The market area of our two offices encompasses the suburbs between Currumbin and Banora Point including Tugun, Bilinga, Kirra, Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.

I have regularly monitored the level of sales (numbers) and total sales volume since 1 July 2002 and the statistics tell the story of today’s market in comparison to a number of previous years.

Total No         Total Value
Of Sales           Of Sales

2006-2007                2617               $1.10 billion
2007-2008                 2104                $1.07 billion
2008-2009                 1738                 $760 million
2009-2010                  2215                $1.00 billion
2010-2011                  1374                 $629 million
1/7/11 to 31/3/12    732                 $304 million
(3 quarters)

On a projected yearly basis for 2011/2012 the total volume may be lucky to achieve 1,000 sales with a total value of $400-$450 million.
Market Update

As always, buyer sentiment is largely determined by the dual factors of local area market conditions and the macro-economic environment. The hot property-related topic in the media last week continued to be interest rates, with growing speculation around the banks’ out-of-cycle rate rises.
While the Reserve Bank (RBA) has held fire on the official cash rate all year, many lenders have chosen to implement rate increases regardless, citing an increased cost of wholesale funding. However, many commentators believe the rate increases are more an effort to protect bank profits in an environment where fewer people are borrowing. An opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald last week said lending margins for major Australian banks are at “historically robust levels – the kind of margins that are the envy of banks worldwide”.
A separate Herald article said the banks are playing a risky game, with ABS figures showing the banks are facing a serious fall in demand akin to that being currently experienced by retailers, but instead of cutting margins in an attempt to boost volumes as the retailers are doing, the banks are increasing rates to protect their bottom line. The article suggests this short term tactic will work in an insidious way to undermine the health of the economy, financial systems and lending institutions by creating a liquidity trap. Meanwhile, the RBA has found its ability to influence Australian economic activity severely diminished – while a rate cut is widely expected in early May, there is no guarantee the banks will pass on any benefit to consumers.

STOP PRESS
The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the interest rate this week by 0.5% which should stimulate investors to re-enter the market. Our office has witnessed more buyer enquiry over the last few months resulting in more sales activity.
Overall the interest rate cut is good now, not just for consumers and retailers, but also for everyone thinking of buying or selling a property.

We have a genuine interest in listening to clients’ needs and treating people in an honest and professional manner at all times. In fact, we aim to create lifetime clients from every encounter. Our expert team are results-driven. We regularly review and refine our systems and standards so we can maintain excellence in customer service. In-house and industry training is a priority, as our people pride themselves in continually updating their skills and knowledge.

We provide real estate solutions to the border region of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads, as well as the surrounding suburbs of Bilinga, Bilambil Heights, Kirra, Rainbow Bay, Tweed Heads South, Tweed Heads West and Tugun.

Each member of our staff embraces the Professionals motto of ‘real people in real estate’. This ensures you deal with real people, giving you real advice without the usual real estate clutter.

OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The Professionals group are diamond level corporate partners to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, who fund research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer, as well as offering vital support and information services to sufferers. We take our affiliation with NBCF very seriously. Over the last four years, we’ve raised in excess of $52,500 on their behalf via our Pink Ribbon Bowling Nights and Pink Ribbon Trivia Nights. Raising such a significant amount of money can only be achieved with the wonderful assistance of the many local businesses who sponsor and support these events, as well as our valued clients and staff who attend. Thanks everyone!

Demand for properties on the elevated East Banora Point peninsula has increased in recent years. This is due to the ocean and coastline views offered from many homes and the peaceful living offered due to only one main road providing access to most homes.

The established area of Oxley Cove is a boaties paradise, offering water/canal front living with easy access to the ocean via the Tweed River.

Most popular amongst young families with children, the Banora Point area offers a wide range of public and private schools as well as a variety of child care centres. It is also popular with retirees, who prefer to live in the level section adjacent to Leisure and Darlington Drives, due to easy walking access to shops, medical services and Club Banora. There are several retirement villages and cluster-housing developments in this vicinity.

To the west of the established section of Banora Point are the newest areas of Banora Waters and Flame Tree Park. Here you will find homes built from 2001 onward, many of which are larger family homes with swimming pools.

Banora Point has experienced vast growth over the past two decades, with the population totalling just under 12,000 in the 2001 census.

Facilities at Banora Point

Shopping facilities
Banora Shopping Village is located on the corner of Leisure Drive and Darlington Drive, Banora Point. Professionals Banora Point office is prominently located at the front of the centre, and other tenants include a Bi-Lo supermarket, Australia Post, newsagent, pharmacy, bottle shop, video shop, hairdresser, travel agency, café, chicken shop, butcher, bakery, medical and dental services.

The closest major shopping centre is Tweed City Shopping Centre, which is located just five minutes away, at South Tweed Heads.

Sports & leisure
Club Banora, located on Leisure Drive, is the sister club to Twin Towns Services Club. Set amidst lush gardens and waterways, Club Banora officers an 18 hole championship golf course, all-weather tennis courts, lawn bowls greens, Olympic-size swimming pool and children’s leisure pool.

The club also offers free live entertainment, fully licensed club facilities, a coffee shop and family restaurant.

Twin Towns Juniors Club, located on Fraser Drive, provides a venue specifically tailored for families and the local community, including a Kids Lounge.

Medical

Banora Village Medical Centre
Tweed Heads Public Hospital
John Flynn – Gold Coast Private Hospital at Tugun

Schools
Primary schools – Banora Point Primary School, Centaur Primary School, Lindisfarne Anglican School, St James Catholic Primary School, Pacific Coast Christian College

Secondary schools – Tweed River High School, Banora Point High School, Lindisfarne Anglican School, St Josephs Catholic College, Pacific Coast Christian College

Tertiary – Southern Cross University, TAFE College located at Kingscliff (10 mins South)

Need more information?
If you have any questions about the Banora Point area, please email us at sales@coolangattatweed.com.au. We’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can.

The beautiful, unspoilt Bilambil Valley is located between Bilambil Heights and Terranora, and consists mostly of small, medium and large acreage properties, as well as a small village with a community hall, service station, church and sporting fields.

Facilities in the Bilambil/Bilambil Heights area

Schools

Popular amongst working couples and families with children, the Bilambil Heights area offers a child care centre, with the local primary school is located at the base of the bill in the village of Bilambil. A regular bus service operates to high schools located in the Tweed Heads area.

Shopping

A small group of local shops are located in Simpson Drive at Bilambil Heights, with major shopping 10 minutes away at Tweed City Shopping Centre (South Tweed Heads) or Tweed Centro (Tweed Heads).

Bilambil Heights has experienced a growth phase over the past two decades, with the population totalling 2,895 in the 2001 census.

Need more information? If you have any questions about the Bilambil or Bilambil Heights areas, please email us at sales@coolangattatweed.com.au

The Gold Coast’s only north-facing beach, Coolangatta is a popular destination with tourists, surfers and locals. The relaxed atmosphere and less commercialised atmosphere appeals to the families who stay in the selection of high-rise and low-rise apartment buildings located along the beachfront.

The heart of Coolangatta has been extensively refurbished and street-scaped over recent years, bringing a fresh new look to the beachfront and business areas. Gourmet cafes and restaurants abound along Griffith Street and Marine Parade. The local cinemas are located in the Showcase on the Beach shopping centre.

There are 3 local surf clubs – Coolangatta, Greenmount, Rainbow Bay.

With virtually no vacant land remaining, many of the older houses are being redeveloped into units or duplexes. For this reason, houses often fetch premium prices.

In the 2001 Census, the population of Coolangatta totalled 7,233.

Facilities in the Coolangatta area

Shopping
Local shops and business are located in the area of Griffith Street. The closest major shopping centre is Tweed Mall, which is located at Tweed Heads, just 5 minutes south of Coolangatta.

Medical
Various local medical centres
Tweed Heads Public Hospital
John Flynn – Gold Coast Private Hospital at Tugun

Schools
Primary schools – Coolangatta Public School
Lindisfarne Anglican School
St Josephs Catholic Primary School
Lakeside Christian College

Secondary schools – Tweed River High School
Lindisfarne Anglican School
St Josephs Catholic College
Lakeside Christian College

Tertiary – Southern Cross University – Tweed Heads campus

Need more information?
If you have any questions about the Coolangatta area, please email us at sales@coolangattatweed.com.au

Currumbin Alley, south of Currumbin Creek, is a popular surfing spot, and the area is famed for the ‘Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’.

In the 2001 Census, the population of Currumbin totalled 2,785.

Currumbin Waters

The area located immediately inland from Currumbin Beach is Currumbin Waters. This diverse suburb comprises a combination of canal-front housing estates, townhouse developments, regular housing estates and a section of industrial area.

In the 2001 Census, the population of Currumbin Waters and Currumbin Valley had a combined total of 9,333.

Currumbin Valley

Located approximately 10 minutes inland from Currumbin Beach, Currumbin Valley offers small to medium acreage properties which often fetch premium prices. Properties in Currumbin Valley are located along the ridges, as well as the valley itself. Some properties located on the ridge have magnificent views.

This area is known for its natural beauty, with the famous Currumbin Rock Pool and the Mount Cougal National Park favourites with visitors. The prestigious Camp Eden health farm is located deep within the Currumbin Valley.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about the Currumbin Beach, Currumbin Waters or Currumbin Valley areas, please email us sales@coolangattatweed.com.au.

Popular with holidaymakers, the beachfront area has undergone a renaissance, with new apartment buildings, cafes and restaurants moving in.

Properties range from older style units and homes to new low-rise and high-rise apartment buildings.

If you would like any further information on Kirra, please email us via sales@coolangattatweed.com.au.

Currently under development, Cobaki Lakes is a new suburb which includes a variety of housing, an 18-hole golf course, a private school, a town centre – including shops and offices, a childcare centre and 266 hectares of open space.

Major shopping centres and medical facilities are all within 10 minutes drive. There are several rural-based businesses including wholesale nurseries, dairy and banana farmers, and other home-based businesses.

According to the 2001 Census, the population of the Piggabeen and Cobaki areas was 1,433.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about the Piggabeen and Cobaki areas, please email us at sales@coolangattatweed.com.au.

On the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, the area of Tugun Heights offers a diverse range of properties, from hilltop homes with coastal views to low-rise units, duplexes and townhouses.

According to the 2001 Census, the population of Tugun totalled 5,150.

Facilities located at Tugun

Shopping

Local shops and businesses are located along Golden Four Drive and the Gold Coast Highway. The closest major shopping centre is ‘The Pines’, located at Elanora, just 5 minutes to the north west of Tugun itself.

Medical

Various local medical centres
Tweed Heads Public Hospital
John Flynn – Gold Coast Private Hospital

Schools

Primary schools – Currumbin Public School
St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School
Lakeside Christian College – Tweed Heads

Secondary schools – Palm Beach Currumbin High School
Lindisfarne Anglican School – Terranora
St Josephs Catholic College – Banora Point
Lakeside Christian College – Tweed Heads South

Tertiary – Southern Cross University – Tweed Heads campus

Need more information?

If you have any questions about the Tugun area, please email us at sales@coolangattatweed.com.au

Homes range from budget apartments and villas to more luxurious homes. Some elevated homes in parts of Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads West and Tweed Heads South have good views of over the local area or Terranora Broadwater, the Tweed River, along the coastline to the Pacific Ocean.

Tweed Heads and Coolangatta are known as the ‘Twin Towns’ and form one continuous metropolis. Tweed Heads is the most northerly point in New South Wales and Coolangatta is the southerly point in Queensland.

In Tweed Heads itself, canal front and riverfront homes can be found within the areas of Endless Summer, Crystal Waters Estate and Seagulls estate, as well as some parts of Kennedy Drive.

Tweed Heads South is a mixture of established units, townhouses and houses, as well as several estates such as Vintage Lakes and The Oasis, which have been developed over the past few years. Tweed Heads South is also home to the region’s light industrial and commercial facilities in the Machinery Drive/Greenway Drive area.

According to the 2001 census, the population of Tweed Heads was 5,653, Tweed Heads West was 6,635 and Tweed Heads South was 7,793.

Facilities at Tweed Heads

Shopping – Centro Tweed – Tweed Heads
Tweed City Shopping Centre – South Tweed
20 minute drive to Robina Town Centre and Pacific Fair

Medical – Tweed Heads Public Hospital
John Flynn – Gold Coast Private Hospital at Tugun

Schools -
Primary schools – South Tweed Heads Public School
Tweed Heads Public School
Lindisfarne Anglican School
St Josephs Catholic Primary School
Lakeside Christian College – Primary

Secondary schools – Tweed River High School
St Josephs Catholic College (located at Banora Point)
Lakeside Christian College – Secondary (located at South Tweed)
Lindisfarne Anglican School – Secondary (located at Terranora)

Tertiary – Southern Cross University
TAFE College (located at Kingscliff – 10 mins South)

Sports & leisure
Twin Towns Services Club and Seagulls Club. These club also offer live entertainment, fully licensed club facilities, a coffee shop

Need more information?
If you have any questions about the Tweed Heads area, please email us at sales@coolangattatweed.com.au.