Market wrap
First home buyers, this one’s for you. The NSW government changed stamp duty law last week, giving first home buyers a choice — pay property transfer tax upfront like the old days, or choose to pay annually, as a yearly land tax on homes valued up to $1.5 million. While there are pros and cons to the shift (driving demand and raising house prices), it’s a win for those wanting to get into the property market.
Oh wee, it’s crazy out there
The frenzy that is the four-day Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales is well and truly upon us. You’ve seen it. Faces glued to phones, links being shared with questions like “Do you think Artie would like this for Christmas?” and brands throttling us with advertising. It’s as if we can’t shop any other time of year. The rise of this crazy? A move to online shopping spurred by Covid, the pressure to save as interest rate hikes take up room rent-free in our minds and perhaps the collective hype of it all. The FOMO. According to research, sales are said to reach $6.2 billion over the next four days. Wild. Read more here, we need to get back to our carts…
What’s on
There’s a new watering hole in town and it’s serving up some very quaffable progressive vinos and tasty little snacks to go with them. Sitting directly underneath Bar Elvina, the former bougie sandwich shop Sandy’s is now Randy’s, her after-dark cocktail slinging brother. Open from 12-10pm Thurs – Sun and with sidewalk seating perfect for a post-swim perch, grab yourself a glass of ‘Skinsy Chardy’ and a few Sydney Rock oysters and call it an evening.
Just in time for Santa, too. Cult Sydney label Lee Mathews left it’s Newport digs some time ago and there’s been a voluminous maxi shaped hole in our local designer offering ever since – until they so elegantly popped up in Avalon right next to Bistro Boulevard. The space? Stunning and considered. The clothes? Modern-feminine wardrobe staples. One for the Christmas list.
Speaking of gifts, does a surfing lesson with Tom Carroll peak your interest? Or how about a $500 Bassike voucher? Avalon Beach Surf Club are kicking off their annual Christmas Silent Auction supported by some very generous local businesses’ and bidding is open from December 1 so get going, folks. Christmas shopping? Tick. Championing our tireless clubbies? Tick. Fab prizes? Tick and tick.
Local favourite meal service Harvest Lane Food has gone greener! The Warriewood based family-run purveyors of wholesome dinners have upgraded their packaging to fit their sustainability ethos – and we are here for it. Fully recyclable and compostable, but also microwaveable and fridge or freezer proof, these eco containers are just another good reason to order their lamb shoulder with smashed rosemary roast potatoes.
Another feel good shopping experience to palate cleanse your Black Friday madness… Avalon’s Car Boot Sale this Sunday November 27! As we mentioned last week, there’s a few very well dressed folk who like to make room in their (enviable) closets via this fancy flea, so get down there early to nab some steals. We told you twice.
Looking to sell?
Now is also a great time to start planning 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!