Stawell real estate is going gangbusters as buyers snap up properties faster than ever, says an industry veteran.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Monaghan's Real Estate director Terry Monaghan said the only thing slowing down the sale of houses is the lack of listings.
"Prior to the first lockdown, we had a lot of sales and we were running short of stock," he said.
"When the lockdown happened, people didn't list their houses for sale, but there was still interest from local buyers and people in Melbourne. What we did have was snapped up.
"After the first lock down, things were busier than normal... (now) we are in a position where we don't have many houses, but we have buyers lined up around the block."
Mr Monaghan said when a house does get listed, it is sold within days.
"There have been some internet sales ... I have some clients who are buying after I walk through the house with the mobile," he said.
"Most will get here to look.
"People can still come from places in lockdown (eg, regional Victoria under stage three restrictions). They can inspect a property if their reason is legitimate.
"I will send them an email first to confirm an appointment. They show that to the authorities.
"They can't stay overnight - they have to come down and head back in one day."
The real estate director believes the pandemic may force a once-in-a-generation change to how we live.
"There will be people who give up on living in the major metropolitan areas," he said.
"I think a lot of people will focus on the cheap real estate in country Victoria when they realise they can work from home.
"Even if they are employed by a company in the city they can work from home.
"They may even go into the city two days a week.
"People can sell up in Melbourne for $700,000, buy a better house in Stawell for $300,000 and have the rest as a backup.
"It's not a bad idea if you don't have to be in Melbourne.
"The big pull for people to live anywhere is job and family.
"If you move here, you have the mountains, lakes and the bush - the lifestyle things you can't get in the city."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.