Why do so many people love coming to Sandgate?  Is it the people, the proximity to the coastline, Brisbane City, airport, transport or is it the laid back lifestyle, boating, golf, sailing, bike riding, walking, etc!  Regardless, I believe the main drawcard for those that visit is the wonderful history of our area and the character and heritage of our homes.  And why not!  Back in the mid 1800’s Sandgate was proclaimed and commenced development.  The train line started bringing people to the area and from there Sandgate became the connection to the sea.  There was no looking back as homes started popping up and our character was created.

With the purchase of our cottage in Second Avenue, we have been doing some historical research to learn more about the home.  We have discovered that our streets and landmarks were named after locals.  An example is the Avenues - the original name for First Avenue was Petty, Second Avenue - Wilson, Third Avenue - Cooksley, Fifth Avenue – Henry and Sixth Avenue – Tulley.  There is no record of Fourth Avenue.  In 1913, there was a change to many Sandgate street names, and another in 1938. 

While our past is evident, the future of Sandgate is where we want to look.  We saw a good number of buyers out and about at open home inspections over the weekend.  This could be due in part to the media showing interstate markets are becoming unaffordable for the average person.  We have recently had a number of visitors from interstate enquiring about the availability of homes in our area. 

As you drive down Second Avenue, have a look at our new cottage and see the difference two weeks can make.

State of Play

Experts are finally indicating that our area is the location to buy in!  With  interest rates lower than expected, it’s a great time to buy, and it’s such an affordable location.  However, if buyers can’t find a home to buy within a reasonable time, they will look    elsewhere.  While our 4017 area has seen a trickle of homes come onto the market in the last month (169), pretty much the same as last month (170) (sourced www.realestate.com.au), there are indications that some suburbs are improving more than others—it’s still a slow, if not flat market. 

Stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases and QLD is still cheaper than other states.  However, for most people, stamp duty is that “unknown cost” associated with purchasing a home.  Stamp duty is payable 30 days from contract date or at settlement, whichever occurs first.  This tax varies accordingly to the actual purchase of the home, and differs according to whether the  property will be owner occupied, a first home or an investment.  If you are purchasing, ask the right questions of your lending body and ensure they make allowances for the tax when discussing your borrowing capacity. 

You all know that we recently purchased and are now renovating our cottage, which appears to date back to the late 1800’s.  As part of the process we have researched the history of the home.  This will be an ongoing task but we have already discovered some interesting facts.  Did you know that “the Avenues” were not always called their current names?  Originally, these streets were named after locals—First Avenue was Petty, Second was Wilson, Third was Cooksley, Fifth was Henry and Sixth was Tulley.  There doesn’t appear to be any record of Fourth Street.  These names were changed in 1913.

With the character and heritage of our homes, building and of course people, history is such a big part of our community.  Even in days gone by the popularity of our area was evident with some prominent people choosing to reside in our resort location.  Even today, known people can walk down our streets and be recognised without being recognised, if you know what I mean!  That’s what draws people to us!  We don’t follow other trends, we create our own!

Renovating Has Its Rewards

For those that don’t know, we’ve purchased new premises and will be moving a hop, skip and jump over the road to 10 Second Avenue.  This little cottage has been enclosed for as long as I can remember and our wonderful builder, Bruce Connelly, has started peeling back the layers.  It’s been exciting to see the original cottages hidden charm exposed and we believe it was built around the early 1900’s, or so the newspapers found under the numerous layers of lino says! 

This cottage is the second character home that we have transformed and although it takes money, and lots of work, I can appreciate why there is such a love of the history of these homes.  In the end, it’s worth every cent and I think you’ll agree it’s so important to hold onto the character and heritage of the homes in our area. 

We visited Melbourne recently and enjoyed the welcoming feel, buzz and eclectic mix of the numerous shopping precincts created in the outer suburbs.  They were busy, exciting and I could not help but feel that we have the same potential right here on our doorstep - BUT some planning is needed.  If you’re keen to discuss this further and put some wheels in motion, please call and let’s get together?  Maybe a town meeting would help?  Sandgate is the perfect destination for visitors and for its survival, or potential boom, we need to band together and put some effort into making it awesome.

We’ll be moving from our current premises on 30 June and reopening across the road on 1 July with new opening hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm.  If you’re breezing past, pop on and check out our new abode!