The grass is greener north of the border

With the Victorian First Home Owners’ grant finishing on June 30, first-home buyers are now looking just north of the border. People are looking to the popular Maidens Estate in Moama for up to $15,000 in savings from the recent grant announcement by the NSW Government. From October 1, the NSW FHOG scheme will double from $7000 to $15,000 for eligible buyers and non first-home buyers will be eligible for a $5000 grant. Victoria’s loss is NSW’s gain as buyers are tipped to flock over the border in droves to take advantage of the savings and excellent family lifestyle on offer. Developed by the multi-award winning Villawood Properties, Maidens Estate boasts a range of 14m blocks, which provide the perfect chance for first homebuyers to buy in an established, built-up location at entry-level prices. The 14m blocks range from 513sqm and start from just $119,000. Not only will the blocks offer hip pocket savings, but will also prove more sustainable in the long run, needing less landscaping and therefore more water savings over the life of the home, complemented by a range of stunning new alfresco dining options available from the region’s best home builders. Maidens Estate’s exclusive selling agent, Gary Wood from Charles L King and Co First National, said new land opportunities in Moama were scarce, therefore demand had remained consistently high for Maidens Estate despite Melbourne’s recent property slowdown. ‘‘In the last two years, there have been limited land opportunities in Moama, therefore Maidens Estate presents a rare opportunity for families to settle down in a family-friendly community and enter the market at an affordable price,’’ Mr Wood said. ‘‘Moama’s population is steadily expanding as many new home owners recognise the value in Moama’s quality property market. ‘‘The resale value here is excellent, which is why purchasers feel safe in the knowledge that they have made a solid investment for the future.’’ Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe said the recent grant boost from the NSW Government would provide a shining light for first-home buyers who may have missed out on the Victorian grant boost. ‘‘Victorian home-hunters have enjoyed a sustained period of incredible savings on new home and land thanks to the current FHOG scheme, however nothing lasts forever,’’ Mr Costelloe said. ‘‘The NSW announcement will provide a second chance for home-hunters in Victoria’s north who may not have been ready to purchase before June 30 and were touted to miss out. ‘‘Moama has a lovely familyfriendly atmosphere and the established surrounds provide the perfect backdrop to an ideal family lifestyle. ‘‘For an extra $15,000 in your back pocket, you’d be crazy not to pop over the border to take a closer look.’’ said. Maidens Estate offers an enviable lifestyle in a popular location complete with a central park, barbecue and picnic area, as well as meandering paths and walking tracks. Stage three is now selling, featuring nine premium homesites ranging from 513sqm to 1090sqm, starting from $119,000. For information or to register, visit www.maidensestatemoama.com.au