Cootamundra has always been a popular for older people moving from larger centres, however the advent of Covid19 and its spread in metropolitan areas has city folk scrambling for more socially distanced areas in the country.
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Nutrien Harcourts Cootamundra real estate agent Judy Boyd said there has been an increase in inquiries and sales relating specifically to the pandemic.
Mrs Boyd said the increase in enquiries has related especially to properties priced above $350,000.
"During these uncertain times we haven't been seeing the level of interest from first home buyers we have previously seen," she said.
"This end of the market is ticking along, just not at the same level as it has previously," she continued.
She added that those first home buyers who are entering the market now have typically been able to do so at a higher price point that past first home buyers.
Additionally as the pandemic takes its toll on global financial markets, Mrs Boyd said people across Australia, including here in Cootamundra, are putting their money into bricks and mortar.
"You have to be very unlucky to lose on real estate," she said.
While winter is always a quieter time for house sales, Mrs Boyd said Cootamundra has held its own this year compared to previous years in terms of the number of sales.
She is expecting to see a boost to the housing market, particularly investment properties which can be rented out, when the abattoir re-opens.
"It will definitely bring people to town - we know that for sure but we don't know whether it will be families who settle here permanently or a more transient workforce," Mrs Boyd said.
She said it has been a credit to the town and all that it offers that the housing market survived to continue along steadily when the abattoir closed.
"People like it here - we have a lot to offer - medical services, good schools, everything close by and community," Mrs Boyd said.