Bendigo has cemented itself as a key post lockdown destination for home builders, as regional sales grow and metropolitan sales fall away.
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Sold out developments in Kangaroo Flat, Jackass Flat and Maiden Gully are testament to buyers' appetite for Bendigo, according to Villawood Properties' regional Victoria general manager Julian Perez.
"Increasingly, buyers are seeking greater space and eyeing regional centres and outer urban greenfields," he said.
"It's been all about price, amenity and lifestyle.
"The differential between regional prices and city prices, about working from home, and access to schools, medical, retail, community groups and even jobs has proven attractive."
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The Real Estate Institute of Victoria's September quarter sales figures revealed a 5.1 per cent boost to the median sale price of regional Victorian homes, compared to a 1.7 per cent decrease in Melbourne.
Tweed Sutherland First National director Matt Leonard said while interest in Bendigo's property market has come from everywhere, locals aren't passing up a prime opportunity to invest.
"Particularly in the past two months, there has been a healthy appetite from locals looking to invest in Bendigo," Mr Leonard said.
With government incentives such as the First Home Owner Grant and HomeBuilder subsidy, in addition to stamp duty exemptions and the loan deposit guarantee, buyers are looking to capitalise for fear of missing the boat, Mr Perez said.
"We know that many people who were thinking of building in the next two years have brought their plans forward," he said.
"This hasn't been just because of HomeBuilder, which is widely tipped to be extended beyond its December expiry date.
"People have learned that if they didn't buy a block now, then they might not be able to get anything that's titled for another 12 months or longer."
Mr Leonard said recent sales in the Imagine Estate, Strathfieldsaye, where lots are unlikely to title until late 2021, is an example of the high demand that exists in Bendigo.
"Blocks that aren't going to title for more than 12 months aren't deterring buyers," he said.
"It's a moving market and the way it's headed, once buyers settle on their land, there is a good chance they've built equity into it."
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