James Rodrick has described the record sale of a Victorian-style residence in Maitland’s Cross Street as indicative of the increasing interest in the area’s historical homes.
The Starr Partners agent sold 14 Cross Street, built in 1857 and one of Maitland’s older properties, for a street high of $790,000.
It followed on from his $785,000 sale of a Walter Pender-designed home at 7 Victoria Street in May, which was also a new top mark for its street.
“We’ve a high demand for those historical properties by local and out-of-area buyers due to people looking for character-filled homes,” Mr Rodrick said.
Affordability was also driving interest in the greater Maitland area and he has predicted the following five suburbs will be ones to watch in 2019:
1. East Maitland. This suburb has proven popular across all age brackets for some time now, and its appeal has shown no signs of abating. The recent completion of Stockland Green Hills – a $412 million speciality shopping centre – has been a major contributor to the suburb’s popularity, which has grown over the last 12 months. Well serviced by good public transport, schools and medical centres, I foresee East Maitland continuing to grow at a steady rate in 2019.
2. Central Maitland. The redevelopment of The Levy is nearing completion, which has led to the expansion of coffee shops and bars, growing Maitland’s CBD reputation as a trendy place to live. The newly renovated properties in the market are mixing modern design with character-filled, terrace-style homes in what is one of the oldest, heritage-rich regional centres in Australia.
3. Rutherford. Affordable price point and proximity to Maitland’s CBD and the Upper Hunter mining industry means it’s no surprise that Rutherford has experienced somewhat of a resurgence in the last 12 months, with a strong rental yield. Serviced by a number of quality schools and daycare facilities, and with its range of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, the suburb is attractive to first home buyers and investors.
4. Kurri Kurri. It provides an extremely affordable option, with the median house price of around $340,000. Nestled between Newcastle and the Upper Hunter wineries – and with its ease of access to the M1 Pacific Motorway and the Hunter Expressway – the township allows for an easy commute to the Newcastle CBD.
5. Tenambit. Well-connected Tenambit makes my 2019 top five due to affordability compared to neighbouring suburbs. The commencement of construction of the new Maitland Hospital next year should see an increase in demand for property in and around the area.
