The Snowies attracting new buyers despite off-peak season

Canberra’s winter playgrounds are just two hours away, but the Snowies are quietly developing into a year-round destination for visitors and a popular choice for lifestyle changers.

Steve Forbes of Crackenback-based Forbes Stynes says buyers focus their property searches outside the winter season.

“Holiday and lifestyle property buying tends to happen during the warmer months,” he says.

“Buyers are looking at dwellings from studios to lodge type properties – from the low $300,000s to $2 million-plus.”

Forbes says Jindabyne, Lake Crackenback and Thredbo remain a strong focus of buying activity.

“We’re seeing a lot of buyers from Canberra and Sydney who are recognising the Snowies offer year-round lifestyle,” he says.

“It really appeals to those who want to enjoy all the recreational opportunities the region offers – from mountain biking in the warmer months to snow sports in the winter.”

Nick Kirshner of Nick Kirshner Property and Livestock says buyer activity is just as strong for rural properties.

“That’s driven by a couple of factors – strong commodity prices for wool, lamb, mutton and beef and several years of above average rainfall,” he says.

“We’re seeing farmers relocate from other areas of NSW and there’s a generational push from those returning to the land after a career in the city. Others have been acquiring neighbouring properties to expand their landholdings.”

Kirshner says the demand has had upward pressure on prices which have essentially doubled per acre – and many of his listings are now in the range of $650,000-$3 million and over.

Searching for a winter wonderland?

• Location. Jindabyne, Lake Crackenback and Thredbo are the most popular locations for lifestyle and holiday home buyers. Permanent lifestyle changers may want to refine their choice based on access to shops and schools.
• Consider your needs. There is a wide range of options, from studio apartments to lodge-type dwellings. Consider whether you need an occasional winter weekend getaway or a home that services a complete “ski-change”.
• Budget. Prices range from the low $300,000s to $2 million-plus for lifestyle or holiday home properties. Rural properties between 400 hectares to 1600 hectares might command figures up to $3 million + depending on inclusions.

Browse all properties on the market in the Snowies here.