The massive shift towards remote working has made regional living a more viable proposition, with Queensland’s Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba regions proving popular choices for those wanting a tree change.
According to local real estate specialist Kev Perry, the rural localities of Withcott and Crows Nest are already figuring in people’s plans for regional living.
“It seems like everyone wants to live in the country,” the owner of RE/MAX Country in Crows Nest said.
Mr Perry has enough confidence in the rising popularity of the region that he and his wife Kerri have expanded their reach by purchasing RE/MAX Local Specialists in nearby Withcott, a half-hour drive away.
“When Leigh [Leigh Hair, RE/MAX Local Specialists owner] was thinking of selling, it was an opportunity I couldn’t let go so I bought a second franchise,” Mr Perry said.
“Because both these two businesses have very good profiles and reputations, I wanted to retain both names. And what makes it even better is that Leigh is staying on at Withcott.”
Mr Perry said both the Crows Nest and Withcott offices service very good real estate markets with strong sales.
“I expect to bring good agents on to join me and Leigh in sales,” he said.
Mr Perry said his goal was to expand the property management service across the region, with the operational base remaining in Crows Nest.
“We are seeing property investors shifting their interest away from more congested areas when looking for their value investment, knowing that COVID-19 changed the way many people think and want to live.”
He said recent buyers had included people relocating from interstate and more densely populated regions of Queensland.
“There are a lot of people who have experienced severe lockdowns and they just don’t want to live [in those areas] anymore.”
He said the proximity of both locations to Toowoomba – with Crows Nest less than 40 minutes’ drive from the city on the New England Highway and Withcott less than 9km along the Toowoomba Connection Road – made the rural towns an attractive option for potential buyers.
“Our townships have plenty of charm and amenities, plus all the major infrastructure of a large regional city is just minutes away.
“We offer great home locations with the benefit of proximity to Toowoomba,” he said, “and RE/MAX Country and RE/MAX Local Specialists together bring local knowledge and good country values to real estate, with friendly staff who are happy to help in buying, selling and managing property.”
RE/MAX Country occupies the prominent bank building in Charlotte St, Crows Nest. First constructed in timber in 1909, the Queensland National Bank was rebuilt from concrete and bricks in 1959 after being destroyed by fire.
“This building suits us,” said Mr Perry, “because it is incredibly solid like our business and our real estate market.”
