Despite the ongoing Greater Sydney lockdown, the Illawarra property market continues to prosper.
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If you're on the lookout for a property this weekend, we've compiled a list of five currently on the market that you can inspect (by pre-booked, one-on-one appointment only, or perhaps via FaceTime).
However, in terms of price point, this list is primarily aimed at first home buyers.
Under the First Home Buyer Assistance scheme in NSW, savings on stamp duty are available to first home owners whether you buy a new or established home.
From August 1, 2020, stamp duty was not applicable to first home buyers for new properties valued up to $800,000 and vacant land valued up to $400,000.
From August 1, 2021 the stamp duty exemptions have reverted back to $650,000 for homes and $350,000 for land.
The list focuses on properties that fall within these parameters.
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit has a price guide of $535,000 to $555,000.
Selling agent, Greg Truebody from MMJ North said the property was located in the highly desirable 'North Gong' precinct.
Mr Truebody said the property was proving a hit with predominantly first home buyers, due to its price and location.
"A number of young people are coming through who already rent in that 'North Gong' precinct area, or not too far from that area," he said.
"The precinct appeals to them, (because of) the lifestyle opportunities, as far as being close to the Blue Mile, the water and work."
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment has a price guide of $500,000 to $550,000.
Selling agent, Dragan Balaban from Belle Property Illawarra said this top-floor apartment featured an open-plan living space with connected balcony, and was located close to the shops and primary school.
Mr Balaban said early interest in the property had been from a mix of first home buyers and investors.
He said it was in a small complex, and had been updated and renovated, making it an appropriate entry-level property.
"First home buyers may be stretching a little to try and get into the market... And may not have the additional funds to do any renovations and what not," he said.
"With this one, that's already done, and they seem to like the convenience of that."
Looking to build your own home? This 556 square metre vacant block of land is for sale with a price guide of $349,000.
It's positioned with ocean and lake views, and within walking distance to local schools.
Selling agent, David Calderaro from Harcourts Wollongong said this block had attracted plenty of interest, including offers, from first home buyers looking to build.
"It's been very popular, as there's very little land available in that area," he said.
"We've also had a few people looking to do a duplex if possible."
This one-bedroom unit is within walking distance of Lake Illawarra foreshores, schools and the local shops.
It has a price guide of $399,000.
Selling agent, Paul Spinelli from Spinelli Real Estate said the property was well-suited to over-50s or first home buyers, due to it being a flat block in a quiet area and at the right price point.
He said there had been plenty of inquiries from south-west Sydney, although the lockdown meant inspection numbers had been down.
Read more: Property Suburb in the Spotlight: Oak Flats
This two-bedroom brick villa is situated in a quiet pocket of Blackbutt.
It has a price guide of $565,000 to $595,000.
Selling agent, Lisa McDonald from Ray White Shellharbour City said it has a well-designed layout, and offered fantastic storage for the size of the property.
Ms McDonald said the property had been popular with local first home buyers, although many were still getting their financing in order.
"It's just right up their alley, because houses are not at that price any more," she said.
"This would get them into a nice little complex and it's a good location."