Renovating in Central Coast

The Central Coast of Australia provides the best of both worlds. There is the calmness of beaches and nature to enjoy with the convenience of Sydney just an hour away. It’s a place growing in popularity for first home buyers - but is it a good place to renovate?
In the Central Coast you can expect humid summers and mild winters. The region has a rich aboriginal history and is home to two predominant aboriginal tribes: the Guringai, who have their own land council, and the Darkinjung.
A haven for growing families, holiday goers and retirees, the region currently has an estimated population of over 300,000 and is predicted to grow. The Central Coast is expected to experience growth in the property market over the coming years, as a result the Central Coast is looking at affordable housing options and increasing residential building heights.  
Current housing trends in the Central Coast lean toward family friendly designs with open plan living for entertaining. Californian bungalows are a popular housing style in the region, as are federation homes and villas. Central Coast renovation specialist Stephen Cox says the majority of the houses in the area are built within the last 40 to 50 years.

He explains there is “a real range, from basic fibro cottages to luxury beachside homes.”  
Wyong is a great choice for home renovations, thanks to its selection of older homes. You will also be within a short drive to a selection of beaches. Gosford is an option for anyone wanting the full package of beaches, forests, a comfortable climate and Sydney close by. Terrigal, an upmarket area, is a great spot for families wanting a comfortable beach lifestyle. There is also Avoca Beach, a popular holiday destination offering beach activities, markets, art galleries and resorts.
The suburb you choose will significantly influence the cost of your home. Propper property management states that houses near the water sell from between $900,000 to $1million, while the median house prices in less expensive areas such as San Remo are around $430,000. If you are looking for an easy commute Gosford could be an appealing option. Close to the freeway and train station, Gosford homes sit at around $412,500.
Of course, when looking into buying and renovating, there is always the question of what will need council consent. You will need to lodge a development application for renovations such as internal alterations, below ground swimming pools and sleepouts.
Stephen adds, “There are quite rigorous bush fire regulations.” He explains that these regulations can add quite a significant cost to renovations, especially when it comes to meeting the building requirements that protect homes against bush fires.
Rest assured, you don’t have to figure out the council permissions and regulations by yourself. The team at Central Coast Refresh Renovations can take care of it for you. To find out more about applying for council consent you can visit the Central Coast Council website or get in touch with a Refresh Renovations building expert. 
Whether or not you are a first-time home buyer, it is an ideal time to buy and renovate in the Central Coast. With the family friendly lifestyle balance, property market growth and housing options for all budgets, there is something for everyone.

Interested to find out more? We offer a free one-hour, no obligation consultation – get in touch today.