The hidden property hotspots they don't tell you about at the South Coast

Canberrans will soon begin their annual exodus to favourite sea and tree change holiday spots and local agents say home sales are likely to follow.

Nick Dale of Belle Property Berry says buyers usually begin their regional home hunt with familiar names.

“The lists usually include Batemans Bay, Ulladulla, Berry and so on,” he says.

“But buyers soon begin to explore smaller towns for greater value or space.”

Dale says property type is dictated by whether it’s a sea or tree change.

“Coastal dwellers usually want a beach shack rather than a suburban home,” he says.

“In the country, they’re looking for land, somewhere up to a couple of hectares.”

Coastal buyers might like to take a look at Shoalhaven Heads for good value.

“At the southern end of Seven Mile Beach you can pick up a family home between $500,000 to $700,000,” he says.

“At the other end, homes in Gerroa have been going for as much as $3.85 million.”

Christine Ewin of My Agent Christine Ewin Batemans Bay, says many buyers from Canberra begin as regular holiday renters and come to a buying decision over several years.

“By then they know what they’re looking for – something with ocean views, where they can hear, smell and feel the sea,” she says.

“And they’re usually looking for the archetypal beach shack, somewhere unpretentious.”

Ewin says the Batemans Bay suburb to watch is Catalina where homes can still be snapped up for between $400,000 to $450,000.

• Live it. Many Canberrans spend years as home renters over the holiday periods. That lengthy time helps them confirm what they are looking for in a sea or tree change purchase.
• Explore. There are plenty of locations to choose from and, like the city, some areas are highly sought-after with price tags to match – be prepared to roam and to seek out undervalued gems.
• Transition. Manage your move – is the plan to acquire a property now for a planned retirement in three to five years’ time? Rental options like Airbnb may provide income to help finance the eventual move.

Allhomes’ top pick of properties for sale in the South Coast region:

Kangaroo Valley

28 Glenayar Road

Price guide: $2.3 million-$2.5 million

4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms

Could this be the ultimate tree change – one that combines a stunning contemporary home, a resort lifestyle and mountain and forest views?

This large four-bedroom home has been designed to take advantage of everything that is great about its Kangaroo Valley location: a perfect northern aspect with 180-degree views of mountain escarpment.

In fact, one entire side of the residence opens via bifold doors to let you immerse yourself within this panoramic vista.

This home has everything to keep you there and comfortable. Light floods in through big picture windows. There’s oak flooring and a cosy lounge with a Jetmaster fire.

You’ll likely spend the warmer months lounging around the saltwater infinity pool, surrounded by travertine paving or, perhaps, by staying warm around the outdoor fireplace.

Inside, the high-spec kitchen will delight with its comfortingly solid 40-millimetre stone benchtops, quality Bosch appliances and large island bench.

The bedrooms are all king-sized with the main packed with a walk-in wardrobe, study and en suite. Two other bedrooms also enjoy en suites with a family bathroom servicing the fourth.

The 2.59-hectare grounds feature extensive landscaping that seamlessly merges into the surrounding treelines. There’s some 85,000 litres of tank capacity along with access to a permanent freshwater creek.

Kangaroo Valley is nestled between the Southern Highlands and the NSW South Coast. It’s around two hours north-east of Canberra or some 22 minutes north of Nowra.

Private sale

Agent: Belle Property Berry, Nick Dale 0419 425 166