Spring wins!

IT”S a strange start to spring. Strong winds kept the Geelong Cup from running; however, it didn’t stop our property market from gaining a bit of traction, and for once, it’s good to be reporting demand back in the market!

For the weekend of October 25-26, post-cup, many Geelong suburbs achieved 100 per cent clearance rates at auction. Belmont: five auctions, five sales, Geelong West: three auctions, three sales, Lara: two auctions, two sales, Newtown: two auctions, two sales. Corio one auction, one sale. The state average was only at 65 per cent. So as a region, we are outperforming!

In fact, across the broader regions, it was one of the busiest auction weekends we have seen in 18 months. With the knowledge that another rate cut this side of Christmas is now unlikely, I think that some certainty is setting in, and people are no longer waiting.

Predominantly, the increase in demand is being witnessed within the ‘affordable’ house price band, with a median house price across the Greater Geelong region now at $800,000, compared to the metro Melbourne median of $955,000 and the national average of $1,068,696. We are indeed a more ‘affordable’ option, and this is likely to continue to attract buyers from Melbourne and interstate.

However, we do have a few ‘high-end’ (above $3m) properties sitting on the market with little or no movement, predominantly located down the coast — Torquay, Anglesea, Portarlington — with a few marquee properties in Newtown and Drumcondra. Demand for high-end properties seems to be weaker than demand for more affordable homes at present.

While we are on the good news, I am excited to see that two significant developments that I have been looking forward to commencing are now in ‘pre-sale’ mode. Up-Property’s development in Geelong West, located behind Geelong West Village between Hope Street and Autumn, will provide 56 apartments across two buildings. The design of this development blends modern design with a commitment to preserving the area’s heritage appeal. The location is key with this development: close to train stations, retail precinct and cafes. It’s a really nice place to live. Trust me, I lived very close to this spot for 10 years and loved it!

The second development getting going this week is ‘The Riverside Newtown’. This development will offer 17 townhouses and 57 apartments, with river frontage. The development will include an indoor pool, gym, and cafe, providing a charming, livable design. I’m pretty excited, as it will provide a catalyst for the remainder of the ‘Barwon River precinct’ as it morphs toward mixed-use residential, office and retail. Think Fitzroy or Collingwood in Melbourne.

And lastly, to finish off this good news article, I want to convey my congratulations to mayor Stretch Kontelj for the concept and delivery of the ‘Saturday Live Market’ last weekend. I remember Stretch telling me, when he first took office, that he would work on the small wins first to change the city. And he has delivered. Even Andy Pobjoy from Piano Bar was out there playing a tune and getting people to come across and provide a much-needed boost to the Little Malop hospitality precinct.

A lot of us like giving council a kick, but I think sometimes we need to recognise some of the good things that they do, and I think our current mayor is the best we have had for a while! Many of the big decisions, such as the proposed redevelopment of Market Square, and moving the buses from Moorabool Street, are within the control of the state government, and council has no say in that.

But the mayor is ticking off the small wins he does have control over, and for that I am gratefully delighted. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face on Saturday to see that many people in our beloved town again. Let’s celebrate the wins. Well done, Stretch — hats off!

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