NSW South Coast property a hot option as Canberrans trek to the beach

Christmas marks the start of an annual pilgrimage to the coast for many Canberrans. Some who have chosen to rent or stay in holiday accommodation will be splitting their time between relaxing on the beach and looking for a coastal property to call their own. 

According to South Coast real estate agents, about one-third of their inquiries come from ACT residents and they see an increase over the warmer months.

“We see a lot of people looking around over the summer, getting a feel for the marketplace,” Raine and Horne Batemans Bay agent Christine Ewin says. 

“However, they don’t make their move for a couple of months. The market doesn’t see a soul until February or March when people come in pre-approved and ready to buy.”

Ms Ewin says Batemans Bay has had strong interest from Canberra, but the seaside town is also starting to attract an increase in buyers from Sydney and the Riverina. 

James Coburn, an agent with Real Property Agents in Sussex Inlet says Shoalhaven has had an increase in Canberra-based inquiries following recent improvements to the roads, which means there no need to go through Batemans Bay or Kangaroo Valley. 

“Travelling time from Canberra is now greatly reduced to around two to 2½ hours, making it an ideal weekend destination now,” Mr Coburn says.

South of the bay, Elders Real Estate Merimbula director James Cravana says, many buyers are drawn to Merimbula for its peaceful village atmosphere. He says for many Canberra residents, it’s an ideal retirement destination with an airport and good infrastructure. 

“It’s a really pretty place with white sands and bush reserves – it’s the best of both worlds,” Mr Cravana says.  

He says prices have remained steady for the past 10 years, but he has seen strong growth in 2015. Tura Beach, in particular, he says is one to watch. 

Ms Ewin says people need to consider how they intend using a coastal property before buying.

“People often buy as a lifestyle decision but they may have to permanently rent it.”  

For many buyers, she says, it’s a “two-pronged attack” – an investment property to kick-start mortgage repayments before they move in.

“If they want to holiday rent something, the most popular rentals are on the beach where they can see the ocean,” Ms Ewin says.

“If you’re buying for yourself, you don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you’re looking for maximum rental returns, you’ll need to step up your game. The beautiful, big beachfront homes with ocean views are always the first ones that rent.”