Southern Highlands market is stabilising: HTW residential
The Southern Highlands region has been exhibiting a weakening trend across the residential market, albeit with a feeling that the market is now stabilising, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) report.
The report notes that prices in the main townships of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale appear to have been more resilient than some of the perimeter locations.
Properties above the $1.5 million mark are experiencing longer selling periods than more recent times due to a combination of decreased buyer demand and vendors yet to adjust to the current market.
It is a tale of two markets in some locations, with Burradoo holding up well overall during the downturn.
"Properties are still fetching good money and continuing to appeal to the Sydney buyers with relatively quick selling periods when priced correctly," the valuation firm said.
"That being said, some properties in the $2-million-plus market have demonstrated volatility in the last 12 months."
An example of this sensitivity is an architect designed new executive style residence on the western side of Moss Vale Road which recently sold for $2 million after initially being listed for $2.5 million In July 2018 with two separate agencies.
Another example was a two-level designer home at 2 Greyleaves Avenue, Burraddo (pictured below) which has been sold for $245,000.
Set on a 4,001 square metre block, it comprises four bedrooms, reception area, formal and informal living areas, kitchen and teenage retreat or cinema room.
Other features include in-ground pool, sun lounge area, and four car garage.
Mittagong’s market activity has definitely showed signs of weakening in the tougher period with the number of recorded sales down approximately 35% on the median of the last three years as per PriceFinder, with the peak selling period being April to May.
A four bedroom Mittagong family house has recently been sold for $825,000.
Set on a 2,000 square metre corner position, the house at 77-79 Joadja Street, Welby (pictured below) comes with four bedrooms, open plan entertaining dining, covered alfresco entertaining, and freestanding shed with fully equipped kitchen.
The property was sold at $830,000 three years ago.
According to the HTW report, Braemar as a fringe location has also felt the effects of the downturn with prices falling approximately five to 10% over the last six months.
"We are also observing market adjustments and the definition of market value, willing buyer, willing seller coming into play, with a few unrealistic vendors coming to terms with the current market conditions," the valuation firm noted.
An example of this is a circa 2017 dwelling within the Nattai Ponds Estate recently sold for $640,000 after initially being listed between $770,000 and $750,000 in October 2018.
"The vacant land market is still in oversupply for the major subdivisions across the three major townships with vendors forced to drop their prices in order to be competitive with other listings or an extended selling period is to be expected."