20 days in November have ticked by and the holiday home purchasers looking to settle before summer are very active! We have sold 3 properties in Lorne, 4 in Wye / Kennett area, 2 in rural areas and 4 in the Aireys / Fairhaven precinct thus far this month.

Historically November and early December are excellent months for our
Branch, but this year has seen a renewed confidence in the market. Last year a total of 7 sales occurred in the corresponding selling areas for the month of November against a total of 13 at day 20 this year. Further evidence we are commencing an upward swing in the coastal real estate market!!

Another rental option

Many people we sell to, make their properties available for ‘holiday rental’. Obviously the income generated assists with funding the asset and associated taxation benefits are another added benefit (please consult your accountant for advice!). The short term rental frees up the property for family and friends to enjoy when not occupied.

Are you aware that there is massive demand for permanent rental in Lorne and surrounding hamlets, especially from November to April? We currently have zero vacancies in Lorne. There is a threshold on rental tariffs that generally ranges from $250 – $380 per week. If perhaps you would prefer the stability of a permanent more reliable income, fewer costs (cleaning, higher commission rates) that are associated with holiday letting, then email or call me and I will direct you to Melissah Dwyer our permanent Property Manager at Lorne. We would welcome the chance to offer a permanent rental appraisal of your property.

Take a drive and check out the recently completed Lorne streetscape, the spring/summer crowds are enjoying the refreshed amenity.

This weekends Open Houses:
Lorne
Saturday 21st November 2009
11:00am – 11:30am 2/127 Smith Street
12:00pm – 12:45pm 4 Doble Street
12:00pm – 12:45pm 16/3-9 Armytage Street
12:00pm – 12:45pm 72 George Street
1:00pm – 1:45pm 181 Great Ocean Road
2:00pm – 2:45pm 2/21 Smith Street
Sunday 22nd November 2009
12:00pm – 12:30pm 72 George Street
1:00pm – 1:30pm 14a Charles Street
1:00pm – 1:30pm 3/30 Richardson Boulevard

If you are in town this w-end, please feel free to come to a viewing.

Kind regards,

Michael Coutts
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
michael@greatoceanroadrealestate.com.au
0438 356 624

Steve Ryan Photography

Cup weekend was bustling in Lorne last week! Busy on the sales front and our accommodation business “Great Ocean Road Holidays” had the greatest occupancy of any ‘cup weekend’ since we have been trading. The girls did a fantastic job with minimal issues.

On the sales front.

We had one sale in Lorne that sold 8% above its asking price due to two parties offering and interestingly we had the same event occur the week before on a top end property that sold before any marketing was implemented.

It is so easy for an agent to spruik that “the market is hot” but results speak for themselves – there is no doubt we have gathered momentum and our selling agents and most importantly our Vendors, are starting to smile again.

On the local news front.

Weather and waves look good for the weekend ahead and the crowds are normally reduced after any long weekend. Book online (24 hours) www.greatoceanroadholidays.com.au if you require any accommodation.

I went to the Aireys Inlet / Lorne school fair last weekend over at Aireys Inlet, chomped on some fairy floss, bought some cheap jewellery for my unsuspecting 7 y.o. daughter, wore a padded sumo wrestling suit and shirt fronted my 10 y.o. son (which he thoroughly enjoyed!). Many local towns have similar fairs or festivals eg. Aireys, Lorne, Birregurra, Deans Marsh. Email me should you like a calendar of dates. Come along and enjoy the hospitality and get a feel for each town’s local character.

Michael Coutts

Steve Ryan Photography