector and builders who specialise on home renovations.

Master Builders Association of Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson being tested by Jim Wru (Incolink) as part of industry organised COVID-19 testing. Picture: Glenn Ferguson.

“However, we will continue to work with the Government and persist in representing the needs of our whole industry,” Ms Casson said.

“Our sector has remained safe since March and now we will focus on continuing our proactive COVID-19 measures in line with the Government’s roadmap, with our collective objective being back to full capacity as soon as possible.”

Housing Industry Australia Victorian executive director Fiona Nield said she the changes would see more tradies back at work and greater flexibility for specialist workers.

However, she flagged that it had provided little relief for builders who focus on home renovations who have no clarity on when they will be able to resume working.

“The next stage will be rebuilding the pipeline of lost sales,” Ms Nield said.

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Physical inspections of Melbourne homes won’t be allowed again until at least October 26, essentially keeping the property market on ice well into its busiest selling season of the year.

Property players have described today as a “grim day for real estate”, saying buyers and renters having the ability to set foot in the homes they’re interested in is crucial to the selling and leasing processes.

The Victorian Government’s “roadmap for reopening” document lists “private inspections by appointment only” and “outdoor auctions subject to gathering limits” among permitted activities under the third step in easing COVID-19 restrictions.

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Melbourne spring property market awaiting eased restrictions to bloom

Melbourne’s real estate sector will be locked down for several more weeks. Picture: Alex Coppel

To reach that step, Victoria must record fewer than five daily cases over the two weeks prior to October 26.

The last step on the roadmap — to apply from November 23, given the state has no new cases for two weeks — will allow real estate to operate with “safety measures and record keeping”.

In the meantime, the government has confirmed only services related to property settlement and the commencement of or ending of a lease, including removalists, are allowed.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Leah Calnan previously told the Herald Sun it would be “extremely disappointing to see the industry remain on online inspections” for several more weeks.

“It’s continuing to hurt consumers, the industry, and revenue to the government,” Ms Calnan said.

In-person inspections have been outlawed in Melbourne since stage four lockdown began in early August, with real estate agents, photographers, videographers and stylists banned alongside buyers from attending homes.

SQM managing director Louis Christopher said this had caused a “near entire freeze up” of the market, while buyer’s advocate Frank Valentic said it had “literally shut down the property market”.

Fellow buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos called today a “grim day for real estate”, as it had kicked off “another seven weeks of not being able to transact or inspect”.

REIV president Leah Calnan said a continued ban on in-person inspections was “extremely disappointing.

Ray White Werribee director Michelle Chick said home sellers had been doing their own photography and videos in a bid to keep sales moving under the stage four lockdown.

But while buyers were “quite open to” purchasing property via online auctions, “not being able to walk through that property first is something they are not open to”.

“If we can’t do private inspections, well then that’s certainly not going to end well,” she said.

Ms Chick said her agency was preparing up to 60 homes for sale this spring, all of them waiting for today’s announcements to make a decision.

The REIV had recommended on-site auctions and open houses be revived this month — with COVID-safe controls in place — as an early stop on the government’s “reopening road map”.

“We know we can manage conducting auctions and open for inspections appropriately and safely,” Ms Calnan said.

“The real estate industry is an integral part of the state’s economy — 46 per cent of the state’s revenue comes from real estate taxes, like land tax and stamp duty.

“We should have been deemed an essential service (as providers of shelter).”

Online auctions are set to continue well into spring. Pictured is EYS auctioneer Fabian Sanelli. Picture: Jay Town

Meanwhile, construction industry sources have indicated they believe they will move from heavily restricted to restricted activity from September 28.

While this is yet to be confirmed, they expect this will include allowing larger building sites to return to 85 per cent capacity, from 25 per cent at present, and early stage land development to jump from 10 people per hectare to 20 people per hectare.

It is understood a further briefing will be held with industry members at 3pm today.

Urban Development Institute of Australia Victorian chief executive Danni Hunter said her organisation had “spent the past week providing expert advice to the government, demonstrating our industry’s ability to keep COVID-19 cases at a minimum, manage and mitigate the risk of any outbreaks on worksites and keep our industry working safely”.

“This has put the building, construction and development industry in the strongest possible position to be able to get back to work as soon as possible,” she said.

Ms Hunter said they welcomed the government’s vote of confidence in their efforts to date, and expected they would be able to increase activity “significantly” from September 28, so long as case numbers remain low.

“Our industry wants to get back to work,“ she said.

“We have made the strongest possible case for getting back to work and the government is listening and will support our industry and our workforce just as we support the Victorian economy.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday if Victoria opened too fast, there would be a “very high likelihood we are not really opening up at all”.

: We are just beginning a third wave, and we will be back in and out of restrictions … before

the end of the year,” he said.

“We have to take a steady and safe steps out of lockdown.”

-with Nathan Mawby

samantha.landy@news.com.au

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The Lyndoch residence at 14-16 Gilbert Street has a colourful history. Pic: realestate.com.au

It has been a hotel, deli, barber, coffee shop and residence throughout its 165-year history.

Now the historic Lyndoch property at 14-16 Gilbert Street is being offered to prospective buyers as a restored character home or short-term accommodation.

Built in 1855, the grand manor is affectionately known as The Coffee Palace.

Owners Julie and Peter Bruno bought it two decades ago in a “derelict condition” but have since given it a new lease on life.

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The kitchen was one of the rooms that was restored. Pic: realestate.com.au

The building has an old-world charm with lots of character. Pic: realestate.com.au

The bedroom in the cellar is one of the owner’s favourite rooms. Pic: realestate.com.au

“It was crying out to be loved again and I’ve got a real soft spot for old houses,” Ms Bruno said.

“I think I love them the most when they’re looking the worst.”

Ms Bruno said they restored “everything”, including the roof, plumbing, electric wiring, staircase, bathrooms and kitchen, as well as re-landscaped the yard.

“We tried really hard to put the character back into the place,” she said.

“It was built in 1855 and at the time it was called the new Lord Lyndoch Hotel.

“When the railway line came through (in 1911) it became the Railway Hotel.”

The house has seven bedrooms and three bathrooms. Pic: realestate.com.au

Check out that bath! Pic: realestate.com.au

A booklet by the Lyndoch Historical Society says in the 1920s it became The Coffee Palace, which the building has been generally known as ever since, and had a billiard room and men’s hairdresser for a period.

It has also served as tea rooms, a delicatessen, a boarding house and private residence.

The Brunos lived in the seven-bedroom, three-bathroom property for some time but have been renting it out as short term accommodation in recent years.

“We’re now selling it as a house with the opportunity for people to run it as accommodation,” Ms Bruno said.

“It really needs a big family enjoying it, I think.”

Century 21 Barossa agent Loren Fowler is selling the property, which is listed with a $760,000 to $790,000 price guide.

The owners re-landscaped the property as well. Pic: realestate.com.au

The post Lyndoch property with colourful history hits the market as a charming character home appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Property Mavens’ Miriam Sandkuhler. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Melbourne’s spring market could be dominated by private sales rather than the usual auction action — and any auctions we do see will be held online until COVID-19 restrictions ease.

But the change in selling style is unlikely to stop vendors from listing their homes during the busiest property season of the year, experts say.

Property Mavens director Miriam Sandkuhler said buyers who were “waiting for a fantasy market crash run the substantial risk of missing out altogether” in the months to come.

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“Once stage four ends, I am expecting a rise in stock levels, as selling agents are currently preparing their vendors to list and market their property as soon as possible” Ms Sandkuhler said.

“Buyer interest remains strong, due to the pent-up demand leading into what is normally a very busy spring selling season.’

But it was important buyers waited until they could physically inspect a property before buying, the buyer’s advocate added.

“Professional photos can misrepresent the true condition and the state of a property,” Ms Sandkuhler said.

“Good lighting and clever camera angles can provide misleading images, and minimal photo selection may also leave out compromising factors, making them invisible to a potential buyer.”

Private sale negotiations should involve gaining “a clear understanding of price” through market research and finding out why the vendor was selling, she said.

“This insight may allow for greater scope to negotiate favourable terms and price,” Ms Sandkuhler said.

“Be finance approved and flexible with settlement time frames, if it will make your offer more attractive to a vendor.”

Engaging a buyer’s advocate could also help househunters find off-market deals and calculate what a property was worth, she added.

Auctioneer Fabian Sanelli at 19 Meagher Road, Ferntree Gully. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Leah Calnan said a spring market “solely using online auction platforms” may lead to more private sales campaigns across the city.

“But it would also be great for agents to be allowed to facilitate online auctions at their place of business, or the actual property, after stage four restrictions,” Ms Calnan said.

She predicted auction numbers could increase as “restrictions continued to ease”, and remain solid right up to Christmas due to the delayed start to the spring selling season.

EYS Auctions director Fabian Sanelli said when it came to online auctions, Zoom allowed for the best buyer transparency and engagement because registered bidders could see their competitors on the screen.

The director of Australia’s largest independent auctioneering company set up a home studio during Melbourne’s first lockdown, so he could continue to sell properties.

New homeowner Andrew Righe puts the SOLD sticker on the real estate board outside his new property in Glen Huntly, which he purchased in an online auction. Picture: Ian Currie

“I haven’t noticed a drop in urgency from buyers. If anything, I’ve noticed a lot more confidence as people start to understand how the technology works,” he said.

Mr Sanelli said it was important buyers bid “just like they would on the street”, with the same “aggression”.

“A lot of buyers try to sit back online and wait. We’ve noticed our average auction time jump from 27 minutes to 39 minutes,” he said.

Online auctions have reeled in massive results during stage three and four of Melbourne’s coronavirus lockdown.

A new suburb price record was notably set in Macleod, while humble brick homes have exceeded expectations, with a standout being one in Oakleigh South that sold a whopping $305,000 above reserve for $1.24m.

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54 Green Avenue, Mount Macedon is also known as King’s Garden.

A Mount Macedon property carved off from an estate that became the Victorian Governor General’s summer home is offering a royal welcome for its next owner.

The 54 Green Avenue property, known as King’s Garden and featuring 400-year-old trees, is also a stone’s throw from property once owned by Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies.

And while it won’t cost you a king’s ransom, with the more than 4ha estate listed at $530,000-$585,000, there is a catch: you’ll be waiting about 18 months to live there.

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Despite architectural estimates it would take about 18 months to have a home approved and built at the property, buyers stuck in Melbourne’s stage four lockdown are among those expected to give it a vote of confidence at a September 27 auction.

The land is believed to have been carved off newspaper proprietor David Syme’s Rosenheim estate by Essendon man Patrick O’Meara in 1879.

The property is currently used recreationally, but a home could replace one that stood their in the past.

Rosenheim went on to become the Victorian Governor General’s summer residence, known as Government Cottage, from 1886 to 1934. And documentation dated to 1885 shows a rental agreement between Mr O’Meara and the Governor in Council at one pound a year.

The current owners bought the property in 2016 and used it for recreation as well as staging a wedding, but have not replaced the house that once stood on the property.

RT Edgar Macedon Ranges’ Josie Borg said an architect had estimated it would take about 18 months to two years to obtain a planning permit, but said that hadn’t deterred interest from prospective buyers in Melbourne.

A stage four lockdown across the city means only locals have been able to inspect, but the 400-year-old trees and lush tranquillity of the property was obvious even online, Ms Borg said.

The allotment is near the top of Mount Macedon.

“It has had quite a lot of interest,” she said.

“I think it’s the price point and the romance of the property. And you are not going to be in a tiny little apartment or a miner’s cottage.

“Mount Macedon and the whole area up here has been inundated with a lot of interest.”

Latest realestate.com.au figures show the local median house price is $1.2m, but prices as high as $5-$10m are also paid for some of the area’s more elite homes — and vacant land was very rare, she added.

Some of the greenery across the block is 400 years old.

The property is scheduled for an online auction via Zoom at 3pm, September 27.

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Mountain climber Ross Miller in action.

RESPECTED Brisbane mountain climber Annette Miller sold her family home at auction on Saturday, nine years after losing her husband in a mountain climbing tragedy at Mt Lindesay on the Queensland/New South Wales border.

25 Tamarang Street, Tarragindi.

Mrs Miller was the first woman to climb Mt Tinbeerwah near Noosa on the Sunshine Coast and her husband Ross Miller was a professional rock climber with more than 20 years’ experience.

Annette Miller at the auction of her Tarragindi home of 25 years.

“Mountain climbing is about being out in nature, you forget everything except that square metre of rock in front of you and above you and it’s the challenge of whether you can ‘work the rock’,” Mrs Miller said.

“And to do it with someone, like a soulmate or even a good friend, it’s an amazing experience because you’re both dependent on each other and your life is quite literally in the other person’s hands, there’s a lot of trust involved.”

25 Tamarang Street, Tarragindi is also 46 O’Neil Street, Moorooka as it has a two-street frontage and is positioned at the boundary of two suburbs.

Their four-bedroom, architect-designed home at 25 Tamarang Street, Tarragindi is on a 45 degree slope next to Toohey Forest Park and is packed with memories from a lifetime of hiking and climbing together.

“It’s taken me a long time to get to this point where I felt I could let go of the house,” Mrs Miller said. “Ross and I pretty much had our whole relationship here … he did all the gardening and he also built the rock climbing wall downstairs,” she said.

Great views from the deck.

Place Graceville agent Karen Simons took the 1980s-built, three-level home to auction with two active bidders but a vendor bid of $850,000 was needed to break the ice.

Architect Leon Burton raised the bid to $900,000 and after a short volley of bids the house sold to Mr Burton for $1.075m.

“There’s not that classic street appeal but internally, it’s like a chalet,” Mr Burton said of the 1499sq m property.

Built like a Swiss Chalet.

“We’re not quite as adventurous as (Ross Miller) was but we are very active and we love bushwalking and we did notice the rock climbing wall. We might set that up.”

Mrs Miller has continued hiking and will travel to the Scenic Rim on the school holidays to be the Girraween National Park camp host.

“You meet and greet campers and give them advice on where to go through the national parks,” she said.

Annette and Ross met in 1990 while on a three day hike near Cunningham’s Gap in 1990.

Their outdoor interests expanded to include cycling, skiing, rogaining, mountaineering and rock climbing.

Their honeymoon in 1996 was a 20-day bushwalk in the spectacular West McDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory, including the world-famous Larapinta Trail.

The Larapinta Trail in Central Australia.

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This house at 36A Oxlade Drive, New Farm has sold at auction for $8m.

A block acquired in a land swap with a friend 45 years ago has become the most valuable property for its size on the Brisbane River after it sold at auction on Saturday for $8 million.

Every square metre of usable land at 36A Oxlade Drive, New Farm is worth as much as a bathroom renovation.

“It’s $10,900 per square metre,” Ray White New Farm principal Matt Lancashire said.

The sale capped off a stellar weekend of auctions for the inner-city agent with $15 million in auction sales recorded.

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Ray White New Farm principal Matt Lancashire. Picture: Annette Dew

The New Farm property took out the preliminary highest sale of the day for the Ray White Group nationally.

“COVID has actually done the opposite to what everyone thought,” Mr Lancashire said.

“People don’t think they’re going to be travelling properly for the next three years and they want a nice house to live in. We’ve seen people significantly upgrading, not just doubling but in some cases tripling their asset value.

“I’ve got more buyers in the $5 million-plus range than I’ve ever had in 15 years of selling real estate.”

The view from the river of 36A Oxlade Drive, New Farm.

The four-bedroom deceased estate at New Farm had belonged to Brisbane Motor Auctions owner Peter Bettson, who acquired the 835sq m block (735sq m excluding the easement driveway) in a land swap for acreage on the Nerang River.

The property has direct river access.

“Dad had built a place on Bellview Crescent on the Nerang River where he had three acres,” Peter Bettson’s son, Jeff Bettson said.

“That was the house he swapped for Oxlade Drive.

“I can’t remember the guy’s name, we didn’t meet him but he was unwell and had to come down to get out of Brisbane.

“I expect that dad’s house appreciated a little more than the other guy’s did.”

The entrance to 36A Oxlade Drive, New Farm

Peter Bettson passed away 18 months ago and his wife Beverley had been living in the home until she passed away in June.

Eleven bidders took the property to auction with an opening bid of $5 million and five bidders were active even after the property passed $6 million.

At $7.5 million the auction was paused and the bid was negotiated to $8 million. The property was then announced on the market and sold unchallenged for that price.

Mr Lancashire said the house had sold to a local New Farm buyer who was looking to land bank the property.

The property is between New Farm Park and the Merthyr Bowls Club.

“No it wasn’t a Seymour,” Mr Lancashire said, referring to the prolific property development family, led by Kevin Seymour, who has been snapping up riverside blocks and shaping Brisbane’s skyline for more than five decades.”

Mr Bettson said he was happy his parents’ home, which is located between New Farm Park and the Merthyr Bowls Club, was not being earmarked for development.

The kitchen.

“We were concerned about who would buy it,” Mr Bettson said.

“You need units in certain places, as long as it’s all balanced development. New Farm has a unique character and a very strong village feel. There are units around it, but there are places where you don’t need units and not many properties are coming on the market in this area.”

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934 Strathalbyn Road, Biggs Flat. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

A Biggs Flat home offers a tranquil escape from working life and has the potential to also be used for a range of commercial opportunities, vendors John and Liz Girke say.

The Girkes bought the home ‘Glenfield’ 13 years ago and have since renovated it, transforming it into a grand family entertainer.

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934 Strathalbyn Road, Biggs Flat. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

“We lived in the city and had two young kids and wanted to give them a good lifestyle, and when this one came on the market we fell in love with it immediately,” Mr Girke says.

“It’s only 25 minutes to the city and we have some great towns, communities and facilities all around us.

934 Strathalbyn Road, Biggs Flat. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

“It’s built around a central atrium that we fitted a vergola roof to, and it’s beautiful because it lets in so much natural light, and the breezes through it are beautiful too.

“It gives you a perfect indoor/outdoor entertainment area.”

934 Strathalbyn Road, Biggs Flat. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

“It’s the perfect retreat for anybody that wants to have fresh air and have an abundant lifestyle for their children.”

The home features five bedrooms and a study, two bathrooms and quality fixtures and fittings throughout.

Outside, the home sits on a 36.2ha allotment and has seven dams, 14 paddocks, a bore, eight stables, equestrian facilities, cattle yards, a 15m x 24.4m shed, and more.

934 Strathalbyn Road, Biggs Flat. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

“The home’s got a real wow factor to it because you go up a liquidambar-lined drive and the house does sit majestically on the property and it really is a statement,” Mr Girke says.

“We’ll be sad to leave here because we’ve really turned this house into a home.

“But it’s time for another family to love it like we have, or set up a great business here.”

934 Strathalbyn Road, Biggs Flat. Supplied by Williams Real Estate.

934 Strathalbyn Rd, Biggs Flat

Contact agent for price

Agent: Williams Real Estate in conjunction with Hunt Lifestyle, Dee-Anne Hunt 0411 555 774.

Land size: 36.2ha.

Expressions of interest: Close Tuesday, September 22 at noon.

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19 Claremont Ave, Newtown. For GA Real Estate.

THE kerbside suggests privacy and security but there’s a whole lot more going on behind the facade at 19 Claremont Avenue.

Oh, and the 430sq m block size might seem modest, but every inch of space has been used to absolute perfection.

This single-level marvel, with a price guide of $2.1m to $2.25m, doesn’t miss a modern beat.

The facade at 19 Claremont Ave, Newtown. For GA Real Estate.

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And, Whitford, Newtown selling agent Dale Whitford reckons the place will age gracefully.

The ultra-modern home will impess on entry.

“This is a smart home that will stand the test of time,” Mr Whitford said.

“It would suit a corporate couple or family of the future.

“The design is brilliant with superior quality fittings throughout, and there’s good use of the long, northern boundary with glass walls that bring in lots of natural light.”

So much space to entertain.

Some serious thought has been put into this 372sq m home.

The formal living zone is set in the front section of the house.

From the designated gymnasium space in the garage to the solar and gas-heated swimming pool built into the outdoor entertainment area with bluestone paving.

Inside, the oak flooring is flawless and room spaces are generous, with the cosy wood fireplace in the main living zone a star attraction.

Lights, camera, action!

Parents, rejoice.

Parents will definitely wake up on the right side of the bed in this lovely space.

The main bedroom has a sense of sanctuary, with a lush walk-in wardrobe/dressing room, an ensuite with underfloor heating and a secluded courtyard.

The luxe ensuite would be a pleasure to spend time in.

There’s a study zone and the three minor bedrooms each have a built-in desk that will (hopefully) make working and learning from home a touch easier.

The minor bedrooms are spacious and light-filled.

Mr Whitford also made mention of the “sensational” kitchen with a full menu of culinary highlights.

Feast your eyes on this.

Case in point, the position overlooking the open-plan living zone, so the family chef can chop, stir and sizzle and sip and nibble with guests at the same time.

Wow-factor: high.

“If you’re a good cook, you’ll be pretty happy because it’s got four ovens,” Mr Whitford said.

The designer kitchen also has a 1500mm Ilve cooktop and oven, plus pyrolytic and warming ovens, an integrated dishwasher and a double refrigerator, a butler’s pantry/cellar, plus extra storage.

To dine inside or out – that is the question.

Travelling types are all set as the gardens are easy-care and have an integrated watering system.

The pool is ready and waiting for morning or afternoon swims.

And, the safety first factor is well-taken care of with a double garage that has internal access, as well as a camera and security system.

As for location, that will tick buyer boxes, too.

The position is set close to the prestigious belt of Newtown schools, close to the Barwon River, GMHBA Stadium and the Geelong CBD.

Commuters will love the easy access to the Geelong train station, Geelong Ring Road and Princes Freeway.

Other features include hydronic heating and refrigerated cooling and a Bose sound system.

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Townsville could experience a mass migration of new residents into the city. Picture: Wesley Monts

TOWNSVILLE could experience a mass migration of new residents into the city, with new figures showing a significant increase in property searches from interstate.

Exclusive data from realestate.com.au shows the number of local property searches by potential interstate buyers in July has grown a whopping 47 per cent year-on-year.

And it would seem those living in the most clamped down COVID areas are the most keen to flee to the tropics, actively looking for either a new permanent home, or even just a place to “bug out” and escape COVID-19.

REA chief economist Nerida Conisbee said mining-related growth, affordable prices and a Covid-free status was behind the boost in regional property inquiries.

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The suburbs posting medians sales price increases despite Covid

“In Townsville, they (the top 10) are nice suburbs and although some are the more expensive suburbs (for Townsville), if you are coming from say, Sydney, what you get for the price is quite incredible,” she said.

Ms Conisbee said people relocating to be closer to family after being separated due to border closures would also be major factors.

“I do think we will see a bigger shift to regional areas,” Ms Conisbee said. “People tend to move to regional areas because of employment or some sort of economic stimulus and once people get there, that creates its own economy and demand for services.

“Covid has the potential to spread people out in a way no other government policy could.”

The Strand. Picture: Evan Morgan

The data shows that those living in Sydney City/Inner South accounted for the most interstate property hits in Townsville, followed by Melbourne (Inner), Sydney (Inner West), Melbourne (Inner East) and Sydney (Inner South West). In fact, all but two of the top 10 origins responsible for the massive spike in interstate searches in the Townsville market came from Sydney or Melbourne.

The only outliers were Adelaide (Central and Hills) and the ACT.

Furthermore, the data shows where the potential interstate buyers are keen to make the move to.

Townsville City was the most searched suburb by interstate property hunters, followed by North Ward, Bushland Beach, Kirwan and South Townsville.

Keyes & Co agent Tess Sellwood said she was fielding plenty of calls from interstate, remarking that the agency was set to record its biggest transacting year in its nine year history.

Listing agent Tess Sellwood at the property at Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

“We were all set to bunker down for a tough period but it has been the complete opposite,” she said.

“There is quite a conversation around regional areas being the preferred relocation destination of choice, and that Townsville prices offer bang for buck.

“I have people looking to relocate … and people looking to timeshare, split their time between their current location and Townsville.”

The change in perspective could see some regional areas become home and the capitals become FIFO destinations.

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