| Thank goodness for Ash, our shining light this last week…even in lock-down, we’ve had an excuse for a (Barty) party! With the lock-down we’re back to ONLINE AUCTIONS. Last Friday afternoon we had an action packed auction with quite a crowd (online) bidding competitively on a great little beach cottage in Newport’s Golden Triangle. Thanks for everyone’s interest, and for all the participants. But, of course, there can only be one winner. We – and more importantly – our vendor was delighted with the outcome. $3.04m under the hammer! Proving that the market’s not coming down just yet… We ARE still showing new listings, but strictly by appointment. The data on the strength of the local market continues to filter through. Last weekend’s Australian ran an article headed ‘Housing Price Boom Ripples Out To Regions’. Strangely that included Bellevue Hill and South Turramurra…and Clareville (which makes more sense!). It’s up a staggering 49.7% over the year to June, and 16% over 6 months, to a median value of over $3.5 million. That might be a statistical anomaly based on low traded volumes, but even so! Lockdown is tough, we all know that. But it’s really good to see the solid support for local businesses and vice versa – from book deliveries to food (and drinks!) – services with locals seriously ‘doing their bit’ to help out is impressive. Press articles on the expectation that the ‘WFH’ (Working From Home) phenomenon isn’t going away, underlines the appeal of our area – and, of course – of many regional areas in NSW. However, it seems that younger employees, in particular, miss the camaraderie and social life opportunities of the office. There are plenty of creatives (IT in particular) who have enjoyed remote working, especially when they have the option of getting to the office when required. That, combined with ongoing improvements to roads and bus routes – will continue to add to the appeal of the upper Northern Beaches. https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/wall-street-is-starting-to-burst-the-work-from-home-dream-20210615-p5811p.html Talking of village life; a reminder that Avalon is turning 100 later this year (October/November). There are folk looking to arrange events to acknowledge this milestone…if you have ideas to contribute, email: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. Scroll down to see what you can view this weekend (by appointment!)… |
