Homelife: a window into Central Coast property
While this year has presented its share of problems for all of us, the NSW Central Coast and its stunning luxury homes, has been a bright spot amid the COVID craziness. As both owner of Central Coast Life & Style and Belle Property Central Coast, I thought I’d share what’s been happening locally with property on the NSW Central Coast these past six months.
Prestige property proves to be pandemic-proof
The pandemic is having a once-in-a-lifetime ripple effect on the Central Coast as flexible working conditions give workers permission to move further away from the city, weekenders become residents, and Sydneysiders look for luxurious ways to indulge closer to home this holiday season.
At Belle’s Central Coast offices, we’ve just had one of our busiest periods ever with a year’s worth of private house sales over two winter months, namely 60 sales in just 60 days – right in the middle of the pandemic.
“We’ve had our busiest winter ever, closing a year’s worth of property sales in two months.”
I started my real estate career in 2009 when the world was still reeling from the GFC, so I’ve seen the property market at its worst, as well as its best, and while some other parts of the country might be suffering from a pandemic property slump, there’s no doubt that the coast’s prestige property market is having its moment in the sun.
The coast with the most
At a time when social distancing, lockdowns, masks and travel bans have become the norm, luxury isn’t just a beautiful waterfront property, it’s space and freedom.
With an endless string of pristine coastline to the east, tranquil bushland and hinterland to the west and picturesque waterways woven in-between, the coast is a natural wonderland that has provided the perfect antidote to the anxiety and stress of these past six months.
Unsurprisingly, there has been an upswing in city slickers taking refuge on the Central Coast and in an interesting new trend, many weekenders have reversed their lifestyle so that the coast is home and Sydney receives the occasional weekend visit.
Others have taken the opportunity to finally cut ties with the city and make the Central Coast their one and only home, with the current conditions providing the right moment to extract equity in their property before the recession really starts to bite.
“With dozens of luxury homes for sale, there’s never been a better time to make the move to the Central Coast.”
Recently, I’ve enjoyed helping executives make the most of a midweek escape. We’re also seeing coastal homes become the home-office, retirees downsize, and families, largely migrating from the Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches, upsize to a larger home with plenty of outdoor space.
With dozens of luxury homes for sale right now, there has never been a better time to immerse in the Central Coast’s idyllic lifestyle. Every week I’m adding more stunning waterfront properties and country acreages to our books. With Tumbi Umbi, Holgate and Matcham all vying to be the northern Bowral.
Stay or play
Forget the Cote d’Azur, the coast is the place to stay and play. Who needs the Cinque Terra when you have Terrigal and Killcare?
The Central Coast is home to some of the world’s most exquisite luxury holiday houses and here at Belle Property, my team and I look after the crème de la crème as part of Belle Property Escapes.
With the pandemic closing borders and grinding overseas travel to a halt, the Central Coast’s luxury accommodation has been more popular than ever, producing one of the best winter holiday seasons we’ve seen.
We like to think Belle Property’s concierge service will smooth over any disappointment from missing an overseas holiday. That might be touching down in a helicopter at a Tuscan-style villa such as Oskar’s, a spectacular six-bedroom home set on more than 3200sqms of terraced gardens with panoramic water views from its exclusive vantage point in Killcare Heights. Alternatively, gliding into the coast’s newest and most prestigious beachfront holiday home, Le Booker at Booker Bay, on a seaplane followed by a private yoga class and a meal prepared by a chef.
The place to be
Over the years I’ve sold many exclusive waterfront properties and hinterland hideaways to celebrities and CEOs, often in partnership with Ken Jacobs from Christie’s International.
Since COVID hit, there has been an increase in top end buyers wanting a home or a getaway with more space and the kind of privacy they aren’t afforded in other places such as Bowral or Byron.
Despite the pandemic or perhaps in spite of it, we’ve witnessed a significant amount of interest in prestige Central Coast properties with more than $80 million in sales throughout July and August 2020, including a new record for Pretty Beach where a luxury home on Araluen Drive fetched $3 million, smashing the suburb’s previous private house sale record by more than $1 million.
And my prediction is that buyer interest will continue to grow as we approach the school holidays and summer season. Whilst interstate and overseas travel restrictions remain in place Sydneysiders will be visiting the Central Coast in droves.
On route to greater access
There’s no denying that the Central Coast’s popularity started pre-pandemic. It has always been a sought-after destination but with more flexible working conditions meaning less time commuting, it has become that much easier to live here.
Perhaps the biggest silver lining to the pandemic is that it’s expedited this trend to live, stay and play north of Sydney.
And as the region evolves and grows with the influx of chic city slickers, we’re seeing the arrival of more luxuries one might be accustomed to in the big smoke – small bars, celebrity chef restaurants, art galleries and great coffee – all the trimmings but with less traffic and more space.
If you’re thinking of buying, selling or escaping to the NSW Central Coast, get in touch with me or my team at Belle Property Central Coast. We have offices in Killcare and a new office in Terrigal, but the reality is that we’re only a phone call or email away from helping you find the perfect pad for you.
COVID has given us all a rare opportunity to reevaluate life, make some big changes and create more balance. I know I’ve enjoyed the additional unexpected time with my four boys this past six months – a rare opportunity, and blessing, now that they’re young adults, who’d flown the nest.
If you’re thinking of selling or investing on the NSW Central Coast, please do not hesitate to give me or my team at Belle Property Central Coast a call.
Cathy Baker
Email: cathy.baker@belleproperty.com
Call: 0414 241 005
Belle Property Terrigal
6/6 Pine Tree Lane
Terrigal, NSW 2250
Email: centralcoast.info@belleproperty.com
Call: 02 4385 2141
Belle Property Killcare
4 Killcare Rd
Killcare, NSW 2257
Email: centralcoast.info@belleproperty.com
Call: 02 4360 1717
