RedDragon2008

Well think about it

You move to a new market and purchase without investigating or researching the best option

It take a few weeks to get a good understanding of the city. Only a moron would walk off a plane and purchase in a few days.

Of the A properties available they are still going like hotcakes, the B properties not so much, C properties are just sitting.

So how does the OP know which is a A, B or C property.

How much do they think they should pay?, What appears a bargain could still have more room to move and thus they could pay higher than market.

I went to view 2 A properties yesterday and it was absolutely flooded with prospective buyers. I went away thinking shit this house is dirt cheap and thoughts of underquoting by agents. So i can see the market pricing has startied to finally move - but you are still going to be battling with a number of buyers.

Because I know the worth to us for that property I am prepared to place a offer 35% above asking. Would the OP?

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Thought of trying down the coast from Sydney?

The Illawarra, particularly the coastal strip, takes some beating and you would only be a couple of hours from your family.

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Note to self.

Check out how old the thread is before offering suggestions.

Alfresco

It is pretty old.

astera

I really like Cronulla as it's quite laid back, out of the way, yet still accessible via a direct rail link that takes you to the city in just under an hour.

I am curious though how people would compare Sydney in general to Brisbane. My parents went to Brissy recently and really liked it. They were only there for a short stay though, so not sure that they were able to get a true picture of the city.

Has anyone lived/spend considerable time in both places?

Malcontent

Country Queensland, specifically the Scenic Rim has a life style that Grand Designs would wax lyrical about. Schools with polite children are a bonus and parents or retirees can integrate very easily into the local scene. Add low prices, large blocks and a moderate semi-tropical climate and you may be tempted. I was 9 years ago and don't regret it for a minute

dgdevil

Admittedly, I just drove through them. But I liked the NSW towns of Kiama (beach), Bowral and Mudgee. Suburban Canberra, too.

Surfers might have been OK in the 80s. I went there a few years ago for the first time since then and was appalled.

astera

In Australia I can only imagine living within close vicinity to a good beach. Just a personal affinity of mine.

For me it's either Cronulla if I'm to stay in NSW or somewhere on the Queensland coast if I'm to head elsewhere.

What's up with Surfers nowadays? Too much loud partying or more serious problems like crime?

dgdevil

Boom, bust? When I was first there in the 80s, it was very Japanese. Maybe they stopped coming when the Japanese bubble popped, then went elsewhere (Hawaii, NZ?) and no one filled the gap.

Or maybe it was always tacky and I didn't have an appropriate yardstick until I got older and traveled the world. I also missed the omnipresent Mr. Fourex signs and the XXXX Bitter Ale on my last visit there in 2008.

But the schoolies, toolies and droolies seem to like it!

Cronulla sounds good. BTW, it's impossible to overstate the cost of living in OZ, though I'm sure that's a subject that's been done to death here.

ozzieeagle

I wouldn't say it's bust, more like the average Aussie became as wealthy as any overseas tourist and claimed it back.... Turning Surfers into some kind of antipodean Benidorm in the process... basically exclusively for locals primarily, as relatively less wealthy overseas tourists can no longer afford it.

There's an upside to expensive Australia that people seem to be overlooking... Thats some of the highest average incomes in the world.

Beoz

Not many places in the world where a barman can make $40 an hour

Beoz

I like Cronulla too. Just don't do commuting. Can't do it. In fact refuse.

Not sure how to compare the Syd Bris thing, but if BE is anything to go by, there's a lot of complainers in Brisbane.

ozzieeagle

Or where the absolute minimum FT adult wage is 16.40 per hour... more than double the US and 45 pct extra than the UK. 20 bucks per hour plus if your a casual adult worker.

This is the main reason Aus is so expensive.... decent wages for 'all' of its workers.

Amazulu

The highest minimum wage in the world:
http://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DatasetCode=RHMW#

Beoz

To be honest, I'd prefer they lower the minimum wage.