Homebuyers from the eastern seaboard are snapping up land at Playford Alive as they search for maximum lifestyle benefits and entry into the housing market.
In January, interstate buyers accounted for nearly a third of contracts exchanged at Renewal SA’s greenfields site in Adelaide’s north, with purchasers flagging affordability as their number one reason for migrating to South Australia, as well as liveability.
Renewal SA General Manager, Project Delivery and Property, Todd Perry said 30% of purchasers during the first month of 2022 came from New South Wales and Victoria – a sign of confidence in the Adelaide market, and the State.
“Our aim is to deliver nation-leading property and development outcomes for our State and we’ve certainly been able to deliver that at Playford Alive,” Mr Perry said.
“Affordability is one of a myriad of things that makes Playford Alive a desirable location. Its masterplanned design provides great connectivity to green open space and amenities such as shopping centres, plus easy access to community and business services at hubs like the Stretton Centre.
“From a housing perspective, we’re partnering with South Australia’s leading builders to deliver a selection of homes to suit all budgets and the fact we are seeing such strong interstate take up in the area is reflective that the mix is right.”
After a two-year search, Inderjeet Singh and his growing family are now proud owners of a home at Playford Alive. They chose to build their forever home at Playford Alive due to its affordable price point and its proximity to high quality services and amenities including the Gawler Rail Line, shops, and parks.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows Adelaide’s northern outskirts have the highest growth rates in South Australia. Something Connekt Project Sales Manager for Playford Alive, Michael Gallagher, says has been an increasing trend since the pandemic hit – with high levels of the interest coming from first generation Australians.
“There is a common path where people arrive from overseas and first go to the eastern seaboard, but then house prices there make it very hard for them to lay down any meaningful roots,” Mr Gallagher said.
“They are buying sight unseen in places like Playford Alive because they are hungry for affordability.
“COVID has had a lot to do with it too, both with prices and sentiment. Adelaide has handled the COVID situation well from a safety aspect, and there are good job prospects.”
Aries Paranes, a Philippines-born nurse who currently resides on the NSW Central Coast, bought land at Playford Alive in January during a one-day visit to Adelaide.
“I wanted to stay in Australia, but the property prices on the Central Coast are astronomical, so we’ve been shopping around,” Mrs Paranes, 51, said.
“I really don’t want to be burdened by my mortgage and not enjoy life.
“We looked in Geelong but when I came to Adelaide, I was just so amazed. It’s so clean, so green and so neat, and the traffic… it’s so easy to get around. I just fell in love with the place.”
Mrs Paranes said her family plans to move to Playford Alive at the end of the year in preparation for her son to go to school in Munno Para in 2023. They have chosen a four-bedroom home with builder Hickinbotham Homes.
“I like what’s being done with the suburb. The schools are there, the shops are there, the train is accessible, there’s health care and aged care. It’s a complete suburb,” she said.
Mr Perry said land scarcity and rental affordability was also driving the surge in sales. Towards the end of January, Renewal SA released 17 lots bordering Newton Boulevard and Coventry Road to market. The parcels – within walking distance to Munno Para Train Station - sold within a week.
Every land sale at Playford Alive comes with bonus extras including front, rear and side fencing, driveway crossover, a letter box and front yard landscaping up to $10,000. There is also a $250 hot water rebate on offer for some buyers.