Open for inspection homes August 31 - September 6
Check out this weekend's Sunshine Coast homes open for inspection.
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No looking back for Buderim buyers
Is Buderim the suburb you just can't leave behind?
Carol and Tom Blacklaw certainly think so and judging from the hordes of buyers choosing to move from one Buderim property to another, they are not alone.
The trend appears to be increasingly common; with developer HMR Projects noting that 100 per cent of buyers who have purchased home and land at its Buderim-based Sage Landing development to date have made the shift from a larger Buderim property.
Mrs Blacklaw said now that the couple's children no longer live at home the move to a property that was smaller and more manageable made sense, but she acknowledged that until the launch of Sage Landing there haven't been many options available in the heart of Buderim.
"We've always loved the Buderim area and the lifestyle it offers and we knew a large family home was no longer something we needed or wanted - particularly when considering the extra maintenance and upkeep involved," Mrs Blacklaw said.
"However, downsizing is easier said than done in Buderim as the properties close to the village are mostly large family homes or much smaller townhouses or apartments with high body corporates."
"We were also after a home we could easily lock up and leave as Tom and I have really enjoyed travelling around Australia in our caravan since we retired. To be honest, I don't think our story is that different from many other couples so it's unfortunate that Buderim hasn't had much to offer until Sage Landing was launched earlier this year."
Ray White Buderim Real Estate Agent Lew Pottinger agreed saying there were more and more couples looking to make the move from larger properties to smaller residences, while still calling Buderim home.
"It's really telling that all the buyers at Sage Landing are opting to move to the boutique enclave from either large houses or acreage in Buderim. We're definitely seeing a pattern emerge amongst these long-term locals who really love their backyard and are just looking for a more manageable property close to the heart of the village," Mr Pottinger said.
"Traditionally, Buderim has been home to sprawling family homes but as these home-owners become empty nesters there is an increasing demand for smaller, high quality homes like Sage Landing."
"These homes are filling that niche between small apartments and large houses, an offering which hasn't been part of the Buderim landscape in the past. It's really not surprising to us that the first five homes sold within 10 weeks of us launching Sage Landing."
In regard to the current state of the Buderim property market, Mr Pottinger said there were currently benefits for both buyers and sellers, labelling it as a 'fair' market for both parties.
"We're experiencing a really strong but stable market at present, with increasing demand as well as a good range of stock on offer," Mr Pottinger said.
"I've been in this industry for 21 years and I think this is one of the best markets we've operated in. It's very different to the boom times of the early 2000s when house prices were fluctuating rapidly from month to month which makes it difficult to achieve good outcomes for all parties."
"At the moment prices are largely consistent and the market is fairly predictable making it a good time for both buying and selling real estate."
And as for Buderim being the best suburb on the Sunshine Coast?
"There's definitely something in the water that keeps residents coming back!" Mr Pottinger agreed.
"It's not hard to see why it's so popular. There aren't many suburbs with Buderim's walkability, and that, combined with the cafés, shops and restaurants; the great sense of community; and its close proximity to some of the best beaches and hinterland locations, all contribute to its appeal."
"The level of interest we've received in the Sage Landing development since recently commencing civil work on site has been phenomenal, and I think that's reflective of buyers' desire to live in such a central location."
Sage Landing is situated in a secluded cul de sac just minutes' walk from the Buderim high street, and offers low maintenance gardens as well as both single-level, low set homes and larger, double-storey contemporary floorplans.
Construction has commenced on the 13 freehold lots, with the first settlements expected in the second quarter of 2018.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS WEEKEND'S OPEN HOMES
Originally published as Open for inspection homes August 31 - September 6
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