30th October 2008 / James Gladman: Buyers compete for Bellarine homes

Popular resorts see strong buyer interest

The Bellarine Peninsula has always been a popular tourist attraction, with its safe bay and ocean beaches, golf courses, fine cafés and restaurants and rolling countryside.

Since the 1800s it has attracted holidaymakers from all over Victoria. Many urban residents saw it as a welcome relief from the bustle of the city and found relaxation in charming towns such as Portarlington, Indented Head, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. The peninsula proudly boasts some of the finest Victorian mansions and villas in the state, all bearing witness to just how popular and prosperous the area was in the late 1800s. Times have not changed much and Fletchers reports that over 60% of its buyers come from Melbourne and that is why the agency is still achieving excellent sales results.
Director, James Gladman, tells Property News the buyers range from those who want to permanently settle in the area; to holidaymakers who want a weekend retreat; to investors.

"The most sought after homes are those with character. Obviously, they include the many Victorian villas and stately homes in the area but you also find many people are attracted to other properties."
"Now that Spring is here, we are seeing an influx of buyers and those numbers will doubtless increase dramatically following the interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank," he said.
"It was obvious months ago to industry professionals the market was turning. As such we have been urging buyers for months not to hesitate, rather than miss the opportunity."
James says the agency has a great selection of listings including 32 Hollywood Boulevard, Point Lonsdale. Priced at $850,000 – $940,000 this is luxury living in a select area.
Architecturally designed this brick home has 4 double bedrooms, all with ample robes and quality wool carpets. The main bedroom has a walk-in dressing room with robes, and luxury ensuite.
Alongside is a bright lounge with reverse air-conditioning, overhead fan, double-glazed windows and a double door looking on to a deck. A second bathroom consists of a vanity basin, spacious shower area with spa and separate toilet. The heart of this striking home comprises an open space of kitchen, family and dining areas.

Another superb property is at 33 Stokes Street, Queenscliff. An exquisite period cottage in a central position this home is priced at $590,000 – $650,000. A charming, modernised timber cottage, it is 100 years old with all its finest original features intact.
The house has 2 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, sitting room, formal lounge, high ceilings, wood-panelled doors, single garage with off street parking and storage sheds.

If you are planning a Spring sale on the Bellarine Peninsula then contact Fletchers and their team of professional consultants will be only too pleased to advise you.

– Fletchers Property Newsletter September 2008 Edition