Demand high for Bellerive lifestyle

WHEN homeowner Felicity Ryan put her Bellerive property on the market, it was sold in the blink of an eye and for a cracking price, too.

Ms Ryan’s experience as a vendor is a common one in this Eastern Shore hub, which was named Australia’s fifth most in-demand suburb in the latest data from realestate.com.au.

REA found Bellerive homes attracted 7848 searches per listing in the three months through January. At the same time last year the figure was 3619, good for 47th highest nationally.

In a whirlwind week for her family, Ms Ryan listed her home on Valentine’s Day, had inspections through the week, then a bustling open home with 80-odd people in attendance – the house then sold for tens of thousands above expectation.

“It was unbelievable,” she said. “There was definitely a sigh of relief when we put the sold sticker up.”

The 44-year-old mum and ballet school owner said her family has loved the Bellerive lifestyle and its proximity to the beach, walking tracks, Bellerive Quay and being just a 10-minute drive from the Hobart CBD.

“It is also such a pretty suburb,” she said.

Harcourts Hobart property consultant Colin Miller said Bellerive was the type of suburb that attracts a wide range of people including investors, downsizers and those upsizing or buying second homes.

He said what unites them is an enthusiasm for the lifestyle appeal of the place.

“There are characteristics about Bellerive which separate it from other locations such as proximity to Bellerive Oval and beach, the relatively level land for much of the housing stock, close availability of health, financial, retail and other services – these are all factors that draw broad appeal,” he said.

CoreLogic director of economic research Cameron Kusher said Bellerive offers a diverse housing selection on big blocks, from long-established homes to modern properties. “It is easy to see the appeal,” he said.

Real Estate Institute of Tasmania president Mandy Welling likened Bellerive to some expensive Hobart city areas.

She said it offered high quality homes – many with historic character and/or strata opportunities – on a budget that rivalled city suburbs like New Town, or North Hobart and South Hobart.

REA data shows a 47 per cent three-year rise in Bellerive house prices and a 28.4 per cent rise in its unit sector.