Tara Murray
Hillside’s ability to cater for all demographics is behind strong house sales in the area, according to a local real estate agent.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) data shows that there has been an 100 per cent clearance rate of auctions so far this year in Hillside.
There have been 19 auctions to date.
Barry Plant Taylors Lakes director Jim Hatzimoisis said the market was the “strongest it has ever been”.
“Coming out of a challenging year, the demand is up, but the supply isn’t meeting up with the demand,” he said.
“The government stimuluses are helping as well.”
Mr Hatzimoisis said both new home owners and people looking for something a bit bigger were keen to buy in Hillside.
Late last month, a property in Castlewellan Boulevard sold for $1.866 million at auction.
“That’s the highest one we’ve sold in that estate,” he said. “There were eight registered bidders and all eight bidded.
“There are parts of Hillside which can suit everyone. From two bedroom places for $400,000 to places over a million dollars.”
He said there had been a couple of houses passed in at auctions in Hillside, but were sold within 24 to 48 hours to maintain the perfect clearance rate.
Mr Hatzimoisis said the closeness of Watergardens attracted residents to the area.
He said you couldn’t find properties in the same price range in suburbs the same distance away from the city as Hillside.
“There’s good schools and sporting fields,” he said.
“You’re starting to see cafes opening and the brunch scene is happening. It’s in your own backyard.
“You might move in as a young couple and then have a couple of kids and decide to stay in the area and upgrade in the same area.
“You can get nice homes for $600,000, $700,000 or $800,000.”
Mr Hatzimoisis said the new estates in Plumpton and Fraser Rise were also seeing good sale numbers, with people looking to buy in the outer suburbs.
He said the new houses in those estates were some of the more affordable places available of late.
