Will the dead end location appeal to buyers?

When the Queensland government proposed a new model code for neighborhood design that would see grid streets replace dead ends as the preferred design style, the community’s response was loud and clear: let the cul- de-sac beloved alone.

Over 20,000 responses to the proposed code were received during the community consultation period in 2019, with a discussion around dead ends, one of the hottest topics: residents insisted that ‘they wanted these “dead end” streets to be integrated into a new residential development.

While some planners argue that the cul-de-sac design unintentionally restricts quick and easy access to parks, stores, or other amenities and can foster dependence on cars, the cul-de- bag has become synonymous with safe family life.

Many of us have fond memories of growing up in an Australian cul-de-sac – games of cricket and handball, lemonade stands and Christmas street parties – but is the cul-de-sac still the king of the suburbs? Fans of The block will soon find out, with producers this year punting down a small dead end road in Melbourne’s seaside suburb of Hampton.

Bronte Court houses just eight homes, five of which were bought last year by Channel 9 ready for this year’s season Fans versus favorites.

One of the houses, a Modernist gem by famous architect Neil Clerehan, was owned by buyers lawyer Nicole Jacobs, who helped buyers buy 13 To block Properties.

Jacobs told Domain that she enjoys life in the dead ends, especially times like Anzac Day 2020.

“We had a great Anzac Day service,” she says. “It was during the very first lockdown and everyone came out into their aisles with their candles. House 10 had the only flag pole there at the time. [A neighbour] read the whole service and we had a bugle recording, but it was so quiet I felt like it was live. It was very special.

Jacobs’ three daughters took their skateboards and bikes to the field and the whole family spent a lot of time “living in the front yard.”

“People were walking by and we were like, come in and have a drink. Our front yard was really like a typical back yard. From a security point of view, everyone knows everyone, people look out for each other.

Jacobs says she’s had overwhelmingly positive feedback from potential buyers.

“Buyers love dead ends,” she says. “They are very looking for a family home. Because of COVID, we had a shortage of stock, so in terms of timing, that’s fantastic. The block the houses will have real families who want to buy and move into this area.

Buyers’ attorney Greville Pabst, who helped buyers buy six To block properties, believes that the cul-de-sac location is a winning decision of The block, especially for its lack of through traffic.

“In terms of location it is definitely a step up from the Oslo hotel in Gray Street, St Kilda, which used to be a main road. The Gatwick, being on Fitzroy Street St Kilda, was a great building but not in a great location. And last year the New Street location was a Brighton address, but it gets a little traffic.

“This location, being a cul-de-sac, is definitely a plus – it’s quite nice and private in there. And the buildings get better every year, I really like that they respect the different architectural styles.

Belle Property Sandringham agent Jenny Dwyer has sold many houses in Melbourne’s cul-de-sac and says buyers “love” them.

Hired by The block Candidates Ronnie and Georgia to sell House 1, Dwyer says cul-de-sac properties are particularly popular with families with young children, who will pay a premium of up to 10 percent to buy on a street No Exit.

“They’re seen as a safe environment, relatively speaking, and a cul-de-sac often invites great neighborhood conversation and great social interaction,” she says. “Children grow up together the old fashioned way. “

Michael Townsend of McGrath St Kilda, agent for Mitch and Mark’s House 2, says buyers are turning to dead ends because they are seen as safer and more user-friendly.

“They’re almost a community within a community,” he says. “You will have Christmas parties in the street, the children will be able to ride their bikes, you will often find a basketball hoop for collective use.”

Ray White Cheltenham’s agent Kevin Chokshi, Josh and Luke’s sales agent in House 4, agrees.

“A few buyers have referred to episodes of The block when the competitors were playing cricket in the streets, that’s a really good representation of what they’ll be able to do there, ”he says.

“No one grows up dreaming of buying a house on a main road. Buyers have a strong preference for dead ends. The location is something you can’t change and being in a cul-de-sac adds so many extra points.