Homes going like lightning

HOUSE hunters are snapping up Coast properties in some inland suburbs within weeks of them hitting the market.

New figures released by property researcher CoreLogic show Currumbin Valley, Merrimac and Mudgeeraba top the list of fastest-selling suburbs on the Gold Coast.

Property experts attributed the demand to the homes on offer and better value for money in the areas.

Currumbin Valley and Merrimac shared first place with a median of houses sold 19 days after going on the market.

The figure is based on a total of 86 sales within those areas during the past year.

While McGrath Palm Beach agent Andy Hogarth was surprised 20 homes had sold in Currumbin Valley during the past year, he said the figure accurately reflected the market.

He sold a luxury Americanstyle barn in May after a week on the market while colleague Richard Snowden sold the country retreat of AFL legend

Jonathan Brown following a four-week auction campaign.

“I think it’s just the uniqueness of the properties that we have had out there that’s attracting people,” he said.

The 212 house sales in Mudgeeraba sold within a median of 22 days.

RE/MAX Regency Gold Coast agent Stuart Legg said properties in Mudgeeraba offered better value than many of those on the coast.

“During the (Gold Coast’s) growth period during the past four years, I think people have realised their budget will only go so far,” he said. Mr Legg said there was also a limited number of homes on the market, which meant people were quick to buy.

He recently sold a Mudgeeraba property, which attracted 20 groups for inspections and five offers, in four days.

“The number of sales are definitely down this year on last year, but that just increases the demand for properties.”

But CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher said properties on the Coast were actually taking longer to sell compared to previous years, “which is reflective of the overall slowing of dwelling value growth during the past year”.