HOW TO BUY A HOUSE IN A PANDEMIC

You might have thought that the real estate market would have slowed during COVID-19 but the opposite has happened. Some areas have seen a price drop but many house prices have remained constant or gone up.

“Gympie has a number of growth locations and is poised for a sustained period of growth, given major infrastructure projects and its improved links to the boom Sunshine Coast economy.” Terry Ryder from Property Observer

During lockdown, families have taken stock of what is important regarding their house and how they are living. Is it necessary to live in a big city? Does your house have enough usable inside and outside space? Is there room for you to work from home? Would you like a bigger family room or kitchen? Do you just want a simpler way of life and less stress?

How about relocating to an area where mortgage stress is less or non-existent? I would love to not have to worry about my mortgage payments.

If you sell your house in the city and move to a regional area your money will, of course, go further. This change will mean you either own your home or have a smaller mortgage. Due to the economic crisis caused by the COVID Pandemic, families are looking at ways to cut costs and secure their most important asset, the family home.

Tree Changers or otherwise now called Lifestyle Buyers are out in force and are looking for bargains. The lifestyle buyers are looking at areas that have a great community, accessibility to employment hubs, are family-friendly and space for sport and relaxation.

What do you need to be aware of during the Coronavirus Pandemic when buying a house?

o Your real estate agent will have a COVID safe plan and a way to capture peoples details before entering your property. This is essential for tracing in case of an outbreak (Don’t worry Queensland has been very good and currently there are no known outbreaks – so it is just a precaution)
o Your agent will make sure to have a Marshall to ensure social distancing is enforced.
o Before you enter the residence of a house that is for sale you must clean your hands with sanitizer.
o Try not to touch things that are not essential.
o If the property has a video look at this to see what properties, you wish to see in person. This will cut out unnecessary travel.
o Currently in Queensland residents can have 50 people in the house at any one time.
o All people in the house need to socially distance and adhere to COVID restrictions.

The pandemic has made people realise what is essential in life, the big house might not be on the wish list anymore and a smaller more manageable place near the beach is what you are after.

As long as you follow the rules and keep your distance from others when viewing a house, not much has changed from pre-covid days. Well, probably more hand washing but this is a good thing too.

One Agency Gympie has House and Land Packages, Estate properties, and Houses ready to move into.

Simply give us a call and we can help you find your forever home.

P: 07 5331 3045
E: kerynangle@oneagency.com.au