2020 Hindsight - A Year in Review

What a year.

Everyone knows that there’s been a few curve balls thrown every which way. “It’s not the year we were expecting” is a phrase we’ve heard come from the mouths, pens and keyboards of just about everyone we know.  Don’t worry our message isn’t going down that same path.

As we near the finish line of 2020 we would like to reflect on the year that was and actually take note of the things that were expected, that did happen and the positive outcomes that have emerged when others thought all was done for.

We know you’re probably tired as many of us race towards to finish line of 2020 so we won’t rattle on too long, but here are the important things to note.

What happened as expected during the ‘year no one was expecting’.

A number of things that we predicted 7 years ago have happened:

• Demand for land and homes on the Sunshine Coast has well surpassed the supply, meaning that house prices are on the rise and rents have dramatically increased (and continue to do so at the time of writing this).
• The ideal home has shifted for many from standard house and land to smaller more manageable living close to amenity, in townhouse or complex style living.
• The game-changer projects (CBD, town hall, airport expansion, and subsea broadband cable just to name a few) are either complete or underway, adding to the popularity of our region for liveability, workability, and amenity.

What we said when COVID-19 stole the spotlight

We were concerned about this health risk when it made its way into our lives and vocabulary and forced many changes to our normal way of life. But we didn’t panic; we believed that all our previous predictions would remain true, that this too shall pass from an economic standpoint.

We shared that we love property because it is not as volatile as the share market and has historically stood strong in times like this, and if history is anything to go by, it is precisely these times that the smart investor makes great headway by enacting their strategic plans.

What we said in the 2^nd half of the year

We saw the boom coming. We saw the out of region eyes ogling our beautiful coastal oasis.

The Sunshine Coast has always been a beautiful place to live and with people across the country and the globe confined to their homes and the amenity within walking distance, the popularity of the Sunshine Coast was only increasing.

We urged people who were in a position, to buy up and ride the wave of success. We pushed this message out wherever we could – online, in the newspaper, on email, we even held a covid-safe event and filled a cinema with people wanting to learn more of our insights and how they could make positive investments for their future.

Not only did we tell people of the opportunity, but we also put our money where our mouth is and we invested heavily in our new workspace and expanded our staff and office footprint. We launched new brands and committed to this region knowing the opportunity that was to unfold.

What are we seeing now?

The Sunshine Coast is on the rise and it’s just the beginning of what we see as a protracted upswing cycle. Buyers from across the country and beyond are looking to secure their slice of paradise whether it’s in the form of buying to live, buying to invest, renting, or holidaying, the Sunshine Coast is pumping, and the supply cannot keep up with demand.

Homes are selling fast, some within 24 hours off-market, rentals are seeing dozens of applicants offering over and above asking rent, there’s a shortage of land because of such high demand, new investors are entering the market and the conditions are perfect for first home buyers. The prices continue to rise. Those who invested early are reaping the rewards.

What’s coming next.

For those who weren’t able to buy earlier or those who didn’t listen to us shouting from the virtual rooftops, this is your chance to listen, learn, and benefit now. For those who did invest, you can continue on the journey.

The ‘boom’ is not over, quite the opposite, there is still a great opportunity to grow your portfolio and build wealth through property. Whether you have savings, grant eligibility, equity or you’ve won the lotto, there are a range of (eased) lending options and some great property opportunities that we have access to that are primed for growth.

Find out more by booking a free appointment with our property coaches to get ahead for what’s coming to this incredible region we’re so proud to call home.