Property Showcase

Published in Western Sydney Business Access | Parramatta Times | Blacktown News | www.westernpropertyguide.com.au

Demand for buyer’s agents soars

Jacque Parker, Director of House Search Australia.

 BUYING | PIA LENARDUZZI

THE COVID lockdown may have crippled bujsinesses in Western Sydney, but local buyer’s agents say they have never been busier, with demand for their services increasing throughout the pandemic.

Latest data from CoreLogic shows that property values rose by 1.5% for the month of August. This rise was higher than average, but the slowest monthly rise since January.

“Lockdowns are having a clear impact on consumer sentiment, however to date the restrictions have resulted in falling advertised listings and, to a lesser extent, fewer home sales, with less impact on price growth momentum,” CoreLogic's Research Director, Tim Lawless said.

“It’s likely the ongoing shortage of properties available for purchase is central to the upwards pressure on housing.”

Jacque Parker, Director of House Search Australia, said buyer’s agents are making it easier for prospective buyers in COVID hotspots to secure homes in a market where stock is limited.

“This latest lockdown hasn’t had a huge impact on the market, given there is still strong demand,” Ms Parker said.

“Not as many vendors are listing, which is the biggest change that we’ve noticed.

“We are defi nitely giving our clients the edge, particularly those that live in local government areas (LGA) of concern, where their movement is limited.

“We can get out and inspect a property on their behalf, which is saving them a lot of time and helping them secure their home off -market or at online auctions.”

According to Domain, Sydney auction clearance rates in August remained above 80%, compared to 61% this time last year.

“In Western Sydney, particularly the Hills District, a free-standing house with decent land size is still important to buyers, as well good school catchment areas and proximity to transport,” Ms Parker said.

“There are still opportunities for fi rst home buyers to get into the market, but for free standing houses under the $1million mark, we’re seeing people searching further afi eld out of Sydney and considering other areas, including the Blue Mountains and Central Coast.”

Pia Lenarduzzi is studying Media and International Studies at UNSW and holds a Certificate of Registration in Real Estate. Linkedin : Pia Lenarduzzi

APRIL 2021 Edition 120 WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

RETAIL BOUNCES BACK

FULL STORY PAGE 5

New suburb named Brad eld

Govy of cially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6 Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12 How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

HOW TO WIN THE WEST HOW TO WIN THE WEST

OUR CITY’SLOCAL PAPER

ParramattA

Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

TIMES

ISSUE 9 | April 2021

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

BEST GIFT BEST GIFT SINCE THE SINCE THE OPERA HOUSE OPERA HOUSE

POWERHOUSE Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah is more interested in the flood of excitement over the controversial $920M project than any flood-waters that may lap at its riverside approach. After the recent devastating rains that saw Parramatta River break its banks between the ferry wharf and the site of the museum, Ms Havilah is adamant that the building and its exhibits will not be affected.

FULL STORY PAGE 10

THIS EDITION

AUTO: SsangYong's mid-life update: 30 BUSINESS: Retailers reveal solutions: 34 TRENDS: Is love passing you by?: 36 TALE OF TWO POOLS

AFTER a few hot summers

for swimmers who loved Parramatta and

during their closures, relief is on the way. Just a day apart, the refurbished Wentworthville pool opened and

spectacular Parramatta Aquatic Centre. Both communities have been without a pool since 2017, the Parramatta Memorial Pool demolished to make way for Bankwest Stadium and the previous Holroyd Council wanting to close the tired Wenty pool rather than refurbish it. After a bit of

and the NSW Government on who would pay for its replacement, an agreement was reached on funding for the state-of-the-art aquatic centre. And in Wentworthville, a concerted community campaign and the Cumberland Council, saved the beloved pool with an upgrade. While Parramatta residents wait two years for their pool, they are welcome to dive to Wenty.

FULL STORY PAGE 6

NEW LOCAL

Blacktown's LOCAL media voice Blacktown's LOCAL media voice Issue 1 | April 2021 Issue 1 | April 2021

EXCLUSIVE: Bob Turner on his new role at Blacktown FC.

Young people turning their lives around at BYSA.

Youth Needs Our Support

AVITAL youth service in Blacktown is set to

close after missing out on important State Government funding. The Blacktown Youth Support Association’s Youth HQ program helps young people at risk - those who have been in trouble with the law or those who may be headed that way. But the service was told at the end of last year by the Department of Communities and Justice that they had missed out on funding, in favour of more “targeted” youth programs. A letter from the Minister for Families and Communities Gareth Ward suggested that the BYSA seeks funding from other government departments such as education and sport. FULL STORY 10

WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS

WELCOME to Blacktown's NEW LOCAL media voice, The Blacktown News (BN).

The Blacktown News is the much-anticipated new newspaper and digital media brand that covers Blacktown LGA with local news written by experienced journalists.

The Blacktown News is Blacktown's ONLY printed newspaper and is independently owned and managed locally by a management team that has been working in Blacktown for almost 20 years.

The News will be distributed across 110 strategic distribution points in the LGA.

Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown News o ers maximum impact for targeted advertising opportunities and reach to Blacktown's diverse population.

With a mission of championing community and business issues, the BN is a proud media partner of the Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce, the Blacktown Local Business Awards and Blacktown FC.

As one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Blacktown has undergone a signi cant transformation.

It's population is set to rise from 400,000 to 540,000 residents by 2036.

The Blacktown News is the print and digital media resource that connects residents and visitors to the city’s diverse community, its progress, business opportunities and lifestyle.

We value your feedback. Go to www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au to share your story.

Keep up to date with the latest news in and around Blacktown!

High impact media that reaches Australia’s fastest growth region - Greater Western Sydney, home of Australia’s newest 24-hour airport.

Targeted reach. Four powerful media brands in digital and printed formats. Contact us today for a conversation about your success plans: graham@accessnews.com.au