Manly Real Estate

We decided that we liked Manly so much that we would stay here over Christmas, so as we settle into our new "home" for the next 10 days, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the real estate.

The housing market in Sydney and Perth, like Vancouver, has often made me laugh. "Really, you want how much for that?" Unlike Vancouver however, both cities appear to have legitimate reasons for being so expensive.

Though Manly is a surfer town, its proximity to Sydney (15 mins by fast ferry), the lovely harbours and Corso, plus the heritage homes and brand new builds, keep the property values high. There are also a lot of apartments here, but SFHs are more entertaining to look at.

The most recent median house price for Manly is $1.8 mil AUD. Property prices took a hit in 2004 and again in 2009, overall it looks as though things have been pretty peachy, with median prices at ~1.5 mil over the last decade. (Peachy if you've managed to cash in that is.)



For anyone even remotely familiar with the Sydney RE market, it won't come as a surprise that Manly doesn't even make it into the top 25 most expensive neighborhoods in Australia. The real estate here is truly dizzying.

Anyways, here's a little tour of the homes you can buy in Manly.

The "Starter" Home
$1.2 mil - Newish 2 BDRM,  1 bath, no view, tiny lot. Yawn. This is the cheapest SFH I could find in Manly, no joke.

The Tear Down
Single level home, bylaws allow two floors. Time to tear down and rebuild. Only $2.05 mil.

Full featured, if a bit small
Newish build, peakaboo views, a pool and an elevator. What more could you want for $4.23 mil.

If you have to ask...
...you can't afford it. 1930's heritage home, priced by negotiation.

While we're all having a good laugh at these prices, I thought I'd publish one more pic of the view from our temporary apartment. I guess I can see why people would want to live here.

-E

The Flash Bach

It's our last day in the very far north as we're heading down to the bay of islands today. 

I thought I'd end our stay here with another post on the real estate. When I arrived, it was hard to not notice the vast number of empty lots. But the community does have a lot going for it, and though most of the homes below are probably vacation homes, there is a friendly year round population too. 

Starting with the basics, below is your stereotypical NZ bach. Tiny, but enough space to store a boat and fairly popular as a vacation rental.

Decent ones Like the one below, start at about $300k NZD ($240k CAD).

But there is lots of flash around here too. This one is not for sale, but indicative of the nicer houses here.

This one is across the peninsula from us, listed at $860 NZD ($688 CAD).

The terraced looking houses are popular. Here's on just around the corner from us listed at 1.2 mil NZD (IMHO, overpriced).

Another interesting thing is that the local bylaws (covenants) do not seem to have many restrictions on look and feel, or even usage. So you can basically build whatever you like. How about a modern white box?

Or a Spanish villa. (The house below has security cameras, an automated gate and an intercom too.)

Or you can even converted a single car garage into an IKEA style home:

As you've seen over my last few blogs, there isn't that much to do here. Most people who own these homes love this area because they fish. So almost all of the homes have ample parking for boats and their various accessories.

Some houses seem to take boat storage to the extreme. This is actually a home (or at least it is until they develop the rest of the property):

When you're not fishing, there a few other pursuits up here for those looking to burn some money. The Karikari Estates winery is beautiful and has a lovely restaurant.

They are also located across the street from Carrington Resort and golf course. The two establishments are owned by the same company, so you can even drive your golf cart over to the winery after your game.

Also, if you're looking for a place to park your sail boat, there are plenty of options. It's not an area I'd want to stay in long term, but I can certainly see the appeal.

Real Estate at the End of the Earth

Escape from it all. Buy property in the most beautiful place on earth. Advertising is always right.

Lots available now in Tokerau Beach and Whatuwhiwhi. Located at the end of the earth, it's what you've been dreaming of. 

Economic stimulus provided underground power and phone, sealed roads, and community infrastructure (in 2009). Some rainwater available. Once a speculators dream, now it can be your reality.

Building supplies are readily available. This lot comes with corrugated tin. 

Lots available at your budget. How about 50k CAD for ~1/4 acre with a view? (60k NZD, 706m)

For those looking for more adventure (and water), flood plain lots are available for as little as 30k CAD.

Native trees abound in the area. Cleared lots left select trees standing to provide mature landscaping. Purchase a lot and care for NZs natural wonders. 

Multiple offers unlikely, but multiple realtors a possibility. Trades considered.

Just think, this lifestyle could be yours - a dream home, only accessible from the beach. Stay in and get cozy as storm surge traps you inside.

Current owners frequently enjoy the lovely local wines. At least it takes the edge off the long gone market peak, 5 years ago.

The view from Google maps. (The blue/yellow spot is our holiday home for the next week or so.)

All joking aside, these are very nice holiday towns that have been primed for development. Sadly, the timing hasn't been right and the volume of inventory and vacant lots is truly staggeringly. There are other issues too. Outstanding land claims being on the list. 

Seen as we are in the area for awhile, expect beach reviews, a look at the local wildlife, and more (free) coca cola then you could drink in a lifetime.

-E