State of Play

Experts are finally indicating that our area is the location to buy in!  With  interest rates lower than expected, it’s a great time to buy, and it’s such an affordable location.  However, if buyers can’t find a home to buy within a reasonable time, they will look    elsewhere.  While our 4017 area has seen a trickle of homes come onto the market in the last month (169), pretty much the same as last month (170) (sourced www.realestate.com.au), there are indications that some suburbs are improving more than others—it’s still a slow, if not flat market. 

Stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases and QLD is still cheaper than other states.  However, for most people, stamp duty is that “unknown cost” associated with purchasing a home.  Stamp duty is payable 30 days from contract date or at settlement, whichever occurs first.  This tax varies accordingly to the actual purchase of the home, and  differs according to whether the  property will be owner occupied, a first home or an investment.  If you are purchasing, ask the right questions of your lending body and ensure they make allowances for the tax when discussing your borrowing capacity. 

You all know that we recently purchased and are now renovating our cottage, which appears to date back to the late 1800’s.  As part of the process we have researched the history of the home.  This will be an ongoing task but we have already discovered some interesting facts.  Did you know that “the Avenues” were not always called their current names?  Originally, these streets were named after locals—First Avenue was Petty, Second was Wilson, Third was Cooksley, Fifth was Henry and Sixth was Tulley.  There doesn’t appear to be any record of Fourth Street.  These names were changed in 1913.

With the character and heritage of our homes, building and of course people, history is such a big part of our community.  Even in days gone by the popularity of our area was evident with some prominent people choosing to reside in our resort location.  Even today, known people can walk down our streets and be recognised without being recognised, if you know what I mean!  That’s what draws people to us!  We don’t follow other trends, we create our own!