Stressed out by hot market
HOMEOWNERS John and Helene Carter have first-hand experience with the issues that Hobart’s booming property market presents.
Helene said buying a home in the current market was “an awful experience”.
After selling their house for “a good deal”, the Carters put a deposit on a unit that was to be built before they moved from Sandy Bay.
When they found out the construction schedule had been pushed back way past their settlement date, the Carters were left scrambling to find a new place to live.
John said the experience had pushed them close to the “end of our tether”.
He said it was highly stressful as the pressure rose to find somewhere to live.
“We struggled to find a house that was on a flat block, close to the city, with three bedrooms and a reasonable living area that was in our price range,” John said.
Helene said they were used to being close to services but now she has had to buy a car to get around.
John said: “Simply, we have had to adjust.”
A few weeks ago the couple moved into their new home in Lenah Valley — a property they are happy with, even though it is not what they were hoping to buy.
While their initial plans were derailed, the Carters have found positives to their new digs, such as owning their home.
“This allowed us to buy a reasonable little car for Helene and we have a few bob leftover to go on a holiday,” John said.
“And the area is quiet with nice views.”
In their early 70s, the couple doubt they will jump back into the market to try to buy the type of property they were actually looking for.
“This experience has not put us off 100 per cent, but maybe 98,” John said.