Sydneysiders are leaving the city in droves, moving to regional areas such as the Central Coast in search of a better lifestyle…
Flexible work-from-home arrangements are now the ‘new normal’, and we’re seeing a shift in how people want to live. They can invest in an area that is more scenic and peaceful for far less than the cost of living in Sydney. A weekender can provide the best of both worlds.
The beautiful ‘Yarram‘ at MacMasters Beach
How has this affected the holiday home market?
There’s been a knock-on effect on the holiday home market as a result. A large number of buyers are choosing to invest in the Central Coast, as a holiday home here can be lucrative. It can be rented out in peak holiday periods and also enjoyed as a weekender.
Close to 70 per cent of Belle Property Central Coast’s recent buyers were holiday home investors.
Overseas travel is making a slow return at best, and government lending criteria have been lifted. Interest rates are still at an all-time low, too. Investors are therefore taking advantage of these favourable conditions and building their property portfolios.
Aerial view of the stunning Terrigal Beach
Belle Central Coast Principal, Cathy Baker, has never seen such keen interest in the region. “We advertised a deep waterfront at 6 Bulkara St, Wagstaffe, recently. It received 491 inquiries over the four-week expression-of-interest period. Seventy-eight inspections also took place, and 13 contracts were issued. Most interested parties were looking for a weekender investment”, she explains.
The weekender – a smart investment?
The business district of Gosford is just an hour from the Sydney CBD. This makes it much closer than Leura in the Blue Mountains or even Wollongong on the South Coast. The new NorthConnex motorway also saves motorists about 15 minutes, too, by easing pressure on one of Sydney’s busiest highways, Pennant Hills Road.
Most holiday homes rented through Belle Property Central Coast’s sister business, Belle Escapes, are booked several months in advance. They also provide strong return on investment. Top-end holiday homes can earn up to $250,000 per year, with entry-level cottages bringing in around $40,000.
Homebuyers may consider dual living in the future, too.
People are more conscious of their lifestyle needs since the pandemic. Thus, a home closer to the coast is now a great alternative to Sydney’s suburbs or the CBD.
Cathy Baker is also a long-time resident of the Central Coast herself and sees limitless potential. “You will not regret investing in a weekender here or moving to the region permanently. I am always inspired by our surrounding landscape, easy-going community, and ever-evolving entertainment culture”, she explains. “The people are exceedingly friendly, make time for each other, and are always ready to welcome those new to the area.”
Thinking about your own weekender?
If you’re considering exploring the market on the Central Coast, reach out to the Belle Property Central Coast team. If you have a property that requires holiday management, or would like to learn more, you can contact the Belle Escapes Central Coast office.
