What $700,000 can buy in Lismore/Casino/Kyogle: HTW residential
Little has changed from 12 months ago in terms of what one can score with a lazy $700,000, however the mixture of product may have varied slightly, particularly in the more regional areas of the Richmond Valley and Kyogle Council areas, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report.
The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation.
For example, consider the following:
◗ Ten $70,000 (or less) steep timber vacant 40 hectare bush blocks in the rural localities of Drake or Tabulam; or
◗ Five $125,000 to $135,000 standard vacant residential blocks in Casino or Kyogle. These would be relatively flat but may be slightly more than $125,000 individually, so a package deal of say five at the nice round figure of $130,000 each would be hard for a vendor to pass up in the current subdued market thanks to COVID-19.
◗ Alternatively, secure a near new, four-bedroom, two- bathroom dwelling with a double garage for around $450,000 to $500,000 and throw in an original two-bedroom,one-bathroom brick unit with carport for circa $150,000 to $200,000.
"There are not too many residential properties within Casino or Kyogle township that would use up the whole $700,000 in one transaction, however those that do are typically found in the nearby rural residential estates and usually deliver the full quota of features including air-conditioning, good quality appointments, pool, established landscaping or a full renovation," the valuation firm said.
These rural residential properties are generally in close proximity to the town centres of Casino, Kyogle and Lismore City. Typically, such properties would comprise lots ranging in size from 4000 square metres to five hectares.
Semi-remote rural localities with properties on lots from 40 hectares to even 100 hectares may be purchased for under $700,000 and still provide semi-modern homes with established ancillary improvements.
However, distance and maintenance of the land are factors that any potential purchaser must consider, the report noted.
A Kyogle house nestled below the Border Ranges National Park has recently been sold for $465,000.
The four bedroom, one bathroom home is located at 1076 Green Pigeon Road, Green Pigeon (pictured below).
It features open plan kitchen, dining and living room, rural views, and near 5ha of land.
"Within Lismore City, the lazy $700,000 is somewhat more restricted in its purchasing power, however opportunities still abound," the valuation firm said.
Good quality level vacant residential lots are around the $250,000 to $285,000 mark in the new, developing residential estates... so buy two and possibly use the balance as a deposit for a house to be built on each of the lots, or maybe use the balance to purchase one of the steeper vacant blocks for around $125,000 to $135,000 (just keep in mind that your building costs will be significantly higher!), the report noted.
It is still possible to find two residential house properties for around $350,000 each, however they are likely to be located in a flood prone area, need some cosmetic attention or front a busy road.
There are a number of two-bedroom, one- bathroom, brick and tile residential units with single carports available within reasonable proximity to shopping and educational facilities in Lismore City which have an expected price range of $185,000 to $225,000 and attract a rent of around $250 to $275 per week.
A current listing is two bedroom, two bathroom unit situated at 1/116 Laurel Avenue, Lismore (pictured below).
The 90sqm unit has been listed for sale with a price guide of $229,000.
It comes with two bedrooms, one bathroom, open plan living and single garage.
"Failing that, and if you so wish, $700,000 would go a long way to fully, or near fully, acquiring a brand new four or five-bedroom, two-bathroom, double garage residence in the modern residential estates of Goonellabah or Lismore Heights (where most of the new build action is) with pool and established landscaping," the valuation firm said.
The rental assessments can vary widely depending on features, but expect something in the order of $550 per week.
"At present, the market is still in the early stages of recovery from COVID-19, however there are encouraging signs with genuine enquiry improving (as real estate agents advise) and if you are one of those in the fortunate position of ticking all the boxes for the lender as a first home buyer or investor?? Wow!
"When are you ever going to get a better chance to buy real estate at ridiculously low interest rates which are unlikely to rise for some time yet as the powers that be try to kick start the economy from out of the doldrums?"