| Continued
migration and overseas investment means that there is still capital influx
and pressure on quality stock.
Although I
may not agree personally with conservative politics, it probably means
that the country in general will maintain economic stability and growth.
I have just
completed construction of four "beach style" apartments in Terrigal,
a resort spot about an hour north of Sydney. I believe, as do others, that
this Central Coast locality is still way undervalued largely because it
offers so much so close to a major city.
You can live
here and commute to Sydney although doing it daily might become worrisome
but it is ideal to live "out of the rat race" whilst still being
so close to the Big Smoke (airports, opera, business hub, etc.)
There is a rail link, bus link, freeway link, and a proposed ferry route.
.
The nearby
CBD area of Gosford offers many of the infrastructure requirements such
as a major hospital. One problem with some great "escape" locations
is that infrastructure is minimal or absent.
Terrigal is
proximal to excellent schools both public and private medical and care
facilities, a major shopping hub, plus a myriad of sporting options such
as golf, sailing, scuba, surfing, horse riding, etc and is close to great
destinations such as Hunter Valley wineries, rivers and mountains.
The four apartments
are individually designed, two have gardens "on-title" i.e. you
own them and offer great amenity to retirees or families with children
or pets. Equally, they lend themselves to a couple or small family who
want something exceptional.
The opportunity
is very limited in Terrigal, as there are only one or two sites left that
offer the same combination of aspect, view, and locality. These are
not beachfront but beach view.
Is that
better or worse?
Well, living
on the beach is romantic, but corrosive. everything rusts: your house,
your car.. Maintenance is very high on the beach as is the cost of purchase.
My apartments
cost between $A1.5m -> $A2.2m whereas a beachfront apartment is going to
cost you $3m and more for a freestanding house. Yet in real terms, the
amenity is better from my apartments. Located on a high point, they command
exceptional views, gather a north-easterly aspect and offer much lower
recurrent costs.
Further, if
you buy as an investment, a freestanding house in that price bracket may
cost you up to $20,000 or so in "land tax" per year (yet another
government slug) whereas mine are exempt. Mine are built in a
"resort style" and are not like generic inner-city apartments.
You have the
genuine feel of a beach house, and this is carried through via light, breezes,
timber flooring, views, landscaping, and indulgent inclusions.
Working
in Australia
Historically,
many Australians have had a rather relaxed attitude towards work. Whilst
there is an upside to this, it has meant that many opportunities exist
for others prepared to work a bit harder, or a bit smarter.
If you have
the drive, you can be very successful. Many, many migrants arriving
with little but their enthusiasm have made formidable fortunes in Australia.
I have a vision of someone living in one of my apartments, gazing over
the beach from their home office, using nothing more than a computer for
e-commerce, or perhaps stock trading...
If you don't
want to run your own business, there is strong demand for professionals
(e.g. doctors) and plenty of semi-skilled positions. Training is
plentiful in a plethora of disciplines, and the Central Coast has many
excellent schools, colleges and technical training facilities, as well
as local businesses that have staff employment vacancies.
Migrating is
relatively straightforward, especially for professionally trained people
who speak English. A migration consultant may be of assistance, and shipping
belongings is not difficult.
If you want
to visit, check your Australian Embassy for visa requirements, or use the
web for more homework!
Summary
Australia
is consistently voted as the best place in the world to live. I do
not think of it as "perfect" but in an increasingly uncertain world, there
is much to recommend in its relaxed lifestyle.
Again, personally,
I commend "beach side" as the paramount place to live, and given
what you can buy for your dollar in Terrigal in comparison to, say, Sydney
(my home town) this is still "chocolate box" territory.
From these
apartments you can walk to the beach in 3 minutes or add an extra minute
to walk to the shops, bank, medical facilities, restaurants + cafes, etc.
Sydney traffic
is getting to be as congested as any major international city, but on the
Central Coast, more than a 30 second wait at a rarely encountered traffic
light is a long time!
Retirement
facilities on the Central Coast are well provided for, as it is a popular
retirement destination, as well as a location that supports young families.
The author
Gary Kurzer is happy to answer questions about any issues in this article.
You can
contact him at tigga@zip.com.au
or by calling Australia 0411 044 448
More detailed
information is available on his website noosa-in-terrigal
Gary has
apartments listed on EscapeArtist.com go to: Real
Estate in Australia |