It's Hamptons living, but not as you know it

Plenty of people are looking to get away from it all. But most are reluctant to give up the conveniences and small luxuries of modern living.

This split-level property at 166 Westwood Street, Bridport on the north coast of Tasmania offers both, with direct access to a stunning coastline as well as easy living in a three-bedroom, Hamptons-style home. Just a 10-minute walk from Mermaids Beach in the Granite Point dress circle, the house on a 1206sqm site is a two-hour drive from Devonport and the Spirit of Tasmania terminal port.

Central to the floorplan is a generous, north facing open plan living space with raked ceilings and wraparound bay windows leading onto a sun-filled deck via sliding doors.

Entry is via a spacious reception area with integrated hall table and storage cupboard. A short hallway offers access to the master suite to the right and secondary bedrooms to the left, or through to the open plan living area to the rear.

The master suite includes a built-in robe and stylish, semi open ensuite. Sliding doors lead onto the split level deck, with a spa on the lower side to provide privacy.

The well-appointed kitchen includes a large butler’s pantry, as well as an island bench and bar area with finishes such as Carrara marble chosen to blend seamlessly into the lounge and dining area. A stone fireplace is the main focal point in this room, while ducted heating and aircon ensure that thermal comfort is maintained all year round.

At 334sqm, the house is large enough to provide room for family and friends when required, bt cosy enough for two, without spending unnecessary time on maintenance and cleaning.

With Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm golf courses just 10 minutes away, local wineries and mountain biking at nearby Derby, this is an ideal property for downsizers looking for a little luxury while still feeling connected to nature.

Address: 166 Westwood Street, Bridport

Inspection: By appointment

For sale: By Offer

Price guide: $2.3m t0 $3m

Agent: Andrew MacDonald, The Agency, 0409 368 151 andrewmacdonald@theagency.com.au

Requiring more than 30 percent of household income to service a home loan has long been considered the benchmark for ‘housing stress’. Yet research shows it is becoming the new normal. The 2024 ANZ CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report reveals home loans on only 17 percent of homes are ‘serviceable’ if serviceability is limited to 30 percent of the median national household income.

Based on 40 percent of household income, just 37 percent of properties would be serviceable on a mortgage covering 80 percent of the purchase price. ANZ CoreLogic suggest 40 may be the new 30 when it comes to home loan serviceability. “Looking ahead, there is little prospect for the mortgage serviceability indicator to move back into the 30 percent range any time soon,” says the report.

“This is because the cash rate is not expected to be cut until late 2024, and home values have continued to rise, even amid relatively high interest rate settings.” ANZ CoreLogic estimate that home loan rates would have to fall to about 4.7 percent to bring serviceability under 40 percent.

CoreLogic has broken down the actual household income required to service a home loan on a 6.27 percent interest rate for an 80 percent loan based on current median house and unit values in each capital city. As expected, affordability is worst in the most expensive property market, Sydney.

Sydney

Sydney’s median house price is $1,414,229 and the median unit price is $839,344.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $211,456 to afford a home loan for a house and $125,499 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $120,554.

Melbourne

Melbourne’s median house price is $935,049 and the median apartment price is $612,906.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $139,809 to afford a home loan for a house and $91,642 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $110,324.

Brisbane

Brisbane’s median house price is $909,988 and the median unit price is $587,793.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $136,062 to afford a home loan for a house and $87,887 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $107,243.

Adelaide

Adelaide’s median house price is $785,971 and the median apartment price is $504,799.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $117,519 to afford a home loan for a house and $75,478 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $89,806.

Perth

Perth’s median house price is $735,276 and the median unit price is $495,360.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $109,939 to afford a home loan for a house and $74,066 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $108,057.

Hobart

Hobart’s median house price is $692,951 and the median apartment price is $522,258.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $103,610 to afford a home loan for a house and $78,088 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $89,515.

Darwin

Darwin’s median house price is $573,498 and the median unit price is $367,716.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $85,750 to afford a home loan for a house and $54,981 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $126,193.

Canberra

Canberra’s median house price is $964,136 and the median apartment price is $585,057.

Based on 40 percent serviceability, households need a total income of $144,158 to afford a home loan for a house and $87,478 for a unit. The city’s actual median household income is $137,760.

It’s Hamptons living, but not as you know it

This home has all the conveniences of modern living set in a dramatic landscape

New research suggests spending 40 percent of household income on loan repayments is the new normal