We’re here to help you navigate the excess of information and understand the main state of Noosa’s property market. Below are the crucial realities learned from us and other property-related businesses that are at the forefront of the changes taking place.

COVID-19 continues to shape the property market landscape in 2024. Across Canada, Texas, and California, its impact remains palpable. Property prices fluctuate amidst uncertainty, affecting buyers and sellers alike. Virtual property tours gain traction, offering a safe alternative.

Government aid cushions homeowners, but concerns linger over evictions and foreclosures. Mortgage rates reflect economic turbulence. Commercial real estate faces unique challenges. The future post-COVID-19 remains uncertain, with real estate market trends evolving.

Fear and Uncertainty rule at the Moment

No one knows what the impact on residential property markets will be although there has been plenty of commentary out there. Our advice to sellers is to be patient as the past week has proven there are genuine buyers in the market looking for housing solutions. If your property is a fit then we will see the activity on it.

What Impact is COVID-19 having on the Property Market?

For buyers, there will be “seller motivation” that surfaces during the coming months, we have seen wholesale job losses across the tourism and hospitality industry Noosa’s largest commercial sector. Price discounting is likely to be seen in the $800k – $2m price range, there could also be movement of secondary homes and holiday/investment properties.

Equally, it is also undeniable that stimulus and low-interest rates will prime real estate markets and when the turnaround happens it could be fast and it could catch a lot of buyers off guard as the market recovers.

Virtual Inspections and the New World Order

One observation in the past week is that Reed & Co.‘s share of listings has jumped vs our competitors; vendors perhaps siding with an agent who can deliver innovative solutions in a world demanding innovation, technology, and a lot of energy.

In previous downturns, there was a flight to experience and older, more established agents but this time around there will be a movement towards agents who can do more with less – the customer will be the ultimate beneficiary of this.

Whilst technology will come into play over the coming months, there will always be an underlying need for people to physically inspect a property they intend to live or invest in.

I believe that video marketing will continue to rapidly improve, become more factually based, and will become more commonplace as the market adapts. As for inspections, I think people will wait until it is safe again before going too far down the “virtual inspection” path, and uptake on this front might be different from agent to agent for now and probably depends more on the buyer profile than the price point of the property.

Live, 360-degree virtual inspections are the best solution we have seen so far, tech that Reed & Co. developed and implemented last week.

Perspectives on Change

The impact of COVID-19 on the property market and economy is profound. Social distancing and remote working have shifted preferences, affecting urban vs. rural living choices. Property investment is influenced by financial and legal considerations.

What Impact is COVID-19 having on the Property Market?

Mental health aspects of moving during COVID-19 are important to address. Tips for social distancing during property viewings have become crucial. Additionally, the pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of the property market, shaping its landscape today.

I have summarised some brief learnings from conversations with those in property-related businesses this week:

1. Finance Broker

2. Residential Lawyer

3. Property Developer

4. Buyers

5. Marketing / Advertising

6. Property Managers