Latest news with #NickGoldsbrough-Reardon
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Can't afford Byron? Try these new property hotspots
Byron Bay might be famous for its surf culture and A-list appeal, but with soaring prices and limited supply, savvy property hunters are now looking beyond the bubble. According to Compass, a leading buyers' agency specialising in Northern NSW, demand is growing fast in the surrounding towns and hinterland pockets where lifestyle, space and value intersect. "Buyers want more space, stronger communities and easier access to essential services, without losing connection to the coast," said Nick Goldsbrough-Reardon, Director and Buyers Advocate at Compass. "These towns offer lifestyle without the congestion or price premium of Byron, while still delivering strong capital growth." From surf-side villages to peaceful hinterland enclaves, here are the locations attracting increasing attention: Lennox Head & Skennars Head: Just south of Byron, these laid-back coastal communities offer great surf, local schools and a tight-knit vibe that's proving irresistible for families and seachangers alike. Suffolk Park: Often dubbed Byron's quieter cousin, Suffolk offers a family-friendly layout, easy beach access and a more accessible entry point into the region. Newrybar & Tintenbar: These boutique hinterland destinations are drawing buyers looking for rural privacy with convenience. Both are within quick reach of the M1 and Byron Bay but feel worlds away. Yamba & Broadwater: Further up the coast, these emerging lifestyle towns are fast gaining traction with buyers seeking relaxed living, good surf and rising investment potential. Casuarina, Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach & Pottsville: Northern coastal hubs with booming infrastructure, appealing schools and high-end developments are luring both locals and out-of-area buyers alike. The new normal Post-COVID, the market has settled. "The heat has eased, with price growth stabilising and buyer demand becoming more measured," Goldsbrough-Reardon said. "That said, well-positioned coastal or hinterland properties are still moving fast when priced right." Cotality data confirms that since March 2020 to 2025, regional values have risen more than 56 per cent. Post pandemic boom, the regions have continued to show overall resilience. In the recent two quarters, for example, they are outperforming capital cities (1.6 per cent compared to 1.4 per cent). Many metro and regional areas are also currently experiencing record highs, according to Cotality's July Housing Chart Pack. What's trending now are homes with flexibility. Buyers are looking for dual-occupancy options, secondary dwellings, eco-conscious builds or self-contained studios that support lifestyle or rental income. Prices typically range from $1.5 million to $4 million, depending on location and land size. Predicting the next hotspot Compass 's edge lies in staying ahead of the curve. "We maintain constant dialogue with local agents, councils and developers," said Goldsbrough-Reardon. "We're tracking early indicators like school openings, retail development, DA approvals and demographic shifts." That groundwork means Compass often helps clients secure homes 12 to 24 months before an area hits the mainstream radar. For those priced out of Byron or simply looking for more value, these neighbouring suburbs may not be secret for long.
7NEWS
17-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Inside edge: Why a buyers' advocate is now essential in regional hotspots
In tightly held coastal towns like Byron Bay, Bangalow, Lennox Head and Kingscliff, many of the best homes are sold before they even appear online. In this climate, working with a buyers' advocate has become less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Nick Goldsbrough-Reardon, Director and Buyers Advocate at Compass, says buyers today need more than enthusiasm and a alert. "In high-demand areas, the best properties are often sold before they're listed," he explains. "A buyers' advocate gives clients access, speed, and strategic advice that helps them avoid costly mistakes and beat the competition." A common misconception among buyers, Goldsbrough-Reardon notes, is that they can simply watch the major portals and wait for the right property to appear. But the reality is that standout homes are often sold off-market, or snapped up within days. More critically, many buyers are unaware of zoning risks, flood and bushfire overlays, or planning restrictions, which can turn a dream home into a liability or lemon. "It's not just about finding a home," he says. "It's about knowing what you're buying, and what you're not." One of the biggest advantages of working with a buyers' advocate is access to off-market properties. Compass has built long-standing relationships with selling agents, developers and local vendors across the Northern Rivers and Tweed Coast. "We're often offered properties before they launch publicly," Goldsbrough-Reardon says. "And we proactively approach homeowners whose properties match our clients' briefs." This behind-the-scenes access can make all the difference, especially when demand outpaces supply. "Getting A-Grade stock before it is listed online can be the difference between settling for something that is available or securing your 10/10 dream home," he says. A recent success story illustrates just how effective this can be. Goldsbrough-Reardon worked with a Sydney-based client seeking a secluded beachfront home in Pottsville. The property was secured 100 percent off-market. Compass managed all the due diligence, including navigating flood zoning concerns, negotiating favourable terms, and finalising the purchase privately. The entire deal was wrapped up within 72 hours of the initial inspection, well ahead of several other interested buyers. What sets Compass apart from other agencies is not just its access to listings, but its commitment to full-service representation. The firm has a dedicated team of four agents and two support staff, with deep local knowledge and a full-time office in the region. They work seven days a week, maintain strong trust with local agents, and tailor strategies for each client's unique goals. "These aren't just transactions, they're long-term investments in lifestyle and wealth," Goldsbrough-Reardon says. "We act with discretion and integrity, and that earns us the trust of vendors and agents, which in turn benefits our clients." In today's market, speed, strategy and insight are just as important as budget. With rising competition and a growing number of homes selling off-market, having a buyers' advocate who understands the local dynamics, and can move quickly, is a clear advantage.
