COVID-19 appears to be affecting people in unexpected ways. It's not just a matter of wanting to be where the virus isn't. Some people want more space, even more than 1.5 metres.
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Several real estate agents have said many people from major cities are inquiring about properties in towns, rural residential areas and even farms. It's happening in Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Dubbo and elsewhere.
Properties are selling quickly. Prices are rising in the Central West, at Port Macquarie and the North Coast, on the South Coast and in the Blue Mountains. One agent said five acre lots are very popular.
They must sound like heaven to someone living in congestion central. One vendor recently sold five at high prices very quickly.
There are several explanations. City people have discovered they can work from home at least some of the time. They may only need to go to the office once a week, or even less. So they can live further from work.
Much can be achieved by Zooming. Companies may now be more trusting that their employees can do a good day's work at home. Maybe the population will continue to spread out rather than build more high-rise and congestion.
In the virus era who wouldn't want to avoid public transport, lifts, and crowded spaces? No-one ever liked hot-desking, except corporate accountants. Surely it is now dead.
Some low-paid, young workers in hospitality and tourism have been unable to pay their rent and had to move back home to Mum and Dad's. A good reason for Mum and Dad to buy a house in the country.
People may also be re-evaluating what is important to them. Maybe quality-of-life ranks above climbing the corporate ladder. Who wouldn't want to spend more time with the family and less time stuck in traffic? Where is the best place to raise the kids?
More city folk are inquiring about the lifestyle outside the city. Some have friends and relatives who live there and seem to manage quite happily. So why can't they?
Not only is it less congested, the houses are cheaper. They can sell up and own their new home debt free, maybe have cash in their pocket. The daily commute will only be a few minutes.
The good season is helping. Those city slickers are impressed by the fence-high green grass everywhere. They would have been less excited during the drought last year.
Investors are also active in the property markets. Cash deposits earn very little. People are looking to buy shares, managed funds, residential and commercial properties. Rental income yields are higher in the country and borrowing has never been cheaper.
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