BUSINESS & EDUCATION

Make the move

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY

As house prices continue to push many out of the market in Sydney and Melbourne, many are choosing to head north and upgrade their lifestyle. ORM takes a look at the trend of interstate migrators – and the beautiful WaterPoint residences that are capturing the imagination of this growing market…

Locals know how much the Gold Coast has to offer. We know, all too well, the incredible lifestyle, beautiful beaches, superb surf, endless sunshine, first-class shopping, and quick and easy connections to Brisbane.

The secret is out and word is spreading.

Australians from our southern states are packing up their bags (and lives) and heading to the GC for a piece of our heavenly life.

Earlier this year it was widely reported that thousands of Sydneysiders are packing up and leaving the city. Cash strapped, stressed and over it, they are heading to Queensland for a better way of life.

New South Wales had the highest rate of exodus of any state or territory in the September 2018 quarter. The majority of those calling time on the city headed north.

The Gold Coast offers a million lifestyle benefits in comparison to Sydney; housing affordability tops the list.

Many are tired of being priced out of the market and want to head here for more space.

This trend is applying right across the age spectrum. Young families are finding themselves priced out of the city markets and when they start doing their research they find that if they head north they can improve their lifestyle, home and still have money in their pocket.

Self-funded retirees too are waving goodbye to maintaining properties are being tempted by an easier, sunnier way of life. Here, they can pack up and travel as much as they like with the peace of mind that their belongings are safe – and the gardens will be pristine when they return home!

Everyone can get more bang for their buck here.

People are tired of having huge mortgages hanging over their heads and being stuck in stressful jobs they don’t enjoy.

Australian Bureaa of Statistics data showed that 11,490 people moved from NSW in just three month (to September 2018).

A survey also found that 23 per cent of Millennials would move interstate in order to be able to afford their first home or upgrade.

Similarly, potential buyers in Melbourne are feeling cornered by what they can afford and are now actively looking for alternatives.

Developers’ say they are seeing an increase in inquiries from Sydney and Melbourne buyers, with higher temperatures and lower prices both appealing.

It’s official: Queensland is winning Australia’s real estate popularity contest!

Well, who can blame them?

As the saying goes, “Beautiful one day… perfect the next”!

On the Gold Coast you can go for a walk, swim or bike ride most days of the year. Queensland has the cheapest stamp duty in Australia. House prices also remain resilient and have avoided any significant downturn that we’ve seen in other parts of the country.

The new WaterPoint tower V, looking out across the sparkling Gold Coast Seaway and Broadwater, is the perfect example of an achievable lifestyle upgrade.

Set against a backdrop of tranquillity, these have been designed to enable residents to live a permanent holiday lifestyle.

The towers have created a community, situated on 2.7 hectares, with 360 metres of northeast waterfrontage.

Every unit has breathtaking water views and the gated estate offers 24/7 security with on-site management.

“When we were looking at making the move north to the Gold Coast, we had a really long list of essentials that were non-negotiable to us,” Chris and Cathy who migrated interstate to WaterPoint tell ORM. “WaterPoint has ticked off every single one. We both love using the indoor pool, the security is fantastic and we enjoy easy walks each day. It’s life changing not to have to maintain our old home and property – everything here is so easy. We love the layout of our apartment, have plenty of storage, Chris has his home office and we have space for our children and grandchildren to stay. There’s something for everyone here.”

It’s true, the facilities here are out of this world…

The infinity edge saltwater pool is reminiscent of the most luxurious holiday resort.

There’s also a beautiful indoor heated lap pool, gym, sauna, steam room, pilates room, massage room and Zen garden.  

Facilities here have been specifically designed to ensure socially active residents have everything on hand that they could possible require.

There’s a well-equipped games room and a residents ‘Residents Celebration Lounge’ for all residents to commune and enjoy events.

On the first Friday of every month they hold a residents meet and greet with live music and everyone brings a plate of food – which gives you a glimpse into the warm community that’s been created here.

There’s also a 16-seat theatre which residents can hire out to bring the cinematic experience closer to home, without having to think about driving or parking.

WaterPoint will include 3 marina pontoons each with 6 berths. The WaterPoint community pontoon boat is available for hire to all residents through the on-site managers.

The 300m of private boardwalk allows resident to fish, kayak and stand-up paddle board easily from home.

All of this with incredibly low body corp (under $100 per week).

If you do feel like heading out for the day, you have all the al fresco dining anyone could desire right on your doorstep. There are heaps of buzzing cafes and Harbour Town Shopping Centre is just across the road if you’re looking for fresh produce.

You’re also close to Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, private schools, Gold Coast Light Rail and the M1 motorway if you’re heading further afield. Hope Island Golf Resort, Sanctuary Cove and Sovereign Islands are all easily accessible.

If people from other Aussie states are making the move, the real question why aren’t you?!