14 October, 2010

Port Macquarie home buyers turned on by lower power expenses

Leading property group Raine & Horne has responded to renewed retiree and sea changer interest in Port Macquarie with the launch of a new office at Shop 6, Port Marina, 18 Park Street.

Raine & Horne Port Macquarie principal Diane Deland said it was an excellent time to establish the office as the famous coastal town’s affordability, moderate climate and cost of living were proving major attractions for downsizers.

A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics report revealed Sydney’s electricity costs rose 60% between June 2005 and June 2010. Over the same period, Canberra costs jumped 46%.

“With gas and electricity prices increasing considerably, it’s cheaper to live in towns like Port Macquarie. More buyers from capital cities and western NSW towns such as Tamworth, Parkes and Dubbo are recognising this,” Mrs Deland said.

Mrs Deland has put her money where her mouth is - she has worked in the Port Macquarie real estate industry for three years after moving from Canberra where she was the principal of award winning Raine & Horne Belconnen from 1995 to 2003. She now employes five sales agents and two support staff in the Port Macquarie office.

“The combination of an excellent climate and Port Macquarie’s housing affordability is also a big attraction," she said.

Likewise recent record rain falls had left local dams at full capacity, which was another attraction for green-thumbed retirees.

“Even though we're on Level 1 Water Restrictions, we have enough regular rainfall to ensure town supplies don't need to be used as often to keep gardens well watered."

Mrs Deland said there was additional financial incentive for downsizing to Port Macquarie.

"Retirees can sell a city home or rural property and purchase a near new, four bedroom, ensuite house for between $400,000 and $500,000 in the Innes Lake area, about 10 minutes from the CBD. This leaves enough money to fund a decent retirement.”

After working for a rival Port Macquarie firm since 2007, Mrs Deland said she was excited about returning to Raine & Horne.

Apart from the award winning Belconnen office, the industry stalwart was employed in a senior management role for Raine & Horne’s corporate team in Sydney alongside current chairman Max Raine. Her resume also includes a combination of eight years with property developers, CIC and Realty World. In total, she has more than 30 years experience in the real estate industry in NSW and ACT.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be back with Raine & Horne as I have always enjoyed working for the company. Other opportunities with property developers took me away as I really wanted to understand that aspect of the industry.”

"The strength of the Raine & Horne brand is its longevity, which dates back to 1883, and the fact it’s a family owned and operated business.

“There is always a member of the family you can talk with, and already I have received a hand written note from Max Raine welcoming me back to the fold."

Mrs Deland said she was also excited about the prospect of passing on her experience to her team at Raine & Horne Port Macquarie.

Raine & Horne CEO Angus Raine, who has also worked alongside Mrs Deland, said he was exicted about linking with Diane again, and the team at Raine & Horne Port Macquarie.

“I’m sure Diane and the team will make a significant contribution to the NSW north coast property market. I urge anyone considering selling or buying a Port Macquarie home to contact Diane," Mr Raine said.

For all your property needs, contact Raine & Horne Port Macquarie on (02) 6583 2699.

Raine & Horne is an iconic Australian property firm, with more than 400 offices worldwide. Also an established Superbrand along with the likes of Qantas, Vegemite, Woolworths and Myer, the company has four distinct property service brands including Raine & Horne Residential, Raine & Horne Commercial, Raine & Horne Financial Services and Raine & Horne Rural.

For further media information contact:

Diane Deland, principal Raine & Horne Port Macquarie on (02) 6583 2699 or 0408 628 997.

Anna Truman, National Marketing & Communications co-ordinator on (02) 9258 5448