By Jessica Micallef
A Macedon Ranges real estate agent is confident the local property market will remain “relatively good” heading into 2021.
According to the latest Real Estate Institute of Victoria figures, the Macedon Ranges recorded a 3.2 per cent increase in median house prices in the December quarter last year and a 9.2 per cent annual increase for the 12 months to December.
Keatings Real Estate managing director John Keating said the latest numbers reflected a positive start to the new year.
“It is always difficult to predict things and we have to be cautious when we are forecasting the next three, six or 12 months ahead,” he said.
“But there is every reason for people to be confident that 2021 is going to be a good year for people in the real estate market. Most agents in the area are feeling fairly confident that the market will remain relatively good for the rest of the year.”
Mr Keating said the Macedon Ranges’ clean air, easy access to metropolitan Melbourne and community camaraderie was a big drawcard for property hunters buying in the area.
“A lot of buyers are coming from trendy areas like Fitzroy North, Northcote or Ascot Vale,” he said.
“We have young families moving out here because of the attributes of the Macedon Ranges but also the fact that these days, most people are able to work from home some days of the week, if not all, so they are going to save travelling time and travelling costs.
“Also a lot of retirees are coming up here. The Macedon Ranges has got many medical facilities and we have easy access to the hospital in Kyneton and direct access to the city hospitals.
“We are very fortunate in our area.”
REIV president Leah Calnan said the Victorian property market “remarkably resilient” in 2020 despite dire predictions at the on-set of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Throughout the July and September quarters, we received constant reports of low listings and activity. Once restrictions across the state eased, demand and buyer competition skyrocketed”, she said.
