Buyers flock to region’s biggest display village

The largest display village in the Geelong/Surf Coast region has been buzzing with activity since it opened at Villawood Properties’ Armstrong Mount Duneed in July.

The display village, at Whites Road and Sovereign Drive, showcases the work of 21 builders, with homes of all shapes, sizes and styles to tempt first home buyers right through to high-end luxury home purchasers.

Villawood has long-term close ties with Australia’s top builders and this is reflected in the 36 slick, contemporary designer homes on show.

Affordable price points are available for every kind of buyer and every stage of life, from basic first homes to high-end luxury homes up to $7 million, and demand is soaring.

“I’ve been in the industry for over a decade, but I’ve never seen demand like this,” Boutique Homes consultant Rowan Huxhagen says.

“Vacant blocks are getting snapped up quickly, so you have to get in quick.

“Not only is housing more affordable in Geelong than in Melbourne – meaning you get a bigger block and more extravagant house, for less – but Geelong’s laid-back, family-orientated atmosphere is a huge drawcard.

“I’ve noticed customers are loving sophisticated skillion roofs and raked ceilings that create a spacious impression in the home.

“Whichever type of house they go for, almost all of my customers who I’ve helped to relocate to Geelong are kicking themselves that they didn’t do it much earlier.”

The display village is the third DV by Villawood at Armstrong.

Its first, the Green Street, picked up an Urban Development Institute of Australia Award for Landscaping Excellence and [AM1] was a roaring success.

The latest more than adequately caters for the broad range of designs and sizes buyers want.

“Visitors vary hugely in what they’re looking for, from 20sq homes right up to double-storey 49sq,” says Nathan Schlink, of Long Island Homes.

“They love the slick pared-back designs and homes with the contemporary square look.

“The Hamptons style of home with coastal colours is still drawing crowds.

“Given its proximity to beautiful bodies of water, it makes sense that coastal exteriors are seriously trending in Geelong.

“There’s also a trend towards homes that are large enough to comfortably enjoy a busy lifestyle but not so large that they require many hours of cleaning.”

The popularity of the Geelong region has been swelling in response to metropolitan lockdowns, work from home changes and greater affordability.

“Many people have saved money through lockdown, with no travelling and working from home,” says Mr Huxhagen.

“In some cases, their current house may no longer suit because they need dedicated studies.”

Just 11 minutes from Torquay’s surf beach and well connected to Geelong’s city centre, families, young couples and downsizers alike are attracted to the lifestyle because they can enjoy the best of a city and surfside environment.

Buyers will have to move fast to secure the block of their dreams, with so many prospective buyers from around Victoria keen on the location.