Property experts argue that living trends will continue to change as the city grows and the demand to live closer to the CBD increases.
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Fitzpatricks Real Estate agent Shaun Lowry said those wanting to live in the city would need to be “flexible” as land is not available and choices are limited.
“Central Wagga is going through redevelopment and people will need to be flexible with either shop-top housing or putting multiple units on one land space,” Mr Lowry said.
“There hasn’t been subdivisions in Wagga for years and the outer suburbs get divided as opposed to Central, so if people want land they will need to look outside of Wagga.
“For those looking in Central, the options would be to either renovate or extend older homes and living will change as the city grows.”
While local builders have called for council to release more land to keep up with demand, Professionals Real Estate agent Paul Irvine said council has kept all markets afloat.
“Central Wagga is a completely different market than Lloyd and Estella, where the land banks are,” Mr Irvine said.
“If people want to get a quarter-acre block in Central, then they will have to knock over the home because there are no subdivisions for council to release.
“I think council have been fair and working diligently in releasing land and keeping all markets buoyant.”
Calls for higher-density living has been evident with multi-residential complexes being developed on streets such as Day and Gurwood.
“There’s still a lot of land available in Estella and you can get a block for just $145,000,” Mr Irvine said.
“When you have an oversupply of vacant land it can put some stress on residential sales, like established homes in Lake Albert.”
Mr Irvine said people’s lifestyles and living needs have changed over 20 years, a reason why more people are wanting to live closer to the city.
“People don’t want big lawns to maintain and with society evolving, people want low-maintenance lifestyles,” he said.
The Riverside Apartment Complex that was proposed to Wagga City Council last May, behind Romano’s Hotel, is still active.
“The proponent is working on a revised proposal for council consideration,” a council spokesperson said.
“Council is unable to provide comment until such time as that process has progressed.”