A calculated one-week delay before the first open home drew 16 groups and multiple offers for a three-bedroom downsizer at 2 Hicks Terrace, Shell Cove, delivering $1.24 million for vendors who hoped for $1.2 million, says Monique Field of Monique Field Property.
Monique listed the property on a Friday afternoon but held off opening it for inspection until the following Saturday — a calculated move designed to maximise visibility and create urgency.
“There wouldn’t have been enough people seeing the property come to market, so we wouldn’t have created any competition,” Monique says.
“By allowing it to have a week on market, we were able to have more eyes on the listing. If we’d opened it the first Saturday, we might have only had one or two people, but we were able to generate a lot more interest the following week.”
Sixteen groups at first inspection
The first open home drew 16 groups, with interest emerging immediately. By the second inspection and through private viewings over the following fortnight, multiple offers came through.
The vendors had purchased the property 10 years earlier when downsizing from a larger home. They hoped for around $1.2 million. The final sale price of $1.24 million exceeded their expectations and came through competition between multiple buyers.
“They were very excited,” Monique says.
“We reassured them that if we could get this property under competition, we would achieve a better result. At $1.24 million, they were ecstatic.”
What buyers noticed
The home appealed specifically to the next generation of downsizers — buyers looking to transition out of larger family homes into low-maintenance single-level living.
“People still wanted three bedrooms that were good sizes, two living areas, and a double garage, which is rare for downsizing homes,” Monique says.
“It was on a low-maintenance corner block with gorgeous sunlight and a small courtyard. For those looking to downsize without maintenance, this was the perfect property.”
Three buyers who missed out are still active in the market.
Forward view
Monique sees continued strong demand for this property type in Shell Cove, where single-level homes on low-maintenance blocks rarely come to market.
“We’re definitely seeing lots of downsizers wanting to transition into single-level properties in Shell Cove,” she says.
“If they’ve got a single-level home, particularly on a low-maintenance block, they will definitely get a great result, because we don’t have enough downsizing properties.”
The property went under contract on 15 April 2026 after 14 days on market.
About the agent
Monique Field of Monique Field Property is a multi-award-winning real estate professional known for integrity, client focus, and deep knowledge of the Illawarra market. She has built a reputation as a trusted local authority, helping clients achieve results through strategic campaigns and hands-on service. For more information, visit Monique’s website or call Monique on +61 403 021 172.