Just an hour train ride southwest of Melbourne and abutting the coast, there are few places in Victoria more in-demand than beautiful Geelong. Melbourne families, young couples and downsizers alike are flocking to the city for its affordability and serene country lifestyle.
So, aspiring or current Geelong residents need to act quickly.
‘It’s a challenge to secure a block in Geelong at the moment, but not impossible,’ says Boutique Homes, New Homes Consultant and Geelong local, Brett Morrissy.
‘Most of the blocks presently on the market are being sold via land agents looking for settlement and land title mid to late 2022. So, it’s important you get your name on the list early.’
Experienced New Homes Consultant, Rowan Huxhagen, agrees.
‘I’ve been in the industry for over a decade, yet I’ve never seen demand like this. Land is very hard to come by, with vacant blocks getting snapped up within seconds of hitting the market,’ he says.
‘The good news is that there are frequent releases, meaning there’s always an option around the corner. You just have to get in quick.’
To make the process easier, our experienced Boutique Homes Geelong team has put together a go-to guide for building in Geelong.
The Geelong region offers a wide range of estates within close proximity to each other, meaning you’re spoilt for choice.
Second home builders and those looking to upsize will adore the convenience of the Gen Fyansford Estate. Just an eight-minute drive from the town centre, it’s within a short stroll to shops, parks, and riverside running tracks, as well as Geelong’s major schools.
‘The Armstrong Creek area is also extremely popular, with fantastic infrastructure and easy accessibility to the coast and Melbourne,’ says New Homes Consultant of over eight years, Brett Morrissy.
The area, which includes Warralily, Charlemont and Mount Duneed, offers a range of block sizes and shapes to suit every property goal.
Looking for a knockdown rebuild option? Young couples and families are heading to the Bellarine Peninsula, including St Leonards, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
Those looking to invest in their forever home can also take a look at the premium blocks native to the Surf Coast and Torquay.
With land scarcity a prominent issue in the region, many families are choosing to build a double-storey home on a smaller block. ‘We have a range of floorplans that maximise a smaller footprint and are extremely popular,’ confirms Dale.
The family-sized Barcelona takes the home design cake, offering a versatile and practical single-storey floorplan that fits a variety of orientations and block sizes. ‘With so many people working from home, the inclusion of the Barcelona’s premium home office space is becoming a need rather than a want,’ says Rowan. ‘It’s bright, airy and expansive, perfect for a growing family.’
Geelong families should also take a look at the open-plan, four-bedroom Marseille, Seville, Catalina and Riviera home designs.
Popular double-storey designs include the grandeur of the Montauk and Grange, while the Airlie makes great use of a smaller lot.
Looking to build your forever home and have the space to fit a grand design? You can’t go past the luxurious Montpellier and Ascot floorplans.
‘The Parkville and Auburn have been extremely popular since the COVID-19 pandemic hit,’ says Brett.
‘At a time when we are spending more time within the home than ever before, both designs offer numerous loungerooms and retreats, so every family member gets their space.’
Given its proximity to beautiful bodies of water, it makes sense that coastal exteriors are seriously trending in Geelong. The clean lines and airy beauty of the Cape, Southampton and Coast façades (pictured) rank among the most popular in Geelong’s seaside areas, along with the striking new Flinders façade.
Inner city Geelong residents are loving the slightly more architectural interpretations of coast in the Vogue and Contempo façades.
Looking to build double-storey? The Hamptons façade tops the most-wanted list, while the Grande and Soho facades also rank well.
Geelong has all the amenities and facilities of Melbourne, without the peak hour traffic and stress. Get everywhere within ten minutes of the suburbs, including expansive swimming beaches, hiking trails and dog parks.
‘Geelong is one of the popular regions in Australia, with a vast array of shopping, food and wine venues, universities and hospitals providing opportunity for study and work,’ says Brett.
‘The Surf Coast, You Yangs Regional Park, and The Otways are all just a half hour drive away from the city centre, and there are footy, netball and cricket grounds around every corner.’
Not only is housing more affordable in Geelong than in Melbourne – meaning you get a bigger block and more extravagant house, for less – but the laid back, family-orientated atmosphere is a huge drawcard. ‘Almost all of my customers who I’ve helped to relocate to Geelong are kicking themselves that they didn’t do it much earlier,’ says Rowan.
Everything in Geelong is close, but location still matters. ‘You need to find a block that suits your family’s needs. This may mean finding a lot that is orientated correctly in the estate of your choice, land near your kids’ school or, for downsizing customers, a smaller block near the grandkids,’ says Brett. ‘The team have a wealth of experience and connections that can help you locate the property that meets your goals.’
Contact one of our friendly New Home Consultants and Geelong locals to find out when the next set of premium blocks are going to hit the market.
In the meantime, browse our current house and land packages in Geelong and the Surf Coast.
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