LORNE – HERE AND THERE

Happy New Year! I am not the least bit disappointed to be tapping the keyboards as I write this last commentary for 2020 – what a year it has been for many different reasons. The COVID pandemic has shaken the world and changed lives across the globe and Australia has been no different. Melbourne residents have been locked down, regional Victorians movements restricted and interstate and overseas travel just a memory, but still I feel so privileged to work and live in Lorne. Yes, we have also had our restrictions but to be “grounded” in Lorne certainly has more positives than negatives and I’m sure that any of my Melbourne readers would have traded positions in a heartbeat.
Of equal significance has been the attitude and commitments of the great people that make up our community. Whether it be those that I am lucky enough to work with, volunteer with or just wave to in the street, the attitudes and commitments to social distancing, mask wearing and hygiene practices have been second to none. As thousands descend to enjoy what we have throughout the year, we also hope that the same values are respected within our community.

LORNE – MARKET ROUND UP

As much as we are all hoping that 2021 will breathe a wave of “COVID change” across our country, the same is not being said about the local real estate market. In what has been an incredible year for local real estate, the final week of 2020 has been no different and doesn’t look like slowing as we prepare to welcome in 2021. A huge year that featured landmark sales records that resulted in positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Surf Coasts highest priced residential sales of 2020. The residence at 1 Roadknight Street having sold for $7.25 million still sits as the most expensive west coast residence following revelation that the property that changed hands at 2 – 4 Stephens Parade Barwon Heads was in fact for two houses on two titles.

Our market has been active across all price points and regional locations and with four contracted deals for the week, including another multiple interest scenario, we are all optimistic that current trends will continue. After speaking with a recent purchaser who was concerned that they may have paid too much for their coastal asset they were soon put to ease when I reassured them “they didn’t pay too much but rather – paid more in the shorter term, than what they had hoped”. The future looks bright!

Kind regards,
Ian Stewart
For and on behalf of the entire Great Ocean Road Real Estate team

LORNE – A LITTLE SECRET

For those that don’t know, the Surfcoast Shire have put a hold on New Years Eve fireworks due to COVID precautions. Both the early and midnight displays will not occur as in past years but not all is lost yet to Lorne. Our new local councillor Gary Allen is working hard behind the scenes to ensure the funding allowance for fireworks remains in Lorne for another project – stay tuned!

LORNE – QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Every next level of your life will demand a different you!”