Market wrap
We all know rental vacancies have been extremely tight this past year, there’s no doubt about it, and while the national rental vacancy rate saw a record low of 0.8 last month, reports are saying vacancies are expected to rise over the next couple of months to huge relief from tenants everywhere looking for a place to call home. Also on the up? The Australian economy, believe it or not. While it hasn’t grown at the same rate economists banked on, it’s still relatively strong despite all the crazy external factors going on around the globe right now. Welcomed good news glimmers for a brighter 2023.
The mad rush is upon us…
Booked out from yesterday until Jan 1? We hear you. You’d have thought a couple of years of Covid would have slowed down the pace but it seems like we’ve just gotten more socially ambitious. Drinks at Randy’s, a dash to a Christmas on the Plateau then back down to Alma for dinner with so-and-so. Yep, the buzz is well and truly in the air and it feels good. Parking on the other hand, not as fun-filled. When did it become impossible to find one? We recommend being as on foot as possible to skip the annual frustration all together. Save the planet and your sanity.
What’s on (hint: lot’s of local shopping!)
What is it about late night shopping nights (IRL not on the couch) that feels so, how would you say it? Lush? Lavish? Somewhat sophisticated? Not racing through the mall at midday on Dec 24th losing your marbles? So we’re more than a little excited for the Avalon Late Night Shopping event next Thursday Dec 15th. Grab a bite to eat or a sneaky drink, stroll the village and support the exceptional mix of independent boutiques, local designers, bookstores, delis, homewares and more that our community has to offer. We really are very lucky… and a little smug. If you went nuts online during Black Friday, you can redeem yourself and support local next Thursday.
Speaking of local, Newport’s Robertson Road is back at it again with a sunny Christmas market day this Sat Dec 10 from 7am – 7pm celebrating the incredible little line-up of boutiques, eateries and businesses who call it home. Our hot tip? Grab a chai and a chicken shawarma pita from Queen Ester (yes the falafel is legendary but you won’t be disappointed) and slowly peruse the windows on your first lap. Pony Rider have created a miniature wooden adventure land display complete with a working gondola! Then head in for round two and pick up one-of-a-kinds from Knapstore, designer at Splice, sustainable homewares from Pony Rider and french glassware from Le Petit Marché, naturally. All bases covered.
Friendly PSA! Don’t forget to grab your picnic basket, chill your vino and clear your throat ready for a night of festive community spirit at Carols At The Beach this Saturday Dec 10. Kicking off at 4pm with food trucks and entertainment, followed by the main event at 6pm, a visit from the big man himself around 8pm and because who doesn’t love a spectacle, fireworks to finish. You’re guaranteed to see everyone you know, so it’ll also kill 20 “Let’s catch up before Christmas” get-togethers in one fell swoop. We’d say that’s a win-win.
And after a night of chatting, carol-ing, eating and drinking, pop down to Palmy on Sunday morning, jump in the ocean and then dare we say it, wander the Palm Beach Markets with a coffee in hand. You’ll have well and truly ticked everyone off the to-do list (and championed local businesses) by this time next week. Pat your future self on the back for being so organised.
Looking to sell?
While we’re on the subject of getting organised, it bears repeating that now is the perfect time to start getting the wheels in motion if you aim to sell in early 2023. It generally takes a few weeks for a property to be listed, sold, and settlement is usually a couple of months after that. So, if you’re looking to buy or sell when the market kicks back off in late Jan…call us! We would love to help. Request a market appraisal here!