A ski change has become a viable lifestyle option according to Snowies agents, who say technology and flexible work arrangements have led to a boom in residential and acreage properties.
Michelle Stynes, of Forbes Stynes, says Lake Crackenback, Thredbo and Jindabyne have all experienced significant demand for apartments and detached homes.
“Land, strata units and homes around Lake Crackenback have been snapped up, particularly this [financial] year,” she says.
“Jindabyne has also experienced huge growth with people exiting the Sydney and Canberra markets for a mountain lifestyle change.”
She says Thredbo is experiencing a significant lack of stock and supply is as its “lowest level ever”.
“Many people are changing their lifestyles, particularly where they are able to work from home balanced by limited commuting through, say, Cooma airport,” she says.
“And, surprisingly, it’s summer sports like mountain biking, and the lifestyle outside of winter that is attracting them.”
Nick Kirshner, of Nick Kirshner Property and Livestock, says the market for acreage and lifestyle properties has been “tremendous” over the last 18 months.
“Smaller properties between, say, 20 hectares-100 hectares has been in strong demand and selling fast,” he says.
“Some of them have been sold before they have even gotten to market.”
Kirshner says prices are reflecting the demand and a property that might have sold for $480,000 a year ago could “go for anything up to $660,000”.
“Those increases become greater closer into Jindabyne – it’s definitely pricier,” he says.
“New people are being drawn to the region to enjoy the lifestyle or to farm.”
At a glance
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What’s on the market in the snowies?
Top pick: ADAMINABY
Early-mid $700,000s
14 bed 7 bath 8 parking
And this Locker’s Happy Valley property is not one homestead, but an estate comprising four original buildings with 14 bedrooms, seven bathrooms and four kitchens, accommodating as many as 35 guests.
Set on picturesque Bushrangers Hill Road, the property enjoys magnificent mountain views with a desirable northerly aspect. The property is well grassed with highly fertile soils.
It has been used as a heritage and function centre since the mid-1980s and, combined with an accommodation business, provides a sustainable income.
There’s also an office and manager’s flat that features two bedrooms, a kitchenette and full bathroom.
Further outbuildings include a blacksmith shop, grain bin, old kitchen building, stone dairy, workshop, and double garage and carport for six.
Current infrastructure could be further developed, subject to relevant shire approvals. The property has mains electricity, town water, phone line, internet, and mobile coverage.
It’s located a few minutes’ drive from Adaminaby and Lake Eucumbene and is also close to the Mount Selwyn snowfields, Kiandra goldfields, and the Kosciuszko National Park.
Cooma and its airport are only 35 minutes away, while Canberra and the south coast are within an easy two-hour drive.
Happy Valley has been the home of six generations of the Locker family since 1848, where they ran a sheep and cattle property.
AUCTION: 6pm, June 12, off site at Tuscany, 5474 The Snowy River Way, Dalgety
AGENT: Nick Kirshner Property & Livestock, Nick Kirshner 0416 287 829
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Or try these:
$2 million
5 bed 3 bath 3 parking
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$1.495 million
4 bed 4 bath 4 parking
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$2 million
6 bed 4 bath 8 parking