Media release - 17^th April, 2013

Snowy Mountains property sales jump as skiiers move in early

Skiing enthusiasts, tired of paying high prices for winter accommodation close to the slopes at Thredbo and Perisher, are leading the preseason charge into Jindabyne real estate, according to Ben Clancy, Sales Agent at Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains/Jindabyne.

The official ski season, which generally extends from mid-June to October, is traditionally the most popular time for selling and buying alpine real estate, however Mr Clancy reports that April 2013 enquiries and sales are about 10% healthier than last year.

“Regular visitors, who have been coming to the Snowy Mountains for years and forking out plenty for holiday accommodation during the ski season, have decided to acquire their own lodgings in Jindabyne well before the start of the ski season,” says Mr Clancy.

“Jindabyne is a popular choice as its very affordable and just 30 minutes from the slopes of Thredbo and Perisher, and 15 minutes from Perisher Ski Tube.”

According to Mr Clancy, two to four bedroom apartments, priced between $150,000 and $250,000, are proving popular with skiing fanatics.

To illustrate, Mr Clancy recently sold a two bedroom apartment at 32/13-15 Kirwan Close, Jindabyne to a long term skiing enthusiast for $159,000.

“The apartment possesses a great northerly aspect catching the winter sun, the lake and mountain glimpses,” says Mr Clancy.

“It also has two undercover lockable car spaces and the owners are selling as they have outgrown the apartment.

“The beauty is that when they choose to, the new owners can lease the properties to fellow holidaymakers to help cover the costs of owning the property, once they have secured a holiday DA.”

1A Bobuck, Thredbo Village

In the popular alpine village of Thredbo, Toni Wheelhouse, Licensee of Raine & Horne Thredbo, says that pre-ski season enquiries are stronger in 2013.

“Clearly improved consumer confidence has nudged a few buyers with some spare cash to have a look at the Thredbo market,” says Ms Wheelhouse, who confirms that properties under $1million are enjoying the majority of buyer attention.

“In Thredbo, one, two and three bedroom apartments priced between $300,000 and $600,000 are proving popular with ski enthusiasts from Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as parents of students attending the interschool programs.”

For example, a two bedroom apartment at 1A Bobuck, Thredbo Village, which is on the market with Raine & Horne Thredbo for $360,000, is enjoying significant buyer interest.

“This refurbished apartment is popular with buyers as it is well-located and represents great value,” says Ms Wheelhouse.

“The apartment also comes with a balcony and spectacular mountain views, and has a new fully equipped kitchen, a freshly renovated bathroom, new double-glazed windows, new paint and carpet throughout.”

-ENDS-

For further media information please contact:

Toni Wheelhouse, Licensee, Raine & Horne Thredbo on 02 6457 6387

Ben Clancy, Sales Agent, Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains/Jindabyne on 0413 778 501

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator on 02 9258 5400

Skiing devotees drive pre-season real estate bounce in Jindabyne