Haesley Cush
I LEARNT a new expression this week – ‘Covid Migrant’. As I sat in the barber’s chair on Tuesday, getting the straggling soldiers of my fringe line tidied up, my hairdresser told me he was a ‘Covid Migrant’.
I quizzed him. Was it cheaper here? Did he surf? Was he after the sunshine? What made him travel North?
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He explained that while the cost of living was slightly cheaper and wages were improving, he didn’t move for financial reasons and he hasn’t yet been to the beach. He left Melbourne to escape the lock downs and had made the decision to move to Brisbane during his time locked inside. He felt he needed a change and now that he is here he loves it!
Brisbane city at sunset. Picture: Brendan Radke
His comments rang loudly to me because we had just hired a property manager that day, who had also left Melbourne last year and told me a similar story. Over the last few weeks I had been reviewing our data as a group and we are seeing this trend as well. Enquiries, inspections and contracts are coming from many buyers who have moved up to escape the Southern states and now want to stay.
Melbourne streets were largely deserted during 2021 lock downs. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty
Last year many were buying before they arrived. These people seemingly knew the market and came for the benefits.
But there is another group of buyers emerging. A group of Covid Migrants, who only came to flee the lockdowns, but now have decided to stay. They see the lifestyle benefits now, the value and there is a sentiment from them that their old neighbours will too.
Year 2022 was hot already but these migrants seem set to only fan the flames further!
Haesley Cush is an award-winning auctioneer who has called more than 10,000 auctions. He co-owns Ray White New Farm, East Brisbane, Spring Hill, Bulimba and Living Here Cush Partners.
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