Is The Newcastle Property Market Still Heating Up in 2024? - Expert Interview With Luke Morrison.

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, Luke Morrison from Belle Property in Newcastle shares valuable insights into the current property market in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. As a specialist in the Minmi Fletcher and Maryland areas, Luke's expertise shines through as he discusses the strong market in the 500,000 to 1.5 million price range, particularly for first home buyers. He highlights the high demand in this bracket and the influx of buyers from inner-city Newcastle looking for larger family homes in outer areas like Fletcher. Luke also addresses the challenges of affordability in the region, pointing out the rising property prices and the impact on first home buyers. Additionally, the discussion covers the impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market, buyer behavior shifts, and the use of auctions versus private treaties. Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Property Market Overview The hosts introduce the guest, Luke Morrison from Bell Property in Newcastle, and discuss the property market in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. They question whether the area has missed the boat in terms of property growth and discuss further potential growth. 00:06:21 - Demand for Properties and Auctions Luke mentions increased open home numbers and outer area buyers showing interest in properties. He discusses the effectiveness of auctions for properties over 1.2 million in creating a sense of urgency and maximizing buyer engagement. 00:10:08 - Rising Property Values and Affordability The conversation delves into the significant increase in property values (38.4%) compared to income growth (20%) since the start of COVID. They highlight the affordability issue in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, making it challenging for first home buyers to enter the market. 00:11:25 - First Home Buyers Challenges Luke elaborates on the challenges faced by first home buyers, including the increase in average first home buyer budget to around 900k and the difficulties in finding properties below 800k to benefit from stamp duty concessions. 00:11:58 - Stamp Duty Benefits and Property Prices The conversation concludes with a discussion on the sliding scale of stamp duty benefits based on property prices and the challenges of finding properties below 800k amidst rising property prices in the area. 00:12:27 - Property Market in Newcastle Luke discusses the current property market figures in the north Lampton area and the potential for property value increase in Lake Macquarie Newcastle areas. 00:13:09 - Predictions on Interest Rate Decrease The discussion revolves around predictions of interest rate decreases by economists, and the potential impact on property prices. 00:15:11 - Impact of Rate Decrease on Property Prices The conversation delves into the psychology of rate decreases leading to increased property prices, and the potential half a percent decrease before the end of the year. 00:16:44 - Market Activity During School Holidays The hosts discuss the impact of school holidays on market activity, with expectations of a slight dip and a potential boom after Anzac day. 00:19:45 - Impact of Age on Tolerance for Alcohol The conversation takes a turn towards personal experiences with alcohol, discussing the impact of age on the tolerance for alcohol and the decision to stay sober. ABOUT THE HOSTS BRAD EAST Brad East is the Managing Director of Wisebuy Home Loans. Brad is an award-winning mortgage broker and has helped thousands of clients gain finance to purchase properties. Wisebuy Home Loans is the go-to mortgage brokerage for clients wanting out-of-the-box applications approved. Website → https://wisebuygroup.com.au  LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/newcastlemortgagebroker/  Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bradeast_mortgagebroker/  Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/bradeastofficial   CASEY TAYLOR Casey Taylor is the Managing Director of Taylored Property Welth who specializes in helping clients purchase high-performing investment properties. Casey has a huge amount of knowledge when it comes to property investment and will be sharing this with the listeners. Website → https://tayloredpropertywealth.com.au  LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/wealth-property-buyersagent-investment-financialfreedom/  Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/casey.taylor_tpw_buyersagent/  Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tayloredpropertywealth