Yass Valley effortlessly embodies the picture-perfect rural lifestyle sought after by many a Canberran. Photo: Yarrah.
Securing a decent block close to Canberra is out of reach for many, especially with the rising cost of living. But with its iconic rolling hills, abundant waters and wide open spaces, Yass Valley is a prime location for Canberrans searching for a new home in an idyllic setting.
Investor Al Añonuevo believes the ACT market has effectively ‘locked out’ multiple demographics, including first-home buyers, young families and downsizers, and that Yass Valley is the answer.
“There’s a good reason so many people are flocking to Yass Valley for a tree change,” Mr Añonuevo says.
“Townships and satellite suburbs close to the capital, such as Goulburn, Bungendore and Googong, used to be great value, but as their populations rise, so do house and land prices.
“We really need to diversify what is becoming a primarily upper and upper-middle class market, so I’m excited to see new developments in Yass Valley grow.”
One such development, Yarrah on Yass River, is a new master-planned community that brings spacious blocks of land within commuting distance of Canberra. This alone is not unheard of – until buyers factor in that they’re also the most affordable blocks in the region by about 30 per cent.
Yarrah on Yass River offers blocks that are larger and cheaper than Canberra’s northern and satellite suburbs. Analysis based on average per square metre rate of lots ranging from 600 sqm to 800 sqm, advertised in May. Image: Region.
Mr Añonuevo has purchased a few lots himself. He feels confident in Yarrah’s ability to not only benefit his return as an investor but also fulfil the lifestyle dreams of future residents without the ‘crazy’ price tag.
“Simply put, you pay twice as much for far less land in and around Canberra. It can get a little crazy,” he says.
“On the other hand, Yass has a great balance between that country lifestyle and city benefits. The people are friendly, the economy is growing, and the land is beautiful to live on.
“Canberra blocks are generally getting smaller. For some buyers, this keeps things low maintenance and suits them well, but with more people choosing to grow their own food or run a small business from home, the freedom that extra space brings is incredibly valuable.”
Yass Valley has a sturdy economy with diverse income streams and a positively involved business chamber. Upcoming energy projects and business developments mean there’s no shortage of jobs for skilled workers locally. However, the region is still close enough to Canberra that commuting to work in the capital is a simple task.
The Yarrah development is set along the banks of Yass River itself, where Mr Añonuevo says master planning has created plenty of opportunity for the community to come together outdoors.
“I really love the feel of Yass. It’s a country town at heart, with so much to offer for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds,” he says.
“Yarrah on Yass River builds on this and celebrates the importance of the water it’s named after, with its own riverside park, walking trails, shops, medical centre and outdoor recreation areas.
“It’s really working to set a new benchmark for other community projects in the Yass Valley and further afield.”
Mr Añonuevo also sings the praises of Yarrah on Yass River’s developer, WMD Group, for being ‘uniquely transparent’ in their approach.
“Too often, buying into projects like this means you shoulder a fair amount of risk, but WMD has been really refreshing to work with,” he says.
“They’ve been uniquely transparent about what Yarrah on Yass River will look like once fully developed. I’m definitely excited about what’s around the corner, not only for me but the rest of the Yass community as well.”
For more information on Yarrah lots available for purchase, as well as several additional house and land packages coming to the market soon, visit Yarrah on Yass River.
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