Time to Shine with Kirstie Klein Hunter
The sun is still shining on the Noosa property market despite some gloomy economic outlooks. Jennifer Swaine consults Noosa buyers agent, Kirstie Klein Hunter to uncover the diamonds in the rough.
With winter upon us and the cost of living starting to bite, the market has slowed in some areas although, according to Noosa buyers agent, Kirstie Klein Hunter, Noosa largely remained unaffected by many of these external factors.
Kirstie believes this is mainly due to the finite amount of stock in the area and explains that there are still some noticeable trends at the moment: International Enquiry is on the Rise. Kirstie has noticed a marked increase in enquiry from ex-pats who are showing particular interest in the Noosa Hinterland.
“In the past, many of these buyers may have considered Byron Bay and the surrounding hinterland, but they are savvy and see the value in Noosa and all that we have here,” Kirstie said.
“In many ways we have an edge because of our quality private schools, restaurants and shopping precincts, and if they can secure acreage close to Noosa it is extremely appealing,” she said.
With that in mind, Kirstie noted that there was still a cap on what people were prepared to pay which doesn’t seem to present when buyers were considering areas like Byron Bay.
“The Noosa Hinterland is still, to my thinking at least, a diamond that is only half uncovered,” Kirstie says.
“I personally feel it should be looked at the same way as people view Bowral or the Byron Bay Hinterland and it’s only a matter of time before this happens.”
Increased Demand for Units
As housing prices continue to rise across the Noosa region, Kirstie said the appetite for units had increased.
“People look for quality units for a number of reasons: it could be that they are downsizing but still want a great outlook in a highly sought after location, or it could be that this is a more affordable way to get into the Noosa market than buying a freestanding property,” she says.
“Either way, I am seeing a growing demand for units.”
Spring Focus
While the market tends to slow during winter months and buyers and sellers remain cautious, the arrival of spring should see new stock coming onto the market for the dry, warmer months.
The downside to this, Kirstie says, is that it is a view shared by the majority of buyers and sellers so there is increased competition across the board for the properties that come onto the market at the same time.
“Spring brings out both the buyers and the sellers so it’s important not to neglect the winter months as a good time to do your research and really understand the market and organise things like finance so that you are ready to move when the market shifts,” Kirstie advises.
“In addition, savvy sellers should consider bringing their property to market now to get ahead of the competition while listings are scarce.”
Buyers Prefer Renovated Properties
Kirstie also noted that while much of the stock that was on the market was quality, her buyers were showing a preference for properties that were already renovated or that required little work.
“A lot of my buyers are not locals so they do not want the hassle of having to oversee a renovation,” she said.
“A quality property that is ready to move into will be more appealing to these buyers every time.”
Noosa continues to be a highly desirable destination for investors and those wanting to live in this special part of Australia and while the ebb and flow of the market will mean buyers and sellers have to adjust momentarily, one thing is certain and that is the appeal of Noosa and the surrounding Hinterland continues to rise.
