Jarrad Bevan finds an island paradise

WITH about 25 sales in the past 12 months, it is not easy to get a foot in the door of the coveted Bruny Island property market.

Bruny Island northern townships Dennes Point and Great Bay have recorded only five and three home sales in the past 12 months, according to CoreLogic RP Data figures.

In the south, Adventure Bay was the most active market, with 10 sales over that period.

Its median price is $228,625 and homeowners average a hold period of 8.7 years in this town before selling their property.

Also in the south, Alonnah and Lunawanna recorded two and five home sales. There were also three land sales at Lunawanna over the past 12 months.

Fall Real Estate property consultant Jude Viney — who owns a shack on this island with her husband Chris — is a Bruny Island expert. Mrs Viney said there was actually more property choice on the island than people might assume. “There are 40 residential properties on the market ranging in price from over $1 million to the low $100,000s — there’s plenty of choice,” she said. “For those looking for land, again there is lots of variety, from large acreages to house blocks, and a price range from $1.7 million to $50,000.” Mrs Viney said the natural environment, scenery, beaches and forests, the boating, walking, surfing, kayaking and the relaxing style of island living were among the things that appeal to people looking to buy on the island. She said permanent residents and “shackies” enjoy the friendly and welcoming local communities, such as Dennes Point.

“Among the very few downsides are the occasional delays getting on and off the island at the busiest times, but having the second ferry on the run has made a big difference,” Mrs Viney said.

“It’s probably also worth mentioning that some tourists aren’t familiar with driving on gravel roads. Locals and visitors alike need to drive with extra care and patience.”

With a small sample size of sales, it isn’t easy to lock down median prices for Bruny townships. However, Mrs Viney said in her experience over the past 12 months there had been a definite strengthening in the Bruny Island market.

“There has been a notable increase in inquiries since spring 2016,” she said.

“This summer has been busy, and although sales are not nearly as buoyant as the booming Hobart market, things are happening.

“For example, realestate.com.au reports that there has been a total of eight sales [six houses, two blocks of land] from the beginning of December to mid-January.

“I’m very pleased to say that six of them were sold by Fall, including a superlative $1.2 million rural property.”